Changing times for Japanese sex workers
Men were polygamous, women serially monogamous, widows sexually active, and divorce common. Prostitution was merely risqué, not shameful. Welcome to Japan’s early Heian period, where liberal perceptions towards sexuality thrived.
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The culture behind the orgasm
Before modern times, orgasm was viewed as a mechanism “not that much different than sneezing,” whereas modern descriptions of orgasm are “now tied to sexuality, pleasure and an ecstasy that is almost spiritual.” St. Teresa and Anaïs Nin may be talking about vastly different things, but they use quite similar descriptions, says Women’s Studies graduate student Anna E. Ward, who is studying the female orgasm. Learn more about the field of Women’s Studies <here>. (PDF)
Getting paid to do what you already do?
A topsy-turvy market is at work in the world of sperm and egg donors – one that often defies not just conventional wisdom but also the basic law of supply and demand. <more>
Why is sex fun?
“It started as a means by which women could distribute their favors,” says evolutionary biologist Jared Diamond, who explores the “weird sex lives” of humans – including why humans insist on privacy for sex and why the human penis is “so unnecessarily large” – in his book “Why is Sex Fun?” <more>
Research-based relationships
It began with videotaping couples discussing problems with each other in a UCLA lab. Now UCLA is taking insights from these sessions out of academic journals and bringing them to couples for practical, everyday application. Open to the public, Relationship Institute seminars educate couples on how to keep their intimate relationships healthy and strong. <more>
The art of AIDS education
Artists around the world are responding to HIV/AIDS. Their work – bold, surprising, instructional, humorous and emotional – raises awareness and inspires activism.
Fowler Exhibit: Make Art, Stop AIDS
International AIDS poster collection
Lift more weights, find more mates
Men who are more muscular than average are much more likely to have short-term affairs and multiple sex partners than their scrawnier peers, according to UCLA research. “If you’re trying to figure out why men – especially young men – spend so much time at the gym, here’s your answer,” said David Frederick. <more>
Looking for the right mate? Just follow your nose
Is “sexual chemistry” real? Turns out it is: People literally sniff out their mates. Learn how to use these research findings to increase your odds in the dating pool. <more>
