We've met talking dogs and the humans who listen to them, so now it's time to give cats a say. Instead of having the cats use buttons and recordings to express words and phrases in human languages, the humans have to figure out the nuances of feline communication. Turns out, we can do pretty well, especially if we've been around cats before. And for that research, Susanne Schötz, Robert Eklund, and Joost van de Weijer won this year's Ig Nobel Prize in Biology. Arguably, the Ig Nobels are more representative of ordinary … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Cat Chat
Ig Nobel Prize
Science Corner: Do You Believe in Magic?
We've developed a bit of a running theme here lately, looking at unique research methodologies like taking dogs for walks in the woods, harpooning whales, and building mazes for algae. So let's add to that conversation this perspective article on the use of magic--stage magic, not sorcery--in understanding animal (and human) cognition. Basically, by performing magic tricks for animals, or employing equipment inspired by stage magic techniques, we can figure out what is surprising to various animals and what is not. By … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Do You Believe in Magic?