KISSING is catching. Almost two decades ago, anthropologist Helen Fisher estimated that 10 per cent of humanity did not kiss. Globalisation has shrunk that figure, so that osculation now rules in most societies that are touched by the modern world. Why? One suggestion is that it’s a vestige of our ancestors’ love of ripe fruit (see “K∗I∗S∗S∗I∗N∗G”), but the role of kissing remains mysterious. Perhaps it is one of those facets of human behaviour that will remain forever beyond our ken – but no less delicious for that.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from Â鶹´«Ã½
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Mind
The relationship recession is even bigger for Gen Z than we thought
News
Technology
Killer robots are here – we must finally decide whether to accept them
Leader
Technology
Quantum computer quickly mines cryptocurrency while using less energy
News
Mind
How to sparkle in conversation with strangers
Comment
Popular articles
Trending Â鶹´«Ã½ articles
1
Alice Roberts: The forgotten origins of the human body
2
Mysterious ‘cold blob’ in the Atlantic suggests the AMOC is weakening
3
What is a ‘normal’ memory slowdown, and when should I worry?
4
How to sparkle in conversation with strangers
5
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
6
Quantum computer quickly mines cryptocurrency while using less energy
7
First working nuclear clock heralds a new era in timekeeping
8
Hundreds of new moons are revealing our solar system's violent history
9
What really happened when ancient humans migrated out of Africa
10
The relationship recession is even bigger for Gen Z than we thought
