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 -------------------