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Love connection

Researchers developed an algorithm that pairs people according to their past interests and online mating success, rather than who they say they're interested in. The model improves return rates by 44 percent compared to existing models.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalIEEE Intelligent Systems·DateDec 5, 2013

Looks are all important for girls on tween TV

Research on tween television programs found that girls are portrayed as more attractive and concerned about their appearance, while boys are stereotypically depicted as brave in action-adventure genres. This can shape children's self-concepts and conceptions of gender roles.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateDec 4, 2013

All chins are not created equal

A Northwestern University study reveals that facial preferences differ among populations, with distinct chin shapes found across various groups. The findings suggest that human mate choices are influenced by factors beyond physical attractiveness.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 12, 2013

Calling Miss Congeniality -- do attractive people have attractive traits and values?

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that attractive women are perceived as having more socially desirable personality traits, such as extraversion and conscientiousness. However, the researchers also discovered that attractive women's actual self-reported values differ from those of less attractive women, with attra...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 15, 2012

How the zebra got its stripes

Research suggests that zebra stripes are the least attractive pattern for voracious horseflies, potentially explaining their evolution. The study found that narrower stripes were less appealing to flies, with striped patterns attracting fewer insects than white or dark models.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 9, 2012

You say you don't care about dating a hottie?

A new methodology developed by Northwestern University researchers reveals that people's implicit, split-second responses to physically attractive individuals better predict their attraction to them. This challenges the idea that stated preferences for partners accurately reflect one's true desires.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 5, 2012

Sexy clothes: Too much, too young

A significant proportion of young girls' clothing available online in the US is 'sexy' or sexualizing, according to a new study. The study found that 69% of clothing items studied had only childlike characteristics, while 25% had both sexualized and childlike features.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateMay 9, 2011

UC Denver study finds beautiful women face discrimination in certain jobs

A recent UC Denver study found that attractive women face discrimination when applying for certain jobs considered masculine, such as research and development or construction supervisor roles. In contrast, attractive men faced no similar disadvantage. The study highlights the existence of a double standard in hiring practices between m...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateAug 6, 2010

The sound of seduction

A study by Susan Hughes found that both sexes use lower-pitched voices when speaking to more attractive partners, indicating a potential means of demonstrating attraction. The researchers suggest that altering one's voice may be a learned behavior based on cultural stereotypes rather than actual vocal characteristics.

SourceDick Jones Communications·JournalJournal of Nonverbal Behavior·DateMay 20, 2010

Blinded by jealousy?

A new study by University of Delaware psychologists found that jealousy impairs a woman's ability to detect targets among distracting images. The researchers suggest social emotions can affect perception, revealing a profound impact on mental and physical health.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEmotion·DateApr 13, 2010

The importance of attractiveness depends on where you live

A study published in Personal Relationships found that attractiveness plays a significant role in urban areas where individuals have more social choices, leading to increased psychological well-being. In contrast, rural areas with fewer social options show less importance of attractiveness in securing friendships and feeling good.

SourceWiley·JournalPersonal Relationships·DateDec 15, 2009

The ugly truth about one night stands

A recent study by Dr. Achim Schützwohl found that men are more likely to engage in casual sex than women, and that they have lower standards for attractiveness. In contrast, women place a greater emphasis on their partner's physical appearance, preferring to engage in casual sex with exceptionally attractive individuals.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateAug 11, 2009

Single women gaze longer

Researchers found that single women spend more time evaluating photos of men than those with partners. The study suggests that women's reproductive strategies may influence their interest in potential partners.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateJun 3, 2009

Partner status influences women's interest in men

A study by Indiana University neuroscientist Heather Rupp found that women without sexual partners spent more time evaluating male photos, indicating a greater interest. The researchers suggest this may be due to women's relatively committed romantic relationships suppressing their attention to alternative partners.

SourceIndiana University·JournalHuman Nature·DateMay 28, 2009

Barely legal -- new study into whether alcohol affects perceptions of age

A new study published in the British Journal of Psychology found that consuming alcohol did not affect how men judged the age of women. In fact, researchers found that young females are typically viewed as being older than they actually are. However, make-up and alcohol consumption did have an impact on attractiveness ratings, with you...

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·DateApr 20, 2009

Survey: Most effective dental braces are least attractive

A survey of adults found that less metal is better when it comes to the attractiveness of orthodontic braces. Clear trays and teeth with no visible appliances were considered the most attractive options. However, these more aesthetically pleasing options often come with limitations in terms of movement and force delivery.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics·DateJul 9, 2008

Do attractive women want it all?

A new study reveals that attractive women's preferences for partners are influenced by their own physical attractiveness, calibrating their standards across multiple characteristics. Women seek a balanced combination of good genes, resources, parenting proclivities, and emotional commitment in their partners.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateMar 20, 2008

Rethinking what men and women want in a partner

Researchers at Northwestern University found that physical attractiveness is equally important for both men and women, while earning power also plays a significant role. The study suggests that people may not know what they initially value in a romantic partner, leading to discrepancies between stated preferences and actual choices.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 13, 2008

Choosing a mate: what we really want

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that humans tend to choose mates based on physical attractiveness, with men prioritizing looks and women valuing security and material stability. The research, conducted via speed-dating sessions, suggests that this preference is rooted in evolutionary theory.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2007

Beauty and the brain

Experiments by Piotr Winkielman and colleagues suggest that judgments of attractiveness are influenced by the ease with which our minds process stimuli. Prototypical images are rated as more beautiful or appealing because they fall into the average of what we've seen, making them simple for our brains to recognize quickly. The research...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 26, 2006