Why do we yawn? Yawning is a universal gesture. Everyone yawns, from babies still in their mother's womb to the elderly. However, the exact reasons for this reflex are not well understood. Is it just ...

Researchers believe the yawning robot may have triggered some biological mechanism in the chimps that they associated with sleep. Image: Popular Science composite, Getty Images/ RMJM, Aline ...

Ever notice how you automatically yawn when someone else does it? That involuntary mouth-stretching moment isn’t just your brain being lazy. It’s actually broadcasting something pretty revealing about ...

Johanna Simkin does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond ...

Atlas Thébault Guiochon does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations ...

Yawning is contagious due to mirror neurons copying others' actions. Yawning helps cool the brain and keep it alert, not just signal tiredness. Contagious yawning is linked to empathy and social ...

Scientists have identified some reasons why yawns spread from person to person. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Seeing or hearing ...

Contagious yawning refers to the tendency of individuals to yawn after seeing, hearing, or even thinking about someone else yawning. About 40% to 60% of people exhibit contagious yawning when exposed ...