Humans are the only mammals on earth that can produce tears as a result of emotions. It is believed this is because humans are also the only mammals with a real moral barometer, and can experience powerful feelings like sadness and joy. But according to a new study from Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science, tears (female tears, specifically) actually exist for another reason—reducing men’s testosterone levels.
In the study, men sniffed negative emotion-related odorless tears from women donors, and then were shown photos of attractive women’s faces. Researchers documented induced reductions in sexual appeal, sexual arousal, and reduced levels of testosterone. Interesting.
Full story at io9.