People Empathize with Bullied AI Bots

Summary: People empathize with AI bots excluded from a virtual game, treating them like social beings in need of fairness. Participants favored giving the AI bot a fair chance in…

Is identity or diversity key to managing disease in crops? – Functional Ecologists

In this post, Seraina Cappelli – postdoctoral fellow at University of Minnesota – presents her work ‘The potential of undersown species identity vs. diversity to manage disease in crops’. She…

Dr Saheed Olaide Jimoh – Functional Ecologists

For Black History Month 2024, the British Ecological Society (BES) journals are celebrating the work of Black ecologists around the world and sharing their stories. In this blog, Dr Saheed…

Carnivorous plants eat faster with a fungal friend

Insects have plenty to beware when it comes to carnivorous plants. Add an acid-loving fungus to that list of dangers. Sundew plants have tentacle-like leaves that curl around and entrap…

Exploring the sustainable challenges of genetically modified crops

Genetically modified (GM) crops are widely used around the world, but their effects on the environment need to be explored more. New research, published in Science on August 30, 2024,…

Vulnerability Found in AI Image Recognition

Summary: A new study reveals a vulnerability in AI image recognition systems due to their exclusion of the alpha channel, which controls image transparency. Researchers developed “AlphaDog,” an attack method…

Thinking about seed dispersal patterns of mammal carnivores – Functional Ecologists

In this blog post, Tamara Burgos, a postdoc at University of Cádiz, presents her paper “Apex predators can structure ecosystems through trophic cascades: Linking the frugivorous behaviour and seed dispersal…

At-home experiments shed light on cats’ liquid behavior

Cats may seem solid, but they’re actually somewhat liquid — at least according to one 2017 theoretical physics paper inspired by videos of cats squeezing under doors, into tight vases…

Imaging Links Fewer Brain Connections to Autism Social Challenges

Summary: A recent study used PET imaging to examine synaptic connections in autistic and non-autistic adults, marking the first time this technology was applied to autism research. Findings show autistic…

25% of Adults Suspect Undiagnosed ADHD

Summary: A new survey reveals that 25% of adults in the U.S. suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD, though only 13% have consulted a doctor. Social media has driven greater…