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Why do we sweat? The science behind this primal bodily function is complicated, fascinating  and often just plain weird. 

In her delightful new book, “The Joy of Sweat,” science journalist Sarah Everts makes the case that it’s time our species finds “serenity instead of shame” in perspiration. 

She traveled the world in pursuit of sweat’s history and sociological value — from saunas in Scandinavia to dating events in Russia where potential partners sniff each other’s sweat to determine attraction. 

What she found is that sweat is more than our body trying to stay cool. Trace amounts of drugs and disease can appear in our sweat. Perspiration can reveal what we eat. Even something as basic as our fingerprints are really just “sweat prints.” 

For more sticky science, host Kerri Miller talks to Everts about the fascinating world of sweat. 

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.

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Everybody sweats — especially this summer. But that silky film is more than gross. It drips with fascinating science. 

The science — and joy — of sweat

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