Wolves Howl For Pals, Not Leaders
When separated from a packmate, a wolf's howl intensity is determined by the closeness of its partnership with the departed individual, not by that individual's rank. Arielle Duhaime-Ross reports.
How a Computer Program Helped Show J.K. Rowling write A Cuckoo’s Calling
Author of the Harry Potter books has a distinct linguistic signature
The Dolphin's Whistle Rings a Bell
Dolphins can recall the signature whistles of former companions, even after decades of separation. Sophie Bushwick reports
When Animals Mourn
Mounting evidence from species as diverse as cats and dolphins indicates that humans are not the only species that grieves over the loss of loved ones
Using Money to Buy Happiness
Two scholars offer scientific advice on getting the most happiness for your dollar
Cultural Images Affect Second Language Usage
People with multicultural backgrounds may change a speech pattern in their second language after seeing an icon from their first culture. Cynthia Graber reports
Altitude May Influence Language Sounds
The lower air pressure at high altitudes may be a factor in why ejective consonants are more popular in languages spoken higher up. Sophie Bushwick reports
Where Does Identity Come From?
A fascinating new neuroscience experiment probes an ancient philosophical question—and hints that you might want to get out more
June 2013 Briefing Memo
Speed Dating Study Yields Conversation Keys
A study analyzed nearly 1,000 speed dates and their aftermaths to find out what conversational cues work best for people to click. Amy Kraft reports
Inside the Dog Mind
New science reveals the multiple intelligences of mankind's best friend
Twitter Reveals Language Geographic Distribution
Location-tagged tweets enabled researchers to calculate the dominant language of any given region, down to neighborhoods in New York City. Sophie Bushwick reports