Study: Chimps calm each other with hugs, kisses

By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID , AP Science Writer, General Science / Biology

Chimpanzees play with a pumpkin with a Halloween face at Sydney\'s Taronga Zoo in this 2005 file photo. Researchers say chimps use hugs and kisses to console each other. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

(AP) -- For most folks, a nice hug and some sympathy can help a bit after we get pushed around. Turns out, chimpanzees use hugs and kisses the same way. And it works. Researchers studying people's closest genetic relatives found that stress was reduced in chimps that were victims of aggression if a third chimp stepped in to offer consolation.

Content from The Associated Press expires 15 days after original publication date. For more information about The Associated Press, please visit www.ap.org .

ť Next Article in General Science - Biology: Team finds key mechanism of DDT resistance in malarial mosquitoes

would you recommend this story?