0:08:50 > 0:08:57.
0:09:04 > 0:09:05Welcome to Science Fiction,
0:09:05 > 0:09:08the show that awakens the inner scientist in all of us.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11I think there's a couple inside me.
0:09:11 > 0:09:12I could start charging rent!
0:09:12 > 0:09:16Body, body, on the wall, what's going on at all, at all?
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Today's question is from Joanna in Havana.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Is yawning contagious?
0:09:21 > 0:09:24A yawn is a involuntary inhalation and exhalation of air
0:09:24 > 0:09:27caused by the contraction of the diaphragm in the lower abdomen.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31And it also involves making a stupid face like this.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33Yaaaaaawwwwwnnn!
0:09:33 > 0:09:36We usually yawn when we're tired,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39when we're bored or when our brain isn't getting enough oxygen.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41On the plus side, yawns are brilliant for catching flies.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Yaaaaawwn... Gulp!
0:09:43 > 0:09:47But why is it that if one person yawns, others will soon follow?
0:09:47 > 0:09:49Dr Knowles, it's contagious.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52Half the people at home are yawning already.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Like laughing, contagious yawning
0:09:54 > 0:09:56is more likely with friends or family.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59So scientists believe it might be linked to empathy.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01Em... Empathy? Who's she?
0:10:01 > 0:10:02You know, empathy.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Understanding how someone else is feeling
0:10:05 > 0:10:07by putting yourself in their shoes.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Dr Knowles, wearing someone else's shoes -
0:10:09 > 0:10:12that's disgusting! SQUELCHING
0:10:12 > 0:10:15So, Joanna, we can safely say that yawning is contagious.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17Yaaaawwwnnn... And if anyone tells you otherwise,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20that's just a load of old... HE SNORES
0:10:20 > 0:10:23# Science Fiction! #
0:10:23 > 0:10:29Ahem. Professor? Can you at least stay awake until the show is over?
0:10:29 > 0:10:33(HE MUMBLES INCOHERENTLY)
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- What...? Who are YOU? - Grrr!