Latest news with #PlosOne
Times
4 days ago
- Science
- Times
Twinkle-toed cockatoos have 30 different dance moves, researchers find
To most Australians they are mischievous, loud hooligans but researchers have found cockatoos also have an unexpected skill — they are also great dancers. The large, raucous parrots have an impressive 30 different dance moves — including headbanging, sidestepping and body rolls — according to researchers at Australia's Charles Sturt University. They found some individual birds had unique dance moves when hearing music, which often involved combining several movements in new ways. Known for stripping timber, raiding rubbish bins and destroying lawns, cockatoos are among the louts of the bird world but they are also highly intelligent. Not only did the researchers review hours of footage of the birds in the wild and in captivity, they also played the birds music, a podcast or simply left them in silence to see their reactions. Among the songs the cockatoos danced to was The Nights by the Swedish DJ Avicii. The researchers said that they chose 'progressive house' music for the birds to dance too, believing it unlikely the cockatoos had previously heard the songs. All the birds danced, even when there was no music to dance to. The scientists said that the findings showed that at least ten of the 21 known cockatoo species enjoy a boogie, and suggested that playing music to captive birds could help keep them healthy and happy. The study, published in the journal Plos One, said that cockatoo dancing results from complex brain processes including imitation, learning and synchronised, rhythmic movement. Spontaneous dancing in time to music has only been reported in humans and parrots, although some other wild birds also display rhythmic movements as part of their courtship displays, it said. However, what motivates captive birds to dance remains unclear. The researchers analysed 45 videos posted on social media that showed cockatoos dancing. They identified a total of 30 distinct dance movements — 17 of which had not previously been described scientifically. When the researchers then investigated dancing behaviour in cockatoos from three species housed at a New South Wales zoo by playing them music, a podcast or no soundtrack at all, they found that all the birds performed dance moves. Cockatoos, the study said, appeared to display a wide repertoire of dance moves, many of which were similar to the courtship displays of wild parrots. This suggested that their dancing abilities may have originated as courtship behaviour that has been redirected towards their owners when the birds are in captivity. 'The analysis also indicated that dancing is far more complex and varied than previously thought, recording 30 different movements seen in multiple birds and a further 17 movements that were seen in only one bird,' said the lead researcher, Natasha Lubke. 'As well as supporting the presence of positive emotions in birds and advancing dance behaviour as an excellent model to study parrot emotions, the work suggests that playing music to parrots may provide a useful approach to enrich their lives in captivity, with positive effects on their welfare.'
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Text therapy: study finds couples who use emojis in text messages feel closer
The secret to a good relationship may be staring smartphone users in the face. A new study published in the journal Plos One found that using emojis in text messages makes people feel closer and more satisfied in their personal lives. Related: Emoji dumping: how to say it's over when you can't be bothered with words Researchers at the University of Texas spoke to 260 people aged between 23 and 67 and asked them to read 15 text message exchanges that varied only in the presence or absence of emojis. Participants were instructed to imagine themselves as the sender of each message while focusing on the recipient's replies to evaluate responsiveness, likability, closeness and relationship satisfaction. The study revealed that people who send emojis combined with text are seen to be more responsive in their relationships than people who send text alone. It also found emojis serve as nonverbal cues that signal attentiveness and emotional engagement. Luke McGregor, 42, and Amy Thunig-McGregor, 37, say being able to use emojis helps their family communicate better. Luke said he wasn't a regular emoji sender at the start of their relationship and had to learn to start incorporating them into text messages to Amy. 'I traditionally didn't use emojis that much but when I first got [together] with Amy, I noticed them using them a lot, so there was a vulnerability or a hurdle I had to get over to start using them myself,' McGregor said. 'I wanted Amy to know that they were loved, and so to become a regular sender of emojis to Amy in order to communicate affection was at least initially a big deal for me.' Amy said emojis were a good tool to enhance their communication. 'We're both autistic as well for context … it helps us really be clear with tone and intention in a way that isn't possible with just written text,' they said. Senior lecturer in psychology at Central Queensland University Dr Raquel Peel, who was not involved in the study, said sending emojis can be a creative alternative when people are unable to see their partner face to face. 'I don't think we can replace face-to-face interactions because we are talking about intimate partnerships and relationships, but we have to be realistic that this isn't always possible,' Peel said. 'So if you can't meet face to face with your partner for whatever reason staying connected is important. 'Using emojis is then an effective alternative.' Her advice was to not underestimate the value of communication in a relationship and to always try and stay connected to your partner in whatever way you communicate. 'One thing that people also forget when I'm talking to them about relationships is the value of humour and having a bit of fun,' Peel said. 'So if emojis can serve a purpose that way, which we know they can, it adds to the element of fun and connection through humour and that is really important.'
The Guardian
05-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Text therapy: study finds couples who use emojis in text messages feel closer
The secret to a good relationship may be staring smartphone users in the face. A new study published in the journal Plos One found that using emojis in text messages makes people feel closer and more satisfied in their personal lives. Researchers at the University of Texas spoke to 260 people aged between 23 and 67 and asked them to read 15 text message exchanges that varied only in the presence or absence of emojis. Participants were instructed to imagine themselves as the sender of each message while focusing on the recipient's replies to evaluate responsiveness, likability, closeness and relationship satisfaction. The study revealed that people who send emojis combined with text are seen to be more responsive in their relationships than people who send text alone. It also found emojis serve as nonverbal cues that signal attentiveness and emotional engagement. Luke McGregor, 42, and Amy Thunig-McGregor, 37, say being able to use emojis helps their family communicate better. Luke said he wasn't a regular emoji sender at the start of their relationship and had to learn to start incorporating them into text messages to Amy. 'I traditionally didn't use emojis that much but when I first got [together] with Amy, I noticed them using them a lot, so there was a vulnerability or a hurdle I had to get over to start using them myself,' McGregor said. 'I wanted Amy to know that they were loved, and so to become a regular sender of emojis to Amy in order to communicate affection was at least initially a big deal for me.' Amy said emojis were a good tool to enhance their communication. 'We're both autistic as well for context … it helps us really be clear with tone and intention in a way that isn't possible with just written text,' they said. Senior lecturer in psychology at Central Queensland University Dr Raquel Peel, who was not involved in the study, said sending emojis can be a creative alternative when people are unable to see their partner face to face. 'I don't think we can replace face-to-face interactions because we are talking about intimate partnerships and relationships, but we have to be realistic that this isn't always possible,' Peel said. 'So if you can't meet face to face with your partner for whatever reason staying connected is important. 'Using emojis is then an effective alternative.' Her advice was to not underestimate the value of communication in a relationship and to always try and stay connected to your partner in whatever way you communicate. 'One thing that people also forget when I'm talking to them about relationships is the value of humour and having a bit of fun,' Peel said. 'So if emojis can serve a purpose that way, which we know they can, it adds to the element of fun and connection through humour and that is really important.'
The Guardian
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Text therapy: study finds couples who use emojis in text messages feel closer
The secret to a good relationship may be staring smartphone users in the face. A new study published in the journal Plos One found that using emojis in text messages makes people feel closer and more satisfied in their personal lives. Researchers at the University of Texas spoke to 260 people aged between 23 and 67 and asked them to read 15 text message exchanges that varied only in the presence or absence of emojis. Participants were instructed to imagine themselves as the sender of each message while focusing on the recipient's replies to evaluate responsiveness, likability, closeness and relationship satisfaction. The study revealed that people who send emojis combined with text are seen to be more responsive in their relationships than people who send text alone. It also found emojis serve as nonverbal cues that signal attentiveness and emotional engagement. Luke McGregor, 42, and Amy Thunig-McGregor, 37, say being able to use emojis helps their family communicate better. Luke said he wasn't a regular emoji sender at the start of their relationship and had to learn to start incorporating them into text messages to Amy. 'I traditionally didn't use emojis that much but when I first got [together] with Amy, I noticed them using them a lot, so there was a vulnerability or a hurdle I had to get over to start using them myself,' McGregor said. 'I wanted Amy to know that they were loved, and so to become a regular sender of emojis to Amy in order to communicate affection was at least initially a big deal for me.' Amy said emojis were a good tool to enhance their communication. 'We're both autistic as well for context … it helps us really be clear with tone and intention in a way that isn't possible with just written text,' they said. Senior lecturer in psychology at Central Queensland University Dr Raquel Peel, who was not involved in the study, said sending emojis can be a creative alternative when people are unable to see their partner face to face. 'I don't think we can replace face-to-face interactions because we are talking about intimate partnerships and relationships, but we have to be realistic that this isn't always possible,' Peel said. 'So if you can't meet face to face with your partner for whatever reason staying connected is important. 'Using emojis is then an effective alternative.' Her advice was to not underestimate the value of communication in a relationship and to always try and stay connected to your partner in whatever way you communicate. 'One thing that people also forget when I'm talking to them about relationships is the value of humour and having a bit of fun,' Peel said. 'So if emojis can serve a purpose that way, which we know they can, it adds to the element of fun and connection through humour and that is really important.'
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
The secret to a happy marriage? PDA! Couples who display affection have more satisfying relationships, study claims
Honesty, respect and communication are all crucial to a happy marriage. But if you really want to boost your relationship, scientists say you should give your partner a kiss or cuddle in public. Experts have discovered that public displays of affection (PDA) are linked to greater relationship satisfaction. And it could be an easy way to strengthen your romantic bond – even at the risk of making other people feel a bit uncomfortable. Researchers from the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, recruited more than 450 participants for their study. They were asked questions about their public and private displays of affection, negative attitudes and behaviours towards other individuals engaging in PDA. Analysis revealed displays of romantic affection – like holding hands, kissing or cuddling – both in public and privately, were linked to enhanced relationship satisfaction. They were also associated with improved wellbeing, reduced stress and greater life satisfaction. The study, which involved individuals from Indonesia, Nepal and Poland, also revealed cultural differences in attitudes towards PDA. Polish participants reported the highest level of PDA, while Indonesian participants reported the lowest. Writing in the journal Plos One the researchers said: 'Across all three countries, positive correlations were observed between displays of affection and relationship satisfaction, underscoring the importance of affectionate behaviours in romantic relationships. 'In practice, these findings may inform relationship counselling, suggesting that encouraging appropriate expressions of affection…can strengthen romantic bonds.' They referenced previous studies that have revealed key differences in how gender shapes an individual's views on PDA. 'Women tend to show affection more frequently than men,' they wrote, 'while men are more likely to report a lack of affectionate touch and greater affection deprivation. 'Although men and women differ in their preferred forms of physical affection – men often prefer kissing, while women favour hugging – these differences are generally modest.' Earlier research has also suggested that people not in romantic relationships exhibit the highest levels of negative attitudes towards public displays of affection. Others ways to maintain a happy marriage include merging bank accounts, according to a study published in 2023. Researchers recruited 230 couples who were either engaged or newly married and followed them over two years as they began their married lives together. Everyone began the study with separate bank accounts. Some couples were assigned to keep their separate accounts, and others were told to open a joint account instead. A third group was also allowed to make the decision on their own. Analysis revealed couples who opened joint bank accounts reported substantially higher relationship quality two years later than those who maintained separate accounts. The scientists said merging funds means couples are more aligned with their financial goals and are more transparent with each other. It also leads to a 'communal understanding of marriage' – when partners respond to each other's needs – they said. WHAT ARE THE FIVE STAGES OF A RELATIONSHIP AND HOW DO THEY AFFECT THE BODY? Psychologists suggest there are five stages of love - butterflies, building, assimilation, honesty and stability. Each of these stages has a different impact on our psyche and health, researchers at eHarmony found in a 2014 survey. 1) Butterflies Marked by intense infatuation and sexual attraction, symptoms noted by couples included weight loss (30 per cent) and a lack of productivity (39 per cent). Biologically, it's reported that during this early stage of dating, both men and women create more of the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen. As a result more than half - 56 per cent - noted an increase in their libido. 2) Building As the initial attraction gives way to learning more about one another, the honeymoon stage subsides and a couple begin to build their relationship. eHarmony's study estimated around three per cent of Britons in relationship are currently at stage two. The body releases neurochemicals called monoamines, which speed up heart rate, trigger rushes of intense pleasure and replicate the effects of Class A drugs. The biological effect culminates in a feeling of 'happy anxiety', where people can think of little else than their blossoming relationship. Forty-four per cent of the study participants noted a lack of sleep while 29 per cent reported a their attention span had been adversely affected. 3) Assimilation Having established whether the other person is 'right', stage three forces a couple to question whether the 'relationship' itself is right. Questions over the future of the union and forming boundaries in the relationship can lead to a rise in stress levels, reported by 27 per cent of those taking part in the study. 4) Honesty Stage three combines with stage four, where people open up showing the 'real you' sees the first real rise in stress levels and anxiety. 'This stage deals with the concept behind how we all put on our best faces, through social media we edit our lives as well as our pictures to make it appear as though everything is fine,' psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos, who assisted with the study, told MailOnline. Opening up completely triggered feelings of doubt and increased vulnerability in 15 per cent of participants. 5) Stability If a couple can weather the emotional rollercoaster of the first four stages, the fifth and final stage, stability, brings with it increased levels of trust and intimacy. eHarmony found 50 per cent of respondents had reached this stage, and 23 per cent reported feeling happier as a result. Biologically, vasopressin - a powerful hormone released by men and women during orgasm - strengthens feelings of attachment. Meanwhile oxytocin - released during childbirth - deepens feelings of attachment. 'This is where we see a real level of contentness,' Dr Papadopolous told MailOnline. 'We found the body releases wonderful hormones which helps couples bond. We noted a real sense of attachment, and a sense of "you have got my back and I've got yours".'
