Fish can recognize themselves in a photo, says new study

The myth that goldfish have only a three-second memory might be giving us an unfair view of their mental capabilities. A new study has shown that some fish can recognize themselves in a photograph, meaning they join a pretty exclusive club of animals k… Continue reading Fish can recognize themselves in a photo, says new study

Dessert stomach: Gut microbiome may influence overindulgence of sweets

If you’ve ever found room for dessert even though you thought you were full, the bacteria in your gut might be to blame. Caltech scientists have shown that mice whose gut microbiome had been disrupted by antibiotics ate far more sugary snacks than norm… Continue reading Dessert stomach: Gut microbiome may influence overindulgence of sweets

Possible treatment for autism symptoms found in common anti-diarrhea drug

A compelling study has utilized a new kind of computer modeling to investigate how pre-existing drugs could be repurposed to treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Among the findings was a curious discovery indicating a common anti-diarrhea drug could h… Continue reading Possible treatment for autism symptoms found in common anti-diarrhea drug

Basking sharks found to choose mates by swimming in giant circles

Even though the plankton-eating basking shark is the world’s second-largest fish, much of its life has eluded observation. Now, however, researchers have determined that the usually solitary animals find mates by meeting up and circling around one anot… Continue reading Basking sharks found to choose mates by swimming in giant circles

How an epidemic of poor sleep may be making us a more selfish society

We’re all maybe a little bit surly the day after a sleepless night, but a new study suggests selfishness can be directly related to how well rested we are. The robust research offered evidence, from both an individual and a societal level, to demonstra… Continue reading How an epidemic of poor sleep may be making us a more selfish society

Rare sights impress in the 2022 BigPicture competition winners

Presented by the California Academy of Sciences, the BigPicture Photography Competition annually delivers an incredible collection of nature photographs. This year’s winning shots span everything from a bizarre cactus bee mating ritual to a surreal gli… Continue reading Rare sights impress in the 2022 BigPicture competition winners

CRISPR-edited hamsters exhibit unexpected social behavior changes

Researchers experimenting with genetically engineered hamsters have found that the biology behind social behavior may be more complex than we thought. The team used CRISPR to block a certain neurochemical signaling pathway, and found that the animals’ … Continue reading CRISPR-edited hamsters exhibit unexpected social behavior changes