Humor is arguably one of the most complex human attributes, posing tremendous challenges to the brain. Indeed, humans have engaged with humor since the dawn of humanity, suggesting that humor and laughter have had significant value for human evolution and existence. 

This talk explores:

• the different ways that humans laugh
• if laughter really is the best medicine
• the purpose of humor
• how the brain responds to humor
• the neuroscience of creating comedy and other humorous content compared to what the brain does when engaging with improv.

Using a combination of discussion, live examples with local comics, and visuals, the presentation will also explore ways that the brain engages in empathy, collaboration, and creativity when teaching, learning, practicing, performing and responding to comedy. 

Dr. Larry S. Sherman is the Director of the Queensland Brain Institute in Brisbane, Australia, author of Every Brain Needs Music: The Neuroscience of Making and Listening to Music, and an international public speaker.