When dating apps connect people all around the world, sparking more long-distance relationships than ever, this prompts a fascinating question: does region affect what we find attractive? A new study from NapLab sheds some light on the answers, revealing that location does seem to affect what features Americans find most attractive.

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The survey had 1,012 participants across 50 states. Their approach was straightforward, asking participants three questions: which body part do you find most attractive on others, what is your gender, and what state do you live in? This method allowed the team to map out the results across America, showing us patterns based on location while challenging some of what we thought we knew about universal standards of beauty.

The research reinforced some of what we already know about what different genders find most attractive. For example, men are believed to be most drawn to features associated with fertility. This held true in the NapLab study, showing that 25.82% of men are most attracted to buttocks and 20.60% are most attracted to breasts.

Women are thought to be drawn to more emotional aspects of a relationship, which holds true in what they’re attracted to. The study showed women being most drawn to expressive features, with 26.10% saying they find the face most attractive, 26.09% favoring eyes, and 17.39% answering smile.

This research helps show how factors beyond biology could influence attraction. Climate might play a role, as we can see from Hawaii’s results. Its tropical climate and plentiful beaches mean more skin exposed and a bigger emphasis on physical fitness. Hawaii was the only state in which women found abs most attractive. In some of the rural states, men were predominantly attracted to buttocks. On the opposite end of the spectrum, more conservative states seemed more hesitant to express sexual attraction, stating that they found smiles and eyes most attractive. This indicates that religious background and other cultural norms can affect what people are attracted to or what they admit feeling attracted to.

Despite these variations, there were things that Americans had in common across the nation. Almost no respondents said they were most attracted to skin, feet, or hands. Neck and jawline received zero votes. It seems there are some biologically driven constants that geography doesn’t change.

This research shows that there is no universal agreement on what features are most attractive. There’s already been plenty of scientific research on what we’re biologically attracted to and why, but this study shows other factors might be in play. While some of our feelings are driven by biological impulses, it’s clear that culture, climate, and other regional factors change what we’re attracted to. This is a fun study for couples to discuss together, as well as giving armchair sociologists some food for thought. Find many more intriguing insights in the details of this map!

As of April 2025, there have been 16 measles outbreaks in the United States, a number that has jumped significantly over the past few years. A new study from PA Requirements shows this has a connection to vaccination gaps. Kindergarten vaccinations help protect citizens against diseases like measles and contribute to our population achieving herd immunity, which eradicates the threat of the disease. However, the team’s study reveals that a combination of policy, vaccine access, and community factors is hindering our progress toward this goal.

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The team found that these states had the highest percentage of children not vaccinated for measles:

• Idaho: 20.4%
• Alaska: 15.7%
• Wisconsin: 15.2%
• Minnesota: 13.0%
• Florida: 11.9%
• Oklahoma: 11.7%
• Colorado: 11.7%
• Utah: 11.2%
• Iowa: 10.9%
• Ohio: 10.8%

It can be useful to compare these numbers to the states with the lowest rates of unvaccinated children:

• West Virginia: 1.7%
• New York: 2.3%
• Connecticut: 2.3%
• Mississippi: 2.5%
• Maine: 2.5%
• Rhode Island: 2.9%
• Maryland: 3.4%
• Massachusetts: 3.7%
• California: 3.8%

We can observe some interesting regional patterns by examining the map, such as lower vaccination rates in the Midwest and Southwest.

Among the states with high rates of vaccination, we find that these five states don’t allow non-medical vaccination exemptions: Maine, New York, West Virginia, Connecticut, and California. It’s no surprise that stricter policies lead to a greater number of vaccinations. Among states with lower rates, we find more relaxed laws that allow for greater exemptions on the basis of religion, philosophy, and other personal reasons. Comparing each state to its neighbors reveals patterns and trends that might imply cultural differences affecting vaccination rates in different regions. We can look for locations with a high prevalence of religions that outlaw vaccines to identify reasons for the numbers on the map. Check the numbers on the states with the largest cities, and you might find stricter vaccination laws there to help prevent disease spread in population-dense areas.

There’s no doubt that state policies correlate directly with vaccination rates when we look at the numbers presented on the team’s graphic. Many states require certain vaccinations, like measles, in order to enroll in public school. These laws and requirements also directly impact vaccination rates. Looking at insurance costs and access to vaccine clinics in rural areas may also reveal why some areas have more unvaccinated children than others. Some states have created initiatives to encourage vaccination and provide education, leading to higher vaccination rates.

Overall, studies like these greatly benefit public health by increasing awareness and education about diseases like measles. People who shy away from vaccines often find them untrustworthy. The only way to convince them otherwise is to answer their questions and present them with transparent data that’s easy to understand, just like the information shown in this graphic, regarding the risks associated with declining vaccines. These studies provide policymakers, parents, and public health officials with more information to make informed decisions for the health of their children and communities.

Do you have a passion for fast cars, scenic drives, and classic automobiles? If so, you might be curious about which states cater best to car lovers. The experts at Speedway Motors have developed a ranking system that evaluates each state based on the factors most important to auto enthusiasts. Their in-depth analysis reveals which parts of the country offer the best experience for those who live and breathe cars.

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How the Rankings Were Determined

Determining the ultimate destination for car fans isn’t an exact science, but the research team considered a variety of key factors to ensure a well-rounded assessment. Here’s what they looked at:

• The percentage of roads in excellent condition
• The average number of snow days per year
• The frequency of hailstorms annually
• Registration costs and duration
• The price of fuel per gallon
• The percentage of uninsured drivers
• The number of car shows held in the state
• The availability of auto racing venues

Do these factors align with what you’d consider important for an ideal car-friendly state? We think this method covers all the essential aspects—driving conditions, costs, events, and opportunities to enjoy the thrill of the road.

Top States for Car Lovers

Based on this ranking system, the following states earned top spots for their well-maintained roads, favorable weather, affordable fuel, and exciting car culture:

• Florida
• Alabama
• Idaho
• North Carolina
• West Virginia
• Tennessee
• Arizona
• Indiana
• New Hampshire
• Kentucky

Florida takes the lead as the best state for car enthusiasts, thanks to its warm climate, minimal snowfall, and well-kept roads. Car lovers will also appreciate the numerous auto events, such as the prestigious Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, where rare and luxury cars take center stage. Racing fans, on the other hand, can enjoy the adrenaline rush of the iconic Daytona 500. Even though fuel prices are slightly above average, Florida’s thriving car culture more than makes up for it.

The State with the Most Car Meet-Ups

This chart’s strength comes from the way it breaks down specific aspects that appeal to car lovers. For example, if you don’t care about driving as much as you care about attending car shows, you can re-evaluate the rankings and bring the states with the highest scores for car shows to the top of your list. This would make California the top state in terms of car shows, with more than any other state. Monterey Car Week alone can satisfy even the most passionate enthusiasts!

The State with the Best Roads

For those who express their love of cars with road trips, you’ll be interested to know that Alabama has the best-kept roads in the nation. 75% of them are well-maintained and in good condition. They’re closely followed by New Hampshire at 74%.

States with Low Gas Prices

It’s hard to enjoy a good road trip if you blow your budget on gas. Oklahoma offers the most value for your money, with average gas prices of $2.53 per gallon at the time of the study. Texas came in second place at $.259 per gallon.