Bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Australia, have demonstrated a remarkable hunting strategy that involves using marine sponges to help them catch fish. By placing a sponge on their beak, resembling a clown nose, these dolphins can navigate rocky seabed channels without injuring themselves. This clever technique stirs up fish such as barred sandperch, making them easier to catch.

Recent research published in the journal Royal Society Open Science highlights the complexities of this behavior. While the sponge serves as a protective tool, it also interferes with the dolphins’ advanced echolocation abilities, which they rely on for navigation and hunting. Co-author Ellen Rose Jacobs, a marine biologist at the University of Aarhus in Denmark, explained, “It has a muffling effect in the way that a mask might. Everything looks a little bit weird, but you can still learn how to compensate.”

Jacobs utilized underwater microphones to analyze how dolphins in Shark Bay continued to use echolocation clicks while hunting with sponges. Her studies revealed that despite the distortion caused by the sponges, these dolphins effectively adapted their hunting strategy. The research shows that, for those dolphins skilled in sponge hunting, this method is highly efficient.

The sponges used by these dolphins vary significantly in size, ranging from that of a softball to a cantaloupe. Mauricio Cantor, a marine biologist at Oregon State University who was not involved in the study, likened the challenge of sponge hunting to “hunting when you’re blindfolded — you’ve got to be very good, very well-trained to pull it off.”

This specialized hunting technique is rare; the study noted that only about 5% of the dolphin population in Shark Bay engages in it, which amounts to around 30 dolphins, according to Jacobs. The learning curve for this skill is steep, with dolphins requiring many years to master it. Boris Worm, a marine ecologist at Dalhousie University in Canada, emphasized that not all dolphins choose to pursue this complex skill.

Dolphin calves typically stay with their mothers for three to four years, during which they learn essential survival skills. The delicate art of sponge hunting is transmitted exclusively from mother to offspring, as noted by co-author and marine biologist Janet Mann from Georgetown University. This unique cultural behavior highlights the importance of social learning among dolphins and the significant role maternal guidance plays in their development.

The findings of this research not only shed light on the innovative behaviors of dolphins but also underscore the intricate relationships within marine ecosystems. As more studies emerge, they enhance understanding of the adaptability and intelligence of these remarkable creatures.

Researchers at Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia, have identified a simple yet effective way to communicate non-verbally, using a specific sequence of eye movements. This discovery could have significant implications in social interactions, allowing individuals to express their needs without saying a word.

The study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, reveals that to indicate a desire for something, a person should look at an object, establish eye contact with another individual, and then return their gaze to the object. This sequence was shown to prompt the highest likelihood of others interpreting the gaze as a request for assistance.

The research involved 137 participants who engaged in a block-building task with a virtual partner. During the task, they had to discern whether their partner was inspecting or requesting one of three objects. Lead author Dr. Nathan Caruana emphasized that the context of eye movements plays a crucial role in effective communication.

“We found that it’s not just how often someone looks at you, but the context of their eye movements that makes that behavior appear communicative and relevant,” Dr. Caruana explained. Participants were quickest to recognize a request when eye contact occurred between two shifts of gaze towards the same object.

The implications of this research extend beyond casual interactions. The findings may enhance communication in high-pressure environments, such as competitive sports, military operations, or noisy settings. Furthermore, the team discovered that similar responses occurred when robots employed the same gaze behavior, suggesting a broader application of these principles in human-robot interaction.

“Understanding how eye contact works could improve non-verbal communication training in various settings,” Dr. Caruana noted. This research could be particularly beneficial for individuals who rely heavily on visual cues, including those who are hearing-impaired or autistic.

In a related vein, previous studies have also highlighted the utility of eye contact in different scenarios. For instance, Dr. Neeltje Boogert, a research fellow in behavioral ecology at the University of Exeter, indicated that focusing one’s gaze on seagulls can deter them from approaching food. “Gulls find the human gaze aversive and are less likely to approach your food when you’re staring them down,” she stated.

The importance of eye contact and gaze direction in communication is further illustrated by several eye signals and their meanings. Normal eye contact, for example, indicates engagement and attentiveness, while prolonged eye contact can suggest attraction or aggression. Conversely, limited eye contact may signal discomfort or disinterest.

Additionally, pupil dilation can reflect emotional states, with dilated pupils often indicating interest or attraction, whereas constricted pupils may be associated with negative emotions. Understanding these nuances can enhance interpersonal interactions, making individuals more attuned to the unspoken cues present in social exchanges.

This research not only sheds light on a fundamental aspect of human interaction but also opens avenues for improving communication strategies across various fields. By mastering the art of non-verbal cues, individuals may enhance their ability to connect with others, whether in everyday situations or specialized environments.

A team of researchers has identified a new genus and species of mole, named Vulcanoscaptor ninoti, from a fossil discovered at the Camp dels Ninots site in Caldes de Malavella, Spain. This significant find sheds light on the evolutionary history of moles, revealing insights into their past distribution and anatomical diversity.

The fossil, unearthed at one of southern Europe’s most important paleontological sites, dates back over 3.5 million years to the Pliocene epoch. Researchers from the Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), and the Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (ICP-CERCA) collaborated on this groundbreaking study, published in Scientific Reports.

The specimen maintains an impressive state of preservation, including the mandible with complete dentition, parts of the torso, and numerous bones from both forelimbs and hindlimbs. Many of these bones remain in anatomical connection, making this fossil one of the most complete and oldest moles ever found in Europe.

Unexpected Evolutionary Insights

Anatomical and phylogenetic analyses indicate that Vulcanoscaptor ninoti belongs to the Scalopini tribe, which is currently found only in North America and parts of Asia. This discovery suggests a more complex evolutionary scenario for moles than previously understood.

“Despite its clearly fossorial morphology, this mole is closely related to extant North American species of the genera Scapanus and Scalopus, which points to a far more intricate evolutionary history for these animals than we had imagined,” noted Dr. Marc Furió, a professor at UAB and co-author of the study. The presence of this mole in Europe indicates possible transcontinental migrations, challenging the notion that moles are limited in their dispersal capabilities.

The fossil, which was found embedded in compact sediment, was entirely extracted during excavation. To study it without causing damage, the research team employed high-resolution micro-computed tomography (microCT) scanning. This technique allowed them to create a detailed three-dimensional digital reconstruction of the skeleton.

“With the microCT, we were able to analyze extremely small and delicate structures—such as phalanges and teeth—that would have been nearly impossible to study otherwise,” explained Adriana Linares, the study’s lead author and a researcher at IPHES-CERCA. This innovative approach facilitated the identification of unique anatomical features, solidifying the placement of this new taxon within the Scalopini tribe.

Unique Geological Context

The Camp dels Ninots site, where the fossil was discovered in 2010, has been a focal point for paleontological research since 2003. Declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest by the Government of Catalonia in 2015, this location is situated within the crater of a Pliocene maar volcano. The sediments, deposited in anoxic conditions, have created an environment that preserves a rich fossil record.

The site is renowned for its diverse vertebrate remains, including large mammals, microfauna, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish, as well as macrovegetal remains and microorganisms. Notably, complete skeletons of large mammals such as Stephanorhinus jeanvireti and Tapirus arvernensis have been found in excellent anatomical condition.

“Camp dels Ninots is an extraordinary site, in terms of both the quality and diversity of its fossil record,” stated Dr. Gerard Campeny, co-director of the excavations and researcher at IPHES-CERCA. “It allows us to reconstruct entire ecosystems from this fascinating period: the Pliocene.”

The findings regarding Vulcanoscaptor ninoti contribute to a reassessment of the evolutionary history of moles, highlighting the potential for intercontinental dispersals and an underappreciated anatomical diversity among small mammals. This research emphasizes the significance of exceptional fossil sites in enhancing our understanding of species that are rarely represented in the fossil record.

For further details, refer to the study by Adriana Linares-Martín et al., titled “An unexpected Scalopini mole (Talpidae, Mammalia) from the Pliocene of Europe sheds light on the phylogeny of talpids,” published in Scientific Reports in 2025.

Staffordshire University has launched an innovative esports broadcasting course at its Stoke-on-Trent campus, establishing itself as the first higher-education institution in the UK to offer such a program. This initiative is part of a recent multimillion-pound expansion, which has resulted in the creation of a state-of-the-art esports arena, broadcast galleries, and a fully-equipped studio designed to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving esports industry.

The newly inaugurated facilities feature a 60-seater esports arena, two dedicated broadcast galleries, and a multifunctional studio. The design allows the operation of the galleries either in parallel, with one linked to the arena and the other to the studio, or as a single comprehensive production suite. This flexibility is crucial for the diverse range of activities the space is expected to accommodate.

To equip the broadcast facilities, Staffordshire University collaborated with UK-based integrator and supplier Digital Garage, which partnered with Audio-Technica for the audio components. The sound system includes eight channels of the Audio-Technica 3000 Series Digital wireless and two Allen & Heath Avantis digital mixers. The choice of equipment was influenced heavily by the need for operational flexibility, which was achieved through the integration of Dante-enabled solutions.

Innovative Design Meets Educational Needs

Tom Gill, the design manager at Digital Garage, emphasized the importance of versatility in the facility’s audio design. He stated, “We needed to design a very versatile space. We couldn’t have one piece of audio kit connected to a single other piece of kit – everything needed to be able to ‘dial in’ to any input or output across the facility. So it was fundamental to the project to have Dante at the core of the audio design.”

The collaborative effort has resulted in an audio setup that not only meets educational needs but also mirrors professional standards in the esports broadcasting industry. The Avantis mixers were selected for their broadcast-friendly features, which include tie-lines that are often lacking in standard equipment. This capability allows each console to function independently, enhancing workflow and efficiency.

Gill added, “Presenters generally use handheld microphones in the arena, and because capsules on the 3000 Series transmitters are interchangeable, we could specify the C6100 hypercardioid option to avoid picking up unwanted spill from the PA.” The thoughtful selection of equipment ensures that students gain hands-on experience with tools they will encounter in their future careers.

Preparing Students for Future Careers

The emphasis on practical training is echoed by Richard Mortimer, the university’s technical services manager. He remarked, “Our students need to be industry ready, particularly in a fast-moving industry like esports broadcasting. So we’re not just bringing in technical kit for the sake of it. We’ve invested in equipment that our students will experience in the world of work, ensuring that they’re immediately employable post-university.”

In addition to the Avantis consoles, the facilities are equipped with a range of supplementary Allen & Heath components, including three DT168 Dante-enabled 16-input/eight-output expanders and two SQ-5 48-channel digital mixers. Control over the studio and other areas is further enhanced by six IP1 rotary and an IP8 8-fader controller, creating an integrated environment for students to learn and grow.

The investment in these advanced facilities reflects Staffordshire University’s commitment to providing its students with the skills necessary to excel in a competitive job market. As esports continues to grow globally, institutions like Staffordshire are paving the way for the next generation of industry professionals, ensuring they graduate with the experience and expertise required to thrive in this dynamic field.