Its bond with Ash Ketchum exemplifies the power of friendship. Pikachu's joyful demeanour makes it popular among cute animal cartoon characters. Bugs Bunny is the clever, carrot-eating bunny from ...

From Peter Rabbit to Bugs Bunny, rabbits have long been the subject of lore and pop cultural fixation, and they're admired by animal lovers ... like celebrating these cute creatures.

At the BBC’s request, science writer and entertainer Simon Watt set out to explore the fascinating biology and psychology behind the effect that looking at cute animals has on our brains.