Why hugs are so nice: Scientists discover a circuit that transmits a “nice touch” to the brain

Why hugs are so nice: Scientists discover a circuit that transmits a “nice touch” to the brain

Hugs, holding hands and stroking give us a psychological boost that is known to be important for emotional well-being and healthy development. But until now, it was not known why we derive pleasure from this kind of touch. Today, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a neural circuit that…