Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Introduction:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, can include a specialized imaging technique of the urinary system known as Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU). This radiation-free technique uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images with the help of a computer. MRU is particularly effective for visualizing fluid-filled structures like the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.Applications of MRI in the Genitourinary SystemKidneys and Ureters: MRI detects tumors, cysts,...

Brain Imaging

Brain Imaging

Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique based on a phenomenon of nuclear physics discovered in the 1930s, in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves was found to emit radio signals. In 1970, a physician and researcher named Raymond Damadian noticed that malignant (cancerous) tissue gave off different signals than normal body tissue. He applied for a patent for the first MRI scanning device in clinical use by the early 1980s. The early MRI...

Empathy

Empathy

Some researchers suggest that altruism operates on empathy. Empathy is the capacity to understand another person’s perspective, to feel what he or she feels. An empathetic person makes an emotional connection with others and feels compelled to help (Batson, 1991). Empathy can be expressed in several ways, including cognitive, affective, and motor.

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Prognostic value of modified Erasmus Guillaiun Barre' syndrome outcome score (mEGOS) in an Italian cohort of patients: Challenges, insights and limitations.

Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology·2026

Same author

Preliminary exploration of radiomic mammographic analysis in triple negative breast cancer related to BRCA profile.

Scientific reports·2026

Same author

The olfactory functional network in the Alzheimer's disease continuum: a resting state fMRI study.

Frontiers in aging neuroscience·2026

Same author

Semantic Modulation of Spatial Judgments in Augmented Reality: Evidence from fNIRS.

Brain topography·2025

Same author

The neural bases of meaningful intransitive gestures: A meta-analysis of lesion and fMRI studies.

Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews·2025

Same author

Predictors of poor prognosis in Guillain-Barre' syndrome: a study of 22 years from a single Italian Center.

Journal of the neurological sciences·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Observing Virtual Social Interactions

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Observing Virtual Social Interactions

Published on: July 6, 2011

Humor comprehension and appreciation: an FMRI study.

Angela Bartolo¹, Francesca Benuzzi, Luca Nocetti

¹Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, and Struttura Complessa di Fisica Sanitaria, Azienda Ospedaliera di Modena, Italy.

Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience

|October 31, 2006

Summary

This study explored humor comprehension using nonverbal cartoons. Findings reveal bilateral brain activation, suggesting the right inferior frontal gyrus and left temporal areas are key for processing incongruity, with the amygdala involved in emotional response.

More Related Videos

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotion Regulation

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotion Regulation

Published on: August 26, 2011

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Impairing Effect of Emotion on Cognition

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Impairing Effect of Emotion on Cognition

Published on: February 1, 2012

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Observing Virtual Social Interactions

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Observing Virtual Social Interactions

Published on: July 6, 2011

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotion Regulation

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotion Regulation

Published on: August 26, 2011

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Impairing Effect of Emotion on Cognition

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Impairing Effect of Emotion on Cognition

Published on: February 1, 2012

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Psychology
Psychology of Humor

Background:

Humor appreciation involves detecting and resolving incongruity, a process with debated hemispheric involvement.
Previous patient and neuroimaging studies present conflicting evidence regarding left vs. right hemisphere dominance in humor processing.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the neural correlates of humor comprehension using a nonverbal task to minimize language processing.
To explore the brain regions involved in humor detection and incongruity resolution.
To examine the role of the amygdala in the subjective experience of amusement.

Main Methods:

A nonverbal task using cartoon pairs was designed to elicit humor without relying on language.
Functional neuroimaging (likely fMRI or PET, implied by neuroimaging studies mentioned) was used to observe brain activity.
Subjects rated the funniness of cartoons, allowing for parametric analysis correlating subjective amusement with brain activation.

Main Results:

Activation was observed in both left and right hemispheres, specifically the right inferior frontal gyrus (BA 47) and left temporal regions (superior temporal gyrus BA 38, middle temporal gyrus BA 21), and the left cerebellum.
These activated regions overlap with those involved in attributing intention, suggesting a link between incongruity resolution and intention attribution.
The left amygdala showed activation correlated with subjective ratings of funniness, indicating its role in the emotional aspect of humor.

Conclusions:

Humor comprehension involves a network of brain regions spanning both hemispheres, challenging the notion of a single dominant hemisphere.
The resolution of incongruity in humor may be mediated by the brain's capacity for intention attribution.
The amygdala plays a significant role in processing the emotional valence of humor, contributing to subjective amusement.