Cats May Fetchbut They Prefer To Be In Control Of The Playtime, As You Will Guess.

Cats may fetch—but they prefer to be in control of the playtime, as you will guess.

Not only dogs, but certain cats also enjoy playing fetch, as revealed by recent research. A significant number of felines seem to have acquired this behavior independently, without deliberate training from their human companions. Interestingly, the study indicates that in most instances, these cats took the initiative to start and conclude the play sessions themselves. This implies that while cats may chase and bring back objects, they prefer doing so according to their own preferences, as detailed in a recent publication in Scientific Reports.

(via Like Dogs, Some Cats Will Play Fetch—but Mostly on Their Own Terms | Smart News| Smithsonian Magazine)

The International Institute for Strategic Studies in London published the latest edition of its authoritative annual Armed Conflict Survey, and it paints a grim picture of rising violence in in many regions, of wars chronically resistant to broking of peace. The survey — which addresses regional conflicts rather than the superpower confrontation between China, Russia, the US and its allies — documents 183 conflicts for 2023, the highest number in three decades.

Through the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists observed the intricate outflows of HH 211, hinting at a young binary star system. Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA, CSA, T. Ray (Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies)

The word "nerd" was first coined by Dr. Seuss in "If I Ran the Zoo," published in 1950. The term originally referred to a creature in the book, and over time, it evolved to describe someone who is passionately interested in a particular hobby or field, especially one related to technology or intellectual pursuits.

Mantis shrimp, fascinating marine crustaceans found in tropical and subtropical waters, are renowned for their extraordinary features and behaviors. One of their most remarkable attributes lies in their eyesight, which is the most complex in the animal kingdom. Mantis shrimp possess 16 types of photoreceptor cells, enabling them to perceive an extensive spectrum of colors, including ultraviolet light. Their eyes are mounted on stalks and can move independently, providing them with trinocular vision, a capability that allows them to accurately judge distances and sizes.

Mantis shrimp are not only known for their predatory prowess but also for their diverse adaptations. There are over 450 known species, divided into two main groups: spearers and smashers. Spearers have sharp, spiky appendages for capturing soft-bodied prey, while smashers use club-like appendages to crack open the hard shells of their prey. Beyond their hunting strategies, mantis shrimp exhibit unique locomotion, known as "stilt walking," and display vibrant colors for communication purposes. Some species even construct advanced nests using their powerful appendages, showcasing their remarkable behaviors in both hunting and habitat construction.

Smasher mantis shrimp's punch is no less than astounding, boasting an acceleration matching that of a 22-caliber bullet. This results in a formidable blow of 15,000 newtons, a force exceeding 2,500 times the shrimp's own weight. This power is particularly noteworthy given the diminutive size of these creatures, with most falling within the 6-inch range, though they can measure anywhere between 4 and 15 inches. Such strength allows them to effortlessly break quarter-inch glass, and there have been instances of mantis shrimp smashing aquarium tanks with their powerful punches. This ability adds another layer to the already impressive array of features and behaviors exhibited by these marine crustaceans.

Based on extensive research, it has been discovered that crows are highly intelligent creatures known for their remarkable ability to utilize tools. In fact, researchers have found that female crows, in particular, exhibit extraordinary proficiency when it comes to using tools, surpassing their avian counterparts in overcoming various challenges with remarkable speed and efficiency.

(via What happens in a crow’s brain when it uses tools?  | Ars Technica)