Laughter, one of the 10 mysteries
Greetings, Yes-brainers,
The cover story of the August 8, 2009 issue of New Scientist magazine, "10 Mysteries of You," explains from a generally scientific — if not always specifically neurological — point of view the following human characteristics:
(Get ready for anything here!)
1. Laughter,
2. Blushing,
3. Pubic hair (I warned you),
4. Teenagers,
5. Dreams,
6. Altruism,
7. Art,
8. Superstition,
9. Kissing, and,
10. Nose-picking (no kidding).
The story comprises 10 short essays, one for each trait. As you scroll down the page I've pasted immediately below, you will find a verbal link in blue for each characteristic. If, for example, you want to read theories about blushing, pan down to 1. Blushing and click on the word. The essays are loaded with surprises. Have fun!
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10 Mysteries of You: What a strange creature you are. New Scientist Aug. 8, 2009
We belong to a remarkably quirky species. Despite our best efforts, some of our strangest foibles still defy explanation.
But as science probes deeper into these eccentricities, it is becoming clear that behaviours and attributes that seem frivolous at first glance often go to the heart of what it means to be human.
The discovery that laughter is more often produced at banal comments than jokes prompts the question, what did it evolve for? —Emma Young
Even Darwin struggled to explain why we would evolve a response that puts us at a social disadvantage by letting others know that we have cheated or lied —Caroline Williams
Scent radiator, warmth provider, or chafe protection? The answer to why humans have clumps of hair in private places is still open for debate —Caroline Williams
People still debate whether humans are genuinely altruistic by nature, but if we are, most agree it doesn't make evolutionary sense —Kate Douglas
Many of us do it, but eating bogeys offers little nutritional reward – could there be a health reason for the unappealing habit? —Emma Young
Even our closest relatives, the great apes, move smoothly from their juvenile to adult life phases – so why do humans spend an agonising decade skulking —Kate Douglas
Many of us have superstitions – odd, reassuring habits that make no rational sense – but there may be an underlying reason for such behaviour —Emma Young
8. 10 Mysteries of you: KissingThe urge to kiss is not brought about by genes, so why do we find it so pleasurable to share saliva? —Caroline Williams
Today, most researchers reject Freud's belief that dreams are expressions of our unconscious desires – but if that's the case, what are they for? —Emma Young
Sexual display, learning tool or form of social glue? Art still refuses to be pinned down —Emma Young
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