Did you hear the one about scientists telling jokes? Not many did, according to a study of humor at conferences

To engage audiences and help keep their attention, many public speakers sprinkle their speeches with a little humor. It's a useful tool, but something that scientists rarely use, according to a report into humor at science conferences published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. And when jokes are told, they often fall flat, with most attempts earning only polite chuckles.