Behavior

Presented by the California Academy of Sciences, the BigPicture Competition annually delivers an incredible collection of nature photographs. This year’s shots span from a bizarre cactus bee mating ritual to a surreal glimpse at a sea star spawning.

The biology behind social behavior may be more complex than we thought. Researchers have used CRISPR to block a certain neurochemical signaling pathway in hamsters, and found that the animals’ social behaviors changed in unexpected ways.

Greater mouse-eared bats are preyed upon by owls, but the owls themselves likely avoid hornets, for fear of getting stung. New research suggests that the bats take advantage of this fact, by buzzing like hornets to keep owls at bay.

A study has found a link between increased generosity in old age and levels of a neurochemical called oxytocin. The research found older people with high levels of oxytocin were more likely to donate money to charity and be satisfied with their lives.

Ordinarily, when studying the behavior of animals, scientists have to watch many hours of video footage of the creatures going about their daily lives. That may soon no longer be necessary, however, thanks to a new critter-watching computer system.

One might think that certain animals are only able to navigate within the environment in which their species evolved. According to a new study, however, goldfish are quite capable of steering a land-based "car" toward a land-based target, in order to get a food pellet.

We've all seen sports spectators performing "the wave," where people stand up then sit back down to simulate a wave moving through the stadium. Well, schools of mollies have been found to perform a similar action, in order to keep from being eaten.

A new study has highlighted the gut-brain link between social behavior and gut microbes in mice, showing how a lack of certain gut bacteria can increase levels of a hormone that activates a part of the brain that contributes to antisocial activities.

Although the chest-beating of male gorillas is a common behaviour, its purpose still isn't entirely understood. Now, however, scientists believe it may serve as a means of acoustically indicating the size of the apes' bodies.

For some people a small irritation can wreck their day, while others can shake off minor problems and move on. A new study is suggesting persistent activity in the amygdala could be why some are unable to move on from momentary negative experiences.

How often do you clear out old photos on your phone or tidy up your email inbox? You just may be a digital hoarder, and researchers from Northumbria University have identified four distinct types.

It has generally been thought that electric eels are purely solitary animals, which stalk prey on their own. Now, however, scientists have described seeing the creatures hunting in packs – which only nine other fish species are known to do.