SCIENTISTS are starting to question whether being able to crack a good joke runs in the family, according to new research.

In the first ever study to look at the influence of genes and the environment on comedic abilities, scientists compared over a thousand twins by asking them to rate their own humour and create funny captions for cartoons.

The new findings, published in the journal ‘Twin Research and Human Genetics’, revealed that the scores people gave their own humour were influenced by both inherited and environmental factors.

However, when their captions were judged independently, there was no evidence that they inherited their humorous talents. Instead, all individual differences were shaped by their environment, though a small genetic effect could not be ruled out.

The results suggest that the reasons why you are funny or your jokes bomb may be more complex and difficult to assess than other cognitive abilities.

It could also help explain the rarity of comedy duos from the same family – such as the Chuckle Brothers or the Marx Brothers – compared to actors, musicians or writers.

Lead author of the study, Dr Gil Greengross from the Psychology Department at Aberystwyth University, said: “Despite humour’s importance, relatively little is known about how we develop our sense of humour or why one sibling can be funny and another cannot. Our study’s finding that these talents are not inherited is surprising, as it contradicts most research on the heritability of cognitive abilities such as creativity and mathematical skills. So, it is really fascinating. But, since this is the first study of its kind, these results should be interpreted with caution.

“Telling a joke may seem simple but having a good sense of humour is a complex and unique trait influenced by numerous psychological attributes and personality characteristics. It varies across different social contexts, like when going on a date or entertaining. This may explain why, Chuckle and Marx Brothers aside, there are few successful comedians from the same immediate family.

“What is exciting about this research is it begs the question: if our sense of humour is not handed down from our parents but comes from our environment, what is it precisely that makes us funny?”

The findings also have implications for how scientists think about humour’s role in evolution and even dating.

Dr Greengross added: “These early findings also challenge the widely accepted evolutionary basis of humour. A great sense of humour can help ease tension in dangerous situations, foster cooperation, break down interpersonal barriers, and attract mates—all of which enhance survival and reproduction.

“There are also intriguing dating and mating aspects to this. Previous research has shown that women prioritise comedic talents in a partner more than do men, whereas men value a women’s ability to appreciate their humour. Men experience stronger selection pressure to be funny to impress women, leading to men having slightly higher humour ability, on average—a finding supported by our study. Furthermore, men rated themselves as funnier than women, likely reflecting an awareness of humour’s importance in female mate choice.”

The research team is now conducting further studies to test the findings with different sample groups of twins.

MORE than 60 pupils have enjoyed trying out a range of different sports in a special
Sport Pembrokeshire event held last month

The event was held at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun with 65 pupils
from Years, 4,5 and 6 and the ALN unit taking part.

The sessions were run by local community clubs and Young Ambassadors from
Ysgol Bro Gwaun with pupils getting to enjoy rugby, cricket, hockey, archery and golf.
Sharon Osborne from Ysgol Glannau Gwaun, said: “Thanks to Sport Pembrokeshire
for organising a fantastic morning of activities for our pupils. They all thoroughly
enjoyed themselves.”

Dan Bellis of Sport Pembrokeshire, added: “A big thanks to Fishguard & Goodwick
Hockey Club, Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club and the Young Ambassadors
from Ysgol Bro Gwaun for putting on a fabulous morning of activities in glorious
sunshine!

“A big well done to all the pupils from Ysgol Glannau Gwaun for their effort and
enthusiasm throughout the morning.”

Pilot programmes in gaming and animation help students into further education and industry jobs

A GROUNDBREAKING pilot project designed to improve access to careers in gaming and animation has helped young people in Wales take major steps towards higher education and employment in the creative industries.

Eighty per cent of the thirty students who took part in Media Academy Cymru’s (MAC) inaugural Gêm Project have now progressed to further education courses across South Wales. Four students are currently studying games-related degrees at university, and one is already working as a game tester with one of Wales’ leading development studios.

MAC specialises in alternative education programmes for 16–25-year-olds not in education or employment. The organisation is internationally recognised for its work supporting young people at risk of entering the criminal justice system.

The Gêm Project received over £140,000 in Welsh Government funding through the Creative Wales Skills Fund, launched to support grassroots development in key creative sectors. The funding allowed MAC to create three bespoke courses, giving students a chance to explore gaming careers, meet industry professionals, and playtest new titles ahead of their release.

Following its success, the Gêm Project is now delivered as a mainstream course in partnership with Cardiff and Vale College. Its popularity has also inspired a new initiative: the Animeiddio Project, an animation course aimed at young people with diverse educational backgrounds. Funded through a second round of Creative Wales Skills funding, the programme includes a structured curriculum and access to industry networking events such as the Cardiff Animation Festival.

Last week, Culture Minister Jack Sargeant visited MAC’s current cohort of animation students. He said: “The importance of the creative industries to Wales is clear – it’s about jobs, culture and our identity. Meeting the animation students at MAC was inspiring – these young people are incredibly talented and passionate about their craft.

“Programmes like the Animeiddio Project are exactly what we need to ensure our creative sector reflects all of Wales, providing pathways for diverse talent to thrive.”

One of the current students, AJ, 20, described how the course had helped her rebuild confidence after a difficult period out of education:

“I had agoraphobia for a long time and couldn’t leave the house. This is my first year back and everybody is so understanding. It’s the best thing that could possibly have happened.

“I hope to study here again next year, which should give me the grades to go to university. Eventually, I want to set up my own studio and develop an animation series I’ve been working on for ten years.”

Across two rounds of funding, the Creative Wales Skills Fund has supported 34 projects with a total investment of £3 million. A recent evaluation of the first round revealed that over 27,000 individuals and 300 companies have benefitted, with 488 training courses delivered and 300 work placements secured.