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That Loving Look

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


Image of the Week #16, November 7, 2011:

From:Learning the Look of Love: In your Eyes, the Light the Heat by Cheryl Murphy at the Guest Blog.


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Original source: Frank J. Padrone/Full Circle Photography

Judging by the eyes alone, which woman is more attractive? If you answered the first, it may be because her pupils are slightly larger than in the second image. Numerous studies have shown that women are considered more feminine and attractive when their pupils are dilated. The reason may have to do with dopamine. In addition to being responsible for excitement, energy and motivation, dopamine causes pupillary dilation.