Sometimes even bats need a sick day. Bats are renowned for the ability to be infected with viruses that can be deadly to people without showing signs of the diseases…
Category: Life
Dogs Can Classify Objects by Function, Not Just Appearance
Summary: A new study demonstrates that some highly gifted dogs can categorize objects not just by appearance, but by how they are used. When taught words like “pull” or “fetch,”…
Understanding why people reject science could lead to solutions for rebuilding trust
Rejection of science is a huge problem, with many people refusing to get vaccines and denying the existence of climate change. Why are so many people anti-science? As experts on attitudes, persuasion…
Fetal Movements Boost Maternal Attachment
Summary: A new study shows that fetal movement frequency in late pregnancy is directly tied to stronger maternal-fetal attachment. Using an actocardiograph, researchers objectively measured movements and found that higher…
Tug or fetch? Some dogs sort toys by how they are used
Dogs that easily learn the names of toys might also mentally sort them by function, a new example of complex cognitive activity in the canine brain.
Gut Problems in Autism Linked to Sleep, Behavior, and Sensory Challenges
Summary: A long-term study tracking 475 children found that autistic children are far more likely to experience persistent gastrointestinal issues than their peers. These symptoms often co-occur, persist across childhood,…
Clearwing butterflies are cool! Impact of wing transparency on heating capacities along altitudinal gradients in tropical butterflies – Functional Ecologists
In this week’s blog post we’re getting transparent about temperature regulatory processes in clear wing butterflies! Violine Ossola and team explore the sensitivities around thermal regulation in the neotropical tribe…
Mediterranean diet may offset much of the genetic risk of Alzheimer’s
Many observational studies have linked a Mediterranean diet to better cognitive health. … Now, new research suggests that people at high genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease may benefit the most…
