0:06:04 > 0:06:08Hi, everyone. Welcome to the show where you ask and we answer.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- It's Science Fiction. - Science function.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Sorry, fiction, fiction, Science Fiction.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15BUD E, what's today's question?
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Today's question comes from Sidney in Sydney.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20He asks, why can't you tickle yourself?
0:06:20 > 0:06:23When someone tickles us without us expecting it,
0:06:23 > 0:06:25our body temporarily enters panic mode
0:06:25 > 0:06:29and the tension created is then released when we laugh.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33Doctor Knowles, I have terrible tickles, it's fierce embarrassing.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35Ha-ha. Ha-ha-ha.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37When we try to tickle ourselves, nothing happens.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40You're right, you know. Not a thing.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43The part of the brain that monitors movements is called the cerebellum.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Sarah what? Who's she?
0:06:46 > 0:06:48The cerebellum expects certain sensations
0:06:48 > 0:06:50and doesn't take notice of them.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53For example, when we open a door or sit down.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55Or bash ourselves over the head. Ah!
0:06:55 > 0:06:59But if we feel an unexpected sensation like being tickled,
0:06:59 > 0:07:03then the brain pays more attention and we enter panic mode.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06I get it, it's all about the element of surprise, really?
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Exactly, Professor. Your brain knows that you are the one trying
0:07:09 > 0:07:12to tickle yourself, so it doesn't react.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16So it's a bit like trying to frighten yourself. Watch this. Boo!
0:07:16 > 0:07:20Nothing. Ooh! Nothing, see, it's impossible.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22That's a really good analogy, Professor.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- You know, I'm not just a pretty face. - There you have it, Sidney.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30You can't tickle yourself because you can't surprise yourself.
0:07:30 > 0:07:31And that's a science fact.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40Boo! No. Boogey-boogey-boogey! Ah!