NATURE PODCAST26 June 2026Nature staff discuss how apes share a rhythm of laughter, and how AI use may degrade skills in medicine and computer science.ByNick Petrić Howe &Maren HunsbergerNick Petrić HoweView author publicationsSearch author on: PubMed Google ScholarMaren HunsbergerView author publicationsSearch author on: PubMed Google ScholarYou have full access to this article via your institution.Download the Nature Podcast 26 June 2026In this episode:00:32 Early evidence suggests that AI use causes skills to atrophyNature: Is AI ruining our skills? Early results are in — and they’re not good06:42 Humans and chimps share a laughNature: Oo oo, ha ha: why humans and great apes giggle alike when tickledSubscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday.Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the Nature Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music or your favourite podcast app. An RSS feed for the Nature Podcast is available too.doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-02059-6 Briefing Chat: Testosterone and sperm might get a boost from obesity drugs Knock knock, no one’s there. Study finds scientists’ jokes mostly fall flat AI is threatening science jobs. Which ones are most at risk?SubjectsAnimal behaviourCommunicationMachine learningLatest on:Animal behaviourCommunicationMachine learningJobs Chief Magazine EditorThe Chief Magazine Editor will be involved in shaping the strategic direction of Nature, including in digital media.London, New York or Washington DC - Hybrid working modelSpringer Nature LtdInterim Associate or Senior Editor, Nature EnergyJob Title: Interim Associate or Senior Editor, Nature Energy Fixed Term Contract, Full-Time Locations: London or Milan – Hybrid Work About Spri...London (Central), London (Greater) (GB)Springer Nature LtdFaculty Positions in Westlake UniversityFounded in 2018, Westlake University is a new type of non-profit research-oriented university in Hangzhou, China, supported by public a...Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ChinaWestlake University