Summary: The concept of “digital hugs” challenges the way we think about physical vs. online interactions. Recent research investigates how the feelings and experiences surrounding a hug can be translated…
Category: Life
Brazil isn’t just trees—working in grasslands in a country conventionally seen as a big forest – Functional Ecologists
The Pampa Brazilian grasslands. In the distance are “gaúchos” (skilled horseman)—typically people that work in the grasslands and take care of cattle. This word can also represent people born in…
First synthetic human embryo to live past 14 days was made from stem cells
A Cambridge University scientist says her research lab has used stem cells to create a human embryo that developed past day 14. If confirmed, the technique could lead to breakthroughs…
Why Our Brains Prefer Symbols to Words
Summary: Research reveals symbols are more memorable than words. This novel study dives into our brain’s knack for recalling graphic symbols and logos over their word counterparts. Symbols, offering visual…
Is Childhood Adversity A Lens for Moral Judgments?
Summary: Researchers uncovered how a person’s childhood adversity shapes others’ judgments of their actions. The study reveals that people perceive negative actions by those with challenging childhoods as less a…
Children’s Views on Inequality: The Power of Explanation
Summary: Researchers revealed that children’s perceptions of inequality are shaped by how its origins are explained to them. While adults often attribute social inequalities to structural forces, children interpret these…
Unlocking Schizophrenia: Mitochondria Dysfunction at the Forefront
Summary: Researchers have identified a pivotal role of impaired mitochondrial function in the development of schizophrenia by examining the genetic risk factor 3q29 deletion syndrome. The genetic condition, known to…
Exploring Lionfish Ecology—A Research Expedition in Honduras – Functional Ecologists
In this new post, Monica McCard, from Liverpool John Moore University, discusses working on many different non-native aquatic species, with a particular focus on the feeding impacts of invasive lionfish…
Pesticides and Food: It’s not a black or white issue — Part 5: Soil health ― When synthetic pesticides are more sustainable than ‘natural’ organics
Most consumers believe organic farming avoids pesticides and prioritizes the health of the environment more than conventional farming. However, this is not necessarily the case. Pesticides used in organic farming…
ChatGPT has just had a major update. What can it do now?
Tech research company OpenAI has just released an updated version of its text-generating artificial intelligence program, called GPT-4, and demonstrated some of the language model’s new abilities. Not only can GPT-4 produce…
