MEDIA RELEASE

August 3, 2009

Love and sex finally add up

Sexy mathematics it does exist! Studies now show that mathematical patterns can
be found in hormones, marriage and even the development of love.
Award winning mathematician and author, Dr Clio Cresswell, will explore the link
between mathematics and sex in a talk at Ultimo Library this month, as part of the
Ultimo Science Festival. Her talk will be based on research gathered for her book
Mathematics and Sex.
I was looking for a new way to promote mathematics and I knew this would get
people interested. Its hilarious, says Dr Cresswell. Her studies involve equations,
patterns and rules such as The 12 Bonk Principle, which suggests it takes at least
12 partners to find true love.
That principle is not so much about the rule, but the thinking behind it and its the
same with most of my research. It focuses on the sophisticated thinking that gets us
to the end result.
Dr Cresswell also studies the waves of emotion felt when attracted to someone, and
common behaviours resulting from insecurity. Without wanting to generalize the
population, certain personalities tend to switch off to their partners if theyre not
getting enough time and attention. Another common behaviour is synergism. If a
person begins liking someone else, they tend to defend them more. And this is also
shown through mathematical equations.
Dr Cresswell will speak at Ultimo Library, Friday August 28 from 12.15pm. Entry is
free but bookings are essential call (02) 9298 3110.
The Ultimo Science Festival is a National Science Week event and runs from August
21 to 30. This initiative is supported by the City of Sydney and the Australian
Government through the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
Media contact: Sue Nelson, Quick Thinking Communications on 0403 343 275 or
sue@qtcommunications.com. See www.ultimosciencefestival.com