Is kissing unique to humans? Why do we do it? What is its biological role, with our spouse, our children, our friends and family? {I can't imagine saying goodnight to my children without a peck on their foreheads or cheek - why am I compelled to do so?}
These are questions that researcher and science journalist Sheril Kirshenbaum addresses in her newly released book "The Science of Kissing - What Our Lips Are Telling Us" (Grand Central Publishing, January 2011.)
While this book has already been reviewed by the press, the publisher has invited me to write a review for ScienceBlogs, from the point of view of a biochemist.
Note: You can read my full book review here.
If the brief video is not a sufficient teaser, here are some selected tilte of Chapters:
The Anatomy of a Kiss
Women Are From Venus, Men Are Easy
This Is Your Brain on Kissing
The Right Chemistry
Clearly, this behavior is more than a tease.
Note: Video used with permission by publisher.
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A man snatches the first kiss, pleads for the second, demands the third, takes the fourth, accepts the fifth - and endures all the rest. ~Helen Rowland
I do not think kissing is unique to humans since there are reports of similar actions from our cousins⦠the chimps. Since chimps and man share almost identical DNA structure, it is only obvious that similar behavioral patterns can coexist. However, from what I think, many mammals and birds do kiss but in their way. Take dog for example; they lick us to show love, gratitude, etc. while we kiss in such emotions. And it differs with each animal.