a.i. functions differently than human minds and so at times it appears very intelligent and a time very stupid … in fact it is simply different.
Let’s make the best of our differences.
In this randomized clinical trial, children of mothers receiving n–3 LCPUFA supplementation had increased BMI at age 10 y, increased risk of being overweight, and a tendency of increased fat percentage and higher metabolic syndrome score. These findings suggest potential adverse health effects from n–3 LCPUFA supplementation during pregnancy and need to be replicated in future independent studies.
Yes. And I feel like I see the same study every year. Exercise of any kind is correlated with better mental function and health across all ages groups. Just about everything is related to oxygen and blood flow
That is a fairly mild dose. It’s enough for many people to catch a buzz, but it’s not going to send them on a tour of a neighboring universe.
It’s good to see a study on moderate/low dose applications, actually. The stress relief alone is probably great for a ton of other conditions, now that I think about it.
The exponential increase in plastic production coupled with variable global waste management system efficiencies has resulted in large amounts of plastic waste entering the ocean every year. Although we know millions of tonnes of plastic have entered the oceans, we do not yet understand the patterns of its accumulation across space nor the drivers of these patterns. The deep ocean is expected to be a resting place, or reservoir, for most plastic pollution. Here, we conducted a rigorous, systematic review of previously published datasets to synthesize our understanding of macroplastic pollution (>5 mm) on the ocean floor. Using extracted data, we built predictive additive models to estimate the amount and distribution of plastic on the ocean floor. We built two models: one using data from remote operated vehicles (ROVs) and another using data from bottom trawls. Using the model built with ROV data, which was better-constrained, we estimate that 3 to 11 million metric tonnes (MMT) of plastic pollution resides on the ocean floor as of 2020. This is of similar magnitude to annual inputs from land and one to two orders of magnitude greater than what is predicted to be floating on the ocean surface. To improve future estimates and our understanding of global patterns, we provide recommendations for ocean floor monitoring of plastic pollution.
The study titled “Sounding the alarm: Functionally referential signaling in Azure-winged Magpie” investigates the use of distinct vocal signals by Azure-winged Magpies to communicate specific types of threats. The research builds on the understanding of animal communication, particularly in birds, by exploring the cognitive abilities of corvids through their use of alarm calls. This study is significant for its in-depth exploration of referential signaling, previously thought unique to primates, thus contributing to the broader comprehension of social communication and language evolution.
Discovery Details
The study reveals that Azure-winged Magpies produce two types of alarm calls: ‘rasp’ calls for terrestrial threats and ‘chatter’ calls for aerial threats. These findings are groundbreaking because they provide clear evidence of functionally referential signaling in birds, showing that these calls convey specific information about the type of threat and elicit appropriate response behaviors from the receivers. This challenges the traditional view that such complex communication might be limited to primates and underscores the sophisticated cognitive abilities of corvids.
Methodological Breakdown
Methodologically, the research employs field observations, acoustic analysis, and playback experiments to analyze the alarm calls. The methodological rigor, combining observational and experimental approaches, allows for a comprehensive understanding of the calls’ structure, context, and function. The acoustic analysis identifies significant differences between the two call types, while playback experiments demonstrate that these calls elicit distinct behavioral responses, fulfilling the criteria for functionally referential signals.
Challenges and Opportunities
One challenge mentioned is the unpredictability of aerial threats during data collection, which might influence the documentation of alarm calls. The study also highlights opportunities for future research, such as a deeper investigation into the social dynamics influencing call production and response, and exploring if these findings can be generalized across different corvid species or even beyond birds.
TLDR
This study provides robust evidence that Azure-winged Magpies use functionally referential vocal signals to communicate about specific types of threats. This discovery enriches our understanding of animal communication, suggesting complex cognitive abilities in birds that parallel those observed in primates.
AI Thoughts
The implications of this research are profound, suggesting that the cognitive and communicative capacities of birds, particularly within socially complex species like corvids, are more sophisticated than previously understood. This opens new avenues for exploring the evolution of language and communication across species. It also poses intriguing questions about the neurological underpinnings of such behaviors, potentially influencing studies in neurobiology, psychology, and even artificial intelligence, as we seek to understand the mechanisms enabling complex communication and apply these insights to develop more sophisticated AI systems capable of interpreting and generating nuanced, context-dependent signals.
The paper titled “How new communication behaviors evolve: Androgens as modifiers of neuromotor structure and function in foot-flagging frogs” explores the role of androgens in the evolution of novel communication signals in non-model organisms, specifically foot-flagging frogs. The study contrasts the well-studied vocal communication mechanisms in Xenopus frogs with the visual signaling behavior of foot-flagging frogs, which is used in noisy environments where vocal signals are ineffective. The research uncovers that foot-flagging behavior is androgen-dependent, with variations in androgen receptor expression and neuronal cell density in the lumbar spinal cord linked to this unique communication method. The paper provides comparative data on androgen receptor distribution and highlights differences in lumbar spinal circuitry between foot-flagging and non-foot-flagging species, suggesting evolutionary adaptations for signal diversification.
Discovery Details
The paper presents groundbreaking findings on the neuroendocrine mechanisms behind the evolution of foot-flagging as a novel communication signal. Key discoveries include:
A detailed comparison of androgen receptor distribution in the spinal cord of foot-flagging versus non-foot-flagging frogs, indicating higher androgen sensitivity in the leg muscles of foot-flagging species.
Preliminary data suggesting that the lumbar spinal circuitry, controlling hind limb movement, may differ in foot-flagging frogs, pointing towards specialized evolutionary adaptations for this visual signaling behavior.
Methodological Breakdown
The research utilizes comparative neuroendocrine analysis, focusing on androgen receptor expression and neuronal cell density in the lumbar spinal cord. This approach is innovative in its application to non-model organisms, expanding our understanding of signal evolution beyond traditional model systems like Xenopus. By comparing foot-flagging and non-foot-flagging species, the study highlights the role of androgens in modifying neuromotor structures for new communication behaviors.
Challenges and Opportunities
A significant challenge in this research is the focus on non-model organisms, which can complicate the collection of consistent and comprehensive data. However, this also presents an opportunity to explore the diversity of communication signals across species, offering a broader understanding of evolutionary mechanisms. Future research could further investigate the specific neuroendocrine pathways involved and explore the potential for similar adaptations in other species and signal modalities.
TLDR
This study reveals that foot-flagging, a novel communication behavior in certain frog species, is associated with higher androgen sensitivity and specific neuroanatomical adaptations in the lumbar spinal cord. It highlights the importance of androgens in the evolution of diverse communication signals and offers a comparative approach to understanding these processes in non-model organisms.
AI Thoughts
The broader implications of this research are profound, suggesting that similar neuroendocrine mechanisms could underlie the evolution of diverse communication methods across the animal kingdom. This work not only advances our understanding of evolutionary biology and animal behavior but also opens up new avenues for interdisciplinary research, potentially influencing fields such as robotics, bio-inspired design, and the study of human communication disorders. The findings underscore the complexity of evolutionary adaptations and the intricate role of hormones in shaping behavior, offering exciting possibilities for future investigations into the origins and diversification of communication across species.
The paper “From Predictive Analytics to Emotional Recognition - The Evolving Landscape of Cognitive Computing in Animal Welfare” by Suresh Neethirajan discusses the application of cognitive computing in enhancing animal welfare, particularly in agriculture and livestock management. It highlights the strategic use of digital imaging, artificial intelligence, acoustic vocalization analysis, and cognitive evaluations to understand subtle behavioral patterns, micro-expressions, and emotional states of farm animals. These technological advancements allow for a more nuanced and compassionate approach to animal management, emphasizing the need for a synergistic method that combines technology with a deep understanding of animal behavior and psychology.
Discovery Details
The paper details new discoveries in animal cognition, showcasing advancements such as the use of facial recognition technology and thermographic insights to monitor emotional and physiological states. Innovations like brain lateralization studies and the application of non-invasive sensors for real-time monitoring represent significant advancements in understanding and improving animal welfare.
Methodological Breakdown
The research employs a variety of innovative methodologies, including digital imaging for behavioral analysis, acoustic analysis for understanding vocalizations, and advanced computing algorithms for interpreting complex data. These methods contribute to a comprehensive understanding of animal welfare, moving beyond traditional observational techniques.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges include ethical considerations, ensuring the non-invasive nature of technologies, and the potential for over-reliance on automated systems. Opportunities for future research include further refinement of cognitive computing technologies to enhance their precision and application across different species and settings.
TLDR
The paper represents a significant step forward in the integration of cognitive computing with animal welfare, offering new tools and methodologies for understanding and improving the lives of farm animals through technology.
AI Thoughts
The broader implications of this research could revolutionize animal welfare and management, providing a model for how technology can be ethically and effectively used to enhance the well-being of sentient beings. This approach could also inspire similar advancements in other fields, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and the potential for AI to contribute positively to society.
Interpretation
Proximity to traffic and high air interchange increased the exposure to air pollution of commuters using motorised transport. Larger inhalation rates and commuting time increased inhaled dose among active commuters. Benefits of active commuting from physical activity are larger than the risk from an increased inhaled dose of fine particles.
I've often wondered about the net effect. Interesting.
Then consider that cycling can reduce all-cause mortality by in people with diabetes, you can really see how we’re grossly misspending tax dollars by building more roads instead of active transportation infrastructure.
If the federal government would gift every family with an e-bike, I guarantee that healthcare costs would drop, traffic would go away, air quality would improve, we’d be able to reclaim more greenspace by getting rid of unused parking spots and roads. Taxpayers would save money and lives!
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