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 ...

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 ...

Yawning seems like such a simple act, yet it holds surprising power over us. Just watching someone yawn — even a stranger — can suddenly trigger the irresistible urge to yawn yourself. Why does this ...

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 ...

The average adult yawns about 20 times a day. But why? Surely we can’t all be that tired. The truth is, the science behind yawning is more complex than just a few hours too little sleep. Even more ...

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 ...

Is it true that we yawn when our brains are deprived of oxygen? Most of us can feel a yawn coming on. The muscles in our jaw ...

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 ...