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Doctors' Notes: Laughter

18 min • 5 augusti 2025

Chris and Xand continue their conversation with Professor Sophie Scott CBE, a leading expert in the neuroscience of laughter from University College London. They explore what sets real laughter apart from fake, how children pick up the habit of laughing, and whether faking a laugh can make you feel better. Plus, they ask Sophie how she first became interested in laughter research.

If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.

Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Professor Sophie Scott Producer: Jo Rowntree Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Kirsten Lass Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researcher: Grace Revill Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable Social Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard Berry Composer: Phoebe McFarlane Sound Design: Melvin Rickarby

At the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

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