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A team of scientists in Argentina have discovered that Viagra might hold the key to alleviating jetlag for long-haul travelers.

The study, undertaken by researchers at the National University of Quilmes, shifted the day/night cycle of hamsters forward by a number of hours by switching the lights on earlier.

Some hamsters in the study that were injected with sildenafil, known as Viagra, before the time shift adjusted to the new time as much as 50 per cent faster. The Viagra dosage in the study was exceptionally low, and did not cause erections in the animals.

Researcher Diego Golombek told the New Scientist that Viagra works to alleviate jetlag because it, “raises levels of a small molecule called cyclic guanosine monophosphate in the body.” This molecule controls the body’s internal clock, so increasing it effectively makes the clock run faster.

Professor Robert Lucas said this research raises interesting possibilities for using Viagra in conjunction with light treatment to avoid jetlag.

“We will have to wait for more research to know whether this will work in humans,” he said.

Leslie Wright, a 71-year-old courier from Cambridge, England showed serious dedication to his job. For his final delivery, he shipped himself to his funeral.

“He must have delivered tens of thousands of parcels over the years,” said his son Chris. “It was fitting his last delivery should be at his funeral.

The special parcel was delivered in a coffin-shaped cardboard box, marked fragile, handle with care and this way up. Wright’s family had the funeral director sign a form accepting the delivery - and they dressed the body in his work uniform.

“Dad had a fantastic sense of humor and he would have loved this send off,” said Wright’s son. “The coffin actually cost a bit more than a standard one, but it was worth it.”

Wright’s grandson, Kris, drove the special delivery to the service in his grandfather’s delivery van. According to the family, Wright didn’t like the idea of going in a hearse.