While cat videos, selfies, and dad jokes dominate social media, Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta has added an innovative twist: all content is generated by artificial intelligence.
The founder and CEO of Meta has unveiled Vibes, a fresh feed showcasing AI-produced videos from various Meta AI applications.
With the introduction of advanced video models, discussions surrounding internet phenomena like AI “slop” (referring to bizarre, mass-produced content) have intensified. A report in August from The Guardian indicated that 10% of the fastest-growing YouTube channels exclusively feature AI-generated content.
As the technology evolves, AI-generated content is becoming increasingly prominent in consumer feeds. Google’s VEO3 model, released in May, has enabled filmmakers to produce high-quality material.
Zuckerberg, in an Instagram post, described Vibes as “a feed of expressive AI-generated videos from artists and creators.” This feature will launch in the US and over 40 other countries, although it won’t be available in the UK.
In an explanatory clip featuring an AI maid titled “Dad trying to calculate tips for a $30 lunch,” Zuckerberg received a comment from an Instagram user, “The Brothers post AI Slops to their apps.”
Additional videos shared by Zuckerberg include an Egyptian princess snapping selfies, a kitten in a custom bakery outfit kneading dough, an adorable fluffy creature, and a dog dashing through a flooded area.
In a statement introducing the Vibes Feed, Meta mentioned that users can create their content and “remix” videos with fresh visuals and music. This was illustrated in videos featuring charming animals like honey monsters riding bicycles and moose bouncing on trampolines.
While Meta has its own range of AI models called llamas, Vibe leverages video generation technologies from AI Labs Midjourney and Black Forest. I’ll post it on the thread shared by Meta’s new Chief AI Officer, Alexandre Wan.
Meta’s announcement coincides with a Harvard Business Review article addressing the rise of “Workslop,” a term for low-quality documents and presentations generated by workplace AI tools. HBR’s survey of over 1,100 full-time employees revealed that four out of ten respondents reported receiving Workslop within the past month.
Cat research is our favorite field of science (just after dog facts). We’ve compiled some of our top cat-related facts, so enjoy these 8 purrfect tidbits about our feline friends confirmed by science.
1. You can befriend your cat by blinking slowly
Studies indicate this method is effective for building a bond with your cat.
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth and the University of Sussex discovered that slow blinking mimics what are known as “cat smiles” or “slow links,” which helps foster connections between humans and cats.
“It’s wonderful to explore animal behavior and validate this form of communication between cats and their owners,” said Professor Karen McComb, who led the study at the University of Sussex’s Faculty of Psychology.
“Many cat owners have suspected this instinctively, so it’s exciting to find scientific evidence.”
Try softening your gaze with a relaxed smile and gently closing your eyes for a few seconds; you may notice your cat reciprocating and initiating some form of interaction!
The research found that owners were more likely to blink slowly after their cats did, compared to instances where there was no interaction at all.
2. One in ten pet cats suffer from separation anxiety
In a study surveying ten pet cats, it was noted that several displayed behavioral issues when temporarily separated from their owners.
Researchers focused on cats exhibiting signs of anxiety when isolated, and found that many belonged to households predominantly with women or without female residents.
The absence of toys and lack of companion animals in the home were also linked to similar behavioral issues in cats.
Owners provided details about each cat, including interaction patterns, behaviors exhibited during their absence, and the living environment of the cats.
The analysis revealed that 13.5% of cats displayed one or more traits associated with separation anxiety, with destructive behavior being the most frequently reported (20 out of 30 cats).
Other observed traits included excessive vocalization (19 cats), inappropriate urination (18 cats), aggression (11 cats), agitation (11 cats), anxious behaviors (11 cats), and inappropriate defecation (7 cats).
Significant signs of depression, such as lethargy and loss of interest, were documented in 16 cats with anxiety-related problems.
3. Your cat truly loves you
While food may be the initial bond between humans and cats, it doesn’t mean they see you merely as a can opener.
Chemical analysis of ancient cat bones from 5,300 years ago in China shows that these felines were rodent hunters in grain storage areas, indicating a mutual relationship as both provided shelter and pest control.
Over time, especially in Western culture, the bond became more affectionate, hinting at something deeper than simple food dependency.
Much like dogs, cats also exhibit behaviors that indicate attachment, such as bringing home prey or engaging in playful interactions. These actions go beyond mere survival; they’re expressions of familial affection.
A September 2019 study suggested that cats show “secure attachment” traits similar to those found in dogs, where the presence of human caregivers fosters feelings of security and calm.
Furthermore, studies suggest that when a cat snuggles up to you, the same brain hormones are triggered as when we’re around our loved ones. It seems that cats might just rival dogs for the title of “human’s best friend.”
4. Cats can sense an approaching thunderstorm
Cats, along with many other animals, possess heightened sensitivity to sounds, smells, and changes in atmospheric pressure, allowing them to detect storms before humans do.
Before a storm, a cat’s inner ear can sense drops in atmospheric pressure, and they may associate this with impending rain. They may even hear distant thunder or detect scents of rain or ozone, which is produced by lightning and has a characteristic metallic aroma.
5. Cats love boxes for their comfort
Cats can sleep up to 18 hours a day, making them solitary creatures in need of cozy hiding spaces for rest.
A box not only offers a snug retreat but also shields them from cold surfaces, as cats are most comfortable at around 14°C—much cooler than the human ideal.
6. Pet cats significantly affect local wildlife
Research indicates that domestic cats may kill more prey in certain areas than their wild counterparts.
A March 2020 study revealed that hunting domestic cats can greatly impact wildlife populations, particularly within a 100m radius of their homes.
The study found that pet cats kill 2-10 times more wildlife than animals of comparable size in the wild.
Lead researcher Roland Kays stated, “Feeding domestic cats reduces their hunting frequency, yet their small home ranges mean any impact on local prey is highly concentrated.”
In addition, some regions experience unnaturally high cat populations, further threatening birds and small mammals.
The findings show that cats kill an average of 14.2 to 38.9 animals per 100 acres or hectares each year, with even greater effects observed in disrupted habitats like urban areas.
7. Cats cannot thrive on a vegan diet
In the wild, cats are strict carnivores, requiring certain essential amino acids like taurine that are only present in meat. These cannot be synthesized or stored, making it crucial for vegan cat diets to be carefully managed according to their age and weight.
Insufficient taurine can lead to serious health issues like blindness and heart disease, while excessive amounts can trigger urinary tract problems. Though carnivorous cats naturally absorb all necessary taurine from their diet, synthetic taurine found in vegan cat food may be metabolized differently, complicating the creation of balanced vegan meals for them.
8. Cats’ whiskers aid in precision hunting
The “whiskers” surrounding a cat’s face, known scientifically as vibrissae, comprise approximately 24 movable hairs and are complemented by additional whiskers located above their eyes, on their chin, and on the back of their paws. These sensitive hairs contain deep-rooted nerves critical for hunting, particularly in low-light conditions.
The whiskers are tailored to the cat’s body width, enhancing their ability to gauge distances while moving. They also provide sensory feedback on the direction and texture of prey, while monitoring airflow to fine-tune movements. It’s no wonder that your cat is such an elegant predator!
You might envision dolphins as the cool, young cousin of the humpback whale, but it appears these two species are forming some budding friendships after all.
In fact, new footage captured by a suction camera reveals the lengths a dolphin will go to befriend its marine companions. The whales are accompanied by bottlenose dolphins as they swim from the sunlit surface down to the seabed, engaging in playful activities side by side.
Social interactions between whales and dolphins are seldom explored. Recent research from Griffith University in Australia has shown that these species often engage in friendly play.
The study, led by Dr. Olaf Meinecke, the leader of Griffith University’s Whale & Climate Program, analyzed 199 individual interactions captured on camera and film by the public, tourism operators, and scientists across 17 locations worldwide. The footage featured 19 species, including humpback and fin whales, as well as bottlenose and white-sided dolphins in the Pacific Ocean.
Meynecke found that a quarter of these interactions could be deemed mutually engaging. Most of the others at least exhibited friendly acknowledgment, rather than avoidance.
“Most of the observed interactions demonstrated no avoidance behavior,” Meynecke explained.
Humpback whales particularly stand out for their friendliness towards dolphins, with a third of their interactions being classified as positive.
“The humpback whales were rolling from side to side, displaying belly presentations, and engaging in other behaviors indicative of courtship and friendly socialization,” said Meynecke. They were the least likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors toward dolphins, such as tail slaps or other percussive actions.
Baleen whales and dolphins interacting exhibit various behavioral categories. Bottlenose dolphins near the bow of a humpback whale off the Gold Coast, Australia (A: Credit Roving Media); bottlenose dolphin surfacing near a humpback whale in Barmagui, Australia (B: Credit WildLive.Media); common dolphin engaging in friction in the Celtic Sea (C: Credit Dan Abbott), and a group of bottlenose dolphins swimming alongside southern right whales in Esperance, Australia (D: Credit Jaymen Hudson).
The most frequent interaction observed involved dolphins cruising close to the whale’s snout or beak.
This behavior serves as a free ride, demonstrating a strategy to save energy while perhaps indulging a dolphin’s playful spirit.
“Behavioral studies of marine mammals like these offer valuable insights into their intricate social structures and are crucial for enhancing our understanding of marine ecosystems and the interactions between species,” Meynecke noted.
Wait a second, Is the cat video really 131 years old? Clearly, you haven’t seen Boxing Cats, a 20-second clip featuring two cats in boxing gloves fighting in tiny rings. Created in 1894 by Thomas Edison’s studio, it is preserved at the Library of Congress.
So you’re suggesting that humanity has not progressed Significantly in nearly a century and a half? No, I assert that there’s something vital about the charm of cat videos and their concurrent evolution.
But also … Indeed, humans have always had a knack for simple pleasures.
Now that we’ve established this, why are we discussing them today? Ah, because CatVideofest 2025 is on the horizon.
What is CatVideofest? Keep your finger on the pulse. Since 2016, Will Braden has meticulously curated online videos and public submissions into CatVideofest.
Seriously, is this a thing? Not only is it a thing, but it’s also a massive hit. The 2021 edition grossed $94,000 at the box office, while last year surpassed $1 million. If the trend continues, CatVideofest 2036 could become the most successful film ever.
So is there any merit? Sort of. Anyone who took children to CatVideofest 2024 will remember the relentless wave of cat videos that kicked off with an extraordinary 20-minute segment.
What about the toilet cat video? Ah, a classic of the genre. I didn’t realize I was discussing this with enthusiasts.
Of course. When I miss the 2011 classic, the day just barely goes by without “Cats walking on two legs 2.” Yes, what’s my favorite part…are we actually linking to cat videos now? I thought this was a serious discussion.
No, this is a discussion about how cinemas are learning to adjust to fresh audiences during widespread industry contraction. Very insightful. Almost as clever as a cat opening the door for its owner who forgot their key.
What does this reveal about us as a society? Well, the world is chaotic. Let’s unwind with some cat videos.
Emerging from the darkness, slimy nails break through the murky barrier, reaching towards the light. Thunder rumbles as the ground cracks.
This is not a scene from a horror film featuring the undead rising from their graves. Rather, it showcases one of nature’s most endearing spectacles, Parent-child relationship: a forthcoming BBC series exploring the struggles of nurturing the next generation of wildlife, specifically the hatching of the magnificent Amazon River Turtle in Guapoi, South Brazil.
According to Sir David Attenborough’s narration, the tiny turtles await the perfect conditions to break free. When rain falls, it softens the sand enough for them to dig their way out. If there’s insufficient rain, the layer of sand above becomes too baked in the sun. They are numerous, making their survival seem effortless.
“There’s always that anxiety. You never know how it will turn out,” says series producer Elizabeth Orcham to BBC Science Focus. “As we sit with the crew, we hope everything works. The moment it rains or doesn’t rain, the tension rises. Is it too much rain?”
The rain arrived early during the filming, but the turtles managed to emerge just in time. “Seeing most of the turtles succeed and not lose too many is really comforting. It’s just wonderful.”
Despite the challenges posed by the weather, two million turtles hatched successfully, overcoming what seemed like insurmountable odds.
“Sometimes, it’s a wonder how they survive. It’s fascinating to see just how clumsy they can be,” she notes.
This clumsiness, however, is part of a finely tuned process. Scientists have been investigating communication among these turtles for over a decade. A 2014 study found that mothers likely communicate with their hatchlings to guide them into the water. According to Oakham, this is the only turtle species known to exhibit parental care post-hatching.
The female giant Amazon River turtle (Podocnemis Exagna), also known as the Arrau turtle, grows to a remarkable 76cm (30 inches) in shell length and weighs up to 91kg (200 pounds), while the male measures at 48cm (19 inches). The hatchlings are merely 5cm (2 inches) long. – Photo credit: Getty
“We were thrilled to showcase this new research on turtle communication,” Oakham explains. The filmmakers even accessed the nest to record the hatchlings’ emergence.
Childcare challenges
Climate change poses the greatest threat to the otherwise stable lifecycle of the giant Amazon River turtle.
“Warmer air due to climate change retains more moisture, leading to two outcomes,” she elaborates. “Firstly, it makes the environment drier, but when it finally rains, the moisture simply drips off.”
Severe floods that once occurred every 20 years have now happened twice in the last five years, jeopardizing the hatching process during critical seasons.
Before hatching, the turtles must absorb some of their yolk sac. If they haven’t done so before floods arrive, they will not survive. Thus, when mother turtles lay eggs, they risk a significant gamble regarding the weather – a gamble that is increasingly hard to predict.
They typically lay their eggs two to three months before the rainy season, allowing the sand to solidify and form a protective layer. At this time, the mothers leave the river for the sandbanks, coinciding with the largest congregation of freshwater turtles on the planet, and one of the few instances the species ventures onto land.
“Water can be life-sustaining but also perilous,” Oakham states. “With climate change, this duality has become even more pronounced, making the environment more unpredictable for these parents. Navigating this uncertainty while caring for their young is a delicate balance.”
This episode is the fourth in a five-part series on parental life in freshwater habitats, Parent-child relationship. All five episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer from August 3, 2025.
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About our experts
Elizabeth Orcum is a producer and director with a deep commitment to environmental storytelling and natural history. She is widely recognized for her work on the fifth episode of Green Planet, titled “The Human World,” which delivers a compelling narrative on the interconnectedness of plants and humans. She is now eager to share the stories of animal parents worldwide through the BBC series Parent-child relationship.
The outrage and divisiveness often seen on social media have made it a daunting environment for many, filled with unpredictable peaks and vitriolic reactions. Yet, a 95-year-old lady from Cheshire, along with her collection of plush toys, has emerged as an unexpected figure who inspires kindness in the comments.
Brenda Allen expressed her astonishment at the positive response to her recent TikTok video. Encouraged by the nursing home staff, she began by introducing viewers to an avocado wearing a hat affectionately named Florence. Her ensemble also includes an adorable potted plant and a cheerful chocolate.
Her innovative video showcased her comedic flair, concluding with her witty remark that Teddy Mushroom is a “very fun guy.”
So far, her video has garnered over 2 million views, attracting thousands of comments from around the globe, where many refer to her as a social media grandma and even suggest she deserves the title of national treasure.
95 year old woman shows her jellycat collection – video
Subsequently, her video caught the attention of Jerry Katt and John Lewis, and it was shared by Love Island contestants. The only negative feedback came from her feisty pet, Toto.
“The avocado was my sole companion for a long time, but gradually, others started gifting me more,” Brenda shared. “It has been quite remarkable.”
“One of the staff suggested I make a video. I had no idea what it was for. She wanted me to create a little video about the Jellycat, so I agreed. It went wild from there. I received such lovely messages.”
One of the caregivers at Her Majestare Care Home posted the initial video, kicking off the recent “You better be kind in the comments” trend, as users sought more positive content on their feeds.
It originated in the US, led by creator @Hope Yardis, who posted a video featuring her boyfriend discussing pot plants. She humorously urged viewers to “say nice things” about him in a mock-ominous manner. This inspired others to share videos about the quirky hobbies of their loved ones. One showcased a collection of tractor manuals.
Even celebrities, including Ant and Dec, joined in, sharing a video showcasing Ali’s artwork. A Kind Commenting challenge followed.
Brenda’s daughter Julie remarked that the family was “overwhelmed” by her newfound fame. “We can’t quite grasp it, but it’s wonderful and heartwarming,” she expressed. “What truly amazed me was how kind everyone was. I don’t think I saw a single negative comment.”
At the local garden centre, residents from the care home have already been asked if they know Brenda, as her name has become widely recognized. She is currently planning to auction off her Jellycat toys and donate the proceeds to her local children’s hospice.
However, Brenda is fully aware that this is merely a fleeting moment of internet fame. “I don’t want it to last too long,” she remarked. “After all, I’m 95 years old.”
Locating one of the ocean’s most charming mollusks requires a diver with exceptionally keen vision. This tiny sea slug, Costa Sierra Crosimae—commonly referred to as a leaf sheep—reaches only a few centimeters in length, approximately the size of a fingernail. Their exquisite camouflage makes them hard to spot.
Their vibrant green bodies blend seamlessly with the seaweed they inhabit, which also happens to be their primary food source. An incredible transformation occurs when they consume it.
Similar to terrestrial plants, seaweed contains small structures called chloroplasts within its cells, which facilitate the process of photosynthesis. These chloroplasts harness sunlight energy to convert carbon dioxide into sugars.
When the leaf sheep feed on seaweed, akin to sheep grazing in a meadow, they can digest the sugars they consume. Alternatively, they can retain the entire chloroplasts without damaging them and incorporate them into their bodies for later use.
The features along the back of the leaf sheep resemble small leaves and are known as cerata. Each ceratum houses an extension of the sea slug’s digestive system, filled with chloroplasts, giving it a textured appearance.
Remarkably, these engulfed chloroplasts continue to photosynthesize, generating additional sugars. Therefore, as long as these sea slugs dwell in shallow tropical waters with abundant sunlight, they have a sustainable food source.
The scientist who first discovered this species in the early 1990s on Japan’s Kuroshima Island named it Black Himae.
Since then, divers have been diligently searching for the specific type of seaweed that these leaf sheep prefer, which is exclusively Avrainvillea green algae. These delightful sea slugs have been located in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Costasiella Nudibranch (Sheep Nudibranch) can be found in the Philippines and Indonesia. – Photo Credit: Getty Images
Like other sea slugs that maintain various seaweed species, leaf sheep lay their eggs in a meticulous helix, allowing them to hatch into larvae that drift through the water. Initially, the young sea slugs possess small shells before eventually discarding them to live shell-free.
The process of adopting chloroplasts from seaweed is known as keratoplasia, which can be observed in many other types of ocean slugs. For example, the green Elysian sea slugs (found along the British and other European coasts, Elysia viridis) utilize Codium seaweed (also known as the dead man’s fingers).
While these slugs lack the leaf-like projections seen in leaf sheep, they possess two wing-like extensions that unfold to maximize sunlight absorption for their self-sustaining food factories.
In this position, these marine slugs resemble drifting leaves. Another species, Elysia marginata, not only captures chloroplasts but also performs astonishing feats. Similar to geckos that shed their tails, these sea slugs can separate their heads from their bodies.
This process takes several hours, and while the detached body can survive for days, it does not regenerate a new head. Meanwhile, the original head roams for a while before growing a new body.
This behavior of severing the head may have evolved as a drastic but effective method for eliminating parasite-infected bodies.
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Is your cherished puppy turning out to be a gentle companion or a little troublemaker? Simple behavioral tests can offer valuable insights.
A recent adorable study from the University of Helsinki found that specific playful tasks can reveal significant personality traits in puppies as young as 3 months old.
The tests assess how the puppy navigates obstacles to reach a treat, their ability to follow human gestures, and their reactions to unfamiliar people and environments.
Researchers aim for these assessments to aid dog owners in understanding their puppies and fostering their development from an early age.
“Most previous research has concentrated on whether cognitive testing can predict puppies’ suitability for roles like detection or guide dogs,” said Saara Junttila, a researcher at the University of Helsinki and leading figure in the study, as reported by BBC Science Focus.
“However, there hasn’t been a study examining whether these tests can predict behavioral traits relevant in pets and daily interactions with owners.”
The puppy faced the challenge of retrieving a treat from inside a transparent cylinder – Credit: Elisenbera
In this investigation, 99 puppies were tested between 3 and 7 months of age and were later retested as adults (1 to 8 years old).
Prior studies have indicated that behavioral tests are not reliable indicators for puppies younger than 8 weeks, as their personalities are still developing (and they are often too sleepy to be properly evaluated).
Multiple puppy assessments have shown promising links to identifying the personalities of adult dogs.
Puppies who excelled in the gesture test displayed strong responsiveness to human cues and were generally easier to train. Conversely, puppies that persistently sought treats through clear barriers without learning to circumvent them tended to be more impulsive as adults.
An intriguing finding arose from a challenging task involving a sealed box where puppies attempted to retrieve treats. Interestingly, those exposed frequently to nearby humans were often more likely to fear unfamiliar humans as adults, even if they were strangers.
How to Ensure a Happy Dog
Understanding potential behavioral issues can significantly improve how you train your dog and cater to their needs.
“Pet owners often struggle to recognize when their dogs or cats are feeling anxious,” notes Dr. Emily Blackwell, a behavioral researcher at the University of Bristol who was not involved in the study.
“If you can anticipate which puppies may develop fears, owners can provide additional support during interactions and experiences.”
Similarly, impulsive and high-energy puppies may require different training approaches compared to those that thrive in calm environments.
“Puppies don’t misbehave deliberately,” Junttila explains. “High energy and impulsivity are simply traits inherent in a puppy’s personality.”
Meet Our Experts
Saara Junttila is a doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, investigating the relationship between cognitive development and behavior in dogs.
Emily Blackwell is a senior lecturer in animal behavior and welfare at the University of Bristol’s Veterinary School. Her research spans various domestic animal species regarding behavior and welfare.
Exciting news! There are new dancing animals in town, and they go by the name of Happy Feet. Recent research has uncovered the adorable jig that baby loggerhead turtles perform when they approach their favorite feeding spot.
A study captured the lively turtle movements, including tilting their bodies vertically, lifting their heads, opening their mouths, moving their front flippers in a paddling motion, and sometimes even spinning in place.
Researchers noted a distinct difference in the “turtle dance” behavior between feeding and non-feeding areas.
However, the study did not explore how these animals fare on the dance floor. The mystery of how turtles locate their favorite feeding spots during long migrations and lifetimes has intrigued scientists for quite some time.
New research suggests that turtles use Earth’s magnetic fields as a guide to identify the unique magnetic characteristics of their preferred feeding spots and celebrate with a dance when they find them.
In the experiment, researchers recreated two magnetic field signatures found worldwide, corresponding to locations near the Gulf of Mexico and New Hampshire, USA. Turtles were trained to associate each magnetic field with a feeding site.
The results showed that turtles exhibited more “turtle dance” behavior in designated feeding areas, indicating their ability to distinguish between the two magnetic fields.
“Sea turtles can sense both the strength and tilt of magnetic fields,” explained the lead researcher. “They not only detect these magnetic properties but also have a remarkable memory for them.”
This memory was evident as the turtles continued to recognize the designated feeding sites months after the initial experiment, even when not exposed to them. This demonstrates the turtles’ ability to navigate using magnetic cues and retain memories of specific locations.
Adult turtles have been observed returning to foraging sites after migrating for breeding, while baby loggerheads travel to coastal feeding grounds using ocean currents. Previous studies have shown their reliance on a “magnetic compass” for navigation, with the current research exploring their “magnetic map” capabilities.
The research team plans to delve deeper into these mechanisms in future studies to uncover how turtles perceive and use magnetic information for navigation.
Zoomies are a hilarious sight. Watching a cat bounce off walls like a pinball is pure entertainment. One moment they’re leaping over furniture, and the next they’re careening into a lampshade. They zip around here, there, and everywhere before inevitably falling asleep.
Most cats will experience zoomies at some point, also referred to as “periods of frenzied random activity” or “FRAP.” This behavior is more common in the early and late hours of the day and is often seen in kittens and young cats.
Zoomies may also occur after a bowel movement, leading to terms like “poo” and “clap ‘n flap.” Several theories exist to explain this behavior.
Photo credit: Kyle Smart
Some believe it may be a response to a dirty litter box, as cats are naturally clean and want to distance themselves from their waste quickly.
Others suggest it could indicate a gastrointestinal issue or digestive illness.
One theory proposes that the behavior harks back to a cat’s wild instincts, as fecal matter can attract predators. By defecating swiftly, cats may avoid drawing unwanted attention.
On a different note, gastroenterologist and author Dr. Anish Sheth hypothesized that large stools could stimulate the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to abdominal organs.
This stimulation may decrease heart rate and blood pressure, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain and potential dizziness. The outcome? A goofy moment of cat craziness, or zoomies.
While this theory is intriguing, conventional wisdom suggests that vagus nerve activity typically relaxes animals rather than making them more active. As a result, the debate continues.
This article explores the question “Why do cats get zoomy after pooping?” posed by Ann Rosales via email.
If you have any queries, feel free to reach out to us at:questions@sciencefocus.comor message us on Facebook,Twitter, or visit our InstagramPage (please include your name and location).
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When it comes to cuteness, it’s all subjective. Depending on the species, baby sharks can be as small as palm-sized infants like small spotted cat sharks that hatch from “mermaid's purse” egg cases or directly from their mothers as long-bodied pups with outstretched arms.
This is especially true for sand tiger sharks, although it’s surprising how these tiny creatures grow so big. Sand tiger sharks are one of the many species where fertilized eggs hatch inside the female’s body and develop in the womb.
It’s quite common for shark fetuses to feed on unfertilized eggs, a behavior seen in over a dozen species. Sandwich shark embryos are even more developed, with ultrasound scans showing them swimming between the uterus prongs, likely searching for more sustenance.
After a year of gestation, female sand tiger sharks give birth to one or two large pups, considered the survivors of a fierce intrauterine battle. While their size at birth helps protect them from many predators, they are also at risk of getting caught in fishing nets, pushing them closer to extinction.
Researchers studied shark carcasses caught in nets across South Africa to understand why unborn sand tiger sharks engage in cannibalism. They found that females carrying more advanced embryos produced fewer fetuses due to intrauterine competition.
DNA testing revealed that sand tiger shark fetuses are born to multiple fathers in a litter, showing a complex mating system where the offspring of one dominant male tend to outcompete their half-siblings.
It’s unclear why this occurs, but it could be a strategy for females to select the best mate or for the strongest sperm to produce the most viable offspring. This article dives into the intriguing world of baby sharks and their complex familial relationships.
This article addresses questions like: “How cute are baby sharks in real life?” – Jacob Barnett, Peterborough
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Charles Darwin observed that dogs possess a sense of humor when not preoccupied with other activities like studying bird beaks or riding giant turtles.
In his work, The Origin of Man, he recounted a dog playing a prank on its owner by dropping a stick and then grabbing it before the owner could. Darwin interpreted this as the dog enjoying the joke.
While many dog owners may have experienced similar antics, the question remains: are dogs truly aspiring comedians or is there a deeper motivation behind their behaviors?
Dogs, being descendants of wolves, are inherently social animals due to their pack-oriented nature. This sociability extends to interactions with humans and other animals within their social group, manifesting in behaviors like playful gestures, wagging tails, and curious exploration.
Human domestication of dogs over millennia, coupled with selective breeding practices, has further molded their behavior to be less timid and more playful. Essentially, dogs retain a puppy-like demeanor throughout their lives, a trait absent in their wolf ancestors.
Various dog breeds exhibit different levels of playfulness, with some like Irish setters and English springer spaniels being known for their exuberant antics, while others like Samoyeds and Chihuahuas seem more reserved.
Dogs also engage in “play panting” vocalizations and tail-wagging to initiate play and reduce stress, behaviors that have been equated to laughter due to their pleasurable nature. However, whether dogs possess a genuine sense of humor remains a topic of debate.
Despite this uncertainty, dogs are adept at interpreting human emotions and behaviors, often engaging in behaviors that evoke positive responses from their owners. So, while it may seem like dogs are purposefully trying to be funny, their actions are likely driven by a desire to elicit a positive reaction.
Ultimately, deciphering a dog’s intentions, especially regarding humor, remains a challenge without the ability to communicate with them directly. Until we bridge this communication gap, the humor in our interactions with dogs may remain a subjective experience.
This article addresses a question posed by Joseph Bennett from Manchester: Is my dog deliberately trying to make me laugh?
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If you have ever had a dog as a pet, you are likely familiar with this scenario: you are engaged in a task, and suddenly you look up to see your furry friend gazing at you longingly from across the room.
This common behavior may leave you wondering why it occurs and what goes on in your dog’s mind.
This behavior has been studied for decades by researchers in the field of dog psychology. Understanding why dogs stare at us so intensely was a major focus of early dog cognition research.
“One of the initial findings in dog cognition research was that dogs perceive our eyes and faces in a unique way compared to other animals, which sparked further research,” explained Professor Alexandra Horowitz, who specializes in Canine Cognition at Barnard College, Columbia University in New York.
“While other animals may also exhibit this behavior, many animals use staring as a form of intimidation. For instance, wolves may glare at unfamiliar wolves to avoid conflict.”
Why does my dog stare at me?
The simplest explanation for why your dog stares at you is that they are seeking cues from you on how to behave or what to do.
“Dogs view their owners as the controllers of their world, as they dictate their daily routines and activities,” Horowitz adds.
“We decide when they eat, when they can go outside, where they can relieve themselves, and more. Dogs want to observe these actions in order to understand what they should do.”
This behavior is rooted in a deeper connection. Studies have shown that dogs possess a keen ability to discern human emotions and needs, even through facial expressions. Dogs can differentiate between emotions like anger and happiness, solely based on facial expressions.
This ability may be attributed to the strong bond that humans and dogs have developed over thousands of years of companionship.
“Humans use eye contact as a gesture of intimacy and communication with people they are close to. Dogs may have picked up on this behavior over time, showing their interest and understanding of humans by focusing on their faces,” Horowitz explains.
So, the next time your dog gazes at you, rest assured – it is a natural behavior. They are likely trying to figure out what you are doing and how they can participate. Good pups indeed!
About our experts
Alexandra Horowitz is a professor of canine cognition at Barnard College, Columbia University in New York.
Her research has been featured in journals such as Animal Cognition, Learning and Behavior, and the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience.
In addition to her academic work, she has authored books like “Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know” and “Year of the Puppy.”
The study of cats is our favorite field of study (second only to information about dogs). We have compiled our favorite cat facts, from whether your cat truly loves you to how they use their whiskers. Enjoy these 8 fascinating cat facts confirmed by science.
1. Blinking slowly can help you befriend cats
Research has shown that squinting is the most effective way to build trust with a cat.
A study conducted by the Universities of Portsmouth and Sussex revealed that this technique mimics the “slow blink,” also known as a cat smile, and helps establish a bond between humans and cats.
According to Professor Karen McComb from the Department of Psychology at the University of Sussex, who oversaw the study, “As someone who studies animal behavior and has a cat, I’m pleased to be able to show that cats and humans can communicate in this way.”
After a cat has blinked slowly at its owner, the cat is more likely to reciprocate the slow blink than if there is no contact at all.
2. One in 10 pet cats suffers from separation anxiety
More than 1 in 10 pet cats surveyed in a study exhibited behavioral issues when temporarily separated from their owners.
Scientists observed that cats with separation-related problems tended to be from households without females or where multiple females lived. Lack of access to toys and absence of other pets in the home were also associated with similar behavioral issues in cats.
The analysis found that a significant percentage of sampled cats displayed behaviors associated with separation-related issues, including destructive behavior, excessive vocalization, and aggression.
3. Your cat really loves you
While food may have initially brought humans and cats together, cats have shown deep affection towards their human companions over time.
Recent studies indicate that cats exhibit behaviors similar to “secure attachment” seen in dogs, suggesting a strong bond between cats and their owners.
Domestic cats have a concentrated impact on local prey due to their small home ranges, causing significant harm to bird and small mammal populations.
7. Cats cannot thrive on a vegan diet
Cats are obligate carnivores and require specific nutrients found only in meat sources, making a vegan diet unsuitable for cats.
Feeding cats a vegan diet can lead to severe health issues, such as blindness and heart failure, due to the lack of essential amino acids like taurine.
8. Cat whiskers are essential for hunting
Cat whiskers play a crucial role in hunting, providing sensory information to help cats navigate and hunt effectively.
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