Tag Archives: Abilities

Brainless Single-Celled Organisms Exhibit Pavlovian Learning Abilities

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Stentor coeruleus – A remarkable single-celled organism

Melba Photo Agency / Alamy

Recent studies showcase that single-celled organisms, devoid of brains or neurons, can exhibit forms of advanced learning.

The most basic learning type is called habituation, where an organism gradually reduces its response to non-threatening stimuli like sounds or smells. This process is observed across various species, including animals and even plants. Habituation has also been demonstrated in some protists—complex eukaryotic cells that typically exist as unicellular organisms. For example, the trumpet-shaped blue spot stentor and slime mold poly skull.

Moving beyond habituation, associative learning evaluates how organisms connect multiple stimuli and predict events based on previous experiences. This concept was famously demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov, who showed that dogs could associate the sound of a bell with food, resulting in salivation at the mere sound.

Recently, Sam Gershman from Harvard University and his team utilized similar conditioning experiments to reveal that Stentor, a freshwater organism, is also capable of associative learning.

The stunning Stentor lives in freshwater habitats, using fine hair-like structures called cilia to navigate. Measuring up to 2 millimeters in length, it stands out among unicellular organisms. One end features a holdfast for surface attachment, while the opposite end has a trumpet-like feeding structure.


“When attached to a surface, Stentor primarily filters food from water. However, when disturbed, it retracts into a ball, making it temporarily unable to eat, which presents an ecological advantage,” Gershman notes.

To study Stentor’s learning capabilities, researchers conducted experiments by tapping the bottom of a Petri dish containing Stentor cultures. Most organisms initially contracted rapidly in response to loud taps, but this behavior diminished with repeated stimulation, indicating a form of habituation.

In subsequent experiments, the researchers introduced a weak tap followed by a strong tap. Typically, few microorganisms responded to the weak stimulus alone. However, the paired taps, executed every 45 seconds, gave Stentor sufficient time to re-extend, demonstrating associative learning over multiple trials.

After conducting over 10 trials, researchers noted an increased and then decreased probability of contraction following the weak tap, indicating a nuanced form of learning. “The observed pattern in the contraction rate signals a depth of cognitive ability previously underestimated in such simple organisms,” asserts Gershman.

The findings suggest that Stentor may be the first known protist capable of associative learning by linking weak and strong stimuli. “This raises compelling questions about the cognitive abilities of seemingly simple organisms compared to more complex multicellular entities,” adds Gershman.

Moreover, these revelations imply that associative learning could have ancient evolutionary roots, predating the emergence of complex nervous systems by millions of years. It echoes the way neurons in multicellular organisms learn through stimuli, drawing connections independent of synaptic changes, as described in previous research (here).

“The capacity of a single cell to perform complex tasks, once thought exclusive to organisms with brains, is quite remarkable,” concludes Shashank Shekhar of Emory University, who demonstrated Stentor’s ability to aggregate in short-lived groups for more efficient feeding.

“I suspect that other unicellular organisms may also possess similar associative learning capabilities,” he remarks. “Once such abilities arise, they may become prevalent across various organisms.”

While the mechanisms behind Stentor’s learning remain to be fully understood, Gershman posits that it may involve specific receptors allowing calcium influx, altering the internal voltage response to touch and thus influencing contraction behavior. Over time, repeated stimulation may modify these receptors, functioning as molecular switches to curtail contraction.

Topics:

  • Neuroscience /
  • Microbiology

Source: www.newscientist.com

New Research Unveils How Bird Watching Enhances Brain Function and Boosts Cognitive Abilities

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Becoming a birdwatching expert transcends mere hobby; it’s a transformative activity that can significantly enhance brain structure and function. Recent studies reveal that engaging in birdwatching may promote cognitive improvements, even as we age.

In a study conducted in Canada with 58 participants, brain imaging showed that expert birdwatchers exhibited increased tissue density in regions linked to attention and perception compared to novices. This heightened density suggests enhanced communication between neurons, which correlated with superior bird identification skills.

These groundbreaking findings were published on Monday in the Journal of Neuroscience.

Lead author Eric Wing, while a postdoctoral fellow at the Rotman Institute of Baycrest Academy of Research and Education in Toronto, states, “Our brains are incredibly malleable.”

Learning a new skill triggers neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself. While previous research has focused on professionals like athletes and musicians, Wing’s team aimed to study birdwatchers due to the unique cognitive challenges birdwatching presents.

“Birdwatching combines fine discrimination, visual searching, environmental attention, movement sensitivity, and intricate pattern detection,” Wing explained. “It also requires recalling what we’ve seen and comparing it to internal cognitive templates.” He is now a researcher at York University in Toronto.

MRI Scans Reveal Brain Differences

The study included 29 expert birdwatchers aged 24 to 75, recruited from organizations like the Toronto Ornithological Club and Ontario Field Ornithologists. Novices ranged from 22 to 79 and were from similar outdoor or hiking clubs.

While some participants had decades of birdwatching experience, expertise was assessed through screening tests rather than time spent birding.

During a bird matching task, experts demonstrated superior accuracy in identifying both local and exotic bird species compared to novices.

Surprisingly, Wing noted distinct neurological activity among the expert birdwatchers.

The researchers employed two types of MRI scans—diffusion and functional—to assess the participants’ brains.

Diffusion MRI revealed greater density in brain areas involved in working memory, spatial awareness, and object recognition among experts.

Functional MRI data highlighted active regions in expert brains during bird-matching tasks, especially when identifying unfamiliar species.

“These findings offer insights into the significance of these brain regions in developing expertise,” Wing noted. “Such skills are crucial for recognizing new and unidentified bird species.”

Cognitive Benefits for Older Birdwatchers

Experts showed structural brain differences irrespective of age. Though this study doesn’t definitively prove birdwatching prevents cognitive decline, it does suggest potential benefits for brain health in older adults, according to Molly Mather, a clinical psychologist from the Meshulam Institute for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.

“As populations age in the U.S. and globally, we lack treatments to halt or reverse aging and Alzheimer’s-related changes,” Mather, who wasn’t involved in the study, emphasized. “Establishing a scientific basis for recommendations is invaluable.”

Mather noted a chicken-and-egg dilemma in this study: Do brain differences stem from birdwatching, or do individuals with certain neural traits become adept birdwatchers?

Moreover, participants were drawn from active outdoor groups, potentially reflecting healthier lifestyles.

Benefits of Nature Engagement

Benjamin Katz, an associate professor at Virginia Tech’s Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, pointed out that other factors in birding could enhance brain health. Immersion in nature boosts alertness, walking mitigates cognitive decline risk, and social interactions might expedite processing speed.

“Birdwatching isn’t a one-dimensional activity,” Katz, also not part of the study, remarked. “Numerous cognitive factors are involved.”

Katz urged that future research should track novice birdwatchers over time to observe potential brain changes as they gain expertise.

“We lack clarity on baseline differences,” he pointed out. “Long-term data is essential for strong conclusions regarding the impacts of birding.”

The study authors suggested their methodology could explore brain reorganization related to other complex skills.

“Our passions and experiences, especially those cultivated over countless hours or years, leave a lasting imprint on our brains,” Wing concluded. “Identifying ways to leverage this accumulated knowledge can bolster cognitive function.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

These Plants Exhibit Remarkable Mathematical Abilities

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Can plants count from 1 to 10 using their root tendrils? No. However, researchers have discovered that some plants possess the fascinating ability to detect insect intruders and monitor their own food supply, allowing them to perform basic counting and mathematics.

Take, for instance, Venus flytraps, which are renowned for snapping shut when they detect movement from an insect or other triggers. Interestingly, this is only activated if the object moves twice within a time frame of approximately 15-20 seconds.

These movements are captured by delicate “trigger” hairs on the leaves, which convert the sensory input into electrical signals that travel through the plant as waves of charged atoms (ions). The leaves then close upon receiving two triggering electrical signals.

Additionally, a group of international scientists noted in a 2016 exhibition that Venus flytraps can tally multiple counts before reacting.

They wait to receive a minimum of three electrical signals before producing the necessary enzymes to digest their prey, potentially to avoid wasting energy on false alarms.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/09/Venus-fly-trap-vid.m4v
Venus flytraps pause to sense their prey’s movement before closing and secreting digestive juices.

Even prior to this finding, scientists had proposed that the mustard plant (Arabidopsis), a common research subject, exhibits behaviors akin to division.

During daylight hours, plants harness sunlight to accumulate food stores (starches) through photosynthesis.

To sustain themselves overnight, they must establish a balanced starch consumption rate (starch divided by time) by gauging the starch stored in their leaves alongside their circadian rhythms.

Experts caution against labeling these unique counting abilities as “intelligent” or indicative of a primitive brain structure; instead, they are vital survival mechanisms that demonstrate remarkable sophistication.

This article answers a query posed by Llewi Evans from Monmouthshire.

Feel free to send your questions via email Question @sciencefocus.com or Message Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram Page (please include your name and location).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The incredible abilities of pigeons: Why it’s time to appreciate and embrace these amazing birds

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“Hello again!” Pigeons remember individual human faces

Martin Parr/Magnum Photo

Recently, when I was walking in the park with some friends, they pointed out the pigeons and told me I was looking at their favorite bird. I couldn’t believe it. Pigeon? That winged pest? My friend responded with this perverse logic. It makes a lot of sense that pigeons are our favorite birds because they’re always fun.

I was momentarily confused and wondered if anyone could really be so obsessed with pigeons. As it turns out, the joke was on me. I talked to other friends and co-workers, and a surprising number of them loved the humble Pidge. one new scientist An anonymous colleague confessed to having a secret dove tattoo. I also saw a news report that A couple with their adopted pigeon sleeping on their bed.

After doing a little reading, I found that pigeons have a lot to recommend. In addition to their well-known homing abilities, they are intelligent to say the least. Although they are not mammals, they do produce a type of milk. They kiss each other and praise themselves after sex, recognize individual people (And you can remember the person who was mean to you). All this put together made me think that I might be able to love this seemingly ordinary bird after all. So, armed with curiosity and a bag of oatmeal, I set out to do just that.

A little bird watching

I wanted to conduct my research with at least a sense of scientific integrity, so I came up with the idea of ​​an “experiment.” First of all, I…

Source: www.newscientist.com

The discovery of new adrenal cells enhances parenting abilities in mice

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During evolution, new types of cells emerge and perform new functions, resulting in changes in animals. Scientists study the origin and development of these new cell types to understand how they affect the animal’s bodily functions, structure, or behavior.

Scientists previously Mammalian ancestors Mammals live solitary lives, and parental care of young has developed over time in some mammalian groups. A research team led by scientists from Columbia University in New York recently used two closely related mouse species to elucidate how parental care evolved in mammals. The first species, the Asian goshawk, is monogamous and displays strong parenting behaviors, including grooming, herding, and retrieving young that have strayed from their nests. The second species, the deer mouse, is promiscuous and does not display parenting behaviors. The researchers aimed to investigate the genetic drivers of parental care in Asian goshawks.

They performed their experiments on two small clusters of cells located in the top part of each kidney. Adrenal glands These glands produce fat hormones, Steroid hormones Once produced, it immediately affects bodily function. The researchers found that the adrenal glands of monogamous Oldfield mice were six times heavier than those of promiscuous deer mice, an unexpectedly large size difference for such closely related species. When the researchers examined the tissue composition of both glands, they realized that the larger adrenal glands of Oldfield mice were due to larger and more numerous adrenal cells.

To look for molecular differences between the adrenal glands of the two mouse strains, the team studied the RNA molecules in their glands. RNA molecules copy genetic instructions from DNA and carry out the functions of genes. By counting and comparing the types and amounts of RNA molecules in the adrenal glands, the scientists hoped to understand how the adrenal glands functioned differently. They took adrenal tissue from adult mice, broke it down to release the RNA, and counted that RNA. They looked for differences in the amount of RNA, called ribosomal RNA. Akrc18 This level was 3,200 times higher in Oldfield mice than in deer mice, a difference that led the researchers to wonder whether this RNA might be related to the parental behavior seen in Oldfield mice.

The researchers, Akrc18 It produces steroid hormones. Steroid hormones affect parental behavior, so the team tested whether the hormone had an effect on mice. They gave Oldfield mice a single dose of the hormone and measured their parental behavior 20 hours later. They observed that these mice groomed and cuddled their pups longer, brought them back to their nests more frequently, and built stronger nests. In deer mice, which don’t normally show parental behavior, 17% of the injected mice groomed and brought back their pups. From these results, the scientists concluded that the hormone shapes the parental behavior of Oldfield mice.

The researchers also explained that mate bonding is an important aspect of monogamy. To understand partner choice, the researchers measured how long mice huddled with their partners compared to opposite-sex mice of the same species. They found that monogamous Oldfield mice huddled three times longer with their partners than with new individuals, whereas promiscuous deer mice huddled neither with their partners nor with strangers. Injecting the Akrc18 steroid hormone did not change these preferences, suggesting that the hormone only affected parenting behavior and not pair bonding.

The research team found that Oldfield mice had larger adrenal glands and that Akrc18 RNA production was related. To test whether the adrenal glands of the two mouse species had different cell types, the researchers used the RNA from the adrenal glands of both mice that they had previously counted. They used computational methods to search for specific RNAs in the cells and identify what cell types were present. They found that nearly all cell types were shared between the two species, except for one type that was present in Oldfield mice but not in deer mice.

Also, Akrc18 RNA was the most abundant element in these new cells. The researchers examined the structure and composition of the tissue and observed these cells lining the adrenal glands of wolf mice, which are absent in deer mice. The researchers suggested that these cell types may have evolved from existing adrenal cells by increasing production of steroid hormones and related genes. The researchers concluded that the parenting behavior of wolf mice is linked to this new type of cell in the adrenal glands.


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Source: sciworthy.com

Can mind-machine implants improve human abilities?

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I lost to a cyborg. When I played the online game WebGrid, using my finger on my laptop’s trackpad to click squares that appear unpredictably on a grid, I was able to beat him at 42 beats per minute. When Noland Arbaugh, a self-described cyborg, played the game, using a chip implanted in his brain to send telepathic signals to a computer, his speed was 49.

Arbaugh was paralyzed from the neck down in 2016. In January, he became the first person to be surgically implanted with a chip made by Neuralink, a company founded by Elon Musk. Since then, Arbaugh has been able to use his mind to control his phone and computer, surf the web, and play games. civilization And chess.

But Neuralink is not the only company using brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to blend the human brain with machines. Thanks to a series of trials, many people paralyzed by spinal cord injuries, strokes and movement disorders are regaining lost abilities. These successes have surprised some researchers, says Jamie Henderson, a neurosurgeon at Stanford University in California. “It’s been an incredible advance.”

Where that will take us remains to be seen. Musk recently mused about developing bionic implants that could compete with artificial superintelligence. Others see deeper implications: “In the future, we will be able to manipulate human perception, memory, behavior and identity,” says Rafael Yuste of Columbia University in New York.

But while BCIs are undoubtedly impressive, as Arbaugh’s WebGrid scores show, the relationship between brain activity, thoughts, and behavior is incredibly complex. Memory…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Here’s why people who stay up late tend to have better cognitive abilities than those who rise early

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Struggle to wake up in the morning? Feel more alert as the day goes on? Have more energy in the evenings? You might be an “evening” chronotype, meaning your body clock is most active later in the day.

Scientists have linked being a night owl to negative outcomes like higher chances of depression and displaying Dark Triad personality traits. However, a new British study shows that evening chronotypes may have superior cognitive function compared to morning types.

Respecting your natural body clock, managing light exposure, prioritizing sleep, and using naps wisely can help night owls thrive in a world that often favors early risers.

Honor your chronotype

It’s essential to honor your evening tendencies as they reflect your biological characteristics. Certain genetic factors and age play a role in determining your sleep preferences.

Exposure to light can change your body clock

Getting sunlight in the morning and avoiding it later in the day can help align your body clock. Blue light exposure should also be limited, especially at night, to support healthy sleep patterns.

Make sure you get enough sleep

Respecting your chronotype is crucial for overall health and well-being. Lack of sleep, stress, and a misaligned body clock can lead to various health problems in the long term.

Use naps wisely

Short naps taken in the late morning or early afternoon can improve performance later in the day. The coffee-nap trick, where you drink a cup of coffee before a short nap, can help you wake up feeling refreshed and alert.

By following these strategies, night owls can thrive in a world that often prioritizes morning routines and early risers.

About our experts

Professor Russell Foster is a Director at the Nuffield Institute of Ophthalmology and the Institute of Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience at the University of Oxford.

Professor Martha Mellow is a researcher in molecular chronobiology at the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Study indicates that women’s cognitive abilities may enhance during menstruation

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According to a bold study, women might excel at certain cognitive tasks during their menstrual period. New Research from University College London (UCL) and the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH) sheds light on this phenomenon.

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Neuropsychology, this study is the first of its kind to explore sports-related cognition throughout different phases of the menstrual cycle.

The study involved 241 participants who underwent various cognitive tests simulating mental processes relevant in team sports, such as recognizing expressions, attention, reaction time, and spatial awareness.

Participants also used a menstrual cycle tracking app to determine their phase during the testing period.

Surprisingly, contrary to their expectations, participants demonstrated faster reaction times and lower error rates during their period. For instance, their timing accuracy during a task improved by 10 milliseconds on average (12%) compared to other times.

Lead study author Dr. Flaminia Ronca from UCL Department of Surgery and Interventional Science and ISEH noted that the findings challenge assumptions about women’s capabilities during menstruation.

Conversely, during the luteal phase, participants showed slightly slower reaction times but maintained consistent error rates.

The authors highlighted that even a small difference of 10 milliseconds could impact performance outcomes significantly.

Dr. Megan Lawley, another author of the study, emphasized the importance of further research in understanding how women’s cognitive abilities affect athletic performance at different menstrual cycle stages.

About the Experts

Flaminia Ronca: Associate Professor in the Department of Targeted Interventions at UCL, with research interests in body-brain interaction through movement.

Megan Lawley: Senior Sports Scientist specializing in female athlete health and previously involved in research on athlete performance factors at UK Sport and Bangor University.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Study suggests women experience enhanced cognitive abilities during menstruation

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A recent study suggests that women may have improved cognitive performance during their menstrual cycle. The research conducted by University College London (UCL) and the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH) sheds light on this phenomenon.

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Neuropsychology, this study is the first to analyze sports-related cognition throughout the menstrual cycle phases.

241 participants took cognitive tests simulating mental processes common in team sports, such as recognizing emotions, attention, reaction time, and spatial awareness.

Participants also tracked their menstrual cycle using an app to identify their phase during testing. Surprisingly, participants performed better in reaction time and made fewer errors during menstruation, contrary to their expectations.

For example, their timing accuracy in a ball collision task was 10 milliseconds better during menstruation. Similarly, their error rates were 25% lower in an inhibition task involving smiles and winks.

Lead researcher Dr. Flaminia Ronca from UCL Department of Surgery and ISEH noted the unexpected performance enhancement during menstruation.

During the luteal phase, reaction times slightly decreased, but error rates remained stable. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding how menstrual cycle phases impact cognitive abilities in sports performance.

Co-author Dr. Megan Lawley highlights the need for more research in this area to improve performance discussions between coaches and athletes.

About the Experts

Flaminia Ronca, an Associate Professor at UCL, focuses on the body-brain interaction through movement in her research. She is also a leader at UCL’s Movement Neuroscience Research Group (ENRG).

Megan Lawley, a Senior Sports Scientist, specializes in female athlete health and performance factors. Her previous research at UK Sport and Bangor University delved into the complexities of athletes’ success in high-performance environments.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Surprising Noisemaking Abilities of Tiny Fish

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Danionella celebraum male fish

Ralph Blitz/Senkenberg Dresden

One of the world’s smallest fish, measuring just 12 millimeters long, it can make a sound as loud as a firecracker at more than 140 decibels.

Danionella cerebrum It is a small fish that lives in small rivers along the Bago Yoma Mountains in Myanmar.it is smallest known brain of all vertebrates in the world.

“We study this fish primarily for neuroscience because it’s so small and transparent,” he says. verity cook Charité, Faculty of Medicine, University of Berlin, Germany. But the fish are so loud, she says, that she can hear the pulsating sound just by walking in front of the tank.

To investigate how these tiny fish make this sound, Cook and his colleagues gathered groups of three or four fish into small tanks and shot high-speed video.

When a fish makes a sound, the ribs next to the swim bladder (organs that control the buoyancy of the swim bladder) are pulled by special muscles into a small hollowed cartilage area.

“There’s a lot of tension in this contraction,” Cook said. “When it is released rapidly, [the rib] When you hit the swim bladder, it makes a drum sound. “

Based on gene expression analysis, these specialized muscles are more resistant to fatigue than other muscles in the fish, and are therefore able to produce more hits in a row.

It’s unclear why these fish make so much noise. D. cerebrum They typically live in murky, murky waters and may have evolved this behavior to help find each other when visibility is poor, Dr Cook said.

“But the fact that only males make sounds suggests that it is related to aggressive behavior towards other males and mating behavior with females,” she says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com