Leucotina punctata

<p>The outlook for the endangered purple cauliflower soft coral, Dendronephthya australis, endemic to southeastern Australia, has been bleak. Over the past three years, there has been a concerning loss of coral aggregations in the Port Stephens estuary, historically its largest habitat.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This species is not only vital in its own right, as one of the Federal Government's 100 priority species on the Threatened Species Strategy, but also serves as an essential habitat for other species, most notably the Endangered White’s seahorse and baby snapper.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-hope-for-the-corals">New hope for the corals</h2>



<p>A study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-023-04298-x">Marine Biology</a> offers a glimmer of hope for the endangered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/corals-have-a-vegetarian-side-that-keeps-them-alive-in-nutrient-poor-areas/">corals</a>. The research reveals new insights into the reproductive life of this coral species, offering hope for its future survival.</p>



<p>The lead researcher, <a href="https://www.scu.edu.au/">Southern Cross University</a> PhD candidate Meryl Larkin, said the paper was a welcome turnaround from her earlier work, which showed how badly the species had been decimated by shifts in sediment and La Niña flood events.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our discoveries open new doors for conservation strategies, including potential restoration efforts,” she said. “It has given us real hope we can keep this coral off the extinction list.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-reproduction-of-corals-nbsp">Understanding the reproduction of corals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Corals can reproduce both sexually and asexually, with some being hermaphroditic or distinctly male and female. Before this study, the reproductive dynamics of Dendronephthya australis remained a mystery.</p>



<p>Larkin utilized diverse methods, from histological analyses of fresh specimens to lab-based studies. She was conducting lab work at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute when she observed, for the first time, eggs and sperm within coral fragments from different colonies, indicating the existence of separate male and female colonies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-in-the-lab">Breakthrough in the lab</h2>



<p>Larkin then achieved a pioneering feat - successfully developing IVF methods for the coral, achieving larval settlement in a lab, and reintroducing coral babies back into the wild where they continue to thrive.</p>



<p>“This was a major step forward in the prospect of recovery by the species because, from just a few remaining colonies, we were able to produce hundreds of new individual corals,” said Larkin.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>She noted that the findings could be used to support the growth of wild populations and create new coral colonies to repopulate areas of habitat where they previously flourished.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Larkin’s research, sponsored by Southern Cross University and the NSW Department of Primary Industries, highlights the vital importance of understanding reproductive processes and early life stages to grasp the dynamics of a species.</p>



<p>“Reproduction and early life stages are fundamental for understanding the dynamics of any species, particularly marine invertebrates,” said Larkin. “These stages are essential for population establishment and growth, and understanding them helps us identify threats and extinction risks.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-purple-cauliflower-soft-coral">More about the purple cauliflower soft coral</h2>



<p>The purple cauliflower soft coral is aptly named for its distinctive appearance, resembling the branching, clustered look of cauliflower, tinged with a purple hue.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike hard corals that build reefs with their calcium carbonate skeletons, soft corals possess a more flexible structure, which often gives them a more fluid, tree-like appearance underwater.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat">Habitat</h3>



<p>Endemic to south-eastern Australia, the largest populations of the purple cauliflower soft coral have been historically found in the Port Stephens estuary in New South Wales. Here, they thrive in estuarine environments, preferring areas with strong tidal flows that bring in ample nutrients.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-importance">Ecological Importance</h3>



<p>The soft coral plays a pivotal role in its ecosystem. Not only does it contribute to the biodiversity of its marine habitat, but it also offers shelter and a breeding ground for various marine species. In such roles, it supports the larger marine food web and helps maintain ecological balance.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-status">Conservation status</h3>



<p>Dendronephthya australis is one of the 100 priority species listed on the Federal Government’s Threatened Species Strategy. Over recent years, the coral has experienced a significant decline, especially in the Port Stephens estuary where there has been a complete loss of aggregations (clusters of colonies).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Factors contributing to its decline include shifts in sediment, La Niña flood events, and potentially other human-induced stressors like pollution and habitat destruction.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproductive-strategies">Reproductive strategies</h3>



<p>Coral reproduction is a fascinating and complex subject. The recent groundbreaking research led by Meryl Larkin has unveiled some mysteries of the Dendronephthya australis's reproductive life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study revealed that these corals have distinct male and female colonies - a fact unknown before this research. Understanding the reproductive strategies of such corals is crucial for their conservation, as it opens doors to potential restoration efforts.</p>



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Understanding the sex lives of endangered soft corals could save them

The outlook for the endangered purple cauliflower soft coral, Dendronephthya...

Spider,Web,Or,Cobweb,With,Water,Drops,After,Rain,Against

<p>Scientists have successfully synthesized spider silk using genetically modified silkworms, creating fibers with a toughness six times superior to that of Kevlar, a material prominently used in bulletproof vests. </p>



<p>This revolutionary work is the first to fabricate full-length spider silk proteins through silkworms, presenting a methodology that might give rise to an eco-friendly substitute to prevalent synthetic commercial fibers such as nylon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-synthetic-fiber-issues">Tackling synthetic fiber issues</h2>



<p>Synthetic fibers like nylon have been widely used, but they pose environmental concerns due to their ability to release detrimental microplastics and their production from fossil fuels leading to greenhouse gas emissions. </p>



<p>Scientists, therefore, have been exploring spider <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-silk-can-help-human-cells-kill-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silk</a> as a sustainable alternative, given its exceptional mechanical properties and potential applications in various fields like medical sutures, textiles, military, aerospace technology, and biomedical engineering.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovating-spider-silk-production">Innovating spider silk production</h2>



<p>Silkworm silk is the only large-scale commercialized animal silk fiber, with proven rearing techniques. Junpeng Mi, a PhD candidate at the College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering at <a href="https://english.dhu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donghua University</a>, reveals that utilizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Spider-Silk-fibers_transgenic-silkworms_CREDIT-Junpeng-Mi_1medium-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetically modified silkworms </a>opens avenues for the low-cost, mass commercialization of spider silk fibers. </p>



<p>This alternative is not just innovative but solves persistent issues in spider silk synthesis, such as applying a protective “skin layer” to the silk, allowing it to endure humidity and exposure to sunlight. Genetically modified silkworms, by virtue of having a similar protective layer on their fibers, overcome this problem, making them the ideal conduit for spider silk production.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-step-in-silk-synthesis">Evolutionary step in silk synthesis</h2>



<p>To achieve the synthesis, Mi and his team integrated spider silk protein genes into the silkworm’s DNA, ensuring the expression in their glands. This intricate process involved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-created-a-transparent-squid-allowing-them-to-see-inside-while-its-still-alive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRISPR-Cas9</a> gene editing technology and countless microinjections into fertilized silkworm eggs, a step Mi described as one of the most significant challenges of the study. </p>



<p>Observing the red glow in the silkworms’ eyes under a fluorescence microscope indicated the success of gene editing, a moment of triumph and excitement for the team. Further, “localization” modifications were crucial to align the transgenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/welcome-to-the-not-so-creepy-crawly-world-of-spider-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider silk proteins</a> with proteins in the silkworm glands, ensuring the proper spinning of the fiber. </p>



<p>The team also proposed a “minimal basic structure model” of silkworm silk to guide these modifications, a concept that Mi emphasizes as a crucial shift from previous research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-with-engineered-spider-silk">Future with engineered spider silk</h2>



<p>Junpeng Mi foresees the application of insights gained from this study to further enhance the toughness and strength of spider silk fibers by developing genetically modified silkworms capable of producing spider silk fibers from both natural and engineered amino acids. </p>



<p>This introduces the possibility of over one hundred engineered amino acids, unveiling immense potential for the development of engineered spider silk fibers.</p>



<p>Mi is confident about the potential for large-scale commercialization of this innovation, promising a sustainable and versatile material that could revolutionize industries, offering solutions ranging from more comfortable clothing and advanced bulletproof vests to medical sutures catering to global demand exceeding 300 million procedures annually.</p>



<p>In summary, this pioneering research marks a significant leap towards environmentally friendly and sustainable material production, confronting the ecological drawbacks of synthetic fibers. It paves the way for extensive applications, impacting numerous domains, reinforcing the potential of bioengineered products in addressing modern-day challenges. </p>



<p>As scientists venture deeper into the realms of spider silk synthesis, the anticipation of more discoveries and innovations in this domain holds promise for a future where sustainability and technology converge.</p>



<p>More about spider silk </p>



<p>The complete study is available in the <a href="https://www.cell.com/matter/fulltext/S2590-2385(23)00421-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Matter</a>.</p>



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Spider silk produced by genetically modified silkworms is 6x stronger than Kevlar

Scientists have successfully synthesized spider silk using genetically modified silkworms,...

<p>The worldwide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-rhino-day-celebrating-and-protecting-the-magnificent-rhinoceros/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rhino</a> population is displaying a remarkable resurgence, with the latest data revealing an increase to approximately 27,000 individuals despite the persistent threats of poaching and habitat degradation. This rebound marks the first comeback for some species in over a decade.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-context">Historical context</h2>



<p>At the pinnacle of the 20th century, around 500,000 rhinos roamed across the landscapes of Africa and Asia. Sadly, their numbers have seen drastic reductions since then, primarily due to human activities. </p>



<p>A glimmer of hope emerged last year when populations in certain regions started showing signs of recovery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-rhino-population-trend">Positive rhino population trend</h2>



<p>Statistics released by the <a href="https://rhinos.org/our-work/research-and-publications/afrsg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN African Rhino Specialist Group</a> reported a global rhinoceros population of around 27,000 at the conclusion of 2022, indicating a hopeful trend. Specifically, the southern white rhinos experienced growth for the first time since 2012, rising from 15,942 at the end of 2021 to 16,803. </p>



<p>Additionally, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-majestic-and-endangered-black-rhinoceros-past-present-and-unknown-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black rhinos</a>, native to east and southern Africa, where poaching for their horns severely decreased their numbers, also improved by approximately 5%, going from 6,195 to 6,487 over the past year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-pay-off">Conservation efforts pay off</h2>



<p>Efforts by conservationists to establish new populations significantly contributed to this population surge. </p>



<p>Dr Michael Knight, the chair of the IUCN rhino group, emphasized the importance of building on these positive developments and remaining vigilant, stating, “With this good news, we can take a sigh of relief for the first time in a decade."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-situation-for-javan-and-sumatran-rhinos">Critical situation for Javan and Sumatran rhinos</h2>



<p>However, not all species are faring well. The Javan and Sumatran rhinos remain critically endangered and in grave risk of extinction, with their numbers continuing to decline steadily. </p>



<p>Some estimates suggest as few as 34 Sumatran rhinos remain, often located in isolated forest patches, hampering their ability to mate and reproduce.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-response-and-challenges">International response and challenges</h2>



<p>The international community continues to rally around conservation efforts, with Dr Jo Shaw, the CEO of Save the Rhino International, reaffirming a commitment to the future of all five rhino species. However, challenges persist, particularly in Africa, where rhino deaths increased in 2022. </p>



<p>There is also concern over the stable but threatened population of greater one-horned rhinos in India and Nepal, where habitat loss and poaching continue to be substantial issues. Illicit activities have also been reported in the <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/608/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ujung Kulon National Park</a> in Indonesia, home to all 76 of the existing Javan rhinos.</p>



<p>In summary, the rising numbers of several rhino species are a testament to the relentless efforts of conservationists and international cooperation. However, this progress is fragile and underscores the imperative to intensify conservation efforts, particularly for the critically endangered Javan and Sumatran rhinos. </p>



<p>Sustained vigilance, combined with innovative conservation strategies and robust international support, will be paramount in ensuring the long-term survival and flourishing of these majestic creatures.</p>



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Global rhino population numbers slowly rebound

The worldwide rhino population is displaying a remarkable resurgence, with...

Spiny,Crayfish,With,Nippers,Raised

<p>The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of New South Wales confirmed on Friday that the crayfish kill of numerous giant spiny crayfish in the Blue Mountains last month resulted from contamination by an insecticide, bifenthrin. </p>



<p>This revelation follows a gruesome discovery by a tour guide who found up to 1,000 dead and dying crayfish in a tributary of Hazelbrook Creek, near Horseshoe Falls, revealing the disturbing impact of pollution on marine life in the region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-and-investigation">Discovery and investigation</h2>



<p>The contaminated tributary is located next to a predominantly residential area of Hazelbrook town and drains a sub catchment. Suspecting a pollutant as the cause, the <a href="https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPA</a> cooperated with the Blue Mountains city council staff to trace the source of the contamination. </p>



<p>Crayfish carcasses underwent extensive analysis at an EPA laboratory in Lidcombe where detailed tests revealed the presence of bifenthrin in the water, sediment, and crayfish samples from the tainted creek.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-bifenthrin">The role of bifenthrin</h2>



<p>Bifenthrin is a common insecticide employed for controlling various pests such as termites, spiders, ants, and cockroaches. Despite its widespread use, it poses severe risks to crayfish and other marine species. </p>



<p>It is worth noting that the EPA has absolved glyphosate and other herbicides, used by the Blue Mountains city council, from being the causes of the crayfish deaths and clarified that the council is not under investigation in the ongoing inquiry to find the contamination source.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crayfish-kill-impacts-on-biodiversity">Crayfish kill impacts on biodiversity</h2>



<p>This is not the first instance of pollution affecting giant spiny crayfish in the area. In 2012, bifenthrin contamination in Jamison Creek near the World Heritage-listed Wentworth Falls caused the largest-ever mass crayfish kill recorded. </p>



<p>The contamination, which infiltrated the creek through stormwater drains, decimated other macroinvertebrates and severely impaired aquatic biodiversity, plummeting the number of taxonomic families in the creek from 22 to three.</p>



<p>Giant spiny crayfish, native to Australia, face existential threats from pesticides, runoff, and habitat loss, and trapping them in the Blue Mountains’ swamps or waterways is prohibited. These incidents underscore the urgent need for stringent measures to preserve these unique creatures and the overall biodiversity of the region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calls-for-responsibility-and-caution">Calls for responsibility and caution</h2>



<p>The acting Chief Executive of the <a href="https://www.nature.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales</a>, Brad Smith, emphasized the ramifications of this incident, remarking that it serves as “a reminder about how careful businesses and residents need to be with chemicals, especially around waterways”. </p>



<p>Smith stresses the collective responsibility, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like the Blue Mountains, to protect the region’s precious world heritage. The Nature Conservation Council is eager for the EPA to pinpoint the source of this devastating spill, highlighting the crucial role of vigilance and responsibility in preventing such environmental catastrophes.</p>



<p>In summary, the EPA’s findings bring to light the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the profound impact human activities can have on the environment, serving as a stark reminder of the caution needed in handling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omega-3-oil-may-help-protect-pollinators-from-pesticides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a>, particularly near water bodies. </p>



<p>The pursuit to uncover the contamination source is crucial, not only to prevent further loss of aquatic life but also to uphold the integrity of the ecological sanctuaries such as the Blue Mountains.</p>



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Insecticide responsible for major crayfish kill in Australia

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of New South Wales confirmed...

<p>The long-held belief that jellyfish are simple creatures with limited cognitive abilities has been dramatically overturned.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A new study from the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> reveals that Caribbean box jellyfish are far more advanced than previously thought, displaying complex learning abilities despite their rudimentary nervous systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-so-simple-nbsp">Not so simple&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While jellyfish have inhabited our planet for over 500 million years, their reputation has mostly been that of uncomplicated beings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This notion has been largely based on their primitive nervous systems, particularly when compared to organisms with advanced centralized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nutrition-for-neurons-the-role-of-breast-milk-in-shaping-our-brains/">brains</a>. The research, however, challenges this perspective.</p>



<p>"It was once presumed that jellyfish can only manage the simplest forms of learning, including habituation – i.e., the ability to get used to a certain stimulation, such as a constant sound or constant touch," said study co-author Professor Anders Garm.</p>



<p>"Now, we see that jellyfish have a much more refined ability to learn, and that they can actually learn from their mistakes. And in doing so, modify their behavior."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The focus of this research was the Caribbean box jellyfish, Tripedalia cystophora. Despite having only about a thousand nerve cells, these jellyfish displayed sophisticated learning mechanisms that allowed them to adapt their behavior based on experiences. Remarkably, they achieve this advanced learning at a rate similar to that of fruit flies and mice.</p>



<p>The team's experiments highlighted how these jellyfish use visual contrasts to gauge their distance from mangrove roots, enabling them to avoid potential harm.&nbsp;</p>



<p>What's even more fascinating is their ability to adjust their behavior based on changes in contrast conditions due to various environmental factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-associative-learning-nbsp">Associative learning&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Our experiments show that contrast, i.e., how dark the root is in relation to the water, is used by the jellyfish to assess distances to roots, which allows them to swim away at just the right moment. Even more interesting is that the relationship between distance and contrast changes on a daily basis due to rainwater, algae and wave action," said Professor Garm.</p>



<p>"We can see that as each new day of hunting begins, box jellyfish learn from the current contrasts by combining visual impressions and sensations during evasive maneuvers that fail."</p>



<p>"So, despite having a mere one thousand nerve cells – our brains have roughly 100 billion – they can connect temporal convergences of various impressions and learn a connection – or what we call associative learning. And they actually learn about as quickly as advanced animals like fruit flies and mice."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This research is redefining our understanding of the capabilities of simple nervous systems. It presents the intriguing idea that advanced learning might have been a fundamental evolutionary advantage from the very inception of nervous systems.</p>



<p>"For fundamental neuroscience, this is pretty big news. It provides a new perspective on what can be done with a simple nervous system. This suggests that advanced learning may have been one of the most important evolutionary benefits of the nervous system from the very beginning," said Garm.</p>



<p>Further studies are now focusing on identifying the specific nerve cells responsible for this learning in jellyfish.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This knowledge could ultimately lead to a broader understanding about memory processes across different species and might even contribute to our comprehension of complex conditions like dementia.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-supermodel-system-nbsp">A supermodel system&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team has also shown where the learning is happening in these box jellyfish. This has given them the unique opportunity to study the precise changes that occur in a nerve cell when it is involved in advanced learning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We hope that this can become a supermodel system for looking at cellular processes in the advanced learning of all sorts of animals," said Professor Garm.</p>



<p>"We are now in the process of trying to pinpoint exactly which cells are involved in learning and memory formation. Upon doing so, we will be able to go in and look at what structural and physiological changes occur in the cells as learning takes place."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-how-memory-works-nbsp">Learning how memory works&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Professor Garm said that the team will eventually look for the same mechanisms in other animals, to see if this is how memory works in general.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Understanding something as enigmatic and immensely complex as the brain is in itself an absolutely amazing thing. But there are unimaginably many useful possibilities."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"One major problem in the future will undoubtedly be various forms of dementia. I don’t claim that we are finding the cure for dementia, but if we can gain a better understanding of what memory is, which is a central problem in dementia, we may be able to lay a building block to better understand the disease and perhaps counteract it."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.056" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Current Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Jellyfish are capable of more complex learning than ever imagined

The long-held belief that jellyfish are simple creatures with limited...

<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-dogs-have-exceptional-learning-capacities/">Dogs</a> may be baffled by our slang and colloquial expressions, but their capacity to grasp human feelings and even parts of our language is remarkable.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Those who love dogs realize that these furry companions offer more than just playing fetch and pleading for snacks. They have evolved into compassionate confidants and crucial contributors to the emotional health of their owners.</p>



<p>Recently, the language tutoring company <a href="https://preply.com/">Preply</a> conducted a survey involving more than 1,000 dog owners in America to delve deeper into the interaction between humans and dogs, unveiling the complexities of their communication skills and ways of connecting with humans.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-from-the-survey-nbsp">Key insights from the survey&nbsp;</h2>



<ol>
<li>The typical American dog comprehends 18 words used by humans.</li>



<li>For one in three owners, dogs are more emotionally attuned to them than their partners.</li>



<li>77 percent of those surveyed feel their dogs truly listen to them.</li>



<li>Beyond basic commands, the word “love” tops the list of human words understood by dogs.</li>



<li>Around one-third of owners note their dogs’ excitement during FaceTime calls.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-recognizing-human-language-nbsp">Dogs recognizing human language&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The survey revealed that the average dog in America understands 18 words, a vocabulary extending beyond the usual commands. Interestingly, “love” and “happy” are among the recognized words, indicating dogs’ awareness of affectionate and positive terms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These findings add another layer to our comprehension of dogs’ cognitive abilities, suggesting that a profound emotional connection exists between dogs and humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A substantial 66 percent of those surveyed perceive their dogs more as humans than pets, showcasing the familial status of dogs in households.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-ten-words">Top ten words</h2>



<p>Here are the top 10 words that the dogs recognize (excluding widely used commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “outside” etc.):</p>



<ol>
<li>Love</li>



<li>Car</li>



<li>Cookie</li>



<li>Bye-bye</li>



<li>Baby</li>



<li>Grandma</li>



<li>Home&nbsp;</li>



<li>Ice cream</li>



<li>TV</li>



<li>Happy</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication-beyond-words-nbsp">Communication beyond words&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The essence of communication is deeply rooted in the desire for connection, which is evident in the interactions between dogs and their owners.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The survey demonstrates that communication transcends words, fostering a deep emotional understanding, acknowledged by both dog owners and language enthusiasts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeling-understood-by-canine-companions-nbsp">Feeling understood by canine companions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study reveals that dogs serve as empathetic listeners, with nearly half of the owners conversing with their dogs multiple times daily.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The frequency of these dialogues varies across genders and generations, but the outcome remains consistent – 77 percent of owners feel emotionally heard by their dogs. This indicates that dogs offer not just companionship but genuine emotional support.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unparalleled-emotional-understanding">Unparalleled emotional understanding</h2>



<p>The emotional rapport between dogs and humans is clearly unique, with dogs often providing more comfort than human partners.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A notable proportion of both male and female dog owners feel more understood by their dogs than their partners, emphasizing the extraordinary empathetic nature of our four-legged friends.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-interests-and-technological-interaction">Shared interests and technological interaction</h2>



<p>The survey also suggests that dogs are attuned to their owners’ interests and technological habits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A considerable number of dogs exhibit excitement during video calls and react positively to social media sounds, showcasing their connection to our emotional states and experiences, even in the digital realm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-active-participants-in-communication-nbsp">Active participants in communication&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Thus, the relationship between humans and dogs is significantly influenced by both spoken and emotional language.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite their inability to articulate human words or understand our colloquialisms, dogs respond to our emotions and expressions, proving they are active participants in communication rather than just passive recipients of our words.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These findings shed new light on how communication extends beyond spoken language, and could be applied in better understanding how humans learn new languages and devising novel approaches to teach linguistic skills.</p>



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Typical American dog knows 18 words, and love is at the top of the list

Dogs may be baffled by our slang and colloquial expressions,...

Beautiful,Mandrill,Portrait,Closeup,,Baboon,Monkey,With,Colorful,Face,And

<p>In an intriguing new study, researchers from the University of Bristol explored the correlation between the color vision and coloration of primates. </p>



<p>Contrary to popular belief, the study reveals that primate species with superior color vision are not necessarily more likely to exhibit red skin or fur coloration. This disrupts longstanding assumptions, suggesting the need for more nuanced explorations into the evolution of color in primates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-the-colorful-paradigm-in-primates">Redefining the colorful paradigm in primates</h2>



<p>Historically, the vividness of primates' skin and fur has been linked to their enhanced color vision. The prevalent belief postulated that the enhanced ability to discern colors, particularly in distinguishing between red and green, has facilitated the evolution of vivid color traits in primates, enabling them to communicate effectively regarding fertility or social rank within their species. </p>



<p>This advanced color visual system is generally considered to have evolved primarily to spot ripe red fruits or nutritious young red leaves among foliage easily. However, this new research has challenged this perspective, exploring the relationship between the color visual system and coloration in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-african-primates-face-multiple-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primates</a> more thoroughly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-the-spectrum">Investigating the spectrum</h2>



<p>Lead author Robert MacDonald and his team methodically analyzed various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-primate-genome-project-reveals-hidden-evolutionary-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primate species</a>, categorizing them based on their colorful traits, such as red skin on the genital region or face and red-orange fur on different parts of the body. </p>



<p>The researchers juxtaposed this color information with each species’ color visual ability, while considering factors such as diurnal or nocturnal lifestyles and the size of the social groups they inhabit. The central inquiry revolved around whether species with advanced color vision were more likely to have red coloration, with control for other potential influencing factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-the-findings">Implications of the findings</h2>



<p>MacDonald’s findings cast a shadow on the hitherto accepted notions about the evolution of color in primates, asserting that superior color vision does not necessarily correlate with colorful skin or fur. </p>



<p>“The fact that we didn't find that species with better color vision are more likely to be colorful contradicts some long-held assumptions,” states MacDonald, hinting at a potential reshaping of understanding about what colorful red skin or fur is used for in individual species.</p>



<p>This development underscores that while substantial research has investigated primate coloration, the community still lacks a comprehensive understanding of the pressures that have shaped the evolution of color in humanity’s closest relatives. </p>



<p>As MacDonald and his team dissected the association between color vision and coloration, it became evident that the utility of red skin or red-orange fur may pertain more to social communication across various primate species, even those with less developed color vision.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-relevance-of-colorful-primate-study">Broader relevance of colorful primate study</h2>



<p>While primates, compared to other mammals, are exceptions in exhibiting vibrant colorations, the varied hues within primate species serve crucial communicative roles, signaling diverse biological and social information. </p>



<p>Thus, red coloration in the primate world might have evolved not merely as a product of enhanced color vision but rather as a multifunctional tool, serving crucial roles in interspecies communication, which could be unrelated to their ability to perceive color.</p>



<p>The revelation that species with enhanced color vision are not more colorful contradicts widely held beliefs about the relationship between color vision and coloration in primates, and it calls for deeper explorations into the evolutionary pressures and benefits that have driven the development of color in these species.</p>



<p>This research, anchored by Robert MacDonald from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> and published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biolinnean/advance-article/doi/10.1093/biolinnean/blad089/7269140" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Journal of the Linnean Society</a>, unravels a novel perspective on the relation between color vision and coloration in primates, severing the perceived direct link between enhanced color vision and the development of vibrant red traits. </p>



<p>These new insights necessitate a revisit and reevaluation of existing theories, promoting a deeper understanding of the role and evolution of color within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baboons-sacrifice-sleep-to-meet-lifes-daily-demands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primate</a> species, shedding light on the myriad unknown facets of our colorful closest relatives in the animal kingdom.</p>



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Colorful primates, oddly enough, don't have great color vision

In an intriguing new study, researchers from the University of...

Leucotina punctata

Taxonomic tree: