Episode
Why We Laugh When Tickled | Amsterdam News
- Published
- Sep 14, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 104
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- https://sources.thednn.ai/6d8dfcc4d8d8d134
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Summary
Scientists in Nijmegen are unraveling the ancient mystery of ticklishness using robots, brain sensors, and controlled experiments to decode why we laugh when tickled — a phenomenon called gargalesis that’s hardwired across primates and unaffected by gender or culture. In a distraction-free lab, participants wear brain-monitoring caps while a robotic arm delivers precise touches, testing theories from Aristotle and Darwin — including whether thin skin or rarely touched areas trigger the response — only to find them lacking. Tickling, often playful but sometimes painful or even torturous, also shows surprising links to autism and arousal. This cutting-edge research aims to finally solve a biological puzzle that’s baffled thinkers for centuries. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: [email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Sources: https://www.dutchnews.nl/2026/09/scientists-develop-tickle-robot-to-solve-touching-mystery/ More coverage & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/6d8dfcc4d8d8d134 Report issues to [email protected].