Laughter

Several new studies exploring the effects of laughter are contributing to a fast-growing body of research that finds just how important it is to keeping us happy, healthy, and sane.

• By Katharine Gammon

A new study finds acoustic differences between genuine and feigned laughter and explains why we're so good at distinguishing the two.

• By Paul Bisceglio

New research finds people who deny their darker impulses laugh less frequently.

• By Tom Jacobs