It's an age-old question – what makes someone attractive? We often say things like "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" but while this romantic notion may bring comfort to those dealt a poor hand in life, it also gives the impression that the foundations of attractiveness are elusive and unpredictable. It suggests that what each of us sees as an attractive trait – whether physical or psychological – is so variable that everyone must be looking for something different. While there is variety in what each of us regards as beautiful, cutting through this noise are common and consistent preferences. Psychological traits such as a sense of humor, intelligence, and kindness are generally sought after.

It is an age-old question – what makes someone attractive? We often say things like'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' but while this romantic notion may bring comfort to those dealt a poor hand in life, it also gives the impression that the foundations of attractiveness are elusive and unpredictable. It suggests that what each of us sees as an attractive trait – whether physical or psychological – is so variable that everyone must be looking for something different. Is beauty in the eye of the beholder? Researchers plan to measure dozens of volunteers' characteristics – including humour, intelligence, impulsivity, facial symmetry, strength, and more.

Your face gets wonkier as you age, research suggests. Scientists have found the structure of your facial features deviate by 0.06mm with each decade of life. Researchers at Mount Auburn Hospital, Massachusetts, used three-dimensional digital imaging techniques to make the conclusion. The changes were subtle but significant, especially in the lower two-thirds of the face - from the eyebrows to nose and from the nose to chin. Dr Helena Taylor performed detailed scans of 191 volunteers who ranged in age from four months to 88 years.