Latest

animal behavior

This shows a dog and toys like balls and ropes.

·September 19, 2025·5 min read

Dogs Can Classify Objects by Function, Not Just Appearance

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,” these dogs later applied the concepts to brand-new toys through natural play, without training or explicit labeling.

This shows a woman with two french bulldogs.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 5, 2025·6 min read

Do Dog Faces Shape Behavior?

Short-nosed dog breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs are often perceived as calm, affectionate companions—but their behavior is influenced by more than just head shape. A new study of over 5,000 dogs reveals that small body size, lack of training, and pampering by inexperienced owners contribute to many of their less favorable behaviors.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 2, 2024·4 min read

Dolphins’ “Smile” Reveals Playful Intentions

Bottlenose dolphins use an "open mouth" expression, similar to a smile, during playful interactions with other dolphins. This expression is a signal of fun and playfulness, preventing misunderstandings as aggression.

This shows a painting of a springbok with a tracking collar.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 1, 2024·4 min read

Wildlife Tagging Alters Behavior for Days

A new study reveals that the stress of capturing and tagging wildlife affects their behavior for several days, altering their activity levels and movement patterns. By tracking 1,585 individuals from 42 species fitted with GPS collars, researchers found that predators tended to reduce their activity while herbivores often increased movement post-release.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 20, 2022·5 min read

The First Look at How Rabies Affects Vampire Bat Social Behavior

Male vampire bats infected with rabies socially withdraw, scaling back their social behavior of grooming other bats before they succumb to the disease.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 14, 2021·3 min read

Cats Prefer to Get Free Meals Rather Than Work for Them

Domestic cats choose not a contrafreeload, a behavior where most animals prefer to work for their food.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·December 12, 2019·3 min read

How humans learned to dance; from the Chimpanzee Conga

Studying the evolution of human dance, psychologists discovered chimpanzees also perform duo dance-like behaviors similar to a conga line.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·August 6, 2018·5 min read

Sequenced Fox Genome Hints at Genetic Basis of Behavior

A new study sheds light on the genetic basis of fox behaviors and, researchers say, the findings could have implications for human behavior. The study reports the SorCS1 gene contributes to social behaviors in foxes.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·July 11, 2018·3 min read

Snorts Indicate Positive Emotions in Horses

Researchers report horses tend to snort more when they are in positive emotional situations. The findings suggest snorts are reliable indicators of positive emotions in horses.

a monkey drinking from a soda can on a person's roof

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 18, 2018·4 min read

Are Smarter Animals Bigger Troublemakers?

Researchers examined the role of animal cognition in different types of human-wildlife conflict. The study reveals some animals may take more risks if they habituate urban surroundings.