What's Up Docs? Daily Dose: Laughter
Jan 30, 2026
Sophie Scott, neuroscientist and UCL professor honored as a CBE, studies the science of laughter and vocal communication. She explains how human laughter is unique, how babies laugh at non‑physical play, and how laughter helps toddlers learn intention, safety and social cues. Short, curious and surprisingly scientific.
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Laughter Is A Social Signal From Birth
- Human laughter differs from other animals because non-physical actions make babies laugh from the outset.
- Sophie Scott explains laughter works at a distance and signals intentions before language develops.
Singing Old MacDonald Gets Baby Laughs
- Xand describes singing "Old MacDonald" to his daughter Indigo and getting uncontrollable laughter.
- He uses eye contact and repetition to reward the baby's laughter and interaction.
Toddlers Learn Intentions Through Laughter
- Toddlers intentionally perform acts to make parents laugh before they speak.
- They then use parental laughter as a cue to judge safety and social inclusion.