This Valentine’s Day, share the love… of a story. Paul Zak says so….

He examines the psychological effects of stories and narratives on the human mind – the ‘neuroscience of the narrative’. According to Zak, whether they play out at bedtime, in our communities or in popular media, stories can build trust. Zak’s research finds that stories cause our brains to produce a chemical called oxytocin (there are others too). The production of this oxytocin, in turn, enhances our feelings of empathy. Stories can be powerful influencers of both opinion and behavior.

Here’s my story… My Science Love Story. I wrote, narrated, and illustrated it and The Journal of Stories in Science (a project by the STEM Advocacy Institute) was kind enough to provide a platform for it. Enjoy.