Laughter Contagion

Laughter does seem to be contagious. There may be several contributors. Research from Finland's Aalto University and Turku PET Centre research published in the Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences found that strong emotions synchronize the brain activity of different individuals. Mirthful laughter, part of the emotion of joy, can be very strong. Seeing smiles and laughter in someone else often triggers a corresponding emotional response in the watcher. Studies have identified mirror neurons behind the forehead that fire or activate when they see behaviors in others and respond as if you were doing the same thing. The ancient proverb appears to be cored: Laugh and the world laughs with you. More tomorrow.