Laughter really is good medicine. From releasing pain-killing endorphins to improving your memory, laughter can have many benefits on your body and brain - it’s even been shown to boost “gamma” brainwaves, which are associated with higher level brain processes, like learning and memory. In this episode, Michael shares a chuckle with cardiologist Professor Michael Miller from the University of Pennsylvania in the US to discuss how laughter can help your heart health, keep your blood vessels young, and be the antidote to stress. Meanwhile, our volunteer Manpreet enjoys the benefits of a glorious cackle.

New episodes will be released on Wednesdays, but if you’re in the UK, listen to new episodes, a week early, first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3zqa6BB

Producer: Nija Dalal-Small Science Producer: Catherine Wyler Assistant Producer: Gulnar Mimaroglu Trainee Assistant Producer: Toni Arenyeka Executive Producer: Zoe Heron A BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds / BBC Radio 4.