MI weekly selection #508

Tiger personality may be correlated with health

Surveys of caretakers for 248 Siberian tigers at two fenced wildlife sanctuaries in China suggest that tigers have distinct personalities. Nearly 40% of the tigers’ behaviours fell into the “majesty” category, described as confident, competitive, and ambitious, or the “steadiness” category, reflecting obedience, tolerance, and gentleness. Those demonstrating attributes of majesty were typically healthier.

Full Story: Science

Crystal from India contains dinosaur egg, researchers say

A crystal found in a volcanic plain in central India in the 19th century contains a 67 million-year-old dinosaur egg, say scientists, who suggest a lava flow covered the egg soon after a titanosaur laid it. The embryo decayed, layers of solidified volcanic rock preserved the shell and water seeped into the rock to form an agate mineral, say researchers, who point out titanosaurs were common in that region. The specimen matches the 15-centimeter size of titanosaur eggs and has an almost perfect spherical shape.

Full Story: Live Science

Rise in atmospheric methane

The amount of methane — which can trap 87 times as much heat in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide over 20 years — increased significantly in 2022 despite warnings from climate scientists. “The observations collected by NOAA scientists in 2022 show that greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise at an alarming pace and will persist in the atmosphere for thousands of years,” says Rick Spinrad, NOAA administrator.

Full Story: The Associated Press

Brain wiring related to obesity differs for sexes

Changes in brain networks that are linked to obesity are different for men and women. Researchers found that women’s alterations in brain wiring are concentrated around regions associated with emotions while men’s changes are found in regions that impact gut sensations, such as hunger and fullness.

Full Story: NBC News

Regular exercise supports cognition, brain health

Two recent studies suggest that exercising regularly is an important step in maintaining brain health. In one study, researchers examined DNA and cognition in thousands of subjects and concluded that those who exercised regularly tended to preserve sharper thinking, and in the second study, investigators noted that six minutes or more of vigorous exercise could quintuple the production of a neurochemical important for long-term brain health.

Full Story: The Washington Post