Telling people about oxytocin is a particular favourite of mine, since I think we should all be aware of the factors influencing our feelings, especially if we’re about to make life decisions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxytocin
An interesting update to this was sent to me today, about a study in rats:
“… these results suggest that oxytocin release, stimulated by MDMA through 5-HT(1A) receptors, may play a key role in the prosocial effects of MDMA and underlie some of the reinforcing effects of the drug.”
It also mentioned that oxytocin is administered during childbirth - ‘oxytocin’ is greek for ‘swift birth’ and detailed a few risks of this, contrasting with China where mothers are given cold showers or ice cubes on their nipples to stimulate a natural oxytocin release.
Ergo, take fewer pills and just have someone rub ice cubes on your nipples instead. Sounds like a good plan to me.