The following experts and stories may be of interest to media seeking a source or theme for a Valentine鈥檚 Day story. From animal and human attractions, and the research behind that, to the health of the human heart, to performing arts, 不良研究所 has a number of stories.
Attraction and relationships
, associate professor in psychology, leads studies in .
One of Eastwick鈥檚 research programs examines how the qualities that people say are critically important to them in a romantic partner 鈥 their 鈥 direct romantic partner selection and retention. He recently did a on that topic. He is also interested in exploring how close relationships grow and develop over time. He has published , as well, on why people鈥檚 current and former romantic partners sometimes share traits and sometimes do not. He directs the 不良研究所 Contact: eastwick@ucdavis.edu
Research in love and bonding relationships
不良研究所 Department of Psychology Professor researches pair bonding, not in humans, but animals 鈥 specifically, prairie voles and titi monkeys 鈥 in an effort to understand human relationships better.
Both titi monkeys and prairie voles form monogamous pair bonds and are good subjects for study through observation and brain scans, in particular. She and her lab researchers look at how each pair form a bond, their pair bonding behavior (both long-term and short-term), parenting and other factors. Contact: klbales@ucdavis.edu
Monogamy not always an advantage
It is well known that men benefit reproductively from having multiple spouses, but the reasons why women might benefit from multiple marriages are not as clear. Women, as a result of pregnancy and lactation, can鈥檛 reproduce as fast as males.
Research by , professor of anthropology, challenges evolutionary-derived sexual stereotypes about men and women, finding that multiple spouses can be good for women too, particularly in certain cultures. Research in Tanzania鈥檚 Pimbwe people shows that by acquiring multiple spouses, women can buffer themselves against economic and social crises, and more effectively keep their children alive. Contact: mborgerhoffmulder@gmail.com
Performing hearts and arts: Two pianists, same piano
Then there is the close proximity of two pianists sharing one keyboard. And art.
On Friday, Feb. 14, the Department of Music presents the performing 鈥淶OFO-MOMA.鈥 The ZOFO-MOMA Live Concert Experience unfolds as an aurally and visually stunning walking tour through a virtual museum of modern art. Against an ever-changing backdrop of contemporary paintings, 15 new ZOFO-commissioned duet compositions are revealed throughout the 72-minute continuous performance. One of the compositions is by 不良研究所 professor of music Pablo Ortiz. The duo is performing graduate student works on Feb. 13 as a Shinkoskey Noon Concert, as well.
Heart-smart鈥 tips from 不良研究所 Health
A 不良研究所 registered dietitian shares five to work into your diet.
Media Resources
Karen Nikos-Rose, News and Media Relations, 530-219-5472, kmnikos@ucdavis.edu