Unlocking secrets of the honeybee dance language – bees learn and culturally transmit their communication skills

Honeybees possess one of the most complex examples of nonhuman communication. New research suggests that it is learned and culturally passed down from older to younger bees.

James C. Nieh, Associate Dean and Professor of Biology, University of California, San Diego • conversation
March 9, 2023 ~8 min

How we discovered flamingos form cliques, just like humans

It’s endearing to think of these glamorous pink birds finding the friendship group they fit into. But navigating flamingo social lives can help with conservation too.

Paul Rose, Lecturer, University of Exeter • conversation
March 8, 2023 ~7 min


Blue ticks: what evolutionary theory tells us about the turmoil around social media verification

Signalling theory tells us lots about the way paid-for verification has disrupted the blue tick system.

Jonathan R Goodman, Researcher, Human Evolutionary Studies, University of Cambridge • conversation
March 7, 2023 ~8 min

Thinking of getting a second cat? Here's how to make sure your first pet doesn't feel threatened

Your cat may not be as excited about a new arrival as you are. Gradual and controlled introductions will help your cat take to an unfamiliar animal.

Jenna Kiddie, Visiting Research Fellow in Animal Behaviour, University of Cumbria • conversation
March 3, 2023 ~6 min

Animal architecture: why we need to design buildings for wildlife as well as people

Our lives are intertwined with animals, insects and birds – we should consider them more when we design our cities.

Paul Dobraszczyk, Lecturer in Architecture, UCL • conversation
March 2, 2023 ~6 min

What is spillover? Bird flu outbreak underscores need for early detection to prevent the next big pandemic

A biologist who studies how viruses spread from animals to people explains the process of spillover and the risks posed by the new bird flu that has spread across the globe.

Treana Mayer, Postdoctoral Fellow in Microbiology, Colorado State University • conversation
Feb. 24, 2023 ~7 min

The animals and plants that only exist in captivity – and why time is running out to restore them to the wild

Surviving solely in zoos and botanic gardens are 33 animal and 39 plant species.

Sarah Elizabeth Dalrymple, Senior Lecturer in Conservation Ecology, Liverpool John Moores University • conversation
Feb. 23, 2023 ~8 min

Imagination makes us human – this unique ability to envision what doesn't exist has a long evolutionary history

By learning what parts of the brain are crucial for imagination to work, neuroscientists can look back over hundreds of millions of years of evolution to figure out when it first emerged.

Andrey Vyshedskiy, Professor of Neuroscience, Boston University • conversation
Feb. 23, 2023 ~10 min


Why it's time for the UK to introduce mandatory training for new dog owners

The old UK dog licence system wasn’t fit for purpose. But there is another way.

Angus Nurse, Head of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Feb. 20, 2023 ~7 min

The surprising benefits of group exercise for anxious dogs

Lockdown stopped many puppies developing the social skills they need to navigate the human world with confidence.

Amy West, PhD Candidate in Dog Cognition, University of Portsmouth • conversation
Feb. 8, 2023 ~5 min

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