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Major cosmetic injection survey finds safety gaps

A recent survey of 919 UK adults who received botulinum toxin injections found alarming differences in the quality of care and advice given. Despite existing requirements for qualified prescribers, many participants reported not receiving written consent forms or being informed of potential complications.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalAesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum·DateSep 30, 2025

Researcher traces concept of taste in literature to 16th century

A researcher has traced the concept of taste in literature to the 16th century, highlighting Francis Bacon's 1597 aphorism that influenced the development of aesthetic discrimination. The study utilized Early English Books Online and found language patterns that shifted over time, ultimately leading to the modern meaning of taste.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalTextual Cultures·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 2, 2021

#Nomakeup trend fails to discourage use of cosmetics

New research from University of Georgia suggests that the no-makeup movement isn't liberating women from cosmetics. Instead, cosmetic sales have increased alongside the rise of the no-makeup trend. The study found that people perceive 'natural' looks with makeup as more attractive than those without.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateOct 5, 2021

How the brain paints the beauty of a landscape

A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that brain activity associated with aesthetically appealing natural landscapes is not limited to the reward system, but also involves early visual areas. This suggests an early form of beauty perception that can be triggered by surprise and unexpected stimuli

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJul 23, 2021

Is being generous the next beauty trend?

A recent study published in Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly found that individuals perceived as more attractive are more likely to exhibit generous behaviors, while givers are rated as more attractive. This research challenges the conventional notion that physical attractiveness is solely linked to personal qualities.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly·DateAug 31, 2020

Beauty in the biased eye of the beholder

A study published in Journal of Vision found that our aesthetic assessment is biased by the artwork seen previously. Observers rated paintings higher following an attractive painting and lower after an unattractive one, revealing a positive serial dependence effect.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Vision·DateNov 19, 2019

Researchers identify 'beauty spots' in the genome

A genome-wide association study found that genetic variations linked to beauty also impact body mass in women and blood cholesterol levels in men. The study highlights the complex relationships between beauty and other human traits.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 4, 2019

Thin is in? Think again

US women's perceptions of the perfect female figure have evolved to a thin and toned ideal, according to a recent study led by Frances Bozsik. The research found that recent Miss USA winners are no longer only exemplifying extreme thinness, but also becoming increasingly muscular over the past 15 years.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJan 25, 2018

Beauty requires thought, neuroscientists find

A team of neuroscientists confirms Immanuel Kant's 18th-century claim that experiencing beauty requires thought. The study found that adding a distraction to the experience reduces feelings of pleasure and beauty in viewing beautiful images, but not those from non-beautiful things.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 11, 2017

Do you really get paid less if you're 'ugly'?

A study by Kanazawa and Still found that healthier and more intelligent people, as well as those with better personality traits, tend to earn higher salaries. In contrast, the 'ugliness premium' theory suggests that physically unattractive individuals earn less.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateFeb 16, 2017

Scientists measure the 'beauty' of coral reefs

A multidisciplinary team of researchers developed a computational approach to assess the aesthetic appeal of coral reefs, finding that objective visual cues are correlated with the health and beauty of reef ecosystems. The study provides a cost-effective tool for monitoring coral reef communities and targets their natural beauty.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateNov 10, 2015

Acknowledging appearance reduces bias when beauties apply for masculine jobs, says CU-led study

A new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder found that acknowledging physical beauty can reduce bias against attractive women applying for masculine jobs. The study identified two types of sexism: hostile and benevolent, which are mitigated when applicants acknowledge their appearance or sex.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateOct 7, 2014

Fetching faces and friendly foxes

Researchers selectively bred silver foxes for friendly behavior, resulting in faster maturation, more attractive features, and changes in hormone levels that affect physical development. These findings suggest that human preference for beautiful faces may be linked to an individual's approachability and sociability.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateSep 25, 2013

Jackson Pollock, artist and physicist?

A mathematical analysis of Pollock's work highlights his deliberate and calculated approach to natural phenomena. The study reveals that Pollock exploited fluid dynamics to create unique aesthetic effects, blurring the line between art and science.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPhysics Today·DateJun 28, 2011

Plastic Surgery 2009 news briefs

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) conference in 2009 featured presentations on eyelid rejuvenation and its novel approaches, as well as the growing popularity of buttock lifts and implants. More than 220,000 eyelid surgeries were performed in 2008, with a significant increase in the Mountain and Pacific regions.

A bird's eye view of art

A study published in Animal Cognition found that pigeons use both color and pattern cues to judge the beauty of art, similar to humans. The birds were trained to recognize 'good' paintings and could discriminate between different textures, such as watercolor and pastel.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJun 30, 2009