Lifestyle

Dogs With Less Complex Facial Markings Found to Be More Expressive in their Communication with Humans

Published

2 years ago

August 12, 2023

Daily News Staff

Credit: The George Washington University Sonder, who is Courtney Sexton’s canine companion. « [VIDEO] Dogs With Less Complex Facial Markings Found to Be More Expressive in their Communication with Humans

Newswise — WASHINGTON (August 7, 2023) – The domestication of canines and their co-evolution with humans has fostered an incredibly unique relationship with these animals. Over time, our four-legged friends have adapted well to understanding human modes of communication, both verbal and nonverbal. However, researchers at the George Washington University say humans could do more to better understand our furry companions, and a dogs’ facial markings may be one key to meeting them halfway.

In a new paper published in the journal Animals, researchers from the GW Primate Genomics Lab found that dogs with plainer faces—e.g. dogs whose faces are one, solid color or dogs without any facial markings—appear to make more facial movements, or expressions when interacting with their human companions than dogs with more complex facial markings—dogs with multi-colored or patterned faces. The study also found that people are fairly good at assessing their dogs’ levels of expressivity overall, but people with canine companions between the ages of about two to seven years old are more accurate at judging their level of expressivity if their dog has a plainer face.

What’s Written on a Dog’s Face? 3 Qs with Courtney Sexton

The study involved over 100 dogs and their people. The researchers asked each study participant to record their dogs in four different conditions. The research team then utilized a standardized coding system called DogFACS to analyze each dog’s behavior and created a novel system to scale and evaluate facial markings and patterns on dogs’ faces. Study participants were also asked to complete a survey that included various demographics about the dogs and gauged how well the participant judged their dog’s expressions.

The researchers say these findings have real-world implications, not only for dog lovers, but for anyone interacting with, working alongside, or living in neighborhoods with canine companions.

“As dogs become more and more integrated into human society, it’s important that we understand how they communicate with us and how we can better communicate with them,” Courtney Sexton, the study’s lead author, says. “If we think about this in terms of welfare contexts, or dogs in shelters, or working dogs and service animals, or interactions with dogs in your neighborhood or people at a dog park, knowing what dogs are trying to tell us and what they might be thinking or feeling can really enhance both their experience and ours when we’re together.”

The study also found that senior dogs appear less expressive in their communication with their human companions, which Sexton suggests may be because older dogs have a longer, more well-established relationship with their human companion, so they don’t have to work as hard at being understood. The research team also found that working dogs or highly trained dogs were more expressive, where this sort of relationship demands fluent communication and people may be more adept at understanding their dogs’ expressions.

WATCH: In this video, Sexton discusses additional findings of interest that came out of their work and shares examples of how this research can improve canine-human communication and relationships.

Recordings of participating dogs in this research can be found on Instagram, @how_dogs_talk.

The paper, “What Is Written on a Dog’s Face? Evaluating the Impact of Facial Phenotypes on Communication between Humans and Canines,” was published in the journal Animals. Researchers from GW’s Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology and the Hecht Lab/Canine Brains Project at Harvard University as well as collaborators at Working Dogs for Conservation contributed to this study. Funding for research travel and research-related outreach came from Lewis N. Cotlow Field Research Fund and the Awesome Foundation, D.C. Chapter.

-GW-

Journal Link: Animals, July-2023

Source: George Washington University

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Daily News Staff

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News

Coca-Cola Recall Alert: Thousands of Cans Pulled From Shelves in Two States

Published

1 day ago

March 27, 2025

Hal Machina

selective focus photography of red coca-cola can lot on box — Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels.com

In a significant recall notification, Coca-Cola has announced the withdrawal of over 10,000 cans of its popular beverage due to concerns over foreign object contamination. This announcement was initially made on March 6, and affected cans were sold in the states of Illinois and Wisconsin.

This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the risk level of this recall as Class 2. This designation indicates that consuming the affected Coca-Cola “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” although the chances of serious health consequences are deemed to be remote.

Which Coca-Cola Products Were Recalled?

The recall impacts a total of 864 packs of 12 cans of Coca-Cola, amounting to 10,368 cans in total. The specific details of the recalled products are as follows:

Product Description: Coca-Cola Original Taste, 12 Fl Oz
Can UPC: 0 49000-00634 6
12-Can Pack UPC: 0 49000-02890 4
Date Code: SEP2925MDA
Time Stamp: 1100-1253

Which States Are Affected?

The recall specifically concerns Coca-Cola cans distributed in the following states:

Illinois
Wisconsin

Why Were the Coca-Cola Cans Recalled?

The FDA has reported that these Coca-Cola cans were recalled due to contamination with a foreign object, in this case, plastic. Such contaminants can inadvertently enter food and beverage products at various stages during the production process, posing a safety risk if ingested. It is important to note that the FDA report did not indicate any associated injuries related to this specific recall

If you have purchased Coca-Cola cans with the above UPC codes in Illinois or Wisconsin, it is recommended that you refrain from consuming the affected products. Instead, please return them to the store where you purchased them for a full refund or exchange. Staying informed about product recalls is crucial to consumer safety, and it is always advisable to check for the latest updates from the FDA and Coca-Cola regarding product safety issues. For any additional questions, feel free to reach out to Coca-Cola directly or visit the FDA’s website. Stay safe!

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Community

Celebrating National Nutrition Month: A Heartfelt Tribute to Nourishing Seniors

On March 19, 2025, Tanner Terrace residents celebrated National Nutrition Month with a community event led by Diana Gregory Outreach Services, focusing on healthy eating and nutrition education for seniors.

Published

3 days ago

March 25, 2025

Rod Washington

National Nutrition Month,Seniors — Diana Gregory (center) with Pam Giannonatti (L), Angela Banks (R), and nutritionist Debbie Polisky at the Tanner Terrace event. Image Credit: Larry Jones

March 19, 2025, marked a significant day for the residents of Tanner Terrace in Glendale, Arizona, as they came together to celebrate National Nutrition Month. The event, held from 2 PM to 3:30 PM, aimed to emphasize the importance of healthy eating among seniors and featured a special focus on enhancing their nutritional knowledge.

The gathering was organized by Diana Gregory Outreach Services, a non-profit dedicated to enriching lives through healthy eating. Over the years, this organization has worked tirelessly to provide access to fresh produce and nutritional education for low-income seniors, veterans, and vulnerable individuals in the community.

A Flavorful Presentation

The afternoon began with a lively presentation titled Food, Fun, and Fitness, led by certified nutritionist Debbie Polisky. The interactive session engaged residents in discussions about the benefits of balanced nutrition and simple ways to incorporate healthy foods into their diets. Attendees were eager to learn and ask questions, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with enthusiasm for healthier living.

As a delightful conclusion to the presentation, each of the 100 seniors in attendance received a pre-packed bag of fresh produce from Fry’s Food Stores, complete with recipes and nutritional information. Watching the smiles on the seniors’ faces as they received these gifts was a heartwarming reminder of the impact of community support.

Generous Support from Fry’s Food Stores

At the outset of the event, Diana Gregory was presented with a generous check from Fry’s Food Stores. This contribution is vital for supporting Diana Gregory Outreach Services and its initiatives. Gregory proudly stated, “We have been serving the town for 16 years, and last year alone, we served over 30,000 seniors and veterans. This kind of support is critical to continue our mission.”

Pam Giannonatti, the Corporate Affairs Manager for Fry’s, emphasized their commitment to fighting food insecurity. With initiatives like “Zero Hunger, Zero Waste,” Fry’s aims to provide fresh food not only in their stores but also to those in need within the community. “Last year alone, we were able to provide over 16 million meals to hungry Arizonans,” Girardi remarked, highlighting the company’s dedication to wholesome nutrition and community welfare.

The Mission of Diana Gregory Outreach Services

Diana Gregory Outreach Services has a clear and impactful mission: to enrich lives through healthy eating. By addressing health disparities and championing holistic nutrition and fitness, the organization ensures that vulnerable populations have access to the resources they need to thrive. Their commitment is straightforward but profound: “We have a responsibility to ensure no veteran, senior, and their families in our community go to bed hungry.”

The culmination of the event was not just about handing out fresh produce; it symbolized a community rallying together to support its most vulnerable members. Flyers were distributed to the residents of Tanner Terrace, spreading awareness about future initiatives and encouraging participation in further programs designed to enhance healthy living.

A Community Commitment

As I observed this event, it became clear that initiatives like these serve a dual purpose: they enrich the lives of seniors by providing them with crucial resources and foster a sense of community among participants. For many seniors, events like these also offer an opportunity to socialize and engage with their neighbors, enhancing their overall well-being.

As National Nutrition Month concludes, the event at Tanner Terrace stands as a shining example of how community partnerships—between organizations, businesses, and residents—can work in harmony to create a healthier future for all. By continuing to support initiatives that prioritize nutrition, we can make a lasting impact on our community’s health and wellness.

In the spirit of National Nutrition Month, let us carry forward the lessons learned and the connections made, ensuring that every member of our community has access to the nourishment they need to lead fulfilling lives.

Author

Rod Washington

Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts

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Lifestyle

Finding Clinical Trial Resources

Published

4 days ago

March 24, 2025

Daily News Staff

(Family Features) If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, a clinical trial may be an option for you. Clinical trials are necessary for finding new ways of preventing, detecting or treating these diseases and others. To learn more about inflammatory bowel disease clinical research, visit crohnscolitisfoundation.org/clinical-trials-community and consider resources from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation that can provide information on types of clinical trials, what to expect when participating in a clinical study, questions to ask your doctor, stories from clinical trial participants, how to find a clinical trial and more.