Yawning is an instantly recognizable behavior found among most vertebrate animals. But there is still a lot that scientists do not know about this seemingly simple phenomenon, including why we can catch yawns from others.

In a new study, researchers investigated the potential functions of contagious yawning by observing groups of lions in the wild. They found that, after being “infected” by others’ yawns, lions tended to coordinate their motor actions. The results suggest that yawn contagion acts to synchronize group activity and help facilitate coordinated behavior.

Read the whole story at National Geographic: Many mammals are contagious yawners - this might be why.

It is estimated that there are around 7,000 rare diseases, although the number could be as high as 10,000. Almost one in ten Americans has a rare disease, underscoring the fact that these diseases are individually rare, but collectively common.

I recently wrote a factsheet for the American Society for Human Genetics on rare diseases, the majority of which have a genetic basis. Take a look: Rare Diseases Factsheet.

New research documents manta rays moving their cephalic lobes — the modified fins on either side of their mouths — during social interactions with cleaner fish, one another, and human divers. The study suggests that cephalic lobe movements may play a role in gestural communication, as well as in feeding.

Read more at my Animal Minds blog: Manta Ray ‘Fin Language.’

It’s been about a year since the phrase “social distancing” quickly entered our collective vocabulary. But it’s not a new concept. In a recent review, researchers examined various forms of social distancing practiced in the animal kingdom. It turns out that infection can change social behavior in a range of species. Understanding these social dynamics can shed light on processes like how diseases spread, as well as model ways to prevent disease transmission.

Read more at my Animal Minds blog: Social Distancing in Nature.

If you’ve caught any “Shark Week” documentaries over the last few years, you’ve probably seen footage of massive great white sharks leaping out of the water to ambush prey. But great whites aren’t the only giant fish to show off in this way. It turns out that another shark species engages in just-as-impressive breaching behavior — and it is likely for very different reasons.

Read my latest Animal Minds post: Why Do These Giant Sharks Leap Out of the Water?