Clapping hands spew out a jet of air, visualized here by baby powder. That jet helps explain the sweet sound of applause. Yicong Fu, Cornell University By Emily Conover March 4, 2025 at 8:00 am ...

The study showed that softer hands produce quicker-decaying sounds. Conversely, clapping more forcefully—or in a shape that stiffens the hands—generates a louder, longer-lasting clap.

Nearly every human culture uses clapping to cheer, protest, pray or perform, but a new study reveals that the familiar gesture is as much a scientific event as it is a social one.

Cornell University. "Dynamic acoustics of hand clapping, elucidated." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 12 March 2025. <www.sciencedaily.com / releases / 2025 / 03 / 250312165601.htm>.

You can now clap your hands, provide a truer-to-life thumbs-up and deliver high-fives — you can show your appreciation without reaching for your controllers.