*Yaaawwwwwn* Did just reading the word make you feel like yawning yourself? Known as contagious yawning, the reasons behind this phenomenon have been attributed to both the physiological and psychological. It's been observed in children as young as four and even in dogs! Claudia Aguirre visits the many intriguing theories that might explain contagious yawning. [Directed by Biljana Labovic, narrated by Julianna Zarzycki].

Claudia Aguirre: Why is yawning contagious?

Why is yawning contagious?

Yawning, a seemingly simple act, may be a window into the complex interplay of empathy and neural mimicry among social beings.

Mirror neurons light up in our brains when we see others yawn, suggesting our reflex is deeply rooted in the biology of empathy.

Contagious yawning reveals a fascinating facet of human connection, occuring more frequently among friends, hinting at empathy's role.