Chimp gestures and human language are underpinned by same mathematical principles

Are these two laws universal throughout nature?

Photo credit: ZOOM DOSSO / AFP / Getty Images
  • Zipf's law of abbreviation and Menzerath's law seem to govern not just human speech but chimpanzee gestures.
  • Fifty-eight individual chimp gestures were catalogued in a new study.
  • Their presence points to an intriguing overlap between language and genetic chemistry.
Keep reading Show less
language body language animals apes discovery genetics chimp gestures

Weird love advice that works: Be a dog.

It feels crazy good when someone is excited to see you. Give that gift to your family every day – but especially on Valentine's day.

content.jwplatform.com
  • The research is sad but true: People are often more considerate to friends and strangers than they are to their partners.
  • Gretchen Rubin's advice? When your partner walks in the door, show them as much affection as your dog does. Be excited to see them! Give a real hello and a real goodbye.
  • Appreciate your partner: It's the easiest thing to do, and the easiest thing to forget.
Keep reading Show less
animals love relationships happiness hack personal growth family communication

Scientists find microplastics in 100% of beached dolphins, whales, and seals tested

"Our findings are not good news," says Brendan Godley, of the University of Exeter.

Nature.com
  • 50 beached dolphins, whales, and seals were tested in Great Britain.
  • All had microplastics in their digestive tract — most in the stomach.
  • 84% were synthetic plastics; of those, 60% were nylon.
Keep reading Show less
environment animals science plastic

Animals feel pain. Why do people believe they don't?

The psychological disconnect between humans and other animals puts all forms of life at risk.

Equine intern Emma Saric monitors and supports a horse suffering from what is known as Kissing Spines, where sections of bone attached to the vertebrae are too close together and impinge on each other. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
  • As part of the EU Withdrawal Bill, British MPs refused to recognize animal sentience.
  • Yet it is well-documented that animals feel a range of feelings, including pain.
  • The delusional idea that only humans experience emotions has lead to a variety of catastrophic problems, such as mass factory farming
Keep reading Show less
pain emotions vulnerability human body compassion animals

How antibiotics used in factory farming destroy our microbiomes

Good bacteria are our friends. We need to protect them.

content.jwplatform.com
  • More and more research nowadays links good gut flora to several health benefits, such as the inhibition of Alzheimer's to a fast metabolism.
  • Since we're over prescribed antibiotics, and because much of the meat we consume comes from animals that were fed antibiotics, we are destroying much of the good bacteria, and often at the risk — because of our diets — of replenishing them.
  • A well-rounded diet that's light in animal protein, high in macronutrients, and supplemented with a good intake of prebiotics can ensure we're keeping probiotics flourishing.
The 6 Keys: Unlock Your Genetic Potential for Ageless Strength, Health, and Beauty
List Price: $28.00
New From: $14.00 in Stock
Used From: $13.21 in Stock
health mental health obesity food animals bacteria disease ethics human body illness microbes microbiology public health farming