Research over the last three decades has begun to reveal the diversity and complexity of spider behavior. In addition to complex communication and signaling behavior, spiders demonstrate learning and reversal learning, significant problem-solving skills, and possibly even the ability to count.

‍I talked with biologist Ximena Nelson, author of the 2024 book The Lives of Spiders, about studying spider smarts in the lab and what she wants people to know about these often-misunderstood arachnids.

Read the Q&A at my Animal Minds blog: Spiders Are Smart, Not Scary.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that may affect up to 1 billion people worldwide. But discomfort with CPAP machines has kept many patients from complying with therapy. Now, companies are investing in machine learning, personalized pressure delivery algorithms, fabric masks, and digital health strategies to increase therapy adherence and help patients sleep more soundly.

Read more at IEEE Pulse: “Not Your Grandfather’s CPAP:” Improving Sleep Apnea Therapy Adherence with Emerging Technology.

I’m excited to announce the publication of another educational children’s book! Teen Guide: Depression is a Hi-Lo nonfiction title (reading level: grades 3-4, interest level grades 6-12) published by BrightPoint Press.

To learn more and order from the publisher, click here.

To order on Amazon, click here.

My new educational children’s book is out! The Essential Library of Countries: Thailand provides young readers with an overview of the geography, wildlife, history, people, and economy of Thailand. It is published by Abdo and written at an 8th grade reading level.

To learn more and order from the publisher, click here.

To order on Amazon, click here.

Many animals use deception to get what they want, but only a few creatures engage in tactical deception: They adapt their tricks depending on their goal or audience. Tactical deception involves some sophisticated cognition, and research on the phenomenon often focuses on primates or brainy birds like corvids. Recently, scientists suggested that a different group of animals may be ideal for the study of tactical deception: cephalopods like octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish.

Read more at my Animal Minds blog: Do Octopuses Mean to Deceive?