HolistiSci

Women, we already knew we were powerful, but this goes beyond what I thought possible. New research found that when men sniff women’s tears, it lowers their aggression by over 40%¹.

To observe this effect previously only tested in rodents, researchers exposed men to odorless saline or women’s tears while they played a two-person video game. The game was designed to produce aggression and intentionally led players to believe their opponent was cheating.

Aggressive behavior decreased by 43.7% when men were exposed to tears compared to saltwater, as measured by decreased revenge-seeking behavior after provocation in the video game. 

To further explore these effects, researchers observed brain behavior using MRI scans. The prefrontal cortex and anterior insula were very active when the men were upset during the game. However, in identical game scenarios following exposure to women’s tears, these brain areas showed decreased activity, highlighting a notable shift in neural response.

Researchers explain this response as a process called social chemosignaling. Social chemosignals are messages sent via chemicals released through body fluids like sweat and tears.

When one person releases these chemicals, another person can detect them, usually through their nose, even if they don’t realize it. This can affect the second person’s mood or behavior.

This novel insight into social chemosignaling opens avenues for understanding the subtle yet influential ways chemical signals impact human interactions and emotions. 

References

1.Agron S, de March CA, Weissgross R, Mishor E, Gorodisky L, Weiss T, Furman-Haran E, Matsunami H, Sobel N. A chemical signal in human female tears lowers aggression in males. PLoS Biol. 2023 Dec 21;21(12):e3002442. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002442. PMID: 38127837; PMCID: PMC10734982.

About the Author

Meg Savané, founder of HolistiSci, has a BA in psychology from Denison University and a JD from Florida International University College of Law. She is also a reiki master and advanced pranic healer. Her passion for natural health began in 2008 when she healed her chronic disease holistically through diet and supplements. Since then, she made it her mission to become an expert on healing her body and maintaining her health naturally. It brings her joy to dig deep into science and make content accessible to others.

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