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

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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…

Large bodies helped extinct marine reptiles with long necks swim, study finds

Large bodies helped extinct marine reptiles with long necks swim, study finds

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Ancient, long-necked sea monsters must have evolved large bodies to rule Earth’s oceans around 200 million years ago, according to a new study. The large bodies helped the extinct creatures swim at high speeds even though they had bizarre appendages that might otherwise have increased drag and slowed them down. Bigger bodies meant more muscle…

Scientists model the surface of Titan, Saturn’s largest moon

Scientists model the surface of Titan, Saturn’s largest moon

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Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, is surprisingly similar to Earth in landscape formations, according to new models produced by planetary scientists. Seen from space, the moon, larger than the planet Mercury, has other similarities to Earth – including rain-filled rivers, lakes and seas – although on Titan rain is liquid methane , falling through nitrogen winds….