Seeing faces everywhere? Then maybe you've just had a baby
The Guardian|September 13, 2023
Whether it’s seeing Jesus in burnt toast, a goofy grin in the grooves of a cheese grater, or simply the man in the moon, humans have long perceived faces in unlikely places.
Nicola Davis
Seeing faces everywhere? Then maybe you've just had a baby

Now researchers in Australia say the tendency may not stay constant in adults’ lives, suggesting instead that it appears to be enhanced in women who have just given birth.

The scientists suggest the fi nding could be down to postpartum women having higher levels of oxytocin, colloquially referred to as the “love ” or “trust ” hormone because of its role in social bonding.

“These data, collected online, suggest that our sensitivity to facelike patterns is not fi xed and may change throughout adulthood,” the team explained .

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