New research suggests that jokes and japes alone may not be enough to woo a woman, as the more attractive a man, the funnier females find him. A study carried out at University College London, published in academic periodical Cerebral Cortex Advance Access, has found that women are more likely to laugh at a joke if it is delivered by a handsome man.  Sophie Scott, a professor of neuroscience at University College London and author of the study, said: "You hear women say, 'I really fancy him, he really makes me laugh'. What she means is, 'he’s really attractive and I laugh because I fancy him'. It’s to do with how much they like him."  When speaking at the British Science Festival in Bradford, the professor went on to explain that laughter may have originated many years ago to aid communication, but remains extremely socially important. "When you laugh with people you show you agree with them," she said. "You are showing you like them – if you didn’t you would withhold that laughter."  According to Professor Scott, if couples laugh together frequently, they are more likely to be honest with one another  The research reveals that women are likely to find men funnier if they are either more attractive or well-acquainted with them. "Humour is an emotion you primarily find in social settings – you are 30 times more likely to laugh if you are with somebody else than if you are on your own. And you will laugh more if you know them and you will laugh more if you like them."  Laughter has also been found to be used as a key tool in diffusing tension in established relationships. According to Professor Scott, couples who laugh together, stay together.  • Why men should never negotiate with a beautiful woman  The study suggests that laughing is one of the only truly cross-cultural activities, and a method of interaction that is understood almost anywhere on the globe. And what's more, laughing is good for you.  "At its heart, the natural place where you find laughter is in interactions, so I would say give yourself as many opportunities to laugh with the people who make you laugh. Don’t think that is time wasted, it is probably one of the best things you can do with your time."
Despite women commonly citing 'a good sense of humour' as the most important   characteristic in a prospective partner, new research suggests that females   find jokes funnier when they are told by an attractive man