Because the sounds of the most closely related apes matched most closely in the analysis of the laughter, the researchers believe the work is proof of laughter's shared evolutionary origin, followed by adaptation to its form in the species we see today.

BBC: Tickled apes yield laughter clue

The manufacturers are also developing adaptive cruise control, which can automatically maintain a safe speed and distance from other vehicles, and intelligent speed adaptation, which can, in its most active form, prevent a driver exceeding the speed limit.

BBC: How close are we to a crash-proof car?

The BBC's adaptation of Charles Dickens's Little Dorrit has been nominated for the award for long-form television.

BBC: Avatar, Star Trek and District 9 lead award shortlist