New research from Anglia Ruskin University in England has found that most people struggle to recognise when a horse is in pain – a finding that could have serious implications for animal welfare.

The study, published in the journal Anthrozoös, is the first research to investigate how well people can spot discomfort in the faces of horses compared to in humans. 

Researchers found that both balance scales and khipus (a method of writing using small knots used by the Inca and pre-Inca societies) were tied to Andean notions of wellbeing that prioritise achieving a state of balance and harmony in social, economic and moral affairs. 

The study shows that infants’ expectations are shaped by their daily interactions with their parents. The researchers note: “The first year of life is a critical window of opportunity for developing a child’s emotional resilience.”

 

How does a baby learn to understand the world before they even learn to talk? A new study from Reichman University reveals that as early as the first year of life, infants develop expectations about how their parents will respond to crying or distress. A baby who consistently receives calm and comforting responses learns to expect help and develops a sense of security, whereas one who experiences inconsistent responses learns to be less reliant on others and develops a sense of uncertainty.

Climate change and extreme weather drive a globally growing interest in technologies to control the weather. Japanese government research seeks to harness such technology to reduce storm and flood damage. Yet such interventions could fundamentally change the relationship between people and the weather. New research published in npj Climate Action proposes “Weather Commons” as a democratic, community-centric approach that puts people in charge, and calls for a broad public conversation about weather control.