How Sex and Gender Shape Our Cognition

Summary: Researchers released a new study examining how sex and gender influence cognitive abilities. The study analyzed eight cognitive tasks and found that while spatial cognition correlates more with biological…

AI vs. Human Empathy: Machine Learning More Empathetic

Summary: AI-generated messages can make recipients feel more “heard” compared to responses from untrained humans. The research demonstrates AI’s superior ability to detect and respond to human emotions, potentially providing…

In a first, these crab spiders appear to collaborate, creating camouflage

Some crab spiders have ditched webs for flowers. Masters of disguise, female Thomisus guangxicus spiders blend in with petals, which allows the arachnids to nab insects that pass by while…

Are we facing an ‘Insect Apocalypse’ caused by ‘intensive, industrial’ farming and agricultural chemicals? The media say yes; Science says ‘no’

Paints and Pesticides Linked to ALS Risk

Summary: A new study reveals a possible link between storing chemicals in home garages and an increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Researchers identified significant associations between ALS…

War’s Toll on the Brain: Widespread PTSD and Anxiety Among Ukrainians

Summary: A new study reveals severe mental health impacts among displaced Ukrainians due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Surveying over 8,000 individuals, researchers found widespread PTSD, anxiety, and flashbacks,…

Congratulations to Indra Boving, winner of the 2023 Haldane Prize! – Functional Ecologists

Functional Ecology is delighted to announce that the winner of the 2023 Haldane Prize is Indra Boving! The Haldane Prize is awarded annually for the best paper published in the…

A groundbreaking pineapple-flavored spray vaccine could prevent urinary tract infections for up to 9 years

Parent-Child Synchrony Isn’t Always Better for Attachment Development

Summary: Researchers revealed nuanced insights into parent-child synchrony, differentiating between behavioral and brain-to-brain connections in 140 families. This research indicates that higher brain-to-brain synchrony, particularly in mothers with insecure attachment…

Learning and Memory Formation’s Molecular Basis

Summary: Researchers developed a new platform to explore dendritic translation’s role in memory formation and its implications for intellectual disorders. By employing a novel method named TurboID, researchers uncovered a…