Stuffed animals are nothing compared to the real thing, says research

Toys are cute but real animals are still the best for use in therapies. Photo: REBECCA CAMPBELL/Unsplash

Both old-fashioned stuffed toys and new robotic animals and being used in clinical treatment to improve patient well-being, and yet fake animals are nothing compared to the real thing, new research appears to show.

Stroking a dog triggers significantly stronger reactions in certain areas of the brain than petting a stuffed animal, according to new research at the University of Basel.