Diamonds, chocolates, heartbreak and love: stories for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is coming up soon and to get you in the mood, we offer a selection of stories from The Conversation global network about (robot) love, heartbreak, great romances and, of course, diamonds and chocolate.

Stay warm and have a great weekend. We'll back in your Inbox on Monday.

 

Scott White

Editor

Weekend Reads

For the love of technology! Sex robots and virtual reality

Neil McArthur, University of Manitoba; Markie Twist, University of Wisconsin Colleges and the University of Wisconsin-Extension

Developments in technologies like robotics and virtual reality are opening new possibilities for sexual experiences.

Heartbreak becomes burnout for teachers when work is turbulent

Astrid Helene Kendrick, University of Calgary

A dream teaching job with seemingly great perks may not be worth it when turbulence creates crushing heartache for educators.

How to say ‘I’m sorry,’ whether you’ve appeared in a racist photo, harassed women or just plain screwed up

Lisa Leopold, Middlebury

Trying to figure out if Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam or other would-be penitents are sincere? A scholar who analyzed dozens of recent apologies offers a user's guide.

How your genes could affect the quality of your marriage

Richard Mattson, Binghamton University, State University of New York

Will your marriage be better if you and your partner are genetically compatible? Is there any evidence that certain genes make someone a better or worse partner? And if so, which genes should we test?

The ‘real’ St. Valentine was no patron of love

Lisa Bitel, University of Southern California – Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Valentine's Day originated as a feast to celebrate the decapitation of a third-century Christian martyr, or perhaps two. So how did the day become a celebration of love?

How Jackie Robinson’s wife, Rachel, helped him break baseball’s color line

Chris Lamb, IUPUI

Rachel was by Jackie's side during his most trying moments. Throughout a journey that required self-control, grace and perseverance, she was the unsung hero.

Diamonds are forever – whether made in a lab or mined from the earth

Joshua Wilhide, University of Maryland, Baltimore County; William LaCourse, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Whether forged by geological processes or laboratory techniques, diamonds are diamonds. Their unique properties mean they have applications that are not bling-related as well.

Unmeltable chocolate and bean-to-bar: A cocoa expert highlights 3 sweet trends

Kristy Leissle, University of Washington, Bothell

The chocolate industry is undergoing significant change at the moment, both for better and worse. Here are three trends on the positive side of things.