Where are you ticklish? Researchers map the sensation across cultures People from Chinese, Dutch and Greek cultural backgrounds have the same ‘tickle hotspots’ on the body. And ticklishness is stronger in rarely touched areas. By Claire Ainsworth

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-02493-6?utm_source=Live+Audience&utm_campaign=2923aae61a-nature-briefing-daily-20260811&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-33f35e09ea-50432164 People from Greek, Dutch and Chinese backgrounds all have the same ‘tickle hotspots’, such as the armpits and soles of the feet, which suggests that how people experience ticklishness is consistent across cultures. Comparisons with maps of other sensations, such as pain or pleasure, suggested that the sensation is decidedly distinct and unique. The study is one of the first to systematically investigate gargalesis, the kind of tickling that is associated with play and involves using strong, repetitive pressure to elicit laughter.