The Infinite Monkey Cage
- Radio factual
- BBC Radio 4 / BBC Sounds
- 2009 - 2024
- 195 episodes (31 series)
Witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince. Also features Brian Cox.
- Continues on Thursday 28th November on Radio 4 at 11am with Series 31, Episode 3
- Catch-up on Series 31, Episode 2
Episode menu
Series 21, Episode 1 - Science of Laughter
Further details
Brian Cox and Robin Ince return for a new series of science/comedy chat. They are joined on stage, appropriately enough, by comedian Frank Skinner, as they look at the science of what makes us laugh, why we laugh at all, and whether humour and laughter are uniquely human traits.
Joining the panel are experts in what makes us chuckle, Professor Sophie Scott and Professor Richard Wiseman. They look at why laughter is not only an ancient human trait that goes a long way to making us the social animal we are today, but that rats and apes also enjoy a good chuckle.
They discover whether science can come up with the perfect joke and why a joke with the punchline "quack" is funnier than one with the punchline "moo".
Broadcast details
- Date
- Monday 13th January 2020
- Time
- 4:30pm
- Channel
- BBC Radio 4
- Length
- 30 minutes
Cast & crew
Brian Cox | Host / Presenter |
Robin Ince | Host / Presenter |
Richard Wiseman | Guest |
Frank Skinner | Guest |
Sophie Scott | Guest |
Alexandra Feachem | Producer |
Eric Idle | Composer |