Listen "The Crying Game"
Episode Synopsis
Although many animal species cry vocally, the production of tears in response to emotion, both happy or sad, is a trait unique to humans. So why do we cry? What could the evolutionary advantage be to producing tears in response to joy or despair? The science on this topic has been surprisingly sparse until very recently, but now new research seems to be shedding some light on some common preconceptions about the effect and consequences of our tears. Does having a good cry make you feel better, for example, or do women really cry more than men? Researchers in Israel have even discovered that our tears may contain hidden messages triggering surprising responses in those who come into contact with them. Geoff Watts gets the tissues ready as he investigates everything you ever wanted to know about weeping.
More episodes of the podcast Discovery
Frontiers of Space Science
12/01/2026
What is Quantum?
05/01/2026
The Life Scientific: George Church
29/12/2025
The Life Scientific: Gareth Collett
22/12/2025
The Life Scientific: Sonia Gandhi
15/12/2025
The Life Scientific: Mark O'Shea
08/12/2025
Waking up with a different voice
01/12/2025
The animal employment agency
24/11/2025
Bodies
17/11/2025
The Life Scientific: Kevin Fong
10/11/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.