Tag Archives: Animals

14Jun/23

Felix the cat

June 14, 2023 /Human interest/ — Cats are often said to have nine lives, but this is just a myth. In reality, cats have one life, just like any other animal. However, cats are very good at avoiding danger and have a number of physical adaptations that help them to survive falls and other injuries. For example, cats have very flexible spines, which allows them to twist and turn in mid-air to land on their feet. They also have a thick layer of fur that helps to cushion their falls. As a result, cats are much more likely to survive a fall than humans or other animals. Continue reading

01Oct/22

Dogs can smell people’s stress – new study

Clara Wilson, Queen’s University Belfast

Dogs have a long history alongside humans, giving them an amazing ability to read human cues. Dogs also possess an incredible sense of smell, which enables them to detect diseases, such as COVID and lung cancer, in humans from odour alone. Whether dogs’ capabilities extend to detecting odours associated with psychological states has been explored far less.

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08Sep/22

Four ways to tell if your cat loves you – based on science

Emily Blackwell, University of Bristol

Even the most devoted cat owners wonder at some point, perhaps waking up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night, whether their cat really loves them. Dog people like to smugly point out dogs’ long history as humankind’s best friend.

But research shows cats’ reputation as a cold and aloof pet is undeserved.

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23Aug/22

Ancient frogs in mass grave died from too much sex – new research

Daniel Falk, University College Cork

Frogs once lived alongside dinosaurs. About 45 million years ago, the North Sea covered half of Germany. It’s incredible to think these little creatures survived the dinosaurs’ extinction. But a lower level mass death did take place in what is now called the Geiseltal region in central Germany and the cause has long remained a mystery.

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