Also, as they mentioned, it will be interesting if this behavior persists and becomes integrated into their culture or will be forgotten.
On a side note, do the researchers seem to share an uncomfortable photo there, or is that just my misinterpretation?
2) The photo also stuck me as a little weird. Could be because the man seems simultaneously more sweaty and more excited than the woman. That sort of pose is something I'd do with someone that expect to reciprocate by doing the same or leaning in. That said, it's also likely that the photographer wanted a photo and expects some sort of pose. Could have been more awkward to just there.
It seems like they're sweaty and exhausted, presumably from hard work in an unfamiliarly hot climate.
The other variant of it usually involves flaking skin on newly formed tans and sunburn so bad its started to go almost purple.
But the root cause is essentially the same.
Plus, they're researchers guys, what do you think scientists in the field actually look like :P