The Science of Laughter

Explore the fascinating science of laughter in this Royal Institution lecture by Sophie Scott. Delve into the misconception that laughter is primarily a response to jokes, and discover its true nature as a crucial social emotion. Examine laughter across species, analyze its acoustic properties, and understand how our brains process this universal human expression. Learn about the importance of laughter in social interactions and its role in human communication. This comprehensive talk, part of an all-women lineup celebrating women in science, offers insights into the multifaceted aspects of laughter, from its evolutionary origins to its neurological underpinnings.