Knight-Hennessy Scholars’ Post

Our latest research on ctenophore neuropeptides and their nervous system covered in the Guardian. Sponge v comb jellies: which was evolution’s first trailblazer? https://lnkd.in/dUCjXgmE

So much for the reptilian brain being somehow more primitive:) https://lnkd.in/eXKNNt4e

This week I was on a panel at The Family Systems Institute’s annual conference which this year was on Emotion Perspectives. Here I was discussing Dave Galloway (from Living Systems in Vancouver) being interviewed on Emotion and Emotional Processes from a Bowen Family Systems Theory perspective along with colleagues Matt Steel and Lauren Errington (executive director of The Family Systems Institute in Sydney). Discussion centred around emotion as a physiological and chemical process that exists in all of nature from genes to organisms, from amoeba to humans, across the species, it is an evolutionary biological take on emotion. Emotion here is seen as those instinctual, reproductive, automatic mechanisms that live in us and animals and any living system. Emotion from a Bowen Theory lens is viewed as the relationship between components of a system whether that system be an organ, a body, or a family. Emotion, here is different from feelings. Feelings, are what we are aware of (anger, fear, sadness, disgust, etc), emotion is a force that is mostly out of awareness. Feelings are at the top of the iceberg of awareness, emotion is submerged below with the rest of the iceberg. Becoming aware of how much emotion drives us is the work of coaching/counselling in Bowen Theory. Understanding how much of our behaviour is automatic and reactive and how much of it is a thoughtful process is a life-long project. . . #bowenfamilysystemstheory #bowentheory #emotion #feelings #evolutionarybiology #familysystems #naturalsystems #livingsystems

Animals respond to the environment much as humans do, reacting emotionally to others and even becoming stressed and anxious in times of danger. Most scientists agree that animals are conscious beings that experience varying degrees of emotional responses. While there's still a lot of research to be done concerning animal emotions, more evidence exists than ever in history that our non-human friends are experiencing feelings much like we do. #emotionalintelligence #psychology #emotions

Hardy-Weinberg practice problem explained Population genetics is a subfield of genetics that deals with genetic differences within and between populations, and is a part of evolutionary biology. Studies in this branch of biology examine such phenomena as adaptation, speciation, and population structure. Youtube video: https://lnkd.in/dV84mi5s \#nikolays_genetics_lessons

September 30, 2023: Aging (listed as "Aging (Albany NY)" by Medline/PubMed and "Aging-US" by Web of Science) published a new issue of the latest research on aging. Read Volume 15, Issue 18: https://lnkd.in/eNGJpkGS #aging #agingresearch #researchpapers #longevity #gerontology #openscience #opencaccess #medEd #lifespan #healthspan #peerreview #publishing

My latest Aeon essay. Kinship. Science must become attuned to the subtle conversations that pervade all life, from the primordial to the present. https://lnkd.in/gbHQqKkR

Research demonstrating that dogs experience emotions like joy, fear, and anxiety through brain mechanisms similar to humans has been a game-changer. This has led professionals to reconsider the value of anthropomorphism, recognising it as a bridge to deeper empathy and connection with dogs. By acknowledging that dogs have complex emotional lives, professionals are better equipped to develop training and behaviour modification strategies that are not only effective but also humane and respectful of the dog's psychological well-being. https://lnkd.in/e74Y76zy