We Have Concerns

In a study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, researchers found that when it comes time for a pack of wild dogs to determine whether to move, the group engages in a bout of sneezing to see how many members are ready. Anthony thinks this is an amazing insight into canine culture, but Jeff remains unconvinced.

New research claims to have found traces of evidence that humans may indeed still be evolving. A study looked at the DNA of over 200,000 people living across both the United States and Britain, to see if they could tease out any changes in genetic variation in these populations over time. They report that their analysis of these genomes shows natural selection is weeding out gene variants most often associated with Alzheimer’s disease and heavy smoking. Jeff and Anthony discuss our continuing evolution as a species and what this could mean.

Due to a recording error at PAX West last weekend, there will be no new episode today or Monday. We Have Concerns will be back next Wednesday with new content. Thanks for understanding!

A new study published in the journal Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes says that being disorganized can actually increase productivity, as a mess often presents quicker access to relevant information. Anthony is thrilled, but Jeff has his doubts that this methodology can actually work.

Scientists have tested the drug-seeking behavior of zebrafish in a tank that allows them to trigger the release of the opioid hydrocodone in the water. The new tool, described in a study published online today in Behavioral Brain Research, can be used to study the underlying biological pathways that push zebrafish to seek drugs. Jeff and Anthony discuss the drug tank, and examine how exactly it might work.

Alongside the studies telling us how to keep our memories intact, an enormous body of research has led to another conclusion: In many cases, it's okay (and in fact, beneficial) to forget. Human memory is not only unreliable, but often partially or wholly false. And certain kinds of forgetting is actually really good for us. Anthony and Jeff talk about memory, and try to convince themselves that forgetting is a good thing.

Using a combination of depth cameras and computer-vision algorithms, a research team has tracked people around two hospital wards and automatically identified when they used gel dispensers to wash their hands. The trial was so successful that the group is now going to fully kit out three hospitals for a whole year, to see if it puts a dent in the acquired infections. Jeff and Anthony discuss the practice of washing up, and whether cameras or people are better at staying vigilant.

The research firm eMarketer estimates that 60.5 million people in the U.S.—a little less than a fifth of the population—will use a digital assistant at least once a month this year, and about 36 million will do so on a speaker-based device like Amazon Echo or Google Home. These things are most popular among people age 25 to 34, which includes a ton of parents of young children and parents-to-be. What will the effect of growing up with a digital assistant be? Anthony and Jeff consider the good and bad of helpful AI housemates.

Usually, tunnels are made either by human engineers or flowing water. But near the town of Novo Hamburgo, Brazil, there are tunnels large enough to drive a car in that were dug by neither - instead, scientists have a theory that these are the work of ancient, giant sloths. Jeff and Anthony discuss the theory, and suggest a few of their own.

Neurotic people may get a lot of flak, but in reality neuroticism is linked to some very good traits—intelligence and creativity among them. And a new study suggests that there may be another, unexpected bonus to neuroticism: It may be linked to a longer life. Anthony and Jeff are all about neuroticism, so they are excited to finally discuss an upside.

When Australian teen Sam Kanizay felt sore after football practice, he decided to soak his legs at Dendy Street Beach in Brighton. Half an hour later, he walked out covered in blood and gore. Tiny mites were eating his feet and legs, and he couldn't feel them. Just another day in the life living in Australia, and Jeff and Anthony are on the case, keeping track of all the ways that continent comes up with to kill you.

A team from the University of Warwick in England showed doctored photos to 707 people ages 14 to 82 who volunteered to test their ability to spot a fake. The results led to believe that not only are humans awful at knowing when a picture isn't real, but there isn't much we can do to get better at it. Jeff and Anthony discuss this test, and what it means for the future of objective truth.

Researchers have developed a device that can switch cell function to rescue failing body functions with a single touch. The technology, known as Tissue Nanotransfection (TNT), injects genetic code into skin cells, turning those skin cells into other types of cells required for treating diseased conditions. Jeff and Anthony discuss this seemingly magic technology, and how it might change the world.

People trying to comment on articles will now be forced to prove they understand what it's about. That's at least at Norwegian broadcaster NRK's website, which will present people who want to leave comments with a quiz that asks them about what the story is actually about. Anthony and Jeff discuss whether this plan is just crazy enough to stop the crazies.

A DIY pharmaceutical revolution is coming - at least according to one scientist trying to make crafting your own prescription drug at home easier. Anthony and Jeff discuss the idea of disrupting the healthcare industry by trusting individuals to make their own meds, and whether they'd have the guts to do it themselves.