DadTalk

Cuddle hormones

Inhaling the "cuddle hormone" oxytocin can make men just as empathetic as women, according to new research.

A nasal spray can make men more in tune with other people's feelings, say a team of

German and UK researchers. They found that inhaling the "cuddle hormone" oxytocin made men just as empathetic as women.

Oxytocin is a naturally produced hormone, most well-known for triggering labour pains and promoting bonding between mother and baby. But it has also been shown to play a role in social relations, sex and trust.

Professor Gareth Leng from Edinburgh University said the research used some cleverly-designed tests. He added there has been a lot of interest recently on oxytocin and social behaviour.

"This study is the latest of several that suggest that intranasal oxytocin seems to 'sensitise' people to become more aware of social cues from other individuals - and more likely to be sympathetic to them."

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