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I came across a fun article in march 13th NY Science Times entitled, "What's so funny? Well, maybe nothing" that has to do with our perceptions of choice that we had been discussing in class. It seems that now scientists are leaning toward the notion that laughter may be an automatic response to a situation rather than a conscious effort. Scientists have found that human laughter is linked to the rhythmic sounds made by primates when they tickle, chase and play with each other. Even rats have been found to emit ultrasonic chirping while tickled that cannot be heard by human ears. Prof Panksepp of Wash U, who was interviewed, stated that he believes laughter to be the result of ancient wiring within mammals brains which encourages young animals to play with each other. He went on to say that "Primal laughter evolved as a signaling device to highlight readiness for friendly interaction. Sophisticated social animals such as mammals need an emotionally positive mechanism to help create social brains and to weave organisms effectively into the social fabric." According to the tests cited in the article humans tend to laugh more when they are in a situation in which they do not have the upper hand and are trying to make allies. We want to be liked and included and for that reason we will laugh at even a bad joke that is told by a superior. I thought this article brought up another challenge to the way in which we think about actions that we thought were by choice. So next time you find yourself laughing out loud, take a moment to ask "was that really funny?"