Oh Baby, What You Do to My Nerve Growth Factors!
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The learned journal Psychoneuroendocrinology says passion is just a matter of a little NGF. There've been similar reports over the last few years. But a sample of 58 always leaves you feeling a little dubious.
And who knows what other neurochemicals might be involved. And the nonbiological factors.
But being able to get press coverage is a common tactic used by researchers who need money.
They looked at 58 people who had recently started a relationship and compared the protein levels in the same number of people in long-term relationships and single people.
In those who had just started a relationship, levels of a protein called nerve growth factors, which causes tell-tale signs such as sweaty palms and the butterflies, were significantly higher.
Of the 39 people who were still in the same new relationship after a year, the levels of NGF had been reduced to normal levels.
Romantic love 'lasts just a year'