Earlier this month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the formation of ‘support bubbles’ as part of the easing of lockdown, bringing widespread cheer. Physical contact activates receptors in the skin that are connected to the brain, helping to create a psychological bond with others. The results showed the hugged women experienced smaller spikes in blood pressure while speaking than those deprived of physical contact. In one experiment, their partner stood close without making skin contact. Scientists think this synchronisation may trigger the release of signals from the brain that reduce pain.

Source: Daily Mail June 22, 2020 23:23 UTC