News · 22 July 2026

Apes kiss and cuddle to build trust before stressful events

Scientists at Durham University found great apes use physical contact, like touching, embracing, and kissing, to reassure each other before conflicts over food. This behaviour helps them cooperate, and those who touched were more likely to share food peacefully. Experts suggest this use of touch to build trust could date back seven million years, before humans and apes split.

By BriefTea Editorial · 22 July 2026 at 3:34

Reported by BBC · How we write briefs

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