New Studies on Beer, Saturn’s Moon, Ancient Dog Breed, and Cats Playing Fetch
This week, several studies have been released, shedding light on varied topics including beer, Saturnian expulsions, an ancient North American dog breed, and the unexpected behavior of cats playing dogs’ favorite game, fetch.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Portsmouth investigated the effects of alcohol on facial symmetry. The findings revealed that heavily intoxicated volunteers had a reduced ability to distinguish natural from perfectly symmetrized faces. However, they did not rate the faces as being more attractive. This study suggests that the perception of attractiveness may not be solely dependent on facial symmetry, and further research is needed to understand why alcohol affects the perceived attractiveness of others.
Further, NASA researchers analyzing Cassini data on plumes spewing from Saturn’s moon, Enceladus, discovered strong evidence of hydrogen cyanide, a key ingredient for life, among organic compounds previously identified. This finding has significant implications for the potential for life on the moon’s oceans below its icy crust.
The study of an ancient North American dog breed, known as woolly dogs, shed light on the Coast Salish tribal nations in Washington State and British Columbia. Researchers conducted a genetic survey of the dogs based on a 160-year-old pelt in the Smithsonian’s collection, finding that the dogs diverged from other breeds 5,000 years ago. This breed of dog died out quite abruptly, likely due to factors of cultural genocide, displacement, and forced assimilation.
Lastly, researchers at Northumbria University and the University of Sussex published a study validating the behavior of some cats playing fetch. The evidence gathered from cat owners revealed that 59% of cats fetched on up to 10 occasions per month and that cats tend to fetch for longer periods when they initiate the fetch game.
All the studies have been peer-reviewed and published in trusted sources, affirming their credibility and accuracy. These findings serve to expand our knowledge and understanding of varied scientific disciplines and the natural world around us.