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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 Tomball News
In Tomball , where community events often bring people together in laughter, this study's findings have a relatable resonance. The fact that humans and great apes share similar giggles underscores the universal language of laughter, which can be observed in local parks and playgrounds where children play and laugh together. As a community that values social connections and family-friendly activities, Tomball residents may appreciate the idea that their laughter is rooted in a common ancestor with great apes, and that it has evolved to suit human social lives. The study's suggestion that laughter communicates a playful, happy feeling without using words is particularly relevant in a community where people from diverse backgrounds come together to enjoy public events and festivals. By exploring the origins of laughter, scientists may uncover more insights into human communication, which can ultimately help Tomball residents better understand and connect with each other.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball News 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 Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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