Let's make this birthday one to remember.

81 years old (Born on June 05, 1943)

Happy birthday to the incredible Jaak Panksepp! Wishing you as much joy and laughter today as you've brought to your animal friends—no one knows better than you that rats genuinely giggle, even if most humans still doubt their comedic timing. Your discoveries about animal emotions have opened up entirely new worlds of scientific understanding (and given us an unexpected defense when caught chuckling at cat videos).

We celebrate all of your remarkable achievements in neuroscience and psychology—and applaud how seriously you've taught the scientific world not to take itself too seriously. Here's wishing your special day triggers plenty of joyful brain circuits!