Examining the link between dog ownership, physical activity, and mental health
A study in BMC Psychology found that while dog owners are more active, only independent exercise—not dog-related activities—improves mental health. Researchers caution against adopting dogs solely for well-being, as loneliness and exercise habits play a greater role.
I’m a neuroscientist who taught rats to drive − their joy suggests how anticipating fun can enrich human life
Researchers trained rats to drive cars to study learning, anticipation, and joy. Enriched environments enhanced learning, while anticipation training improved cognitive and emotional resilience. The findings highlight the importance of positive experiences in shaping brain function and behavior.
Neuroscience study reveals shared processing of human and dog facial expressions
A recent study found that human brains process emotional expressions from humans and dogs similarly, with empathy enhancing attention to emotional cues. Aggressive faces elicited stronger neural responses, highlighting our sensitivity to emotionally significant stimuli across species.
Dogs’ and owners’ hearts sync during interactions, research finds
Dogs and their owners appear to share emotional states, reflected in synchronized heart rate variability and activity levels during interactions, highlighting a physiological bond unique to each dog-owner pair.
Can animals make ‘art’? These examples from nature suggest so
Animals create stunning, functional works that challenge the traditional notion of art as a uniquely human endeavor.
Ecologists are rethinking the significance of alcohol in animal diets
A recent review explores how animals regularly encounter ethanol in nature, its ecological and evolutionary significance, and urges research into its effects on animal behavior, health, and adaptations.
Gazing at your dog can connect your brain with theirs, research shows
Research shows that when dogs and humans gaze at each other, their brain activity synchronizes, strengthening bonds and enhancing connection. Familiarity deepens this effect, highlighting the unique, neural-based relationship between humans and their canine companions.
Parenting style experienced in childhood might influence how people treat their dogs
Recent research found associations between childhood parenting styles and dog caregiving approaches in adulthood, with permissive upbringing linked to permissive dog care.
Do cats play fetch? Here is what the science says
New research reveals that over 40% of cats play fetch, a behavior typically associated with dogs. The study explores the surprising similarities between the species, shedding light on predatory instincts, playfulness, and human-animal bonding.
‘Puppy blues’: Anxiety, frustration, and exhaustion common among new dog owners, study finds
A new study reveals that nearly half of dog owners experience "puppy blues"—feelings of anxiety, frustration, and exhaustion—similar to postnatal depression. While distressing, these emotions typically fade with time, leaving more positive memories of puppyhood.
New research shows dogs can smell your stress — and it affects their behavior
A new study finds that dogs can detect human stress through scent, making them more cautious and risk-averse. The findings suggest that our stress levels can influence our dogs' behavior, particularly in ambiguous situations.
Do cats grieve? New study suggests they mourn the loss of fellow pets
A study from Oakland University suggests that cats may experience grief-like behaviors, such as reduced eating and increased attention-seeking, after the death of a companion pet, indicating that cats might mourn the loss of their animal companions.
African elephants address one another by name, study finds
A study in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that wild African elephants use unique calls to address specific individuals, akin to human names, without imitating vocalizations. This suggests elephants have complex communication methods previously thought unique to humans.
More neurotic and conscientious individuals tend to feel stronger attachment to pets
Higher neuroticism, conscientiousness, being female, over 50, a dog owner, or a parent are associated with stronger pet attachment, new research has found.
Caring for pets linked to greater empathy in men
Men who own pets show significantly higher levels of empathy towards animals compared to farmers and non-pet owners, highlighting the potential impact of personal and emotional connections with pets.
