Celeste22

Epidemiology...or does that fall under Ecology, Populations, Habitats, Environment here? I'd also personally like to see a thread really geared at current research , ie promising cancer treatments, stem cells, herbal remedies, etc. Even if it was simply a thread with links that people have come across while researching other things. I spend countless hours researching medical info everyday and any amount of help would be greatly appreciated.

I really wasn't prepared to get this indepth over "kissing", and it really doesn't matter what I believe does it?!! I'll just add these as my last sources. No reply neccessary. You've certainly given me a few things to think about and research. 1. In parts of Japan, Siberia and among the Eskimo culture, rubbing noses was, until modern times, the only kind of kissing that went on. 2. It seems that the wikipedia is a form of gospel here and it says this: "Kissing is a learned behaviour, related to the grooming behaviour seen between other animals. Many non-human primates also exhibit kissing behaviour." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kissing Lastly, if I were to be swayed to believe that kissing was indeed genetic or inherited, it would be under the contingency that: "Changes in the environments generate a need for "new" perceptions on the part of organisms inhabiting those environments. It is now evident that cells create new perception complexes through their interaction with novel environment stimuli. Utilizing "genetic engineering genes," cells are able to create new perception proteins in a process representing cellular learning and memory. (Cairns, 1988, Thaler 1994, Appenzeller, 1999, Chicurel, 2001). Although perception proteins are manufactured through molecular genetic mechanisms, activation of the perception process is "controlled" or initiated by environmental signals. The expression of the cell is primarily molded by its perception of the environment and not by its genetic code, a fact that emphasizes the role of nurture in biological control. http://www.brucelipton.com/nature.php If I understand the research correctly, I will concede, that after millions of years kissing may be inheritable at this point, but was at one time "learned" at a cellular level. (Mokele, any input would be helpful) Genetic/instinctual in nature, but I came with a "how to" manual. Thanks for the mental image. Kissing my man will never be the same somehow. Mokele's the man. I respect both his and your views and opinions, and have enjoyed reading your posts, whether I agree with them or not.

I don't believe that I stated that smiling, frowning, crying etc. were out and out learned behaviors. I know that researchers have found that an fetus has the ability to cry and suck its thumb from somewhere around 13 weeks. I also know that researchers have identified the genes, I believe they are called Hox? genes that control the nerve growth in the face and that these genes likely help control human facial expressions such as smiles and frowns. Smiling, laughing, crying, anger etc. would fall under genetic engineering evolved thru perception complexes in my opinion, but that's off subject here. Kissing is entirely different, its not self-actuated, it normally takes two. If one enjoys it, and the other loathes it, would we have to assume that one of the two was genetically deficit? I haven't found any studies/research or felt anything personally that would lead me to believe/assume it was a genetic trait and its not as cross-acculturated as some might suggest. Here's just a few brief examples: 1. Certain groups/tribes in South America and Himalayans do not kiss. They find it revolting to exchange saliva. Genetic defect or gap? I don't believe so... 2. Finnish tribes believed kissing to be indecent and distasteful. 3. The government of Naples, Italy, once banned the practice of kissing entirely, making it an offense punishable by death. And lastly, as was already stated, anthropologists believe that the act of kissing began with prehistoric mothers chewing up food then pushing it into their children's mouths with their tongues..ie...learned. I believe something along those lines to be more creditable, but that's just my opinion/beliefs.

Like I said, I believe it to be learned. That is simply my opinion. 1. Researchers on all sides of the behavioral genetics debate emphasize that the link between a gene and a behavior is not the same as cause and effect. Bottom line: a gene does not make people do things. It doesn't code for emotions or thoughts. It may not even turn on or off without an instruction from its surroundings. Instead, a gene may trigger a whole cascade of biochemical events in the body, interact with environmental and developmental influences, and - together with these - increase the likelihood that you'll behave in a particular way. http://www.dnafiles.org/about/pgm2/topic.html#overview 2. An important theoretical perspective of primate behavior is presented by sociobiology. This interpretation is based on the premise that natural selection has acted upon behavior patterns in the same way that it has acted on physical characteristics. This does not presume a genetic basis for certain behaviors, but rather that certain behaviors might lead to reproductive success. Some researchers have challenged this theory, yet many primatologists, as well as some anthropologists, see it as a potential explanatory mechanism for some aspects of both primate and human behavior. http://wps.prenhall.com/hss_scupin_globalanth_5/0,8043,878150-,00.html 3. Primates often engage in various kinds of affiliative behavior, such as kissing, hugging, and social grooming. This friendly behavior is coupled with a variety of displays of emotions, from greetings to warnings. 4. Bonobo sex life is divorced from reproduction and also serves the functions of pleasure and conflict resolution. Erotic contacts in bonobos includes oral sex, genital massage and intense tongue-kissing. (Will follow up with article and website) 5. Human beings share between 99.7 and 99.9 percent of DNA. That should mean that if sexual behaviors were the result of genes we would have similar sexual interests. Edit for quote tags

Vaughn Bryant Jr., professor and head of the anthropology department in Texas A&M, said in a Chicago Tribune article, that the first erotic kiss was exchanged about 1500 B.C in India. Prior to that time, there is no evidence: (clay tablets, cave paintings or written tablets) that indicate the history of the kiss. http://www.datingmatchmakers.com/kissing/ Prior to 1500 B.C., perhaps civilization was more apt to keep that part of their mating ritual "between the sheets" so to speak?? I believe kissing is behavioral/learned...if it feels good, do it. I wouldn't walk up to a stranger and plant one on him/her. Nor do I feel an urge/instinct to re-kiss a "sloppy kisser".