Scientists in Britain have discovered that shaking may do a body good.

Mice placed for 15 minutes daily on a platform that vibrated imperceptibly developed 30% less body fat than their non-shaken peers. The researchers believe this occurred due to the vibrations stimulating muscle contractions, much like exercise. In young mice, they suspect shaken stem cells were “tricked” into becoming bone or muscle cells, rather than fat cells, thus lowering allover body fat.

Yet another reason for housewives to enjoy sitting on their washing machine, I suppose.