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The science of laughter - Sasha Winkler

The Evolutionary Roots of Laughter Laughter triggers rapid contractions of abdominal muscles, altering breathing patterns and creating various vocalizations. This phenomenon may cause sensations like leg weakness due to inhibited reflexes and muscle control. While the exact origins of laughter are unclear, evidence suggests that it evolved as a social signal among mammals during playtime, indicating friendly intent. As humans developed larger social groups and complex language skills, laughter expanded in function to convey emotions across different contexts.

The Social Significance and Health Benefits of Laughter Human laughter is louder than animal vocalizations because it serves not only as a personal signal but also broadcasts emotional states to those around us. Studies show we can distinguish between friends' laughs from brief clips alone; spontaneous laughter engages older brain networks shared with other animals while fake laughter uses speech-related pathways. Beyond its social significance, laughing releases endorphins and reduces stress hormones like cortisol—contributing positively to health by enhancing coping mechanisms for stress.