Scientists test games benefits

Volunteers will be asked for a saliva sample

Scientists in Cambridge are trying to discover whether playing computer games is beneficial or harmful to health.

The researchers from Anglia Ruskin University will ask volunteers at London's Science Museum for a saliva sample before and after playing a game.

The volunteers will also be asked to fill in a questionnaire.

The results will be analysed to see how playing the game affected mood, levels of stress and whether the immune system was weakened or strengthened.

Scientists hope they will then be able to measure the impact playing computer games has on health and general well-being.

Dr Matt Bristow from the university said: "Given the prevalence of video game playing in the UK, it will be both fascinating and highly valuable to see how the immune system changes after playing a video game."

The results should be known next year.