# Why We Laugh When Tickled | Amsterdam News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/amsterdam-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7623315/why-we-laugh-when-tickled-amsterdam-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/amsterdam-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7623315/why-we-laugh-when-tickled-amsterdam-news.md
Podcast: [Amsterdam News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/amsterdam-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7623315)
Published: 2026-09-14T11:12:57+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/6d8dfcc4d8d8d134
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/7319f75a-2f87-4c32-8f4b-0ec2fb98d2f7.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/amsterdam-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7623315/episodes/why-we-laugh-when-tickled-amsterdam-news
Duration seconds: 104

## Resource

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: advertise@thednn.ai 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 feedback@thednn.ai.

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