#Behavior9

14 Jul 2026

Brain region may switch actions into habits

A Johns Hopkins team found that the change from deliberate actions to habits can be sudden. In a mouse study using taste preference, brain recordings pointed to a region that may control this switch.

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Photo by BUDDHI Kumar SHRESTHA, Unsplash

31 May 2026

Mosquitoes can learn to like DEET smell

A study finds that mosquitoes can learn to associate the smell of DEET with food and in some cases become attracted to it. The research suggests how people should use repellents like DEET.

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30 May 2026

Nightjars use wing snaps in courtship

Researchers in northern Argentina found that male scissor-tailed nightjars make a snapping sound by striking their wing joints during courtship. The behavior was filmed with high-speed infrared cameras in predawn darkness.

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15 May 2026

Many US Dogs Show Fear in Daily Life

A large owner‑reported analysis found that most dogs in the United States show at least mild signs of fear or anxiety in everyday situations. The data come from owners and cover many places and types of dogs.

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13 May 2026

Oxytocin rises in soccer contests among the Tsimane

Researchers from the University of Zurich measured oxytocin during soccer tournaments with the Indigenous Tsimane in the Bolivian Amazon. Levels rose most against familiar rivals and also rose versus outsiders; changes appeared in men but not women.

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21 Apr 2026

Chimpanzees split and kill former groupmates in Uganda

A long-term study at Ngogo in Kibale National Park found that one large chimpanzee group split into two. Members of the western group later attacked and killed many former groupmates, a result that raises questions about social behaviour.

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15 Apr 2026

Ants learn and change colony scent

A study shows ants can learn a colony scent and stop attacking foster nestmates after prolonged contact. The effect fades if contact stops, but short encounters can keep tolerance alive.

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17 Mar 2026

Humpback whales change song pitch when others join

New research shows humpback whales alter the pitch of their songs when a nearby whale starts singing. Scientists say singers listen and modify sounds in real time, a behaviour that challenges earlier ideas about mammal vocal groups.

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25 Nov 2025

Green Hermit Hummingbird Bills for Fighting and Feeding

New research shows male green hermit hummingbird bills are shaped for fighting and for feeding. Scientists used 3D models and scans and found male bills are straighter and sharper than female bills.

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