Naked Science Season 2 Episode 10 What's Sexy
- February 13, 2006
In the season 2 episode 10 of Naked Science, the focus is on the concept of beauty and the science behind attraction. The episode titled "What's Sexy" delves into the multifaceted nature of sexiness and how it extends far beyond physical appearance alone.
As the episode begins, the audience is introduced to several experts in the field of evolutionary biology, anthropology, and psychology. We learn that attraction is primarily governed by biology and that all of us are wired to feel a pull towards certain physical traits in potential partners. However, the experts also highlight that other factors such as personality, voice, scent, and behavior also play a significant role in determining attractiveness.
To test the theory of what makes someone sexy, the show then goes on to conduct several experiments with groups of men and women. The experiments vary from physiological tests measuring pheromones to speed dating exercises where participants have five minutes to interact with a potential partner. The results of these tests are a fascinating peek into the intricate world of human attraction.
The show then moves on to explore the concept of "sexual imprinting." The theory behind imprinting is that humans tend to choose partners who remind them of family members - particularly their parents and siblings. While this idea may seem strange and taboo, the experts argue that it is an entirely normal and natural phenomenon.
The experts then delve into the differences between what men and women find attractive. They explain how men are generally wired to be drawn to physical traits such as symmetry of the face, while women tend to be more interested in traits like confidence and humor. This topic leads to a discussion on the concept of sexual selection and how over time, specific physical traits have evolved to become more desirable in the eyes of potential partners.
The next segment of the show focuses on what happens in our brains when we are attracted to someone. With the help of MRI scans and brain imaging technology, the experts demonstrate how various parts of the brain light up when we are attracted to someone. Particularly fascinating is the chemical reaction that takes place in our brain when we fall in love. Science has shown that falling in love leads to a release of chemicals such as oxytocin and dopamine in our brains, creating a euphoric feeling similar to that of being on drugs.
The episode then takes a deeper dive into the world of pheromones and how they impact attraction. Pheromones are chemicals that are released by our bodies and picked up by others through smell. While the concept of pheromones may seem far fetched, experiments conducted during the episode show that they do, in fact, play a significant role in how we perceive attraction.
The final segment of the show explores the role of culture in determining what we find sexy. We learn that throughout history, there have been many different beauty standards ranging from curvaceous figures to pale skin to elongated necks. The experts argue that what we find attractive is deeply rooted in cultural and societal norms and that these norms are continually shifting.
In conclusion, "What's Sexy" is a fascinating episode that provides an insightful look into the science behind attraction. From the impact of pheromones to the cultural influences that shape our standards of beauty, the show covers a vast array of topics, leaving viewers with a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of human attraction.
