Women ‘benefit more from hugs than men’

Women benefit more from hugs than men, according to a new study. Researchers in Germany analysed 76 people in romantic relationships and measured levels of the stress hormone cortisol when they hugged. They were then put through a test designed to raise stress levels. The researchers found that women who hugged their partners had lower cortisol levels than women who did not, but that there was no change for men. The Times said this means a morning hug should be a “priority” for women.

Cambodians told to stop handling penis plants

People in Cambodia have been told to stop taking selfies and videos with carnivorous penis plants, reported The Telegraph. A video showing young women laughing as they handle the plants, which have a tubular shaft and bell-shaped tip, has gone viral on social media. But experts fear that the species could die out if people keep picking the plants. “Do not pick the flowers, or they will be ruined,” said Cambodia’s environment ministry. “Please don’t do this again in future.”

Geller ‘angry’ over UFO denial

Uri Geller has said he knows aliens exist because he has held a piece of a UFO in his hands, reported the Daily Star. The veteran psychic spoke out after a military chief said the US government doesn’t have any material “consistent with being of terrestrial origin”, insisting that he was shown UFO materials by the CIA in the 1970s. “I wish the US government would just come out and admit it,” he said. “Either it was just an unfortunate choice of words or they are still covering this stuff up. It has made me angry.”

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