SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " Animal " 925 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Needle-free insulin? Scientists invent gel that delivers insulin through the skin in animal studies
A new polymer gel can deliver insulin through intact skin in animal tests. It could someday offer a path toward needle-free diabetes treatment, some say.
Linguistics professor discusses AI’s role in scientific discovery at
At a recent forum hosted at the OpenAI headquarters in San Francisco, Linguistics Professor Gašper Beguš discussed how AI can act as a catalyst for biological discovery and a bridge between animal
From science lab to animal sanctuary?
The Trump administration got one step closer to its goal of reducing federally funded primate testing Monday.
Why bison hunters abandoned a kill site 1,200 years ago
The animals didn’t disappear. Water did.
DSM-Firmenich to Sell Animal Nutrition Unit to CVC in $2.6 Billion Deal
The sale to CVC Capital Partners marks the final step in its plan to fully focus on human nutrition, health and beauty.
DSM-Firmenich to sell animal health business to CVC Capital
Chemicals company DSM-Firmenich has agreed to sell its Animal Nutrition & Health business to CVC Capital for an enterprise value of around 2.2 billion euros ($2.6 billion), it said on Monday.
dsm-firmenich announces agreement to divest Animal Nutrition & Health to CVC Capital Partners
Press Release dsm-firmenich announces agreement to divest Animal Nutrition & Health to CVC Capital Partners Kaiseraugst (Switzerland), Maastricht (Netherlands), February 9, 2026 dsm-firmenich, innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, today announces it has entered into an agreement with CVC, a leading global private markets manager, to divest its Animal Nutrition & Health (“ANH”) business for an enterprise value of about €2.2 billion, which includes an earnout of up to €0.5 billion. dsm-firm
dsm-firmenich announces agreement to divest Animal Nutrition & Health to CVC Capital Partners
dsm-firmenich, innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, today announces it has entered into an agreement with CVC, a leading global private markets manager, to divest its Animal Nutrition & Health (“ANH”) business for an enterprise value of about €2.2 billion, which includes an earnout of up to €0.5 billion. dsm-firmenich will retain a 20% equity stake in the divested ANH Companies, in partnership with CVC.
Kids learn about biology, chemistry and physics at Science Alive
The event featured Kate the Chemist, hands-on activities, animals from Potawatomi Zoo and more as kids engaged with science and scientists.
Scientists found a hidden fat switch and turned it off
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown enzyme that plays a crucial role in fat production. By blocking it, they stopped weight gain, reduced liver damage, and lowered harmful cholesterol levels in animal studies. The finding opens the door to a new kind of medication that could tackle obesity, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease all at once.
Science Alive brings hands-on fun to South Bend families
Families can enjoy weather demos, zoo animals and science experiments at Science Alive on Feb. 7 in South Bend.
Phibro Animal Health Q2 Earnings Call Highlights
Phibro Animal Health (NASDAQ:PAHC) reported fiscal second-quarter results that management said reflected continued momentum from its animal health strategy and the integration of its medicated feed additive (MFA) acquisition, while also raising its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance. Second-quarter res
Heard on Campus: Public talks focus on ‘origins’
The first lectures in the 32nd annual Ashtekar Frontiers of Science series focused on origins and included talks on the search for potentially habitable planets and the transition of animals from water to land.
‘Everything is quagga mussel now’: can invasive species be stopped?
While ecologists believe invasive species play a major role in more than 60% of plant and animal extinctions, stopping them in their tracks is almost impossible. Biodiversity reporter Phoebe Weston tells Madeleine Finlay how invasive species spread, how conservationists are trying combat them and why some think a radical new approach is needed.
Seals Are Seemingly Vanishing Off the Dutch Coast. These Scientists Are Trying to Get to the Bottom of the Mysterious Disappearances
Recent counts of the Wadden Sea’s adult harbor seal population have revealed a surprising trend of decline, prompting a consortium of researchers to investigate whether the animals are dying off, relocating or experiencing something else altogether
Joint statement on the renewed Quadripartite Memorandum of Understanding regarding cooperation on One Health until 2030
Through the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on One Health, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing the implementation of the One Health approach.
The Science of “the Giggle”: Why Laboratory Rats Love Being Tickled
If you think laughter and comedy are reserved strictly for humans, you’d be wrong. A study in the late 1990s showed that creatures like rats emit ultrasonic vocalizations while playing with or anticipating the opportunity to play with other rats. To make matters sillier, rats emitted similar vocalizations when they were subjected to manual somatosensory
Baby dinosaurs were the backbone of the Jurassic food chain
Despite growing into the largest animals ever to walk on land, sauropods began life small, exposed, and alone. Fossil evidence suggests their babies were frequently eaten by multiple predators, making them a key part of the Jurassic food chain. This steady supply of easy prey may explain why early predators thrived without needing extreme hunting adaptations. The findings offer a rare glimpse into how dinosaur ecosystems truly worked.
Alzheimer’s scrambles memories while the brain rests
When the brain rests, it usually replays recent experiences to strengthen memory. Scientists found that in Alzheimer’s-like mice, this replay still occurs — but the signals are jumbled and poorly coordinated. As a result, memory-supporting brain cells lose their stability, and the animals struggle to remember where they’ve been.
“Existential risk” – Why scientists are racing to define consciousness
Scientists warn that rapid advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness, creating serious ethical risks. New research argues that developing scientific tests for awareness could transform medicine, animal welfare, law, and AI development. But identifying consciousness in machines, brain organoids, or patients could also force society to rethink responsibility, rights, and moral boundaries. The question of what it means to be conscious has never been more urgent—or more unsettling.
Albino or Leucistic? The Science Behind America’s “White Raccoons”
Imagine that you’re taking an evening stroll in the woods. All of a sudden, you spot a flash of color and two glowing eyes. The furry animal looks like a raccoon, but its all-white fur says otherwise. There’s no black fur and the bandit mask is missing entirely; only snow-white hair. What you’ve just observed
Livingston County establishes registry for people convicted of animal abuse
The county board of supervisors voted on the proposal Wednesday during a meeting to establish the registry.
An AI Toy Exposed 50,000 Logs of Its Chats With Kids to Anyone With a Gmail Account
AI chat toy company Bondu left its web console almost entirely unprotected. Researchers who accessed it found nearly all the conversations children had had with the company's stuffed animals.
Monkey Business: Using Genetics to Understanding Decision-Making in Monkeys
Abigail Morris first visited the Peruvian Amazon when she was 6 years old. Now, as a Ph.D. candidate in the Animal Behavior Graduate Group, she has returned to study how seasonal flooding affects the behavior, diet and population genetics of two species of monkey: monk sakis (Pithecia monachus) and large-headed capuchins (Sapajus apella macrocephalus).
Department Launches Outreach Campaign to Promote Stream Protection, Herd Health
Department Launches Outreach Campaign to Promote Stream Protection, Herd Health Up to 87.5% Cost-Share Available for Most Practices ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 29, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture has launched a new public awareness campaign to educate farmers about the environmental and animal health benefits of fencing livestock out of streams and providing them with Read the Rest…
Nearly 2,000 Products Recalled in 3 States After Being Exposed to Rodent Waste—FDA Issues Risk Warning
Diet Coke, Hershey's, and Tylenol are among the many popular products under recall. They were held in a facility with rodent and bird waste.
Why is India’s Nipah virus outbreak spooking the world?
The virus spreads from animals to humans, via person-to-person contact or through consuming contaminated food.
These two viruses may become the next public health threats, scientists say
Two emerging pathogens with animal origins—influenza D virus and canine coronavirus—have so far been quietly flying under the radar, but researchers warn conditions are ripe for the viruses to spread ...
Roadkill is a surprising and untapped source for scientists
Millions of animals unfortunately die on roads each year, but the casualties hold important data.
Scientists say these two viruses may become the next public health threats
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Two emerging pathogens with animal origins — influenza D virus and canine coronavirus — have so far been quietly flying under the radar,…
OHSU board contemplates closure of primate research center; its scientists plead for support
Scientists at the Oregon National Primate Research Center say their work is driving critical medical advances. But leadership at the federal level has questioned the value of the research model, and committed to ending animal experiments.
Ancient giant kangaroos could hop after all
Giant kangaroos that lived during the Ice Age may not have been as slow and grounded as once believed. A new study finds their leg bones and tendons were likely strong enough to support hopping, despite their massive size. Rather than traveling this way all the time, these animals may have relied on short bursts of hopping. This ability could have played a key role in escaping predators.
Monoclonal Antibodies in Veterinary Health Market Research 2026 - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031
The monoclonal antibodies in veterinary health market face growth opportunities due to rising animal chronic diseases and pet humanization trends. Advanced, safer biologic therapies are favored over traditional drugs, supported by increased pet insurance. However, high costs present a major market entry barrier. Monoclonal Antibodies in Veterinary Health Market Monoclonal Antibodies in Veterinary Health Market Dublin, Jan. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Monoclonal Antibodies in Veterinary Hea
Lovet Pet Health Care℠ Wins Two VETTY Awards® for Excellence in Animal Health Care Marketing
Lovet Pet Health Care℠, a new kind of veterinary care making it easier for pets to stay healthy and for pet parents to get the support and guidance they need every step of the way, has been recognized with two VETTY Awards® for excellence in marketing.
Animals experience joy. Scientists want to measure it
Scientists have long focused on quantifying fear and other negative emotions in animals. Now they’re trying to measure positive feelings — and it’s a challenge.
East Carson Street business owners say South Side is on the rise
Conversations about South Side often revolve around party animals or relentless crime. In reality, the area is much different.
Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour continues across the US this year - News
Beginning in February, the Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour makes its Way to Multiple New and Returning Aquariums in 2026 The aquarium experience inspired by the Animal Crossing™: New Horizons game continues its journey in 2026! Starting Feb. 13, the A…
Tiny doses of THC show big benefits for HIV treatment
A new study suggests that micro-doses of THC could help counter many long-term side effects of HIV treatment without causing intoxication. In animal models, low-dose THC reduced inflammation, improved gut bacteria, boosted serotonin, and lowered harmful cholesterol and bile acids. Surprisingly, it also reduced circulating levels of antiretroviral drugs while maintaining viral suppression, potentially protecting the liver. Scientists say the results point to a promising new approach for managing chronic complications of HIV.
Veronika the cow astounds science with first consistent case of tool use
Raised as a pet in southern Austria, her solution to bothersome horseflies has changed what was known about animal intelligence
Lego’s Education sets are expanding beyond the classroom.
The sets teach STEM concepts like programming, engineering, and now AI. They’re typically only sold to teachers and schools, but Lego’s Education division has created four new sets designed for learning at home. They’re launching today and are themed around space and animals [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/lego_education1.jpg?quality=90&strip=all] [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/lego_education2.jpg?quality=90&strip=all] [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/lego_education3.jpg?quality=90&strip=all] [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/lego_education4.jpg?quality=90&strip=all] [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/lego_education5.jpg?quality=90&strip=all] [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/lego_education6.jpg?quality=90&strip=all] [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/lego_education7.jpg?quality=90&strip=all] [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/lego_education8.jpg?quality=90&strip=all]
Why am I a vegan? I do it for my mental health
Vegan restaurants are closing, RFK Jr is sounding the drum for carnivores, and the protein cult is bigger than ever. But eschewing animal products helps me ward off a sense of impotence – and despair, writes Emma Beddington
You Can't Invite Hotel Visitors to Move to Your Island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and We're All Bummed About It
Animal Crossing: New Horizon's big 3.0 update is now live, and with it a bustling hotel where you can decorate rooms and attract villagers from the game's massive roster of over 400 animals for a visit. But sadly, these new friends won't stay forever.
Animal Crossing's 3.0 Update Just Killed Existing Hotel Businesses
Players spent years faking luxury hotels, until the 3.0 update made them real.
Science Quiz: Extinct Animals and Strange Illnesses
Put your science knowledge to the test with this week’s news quiz. Play now.
I'm not sure Animal Crossing: New Horizons' busted megaphone and other Switch 2 bits are worth £4.19, but 3.0's a welcome nudge back into Nintendo's lovely world
I cannot begin to tell you how much I was looking forward to hoisting megaphone and bellowing insults at Chops from hal…
Video: Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Side-By-Side Graphics Comparison (Switch 2 & Switch)
Including updates to resolution and load times
Video: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition vs. Switch comparison
A new video comparison has come in for the new Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons and its Switch original. Probably the biggest here is load time improvements. On Nintendo Switch 2, loading is reduced by about half. Elsewhere, things are mostly the same. Nintendo hasn’t touched up the graphics in any way, and unfortunately, it’s still...
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update 3.0.0 Patch Notes - Switch 2 And Switch New Content, Features And More
Here are the full details!
MUMMIES OF THE WORLD: THE EXHIBITION RETURNS TO THE CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER
/PRNewswire/ -- Mummies of the World: The Exhibition brings together over 30 naturally and intentionally preserved human and animal mummies from South America,...
‘Animal Control’ Boss Previews Romance & Rivalries in Season 4
'I actually think this is definitely our best season,' says showrunner Tad Quill.
‘Animal Control’ Boss Previews Romance & Rivalries in Season 4
'I actually think this is definitely our best season,' says showrunner Tad Quill.
Animal Crossing’s big 3.0 update has fans itching to return to the cozy life
A return to the comfortable.
Surprise! Animal Crossing: New Horizons' free 3.0 update for Switch releases early
Good news, Animal Crossing: New Horizons' free 3.0 Switch update for all owners has been released earlier than we thought.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update 3.0 Is Live Now, A Day Early
While version 3.0 is live now, islanders will have to wait another day for the Switch 2 upgrade to wash to shore.
To Nuke Or Not To Nuke? Animal Crossing Players Prep For New Update
Animal Crossing: New Horizons' first big update in years hits this week Animal Crossing: New Horizons players are debating to restart or not.
11 Things To Do Before Animal Crossing: New Horizons' 3.0 Update
If it's been a while since you've visited your island, get ready for Animal Crossing's big 3.0 update and Switch 2 upgrade with these steps.
Animal Crossing's Next Update Has Players Revisiting Long-Deserted Islands
Forgotten villagers, overgrown paths, and old relationships resurface as fans revisit Animal Crossing islands they left behind.
Zoetis CEO on Animal Health, Vaccines and Beef Prices
Zoetis CEO Kristin Peck says higher protein demand is driving demand for livestock vaccines. She speaks with Katie Greifeld at JPMorgan's annual health-care conference in San Francisco. (Source: Bloomberg)
Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Everything New In Update 3.0
Here is everything coming in the new update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Nintendo reveals more details about Animal Crossing New Horizons Switch 2
Residents are invited to relax and customise their personal paradise in all-new ways with Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, available Thursday 15th January for Nintendo Switch…
This Week’s Japanese Game Releases: Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, CASSETTE BOY, more
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is the highlight of this week’s Japanese game releases. It is the week’s only retail release.
Is Phibro Animal Health (PAHC) Pricing Reflecting Its Strong Multi Year Share Price Performance?
If you are wondering whether Phibro Animal Health's current share price lines up with its underlying worth, you are not alone. This article is built to help you think that through clearly. The stock recently closed at US$39.44, with returns of 5.7% over the last week, a 1.8% decline over the last month, 5.7% year to date, 99.9% over the last year and 190.7% over three years, alongside a 110.2% return over five years. These price moves sit against a backdrop of ongoing interest in animal...
Essay Highlights Overlooked Welfare Risks for Fish and Aquatic Animals
Researchers evaluate how standard animal welfare guidelines account for the biological needs of fish and other aquatic animals, including access to dissolved oxygen.
Lee County health officials warn of intestinal bacteria in the water at Lynn Hall Memorial Beach
Water-quality testing in Southwest Florida occasionally reports high concentrations of enterococcus bacteria, which are found inside the intestinal tracts of humans and animals, similar to the spike in the bacteria discovered off Fort Myers Beach this week.
Earth's early sponges were soft: Scientists close fossil record gap
Sponges are among Earth's most ancient animals, but exactly when they evolved has long puzzled scientists. Genetic information from living sponges, as well as chemical signals from ancient rocks, suggest ...
Physicians Committee Provides Recommendations on Animal-Free Science to White House Office
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy recently sought input on ways to accelerate the American scientific enterprise.
The poison frog that fooled scientists for decades
Researchers discovered that a poison frog species described decades ago was based on a mix-up involving the wrong museum specimen. The frog tied to the official species name turned out to be brown, not the colorful animal shown in the original photo. After tracing old records and images, scientists corrected the error and reclassified the frog as part of an already-known species. The case underscores how vital museum collections are—and how even small mistakes can ripple through science for years.
Meet The Moonfish, The World's Only Warm-Blooded Fish That’s 5°C Hotter Than Its Environment
"This is a cool innovation by these animals that gives them a competitive edge."
Can animals read? Not in the human way.
Bonobos, dolphins, and other animals can decode complex symbols.
50 mind-blowing science facts about our incredible world
If you're looking for weird facts about animals, gross human body facts or just something a bit random, get ready to geek out with these fascinating bits of trivia.
A natural evolution of cruelty
It’s not always the best-adapted animal that survives. Sometimes, it’s the one that exploits its fellow creatures
Fossilized bones are revealing secrets from a lost world
Researchers have uncovered thousands of preserved metabolic molecules inside fossilized bones millions of years old, offering a surprising new window into prehistoric life. The findings reveal animals’ diets, diseases, and even their surrounding climate, including evidence of warmer, wetter environments. One fossil even showed signs of a parasite still known today. This approach could transform how scientists reconstruct ancient ecosystems.
January 2, 2026
A look back at the biggest science stories of 2025, and a few you may have missed. Plus, over the past year, most of your body has replaced itself cell by cell. What can we learn from other animals’ dramatic feats of regeneration? And, ultramarathoners can run with what seems like superhuman stamina. But are their bodies much different than the rest of ours?
Scientists Find a Never-Before-Seen Animal Living in the Great Salt Lake
Utah biologists have characterized D. woaabi, the first of two nematode species recently discovered in the lake’s microbialites.
There is as much life left to discover on planet Earth as that which is already known
Around 16,000 new species are described each year, but most animals and plants are listed as threatened as soon as they are brought to light
Health officials warn public after coyote injures person in Warwick Township
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is searching for the animal, but officials don't know if it is rabid.
The year in science: From a tiny T. rex to interstellar visitors
Triumphs included advances in transplanting animal organs into people, but the growing measles crisis in the U.S. indicates danger.
Zombie bugs, singing seals and rule-breaking bears: Wild science of 2025
It's that time of year again – and my personal favorite corner of science to look back on – when we recap the many fascinating discoveries in the plant and animal kingdom that made headlines in 2025.
One Health: Can science help prevent pandemics?
Scientists are certain that it’s only a matter of time before the next pandemic strikes. Pathogens jump regularly from animals to humans. But the risks that such zoonoses pose can be reduced.
Brigitte Bardot’s image complicated by her support of the far right
Film star turned animal rights activist was outspoken on immigration and future of France
Brigitte Bardot, icon of French cinema, dies at 91
Brigitte Bardot, whose later years were marked by animal rights campaigns and far-right political sympathies, has died at the age of 91.
Brigitte Bardot, French film icon turned far-right provocateur, dies at 91
Actor reshaped French cinema before retreating from global fame into animal rights activism and far-right politics.
Jay M. Savage, witness to disappearing frogs and builder of tropical science
In the late 1980s, something began to go wrong in places that were supposed to be safe. Protected cloud forests, buffered from chainsaws and bulldozers, started losing animals that had persisted through far rougher times. Amphibians—often abundant, often overlooked—were vanishing in patterns that did not fit the usual explanations. Field biologists, trained to distrust drama, […]
7-year-old donates her business proceeds to Angels for Animals
CANFIELD — Ellie Kaley, a 7-year-old student at West Branch Elementary School, marked her first six months in business by celebrating with a few dozen kittens at Angels For Animals. The Mahoning County-based animal adoption nonprofit is in the midst of a campaign to upgrade its facility. While Ellie didn’t walk away this week with […]
A surprising brain cleanup reduced epileptic seizures and restored memory
A new study suggests temporal lobe epilepsy may be linked to early aging of certain brain cells. When researchers removed these aging cells in mice, seizures dropped, memory improved, and some animals avoided epilepsy altogether. The treatment used drugs already known to science, raising the possibility of quicker translation to people. The results offer new hope for patients who do not respond to existing medications.
All Animals, Plants, And Fungi On Earth Can Be Traced Back To A Common Ancestor: The "Asgardians"
From humans and dinosaurs to starfish and seagrass, we are all Asgardian.
We are living in a golden age of species discovery
The search for life on Earth is speeding up, not slowing down. Scientists are now identifying more than 16,000 new species each year, revealing far more biodiversity than expected across animals, plants, fungi, and beyond. Many species remain undiscovered, especially insects and microbes, and future advances could unlock millions more. Each new find also opens doors to conservation and medical breakthroughs.
This tiny peptide could help stop brain damage after injury
A four–amino acid peptide called CAQK has shown powerful brain-protective effects in animal models of traumatic brain injury. Delivered through a standard IV, it zeroes in on injured brain tissue, calming inflammation and reducing cell death while improving recovery. The peptide worked in both mice and pigs, whose brains are closer to humans in structure. Researchers are now preparing to move toward early human clinical trials.
The Science (and Pseudoscience) of Everyday Life
Everyday life is full of small behaviors we treat as moral choices, scientific truths, or acts of civic virtue—often without much reflection. From abandoned shopping carts to climate guilt over pet ownership, from misplaced faith in statistical “significance” to misunderstandings of animal behavior, these examples reveal how intuition, habit, and oversimplified science shape what we believe.
Nine mental-health tips for a happier 2026
Regardless of any resolutions you may have for 2026, one thing is for sure: Everyone wants to have a happy new year.While losing weight or saving money may be great goals, the most straightforward path to happiness is caring for your mental and emotional health. A robust body of research shows that simple cognitive and behavioral strategies can reliably boost happiness and reduce stress – and they’re generally free and accessible to all.These strategies don’t have to be super time-consuming, but they do require intention: They only work if you do them.Here, psychologist Valentina Ogaryan, PhD, clinical director of the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, shares her top tips for cultivating more calm, centeredness and happiness in the new year (or anytime):Make time for playPlay isn’t just for kids, and it’s far from frivolous. The National Institute for Play says engaging in silliness, fun and just-for-pleasure activities reduces stress and increases optimism and resilience. A recent review also found that play improves mental health.“Adults can benefit from play as much as children,” Dr. Ogaryan says, “not just as a reward, but something that helps regulate.”So go ahead and dance with your dog, build something with Legos, tell a joke, sing karaoke or do anything else that feels like fun. Don’t worry about being productive, just enjoy yourself. And, if you can, opt for more analog play, Dr. Ogaryan suggests, as a respite from our ever-more-digital world. Move your bodyWhether you dance, ski, do yoga, play pickleball, ride a bike, roller-skate, hike or lift weights, physical movement benefits overall happiness and well-being. A 2018 review study of more than 1.2 million adults in the U.S. found that doing any kind of exercise was “significantly and meaningfully associated” with better self-reported mental health.The sweet spot was 45 minutes of movement three to five times a week, but even short bursts of physical activity can boost brain health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“Movement helps support mood and regulate the nervous system,” Dr. Ogaryan says.Plus: exercise can improve sleep quality, and sleep is essential for mental health.Prioritize sleep“Sleep plays a major role in managing stress,” Dr. Ogaryan says. Research shows that lack of sufficient sleep increases the risk of various diseases, including depression.While stress can interfere with sleep, practicing good sleep hygiene can make logging ZZ’s easier. That means maintaining a consistent bedtime; keeping the bedroom cool, dark and quiet; and avoiding social media, news and stimulating shows before bed.Consume lessWe live in a consumer culture, inundated by endless streams of content and advertising everywhere we go, which makes it easy to get overstimulated.“Something really helpful for stress reduction is to simply consume less,” Dr. Ogaryan says – less news, less social media, less information, less noise, less screen time. “It’s about reducing the input,” she says.Consider setting a maximum number of news articles per day, for example, or a time limit on scrolling. Maybe even go device free for an afternoon or a whole day.Practice present-moment awarenessWith so much coming at us all the time, focusing on the here and now can make life feel more manageable, Dr. Ogaryan says: “When everything feels super overwhelming, when everything feels larger than life, let’s make our world a little bit smaller for that moment in time.”She suggests taking things one day, or even one hour, at a time. Ask yourself: What’s my next right action? Release the need to know how everything turns out and liberate yourself from having to handle everything right now. Let the future take care of itself and just focus on the current moment. Then the next one. Have a daily anchorFrom work to the daily commute to family and life responsibilities, our days can feel jam-packed. Dr. Ogaryan recommends creating a centering daily anchor that can fit into even the busiest day.Maybe it’s a 10-minute walk during your lunch break or mindfully enjoying your coffee in the morning. Let your anchor adapt to your needs each day, she says, but be intentional about using that time to ground yourself and calm your nervous system. You might even say to yourself, “I choose this walk to help me become centered,” or “My day already feels stressful, so I’m going to take the next 10 minutes to enjoy this cup of coffee, feel the warm mug in my hand and just be present.” Having an anchor won’t erase the busy-ness from your day, but it will allow you to approach it more calmly.Be kind to yourselfMost of us have a harsh inner critic in our heads who works overtime. But that critical voice only increases our stress, triggering the same fight-or-flight response as caustic words from another person.To feel happier, we need to replace that inner critic with a kinder, more compassionate voice, Dr. Ogaryan says. Studies show that self-compassion is a source of eudaimonic happiness – the kind of happiness associated with purpose and meaning in life.While our knee-jerk reaction may be to self-criticize – “How could you let it get to this point? You didn’t manage your time well and now the project is going to be late. You’re so inept.” – we fare better mentally by treating ourselves with kindness, like we would a friend. That might sound like, “You’ve got a lot on your plate, but you are capable and you’ll get it done. I believe in you.”We may think that speaking kindly to ourselves means letting ourselves off the hook, so we end up becoming lazy do-nothings. But research shows the opposite: People who are self-compassionate are more likely to try harder in the face of failure and ultimately reach their goals.You can thank your inner critic for its good intentions, but resolve to talk to yourself in a kind, compassionate voice.Connect with othersHumans are social animals built for connection. Stress can be isolating and cause us to withdraw, but connecting with others is a salve for the psyche, Dr. Ogaryan says.“We know that not all relationships are always easy, but if we can think about intentional, nourishing connection – even in really small doses – it could really help center us,” she says.Take a moment to laugh with your colleagues, hug your pet, have a conversation with a friend or smile at the barista making your coffee. A study found that even tiny interactions with casual acquaintances and strangers decreases loneliness and improves happiness and well-being.Seek supportIf you try these practices and happiness remains elusive, or if you can’t access the wherewithal to follow these tips, seek support from your physician or a therapist. Mental health conditions are among the most common health issues in the U.S. and around the world – more prevalent than diabetes or heart disease. One in five people in the U.S. experiences a mental illness each year, with depression and anxiety the most common, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.“We can all think about these tips,” Dr. Ogaryan says. “But it’s important to recognize if you’ve done everything you can and you’re still really struggling, it’s really important to seek help.”
In Pursuit of the Monarch’s Magnetic Sense
The magnetic compass is the last unknown sense in migrating animals. For some scientists, the monarch butterfly is leading the way.
In Pursuit of the Monarch’s Magnetic Sense
The magnetic compass is the last unknown sense in migrating animals. For some scientists, the monarch butterfly is leading the way.
Scientists Extract Metabolic Molecules From Million-Year-Old Fossils for the First Time
Fossils can reveal far more than the shapes of ancient creatures. Molecules preserved inside old animal bones provide clues about past diseases, what those animals ate, and the climates they lived in. For the first time, researchers have examined metabolism-related molecules preserved in fossiliz
Gemini for Home camera updates improve Familiar Face, animal detection, more
The latest Gemini for Home updates are focused on camera improvements for Nest and other compatible devices.
Ministers defend ‘most ambitious animal welfare strategy in generation’ before publication
Conservatives claim government’s plan for higher welfare standards for farmed animals could undermine British agriculture
If not pet, why pet shape? Science says raccoons aren't quite there : Short Wave
Dogs are man’s best friend. And it’s no secret that we at Short Wave love cats (Regina has four)! Both of these iconic pets have been domesticated – evolved and adapted to live alongside humans – for millennia. And a recent study suggests that the common raccoon may be on its first steps towards joining them. So how do scientists look for signs of domestication and what do those signs mean? And could you have a litter box trained raccoon in your lifetime? We talk to the study’s lead author, Raffaela Lesch, to find out.Interested in more animal science stories? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Some ChatGPT Users Say Swapping Out Models Is Like ‘Replacing A Service Animal’
OpenAI wanted GPT-5 to be less warm and agreeable than its predecessor. Some neurodivergent people struggled with the change, showing the tricky balance AI companies must strike when releasing new models.
IACUC Chair Ron Emeson retires from decades-long career devoted to science, students and service
Emeson has been on the Vanderbilt University faculty since 1991 has led the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee since 2008.