Despite their popularity as companions, misunderstandings about cat behavior are common. People’s expectations of cats and ability to interpret their behavior are influenced by pervasive myths that often paint cats as ‘low maintenance, self-sufficient’ animals. Moreover, incorrect assumptions and beliefs about cat needs and behaviors can have serious welfare consequences, which in turn can undermine the human-animal bond.

Read more at my Animal Minds blog: 5 Harmful Feline Myths, Debunked.

Male palm cockatoos make and use drumming instruments as part of their mating display. New research shows the birds craft individually distinct musical instruments according to their personal preferences. The findings suggest females may evaluate males on the individuality and creativity of their display.

Read more at my Animal Minds blog: Custom-Made Drumsticks Showcase Cockatoo Creativity.

Dolphins live in complex social environments that demand a sophisticated toolkit of socio-cognitive skills, including the ability to pay attention to what others attend to. In addition, captive dolphins often undergo specialized training in which they must attend to and interact with human trainers in exchange for rewards. In other words, captive dolphins’ skills and experience may make them sensitive to human attentional states.

Read more at my Animal Minds blog: Dolphins Understand Human Gaze.

Thirty years ago, the small molecules we now know as microRNAs (miRNAs) would have been regarded as “junk” genetic material. Today, miRNAs have been hailed as promising biomarkers for diseases including cancer, neurological disorders, heart conditions, and infections. Although progress has been made toward characterizing the role of miRNAs in different diseases, there remain challenges in bringing them into clinical use. Researchers continue to explore where miRNAs will make the most impact.

Read more at IEEE Pulse: MicroRNA Biomarkers: Pitfalls and Potential.

As urban areas encroach more and more into formerly natural spaces, some wild animals are making a go of it in human cities. Even relatively large carnivores, such as coyotes, have become common in many metropolitan areas. City living can offer access to resources like food and shelter, but it comes with its own unique challenges—enough to elevate stress levels among urban coyotes, according to a new study.

Read more at my Animal Minds blog: City Life Adds to the Stresses of Urban Coyotes.