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Get a load of this: Humans and great apes share similar giggles
By Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 25, 2026
· 2 min read
Humans and great apes have been giggling in similar ways since branching off the evolutionary tree, a new study suggests.How do we know this? Researchers tickled 13 captive apes — including gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees and bonobos — and recorded the results. The new research reexamined those...
Key takeaway “In a way, we are very similar to other great apes because we’ve been laughing in a similar way for 15 million years,” said study author Chiara De Gregorio, a primatologist at the University of Warwick in England.
Why this matters in The Piney Point
In Piney Point Village , where community events often bring people together in laughter, this new study on the evolutionary roots of giggles takes on a fascinating local dimension. The fact that humans and great apes share similar laughter patterns, with regular timing between laughs, suggests a deep-seated connection that transcends species. For residents of Piney Point Village, who value their community's strong social bonds, this research offers a compelling reminder of the importance of playful interaction in building relationships. As the study's author notes, laughter communicates a happy feeling without using words, which is particularly relevant in a community like Piney Point Village, where public events and gatherings are designed to foster a sense of connection and belonging among residents. By exploring the origins of laughter, scientists may uncover new insights into the complexities of human communication, which could have interesting implications for community-building efforts in Piney Point Village and beyond.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Humans and great apes have been giggling in similar ways since branching off the evolutionary tree, a new study suggests.How do we know this? Researchers tickled 13 captive apes — including gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees and bonobos — and recorded the results. The new research reexamined those...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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