New vest enables hugs on Facebook

Scientists have invented a social media vest that enables people to give hugs to their friends, family and loved ones on Facebook.

The Like-A-Hug inflates when friends 'Like' a photo, video, or status update on the social networking site.

The inventors say the sensation allows the wearer to "feel the warmth, encouragement, support, or love that we feel when we receive hugs".

Melissa Kit Chow, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab, said: "The project was done as an exercise and exploration in shape display.

"We came up with the concept over a casual conversation about long-distance relationships and the limitations of video chat interfaces like Skype.

"The result was Like-A-Hug. Connecting it to Facebook conceptually was simply a way to explore how social media might push past the traditional graphic user interface."