Comic relief

Students at a Malaysian university have discovered that laughter therapy helps them to study. About 30 University of Malaya students who took part in research found it made them more relaxed and focused on their studies. Over a nine-day period researchers found students developed a good appetite, slept well and felt healthier.

Laughter therapist Mahes Karuppiah told Malaysian newspaper The Star : "Participants reported positive results. They did not skip meals, their appetite improved, they slept well and felt healthier and relaxed.

"The students felt composed and more confident in taking their examinations."

The university is holding a laughter conference this weekend.