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ScIUConversations in Science at Indiana University

Tag: behavior

Making and Reaching New Year’s Resolutions the SMART way

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[A notebook sits in the middle of the photo with “2022” written in big words on the left side and “Goal” written in big letters on the right with one through four numbered under it. To the left is a bunch of flowers sitting on the table and to the right of the notebook there is a coffee cup with coffee in it.

It’s January 1st. You bought your notebook, numbered the page, and you’re ready; It is time to make some New Year’s resolutions. If you’re someone that regularly makes resolutions, you’re not alone. The start of a new year brings a natural push to start new routines or try to break bad habits. However, many people struggle to keep resolutions. The good news is, behavioral science and the theory of motivation tell us there are evidence-based strategies that can help…

Fatherhood in the animal kingdom and its intricate relationship with aggression

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A photograph collage of different animal species displaying aggressive behavior or providing parental care. In the upper left image, two juvenile male lions practice fighting behavior while playing. One lion is growling at the other, and the second lion is lunging towards the other. In the upper right image, two blue jay birds face each other mid-air with their wings spread apart and their beaks open. The two birds have gray beaks, bright blue feathers with a black and white stripe on their backs, and gray feathers on their abdomens. In the lower left image, an adult discus fish swims alongside its tiny juvenile offspring. The adult fish is flat and dark orange in color, with intricate iridescent blue markings along its body. Its offspring are silver in color, with orange fins and a thin black stripe running vertically through their eyes. In the lower right image, an adult Barbary macaque embraces a small infant. Both macaques have light pink faces and golden-colored fur.

On Father’s Day, hundreds of thousands of people across the United States will show appreciation for the love, encouragement, and support that their fathers have provided them throughout their lifetimes. Interestingly, numerous animals provide parental care to their offspring, from fish and birds to non-human primates and humans. Yet, there is substantial evidence that many… Read more »

A gut feeling: Demas lab explores how microbiome influences social behavior

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A profile view of two humans facing each other. The brain of each person is comprised of different food items, including fruits, vegetables, ice cream, and candy.

Social behavior is most commonly associated with electrical and chemical signaling in the brain. But, did you know that your gut may also communicate with your brain? There is emerging evidence that the gut microbiome, a population of about 100 trillion microorganisms that resides in the gastrointestinal tract, may communicate with the central nervous system… Read more »

Climate change: Adapt or die

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My research is dependent on migratory birds being present on their wintering grounds in the Appalachian Mountains in the month of March. But this year it was an unseasonably warm winter, and it was not possible to know when migrants would depart for their breeding grounds. Luckily, the temperatures dropped again and the migrants hung… Read more »

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