Laugh and the world laughs with you, or so you might think. But watch any good comedian on TV by yourself and chances are you’ll laugh a lot less than if you were sat in a lively comedy crowd watching the same comedian in the flesh.
But why is that? Do people from different cultures and corners of the world all laugh at the same things? These are questions ... Show More
Aug 15
How long does light last?
When listener Rob from Devon, UK, heard of a newly detected planet light years away, he was struck by the sheer scale the light must travel to reach us here on Earth. It got him wondering: How long does light last? What’s the oldest light we’ve ever observed? And does light ever ... Show More
26m 29s
Aug 8
Can we stop the rain?
CrowdScience listener Rit, from Pune in India, is staring out of his window at the falling rain. It’s been pouring for four days now, and shows no sign of stopping. The laundry is piling up, all his shoes are wet, and he’s worried about the effect it’s having on the environment, ... Show More
32m 21s
Sep 2020
Laughter: The Best Medicine
If you listen closely to giggles, guffaws, and polite chuckles, you can discern a huge amount of information about people and their relationships with each other. This week, we talk with neuroscientist Sophie Scott about the many shades of laughter, from cackles of delight among ... Show More
46m 19s
Apr 2022
Pourquoi faire rire les autres nous réchauffe-t-il le coeur ?
Comme pour les grands singes, le rire a un intérêt tout particulier dans l’évolution de notre espèce. Par exemple, vous saviez que l’humour, c’était une tactique super rentable en termes de temps et d’efforts, pour créer du lien dans un groupe ? En moyenne, nous rions 15 à 20 foi ... Show More
49m 53s
Jun 2022
Humor Us
Humor can lighten the mood. But it can also provoke, cajole, and inspire. This hour, TED speakers share how we can wield humor as a tool across all aspects of our lives. Guests include comedian Marcia Belsky, computer scientist Vinith Misra, behavioral scientist Jennifer Aaker, c ... Show More
50m 48s
Feb 2024
Richard Lewis : Comedian reactions, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and asking Don Rickles to meet Frank Sinatra
In the world of comedy, there are a select few who leave an indelible mark on the industry. Richard Lewis, the legendary comedian, was one such individual. With his unique comedic style, candidness about his struggles, and memorable appearances, Richard Lewis became a favorite am ... Show More
14m 29s