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Why Your Brain Thinks This Puppy Is Cuter Than a Baby!

By: Thomas Ling
Originally Published in  Science Focus

New brain research shows how humans respond to cuteness — and why animals like puppies can feel even more adorable than human babies.

The article "Why your brain thinks this puppy is cuter than a baby!" from BBC's Science Focus explains why our brains react so strongly to cuteness and why baby animals often seem cuter than human infants. Using brain scans, scientists reveal how features like big eyes and round faces activate our emotional centers, triggering care instincts — even for animals and cartoons.

Student Article Info

BBC's Science Focus is packed with news, discoveries, ideas and innovations to keep you up-to-speed with the complexities of the fast-moving world around us. Learn more about subscriptions here.

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A kitten licking a puppy’s face
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 500-600L
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Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 600-800L
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Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000-1200L
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