Gaze 'key to facial attraction'

You can alter your attraction to the opposite sex simply by looking straight at them and smiling, research suggests.

A study of hundreds of volunteers at Stirling and Aberdeen Universities found averting the eyes even a fraction can make you appear less attractive.

In the Royal Society's Proceedings B journal, they say the direction of gaze plays a role alongside a symmetrical face or healthy skin.

An expert said it may stop people wasting energy on pointless courtships.