Scientists in Singapore have developed a jacket which can transmit the sense of touch over the internet, Reuters reports. Strangely, they have so far restricted themselves to testing the technology on chickens, but hope to "use the same concept to transmit hugs over the internet".

Bless. Researchers at Nanyang Technological University told The Straits Times on Monday that a "wireless jacket for chickens or other pets can be controlled with a computer and gives the animal the feeling of being touched by its owner".

NTU Associate Professor Adrian David Cheok explained: "These days, parents go on a lot of business trips, but with children, hugging and touching are very important." Accordingly, NTU is "thinking of a pyjama suit for children, which would use the internet to adjust changes in pressure and temperature to simulate the feeling of being hugged".

Marvellous. We have no doubt absentee parents and Gary Glitter will find this technology most interesting. ®

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