local
Get a load of this: Humans and great apes share similar giggles
By Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston)
· 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 Sugar Land News
The discovery that humans and great apes share similar giggles has intriguing implications for Sugar Land residents interested in animal behavior and conservation. As a community with a strong focus on family and social connections, understanding the evolution of laughter can provide insights into the importance of playful interactions in our daily lives. The fact that laughter communicates a happy feeling without using words can also inform local initiatives that promote social bonding and community engagement. Furthermore, the study's findings may inspire local animal lovers to learn more about the behavior of animals in their care, such as dogs, horses, and cats, and how they exhibit playful expressions. By exploring the origins of laughter, Sugar Land residents can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex social lives of animals and the unique characteristics that make us human. This knowledge can also foster a greater sense of connection with the natural world and our place within it.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Sugar Land 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 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) ·
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 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) and curated for Sugar Land News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston). To learn more about how Sugar Land News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Sugar Land News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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