A research journey
into human connection.
After years of documenting thousands of people experiencing deeper connection and transformative conversations, we're exploring the science of what actually happens in our brains and bodies in these moments. Each season, we partner with a different research institution and the scientists working at the frontiers of human connection.
Season One: Dartmouth College
Social Neuroscience & Human Interaction
For our first season we partnered with a leading neuroscience research group, The Consortium for Interacting Minds at Dartmouth College. Together we asked whether something as intimate as connection can be measured and understood without losing what makes it powerful.
The team used {THE AND} as a scientific stimulus: placing participants in an fMRI scanner and tracking brain activity, physiology and emotion as they watched our conversations unfold.
Special thanks to Emma Templeton, Luke Chang and Thalia Wheatley
Human connection under a microscope.
What happens in your brain when you feel connected?
Can science actually measure a feeling?
What does silence actually say?
What are we losing?
Help us shape
what's next.
The Science of Human Connection is an ongoing series. We're open to introductions to new labs, new enquiries and partners to join us on this journey.
For researchers & scientists: If you're studying human connection, let's bring your work to the world — with an audience of millions and a decade of craft behind the camera.
For science & impact funders: If you believe this science deserves a wider audience, partner with us to fund and co-create the next season.