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We all like a good laugh. But how many of us know why? Humour, schadenfreude, tickling, nerves – all can trigger a ho-ho-ho or a heh-heh-heh. What does that tell us about laughter? Is laughing a uniquely human state, and why, if we hear someone laughing, do we want to join in?

In this special feature, Kate Douglas and David Robson put on a straight face and look for the answers. Meanwhile, acoustician Trevor Cox invites you to participate in an online experiment to answer another burning question: can we make a computer laugh convincingly?

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Laughter’s secrets: No funny business

Laughter’s secrets: The sound of a happy ape

Laughter’s secrets: GSOH not required

Laughter’s secrets: The best medicine?

Laughter’s secrets: Contagious chortling

Laughter’s secrets: How to make a computer laugh

Laughter’s secrets: Faking it – the results