BBC Inside Science The Science of Laughter
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Jan 30, 2025 
Sophie Scott, a neuroscientist from University College London and laughter expert, joins comedian Miles Jupp, known for his engaging work in radio and television. They dive into why we laugh more in social settings and explore the evolutionary history of laughter. Discover the unique aspects of human laughter compared to animals, and the health benefits tied to chuckling. They even touch on laughter yoga, its effects, and how shared laughter can boost well-being, all while keeping the conversation light-hearted and entertaining!
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Laughter Mechanics
- Laughter is more like altered breathing than altered speech, involving distinct intercostal muscle contractions.
- Each "ha ha" is a single air expulsion, like a ribcage concertina, creating unique vocalizations.
Laughter Chemistry
- Laughter reduces adrenaline (fight-or-flight hormone) and cortisol (stress hormone), leading to relaxation.
- It increases endorphin uptake, the body's natural painkillers, increasing pain tolerance.
Laughter Types
- Humans possess two types of laughter: spontaneous (involuntary emotional expression) and social (communicative, somewhat controllable).
- Spontaneous laughter originates from an older brain part controlling mammalian vocalization, while social laughter is more consciously regulated.