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Currently Playing: This One's A Tear Jerker

Are humans the only creatures that cry emotional tears? And if so, what are our tears really for? Could it be comfort, connection, or something else entirely? And, if crying's so natural, why do we so often try to hide it? Hannah and Michael explore the mystery of emotional tears: when they first appeared in our evolution, what they signal to others, and how they shape our relationships. From baby wails and funeral sobs, to the hormonal make up of “a good cry”, they uncover why tears soothe, expose, repulse and unite us. ----------------- For more information about Cancer Research UK, their research, breakthroughs and how you can support them, visit ⁠⁠https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/our-research/rest-is-science?utm_source=therestisscience&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=goalhanger_podcast_partnership ⁠ Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), The Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and The Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restisscience Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee 🌍 ------------------- Find The Rest Is Science all over the internet by ⁠clicking ⁠https://linktr.ee/therestisscience⁠ ------------------- Video Producer: Adam Thornton Video & Social: Bex Tyrrell Assistant Producer: Imee Marriott Producer: Becki Hills Senior Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Head Of Digital: Samuel Oakley Exec Producer: Neil Fearn ------------------- 00:00 The Equation That Makes Hannah Furious 00:32 Cancer Research UK 01:57 Why Humans Are the Only Animals Who Cry 04:19 When We Last Cried 07:24 Why Small Moments Make Us Weep 12:07 Why Babies Cry (and When Tears Actually Start) 15:38 Darwin’s Study of Crying 18:15 How Crying Evolved 21:17 Do Animals Cry Emotional Tears 25:16 NordVPN (Ad) 26:34 Is Crying a Choice 29:22 Why Some People Cry More Than Others 31:09 Why We Cry on Planes 32:23 Why Crying Feels Good 34:03 Crying as a Social Signal 38:59 The Woman Who Lived Alone for 18 Years 42:13 Why Humans Cry At All 43:31 Outro