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Explore every episode of the podcast Research Bites Podcast

Dive into the complete episode list for Research Bites Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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1–43 of 43

TitlePub. DateDuration
#25 Monique Udell - Problem solving, communication, and attachment (full length version of original, shortened version)12 Aug 202401:04:34

Your host: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB with Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior, LLC

This podcast was originally released in March 2022 as a shortened version. This is the full version of the original podcast.

My guest today is Dr. Monique Udell. Dr. Udell is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and an Associate Professor of Animal & Rangeland Sciences at Oregon State University, where she directs the Human-Animal Interactions Lab and teaches courses on Animal Behavior, Cognition and Learning. Much of her work focuses on the development of human-animal bonds, with wild and domesticated animals, and the impact that these bonds can have on the behavior and success of both species. She also studies the social behavior and cognition of a variety of species including cats, dogs, wolves and sheep. In addition, Dr. Udell is a Co-director of an imitation-based dog training intervention program dedicated to improving the physical activity and quality of life of children with and without developmental disabilities and their family dog. To find out more visit: https://thehumananimalbond.com/ In this episode we talk about a variety of topics including problem-solving, how dogs attend to humans and forming secure attachments.

You can get more information on Research Bites and other educational opportunities at www.sciencemattersllc.com

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#24: Mini episode 4 - Pair housing revisited, survey on guardian training methods and information sources08 Jul 202400:25:50

Summary

In this conversation, Kristina discusses two research papers. The first paper explores the effects of pair housing versus single housing in shelter dogs (yes, this was discussed last episode, but this is a 2nd study on the same topic, from a different perspective). The study found that pair housing with another dog may decrease stress levels and reduce the length of stay in shelters.

The second paper examines training methods used by dog owners in the United States. The study found that problem behaviors were common in dogs, and aversive training methods were frequently used. The results also highlighted the need for increased accessibility to professional training and behavior advice.

Here are some important links:

The Science Matters website: www.sciencemattersllc.com
Unlocking Resilience course: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience
Join the Science Matters mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hY-7hr

1st paper:
Hecker, G., Martineau, K., Scheskie, M., Hammerslough, R., & Feuerbacher, E. N. (2024). Effects of single- or pair-housing on the welfare of shelter dogs: Behavioral and physiological indicators. PLOS ONE, 19(6), e0301137. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0301137

2nd paper:
Johnson, A. C., & Wynne, C. D. L. (2024). Training Methods Used by Dog Guardians in the United States: Prevalence, Sources of Information, and Reasons for Use. Animals, 14(9), Article 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091310 

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#15 - Dr. Allison Scagel - Cognition and training05 Oct 202300:51:49

Dr. Allison Scagel. She is the owner and founder of Scholars with Collars Training and Behavior LLC. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor's degree in wildlife and conservation biology and minors in both psychology and animal behavior. She then interned with Dr. Spaulding for three years. She also served as a dog kennel attendant for the Humane Society of Rome and upstate New York for two years during this period.

In 2022, she completed her PhD in behavioral neuroscience at the University of Buffalo. There, she studied canine cognition and behavior work, which we'll be discussing today. Her first published paper "Do that again. Memory for self-performed actions in dogs" published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology won the 2022 Robert W. Rice Memorial Award for early excellence in research. 

In this episode, we talk about cognition, memory, and training in dogs. It's a fascinating discussion!

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#14 - Puppy Independence Trails with Rose Browne09 Aug 202300:44:07

This episode's guest is Rose Browne.  She was a student in my Unlocking Resilience course. I decided to have her on because I was so impressed by one of the assignments that she submitted for this course that I asked if she'd be willing to come on the podcast to talk about her idea more and share it with a wider audience.

Rose is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and a Fear-free Certified professional animal trainer. With over 25 years of experience in dog training with a primary focus on canine behavior modification and preventing problems before they begin. She teaches group classes and also develops and implements private training and behavior modification plans for her company Dynamic Canines. She has extensive experience in education and canine development and behavior, from working with and taking accredited courses with world-renowned professionals in the field of animal behavior. Please join us for this fascinating conversation where Rose shares with us an exercise that she has developed called Puppy Trails.

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#13 - Dr. Tammy McClain, PsyD - Navigating challenging client conversations17 Jul 202301:09:30

Dr. McClain is a licensed clinical psychologist who has 27 years of experience administering and evaluating a wide variety of personality, intelligence, and aptitude psychological tests. She is an innovative and understanding professional proficient in mental health and therapeutic interventions and protocols.

In addition, she has expertise in ADHD and PTSD and is well-versed in providing strategic direction and ongoing leadership to academic programs. She obtained her certification in dog training from Catch Canine Trainers Academy in 2022, and is the owner of Positive Attitude Dog Trainers in Northern West Virginia where she provides obedience training and behavioral consultation.

In this episode, we talk about how to navigate those challenging and sensitive client conversations, what to do when the client isn't receptive to your recommendations, and how to prevent and address burnout.

Advanced Training Practicum: https://sciencemattersllc.com/advanced-consulting 

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#12 - Dr. Lindsay Palmer - Peoples attitudes about dog training. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.30 Jun 202301:13:00

Dr. Lindsay Palmer is a social psychologist who earned her PhDs in Psychology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the Pennsylvania State University in 2022. Before attending Penn State, she earned her B.A. from the University of Virginia and managed a UVa laboratory in social cognition and behavior for two years. Currently, she is a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences at the UMass Chan Medical School. She has been accepted as a scholar at the Human-Animal Studies Summer Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to further advance her work in the human-animal bond. Dr. Palmer has several lines of research related to social and health disparities, diversity, prejudice, and stigma. Her work on the human-animal bond examines social factors and psychological mechanisms that impact the relationship between humans and animals. In this episode we talk about all kinds of fascinating topics including the impact of hegemonic masculinity on the endorsement of dominance theory, how to have conversations with people who disagree with you and diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

You can reach Lindsay at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-palmer-0904b51a2/ 

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#11 Dr. Clive Wynne - Dog behavior research, anthropomorphism, clicker training25 Apr 202301:07:24

In this episode, I speak with Doctor Clive Wynne. Dr. Wynne is Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University and Director of Research at Wolf Park, Indiana. He was educated at University College London and Edinburgh University in Scotland and has studied animal behavior in Britain, Germany, the U.S., and Australia in species ranging from pigeons to dunnarts (a mouse-sized marsupial). Several years ago he founded the Canine Cognition and Behavior Lab dedicated to the study of dogs and their wild relatives. As well as numerous scientific papers, he has also written for Psychology Today, American Scientist, the New York Times, and other outlets. His science has been featured on several TV shows such as National Geographic, Nova ScienceNow, and others. He is the author of the textbook Animal Cognition (now in a new edition) and former editor-in-chief of the journal Behavioural Processes. His most recent book is Dog is Love: Why and How Your Dog Loves You (Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt, 2020). 

In this episode, we talk about the current state of dog behavior research, anthropomorphism, and the science of clicker training.

Dr. Wynne's page: https://www.clivewynne.com/
Arizona State University page: https://search.asu.edu/profile/2218677 

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#10 - Dr. Emily Bray - Cognitive development, puppies, service dogs14 Mar 202301:10:27

Your host: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB with Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior, LLC

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Emily Bray, Ph.D. Dr. Bray is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Arizona Canine Cognition Center in the College of Veterinary Medicine and at Canine Companions, the largest US non-profit providing service dogs to people with disabilities. She earned her undergraduate degree at Duke University, completing a senior thesis at the Duke Canine Cognition Center investigating context specificity of inhibitory control in pet dogs. She then went on to earn a Ph.D. from the Department of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. For her dissertation, she partnered with The Seeing Eye—the oldest guide dog school in the United States—to conduct a longitudinal study investigating the development of behavior and cognition in dogs. Most recently, in her postdoctoral research, she develops and implements cognitive tasks in hundreds of dogs from Canine Companions' population.

In this episode, we discuss development and cognition in puppies, and the Many Dogs Project (it is SO cool!).

Dr. Bray also references a project she is involved in called the Dog Aging Project. They are recruiting dogs of all ages. You can get more information at www.dogagingproject.org

You can get more information on my Unlocking Resilience course here, and learn more about Dr. Spaulding and Science Matters Academy at www.sciencemattersllc.com.

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#9 - Cognitive flexibility05 Dec 202200:25:03

In this episode, I discuss a concept called cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility allows animals to adjust their behavior to a changing environment - and it's very important for resilience!

Learn more about what cognitive flexibility is, how it impacts behavior, and how we can improve it.

Click for more information on the Advanced Consulting Course and Research Bites.

Here are links to some of the papers I discuss in the podcast:

Gelfo, F. (2019). Does experience enhance cognitive flexibility? An overview of the evidence provided by the environmental enrichment studies. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 13, 150. https://doi.org/10.3389/FNBEH.2019.00150/BIBTEX

Gökçen, G., Arslan, C., & Tras, Z. (2020). Examining the Relationship between Patience, Emotion Regulation Difficulty and Cognitive Flexibility. Online Submission, 7(7), 131–152. https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v7i7.3160

Kalia, V., & Knauft, K. (2020). Emotion regulation strategies modulate the effect of adverse childhood experiences on perceived chronic stress with implications for cognitive flexibility. PLOS ONE, 15(6), e0235412. https://doi.org/10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0235412

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#8 - Sasha Protopopova - shelter adoption, the human side of animal sheltering08 Sep 202200:38:10

Your host: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB with Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior, LLC

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Sasha Protopopova. She is an Assistant Professor and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Chair holder in Animal Welfare at The University of British Columbia (UBC). If that sounds familiar, that’s because my last guest, Dr. von Keyserlingk is at the same University, in the same department. They are doing a lot of great work there! Dr. Protopopova is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and has a PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Florida. Her research interests are in improving animal shelter practices, improving companion animal welfare through the development of behavioral interventions in shelters as well as pet homes, and assessing and improving the well-being of dogs working in assistance roles. In this episode, we discuss increasing the adoptability of shelter dogs, the human side of animal sheltering and rescue, and ethical issues related to domestic animals.

This is a shortened version of the podcast. The full version of the podcast is available to Research Bites members. You can get more information on Research Bites and other educational opportunities at www.sciencemattersllc.com

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#7 - The Story of Finn01 Aug 202200:37:21

In this episode, I use my own dog Finn as a case study for discussing several different aspects of behavior. I talk about emotional reactivity, affective style, and impulse control.

Here is a link to the study about sleep and brain development in dogs that I refer to in the podcast.

You can find transcripts here and more information on additional learning opportunities at www.sciencemattersllc.com. 

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#6 - Updates to the podcast07 Jul 202200:18:48

In addition to this podcast, I also have a blog. I am posting one blog post a month and about one podcast episode a month. That’s really not as frequently as I’d like to be posting either one. But, I am currently maxed out as far as my time goes. I think the podcast is extremely valuable because it is a wonderful platform for bringing research directly to those of you living and working with dogs. At the same time, I’d hate to let the blog go entirely.

So, I’ve worked out a compromise, of sorts. I plan to start to do some solo episodes of the podcast where it is just me talking about various topics related to applied animal behavior science. Essentially, a spoken version of the blog. (Don’t worry – you’ll still be getting the interviews as well). I will then post transcriptions of the podcast to the blog space. Now you will be able to choose between listening to the podcast while you multi-task or finding a few moments of downtime to enjoy reading the content.

In this episode, I talk a little about myself and my vision as well as how science can enhance our experience-based knowledge and take us in new and unexpected directions. You can find transcripts here and more information on additional learning opportunities at www.sciencemattersllc.com. 

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#23 - Dr. Patricia McConnell on intrinsic reinforcement, flow, and agency28 Jun 202401:03:18

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Patricia McConnell and Dr. Kristina Spaulding explore the concept of flow, which is a state of complete absorption and engagement in an activity that is intrinsically rewarding. They discuss how flow can vary among individuals and how it relates to different activities dogs might do. The conversation highlights the importance of providing opportunities for animals to engage in activities purely for their own enjoyment.

They also discuss the importance of providing animals with opportunities for agency and choice, allowing them to actively engage with their environment and gather knowledge. The conversation highlights the need for balance in caregiving, reinforcing ourselves for the efforts we make, and giving animals the space to learn and explore.

For more information on Dr. McConnell, go to www.patriciamcconnell.com or visit her blog, at www.theotherendoftheleash.com, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information on Dr. Spaulding, go to www.sciencemattersllc.com, or click here for Research Bites or here for the Unlocking Resilience course.

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#5 - Marina (Nina) von Keyserlingk - Animal welfare and ethics30 Jun 202200:31:50

Your host: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB with Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior, LLC

Every once in a while I like to bring in voices from other disciplines to round out our knowledge of behavior. For this episode, I am speaking with a well-respected farm animal welfare researcher. Dr. Marina (Nina) von Keyserlingk is a Professor and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Chair holder in Animal Welfare at The University of British Columbia (UBC) where she has co-directed the Animal Welfare Program since 2002. Together with her colleagues and students their research focuses on assessing animal welfare and developing practical methods of improving the welfare of animals. She has published in excess of 300 peer reviewed scientific papers, contributed to the training of over 100 highly qualified individuals and is a frequent and enthusiastic speaker for academic and professional audiences. She was the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Hans Sigrist Research Prize (Bern, Switzerland) for her outstanding contributions to the sustainability of food animal systems. She is considered one of the world leading experts in farm animal welfare. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. von Keyserlingk as we discuss issues related to the welfare and ethics of farm and companion animals.

This is a shortened version of the podcast. The full version of the podcast is available to Research Bites members. You can get more information on Research Bites and other educational opportunities at www.sciencemattersllc.com

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#4 - Mindy Waite - Behavior analysis, the function of behavior, and mouthing.06 Jun 202200:34:46

Your host: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB with Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior, LLC

Today’s guest is Dr. Mindy Waite. Dr. Waite is a Board-Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) located in Milwaukee, WI. She is a lecturer in behavior analysis in the Psychology Department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she performs research on companion canine behavior. Her early studies focused on the prevalence, function, and function-based interventions for mouthing behavior in dogs. Current studies are assessing simple, owner-implemented food preference assessments for dogs and also training dogs to cooperatively engage in basic veterinary care. Her research has received several awards, including the Marian Breland-Bailey Award and Fear Free Award, as well as competitive funding from Fear Free. She also lectures in the Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare program at Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She received her BS in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, her MS in Behavior Analysis from Marquette University and her PhD in Molecular Biology (mouse brain development) from the University of Michigan.

We talk about so many things in this episode that it’s impossible to list them all here, but here are just some of the things we discussed: how behavior analysis works, mouthing – which dogs do it and why they do it – and defining the function of behavior. 

This is a shortened version of the podcast. The full version of the podcast is available to Research Bites members. You can get more information on Research Bites and other educational opportunities at www.sciencemattersllc.com

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#3 - Erica Feuerbacher - Effective reinforcement, stress and well-being in shelter dogs05 May 202200:30:01

Your host: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB with Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior, LLC

Today’s guest is Dr. Erica Feuerbacher is an Associate Professor in Animal & Poultry Sciences at Virginia Tech and director of the Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare Lab, where she works with dogs and horses. She also coordinates the online Masters's program in Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare at Virginia Tech. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Florida in the UF Canine Cognition and Behavior Lab and her Master’s in Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas in the Organization for Reinforcement Contingencies with Animals. She is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. Her research and publications focus on understanding domestic animal behavior and learning from a behavior analytic perspective, using applied behavior analysis to solve behavioral issues in dogs and horses, and identifying interventions that improve shelter dog welfare. She is passionate about humane, effective animal training, and working with owners, trainers, and shelter staff to improve our interactions with animals.

In this episode, we discuss types of reinforcers and their effectiveness as well as addressing stress and welfare in shelter dogs.

This is a shortened version of the podcast. The full version of the podcast is available to Research Bites members. You can get more information on Research Bites and other educational opportunities at www.sciencemattersllc.com

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#2 - Ádám Miklósi - Natural dog behavior, imitation, self-awareness, word learning18 Apr 202200:31:16

Your host: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB with Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior, LLC

Today’s guest is Dr. Ádám Miklósi. He is a full professor and the leader of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös University in Budapest (Hungary). He is also the co-founder and leader of the Family Dog Project ( http://familydogproject.elte.hu ) which studies human-dog interaction from an ethological perspective. In recent years he has also become interested in the automatization of measuring dog behavior and his research group has pioneered  studying the neural and genetic aspects of dog behavior using non-invasive methods like fMRI and EEG.  

Over more than twenty years The Family Dog Project published over 180 scientific papers, and organized several conferences. 

In 2014 Miklósi published the second edition of an academic volume entitled Dog Behavior, Evolution and Cognition by Oxford University Press that summarizes the most recent status on dog oriented research. More recently, together with his colleagues, he published The Dog: A Natural History with Ivy Press, London.  For more information on Dr. Miklósi and his lab visit: https://familydogproject.elte.hu/

In this episode we talk about meeting the needs of dogs, approaches to training, imitation, self-awareness, exceptional word learning capabilities in certain dogs, and much more.

This is a shortened version of the podcast. The full version of the podcast is available to Research Bites members. You can get more information on Research Bites and other educational opportunities at www.sciencemattersllc.com

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#1 - Monique Udell - Problem solving, communication, and attachment11 Mar 202200:36:38

Your host: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB with Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior, LLC

My guest today is Dr. Monique Udell is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and an Associate Professor of Animal & Rangeland Sciences at Oregon State University, where she directs the Human-Animal Interactions Lab and teaches courses on Animal Behavior, Cognition and Learning. Much of her work focuses on the development of human-animal bonds, with wild and domesticated animals, and the impact that these bonds can have on the behavior and success of both species. She also studies the social behavior and cognition of a variety of species including cats, dogs, wolves and sheep. In addition, Dr. Udell is a Co-director of an imitation-based dog training intervention program dedicated to improving the physical activity and quality of life of children with and without developmental disabilities and their family dog. To find out more visit: https://thehumananimalbond.com/ In this episode we talk about a variety of topics including problem-solving, how dogs attend to humans and forming secure attachments.

This is a shortened version of the podcast. The full version of the podcast is available to Research Bites members. You can get more information on Research Bites and other educational opportunities at www.sciencemattersllc.com

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#22: Mini-episode 3 - Puppy whines and maternal care, impacts of housing on shelter dog stress07 Jun 202400:23:51

Summary

In this conversation, I discuss two research papers related to dog behavior. The first paper explores the influence of puppy whines on maternal behavior in dogs. The study found that puppy whines trigger maternal care - with stronger maternal care in response to the mother's own puppies.  The second paper examines the impact of different enrichment interventions on the stress levels of dogs in a shelter. The study suggests that housing dogs with conspecifics may be beneficial in reducing stress. However, the results are not clear cut and I discuss the limitations and challenges in interpreting this study.

Takeaways

  • Puppy whines can influence maternal behavior in dogs, and mothers can identify their own puppies based on the acoustics of their whines.
  • Housing dogs with conspecifics may help reduce stress levels in shelter dogs.
  • Individual variation in shelter dogs is important to consider.
  • Interpreting results in stress-related studies is complex - I discuss some of the important points to consider.


Chapters

00:00 The Influence of Puppy Whines on Maternal Behavior in Dogs
10:19 Enrichment Interventions and Stress Levels in Shelter Dogs

References

Massenet, M., Philippe, R., Pisanski, K., Arnaud, V., Barluet de Beauchesne, L., Reynaud, K., ... & Reby, D. (2024). Puppy whines mediate maternal behavior in domestic dogs. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(22), e2316818121.

Corsetti, S., Natoli, E., Palme, R., & Viggiano, E. (2023). Intraspecific interactions decrease stress affecting welfare in shelter dogs: A comparison of four different housing conditions. Animals, 13(11), 1828.

If you'd like to learn more or contact Dr. Spaulding, you can do so through our website www.sciencemattersllc

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#21 - Dr. Lucia Lazarowski - Odor and cognition, working dogs, resilience and arousal30 May 202401:06:31

Dr. Lucia Lazarowski, chief behavioral scientist at Auburn University's Canine Performance Sciences Program, discusses her research on olfaction and behavior in detection dogs. Dr. Lazarewski shares insights on the best methods for training dogs to detect odors, the capacity of dogs to learn multiple odors, and the maintenance of odor memory and search training.

We also discuss the fascinating topic of inattentional blindness and how focus on one thing can prevent dogs from even noticing other stimuli - as well as the implications on training and the overall ability of the dog to cope with their environment. We discuss the use of early behavioral testing in working dogs and the reliability of temperament testing. We also touch on the factors associated with success in working dogs, such as confidence, stress resilience, cognitive flexibility, and impulse control. This is worth listening to even if you don't work with working dogs because much of this information likely applies to pet dogs as well!

Dr. Lazarowski emphasizes the need for further research on the behavior and performance of working dogs throughout their career and into old age. She also provides recommendations for improving the well-being of working dogs, including evidence-based training and providing a balance between work and downtime.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Lucia Lazarewski and her work with detection dogs
08:15 The Value and Training of Detection Dogs
24:41 The Importance of Maintenance Training for Detection Dogs
33:33 The Impact of Arousal on Performance
44:19 Cognitive Flexibility and Impulse Control
01:01:04 Unanswered Questions in Detection Dog Research

If you'd like to learn more or contact Dr. Spaulding, you can do so through our website www.sciencemattersllc.com.

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#20: Mini-episode #2 - Perspectives on puppy development, training and impulse control, barking in shelters13 May 202400:29:02

It's time for another mini-episode on recent research! In this episode, I discuss papers about 1) gaps in our understanding of puppy development, from a unique perspective, 2) the impact of dog sports discipline (e.g. obedience or nosework) on impulse control and persistence, and 3) a program for reducing barking in shelter dogs. Each paper is summarized briefly in easy to understand language so you don't have to work - or find the time! - to find, read, and interpret the research yourself.

If you enjoyed this information and would like more opportunities to stay current with dog behavior research, check out Research Bites here. You can also get more information on my courses and upcoming events at www.sciencemattersllc.com.

Papers discussed in this episode:

Costa, A. G., Nielsen, T., Christley, R., & Hazel, S. (2023). Highlighting gaps in puppy research using Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory of human development. Human-Animal Interactions, (2023). https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/hai.2023.0014

Mellor, N., McBride, S., Stoker, E., & Dalesman, S. (2024). Impact of Training Discipline and Experience on Inhibitory Control and Cognitive Performance in Pet Dogs. Animals, 14(3), 428. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/3/428

Baldan, A. L., Ferreira, B. L., Warisaia, V., Feuerbacher, E. N., Monticelli, P. F., & Gunter, L. M. (2023). Reducing barking in a Brazilian animal shelter: A practical intervention. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 265, 105992.  https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxy.lib.vt.edu/science/article/pii/S0168159123001648

Click here

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#19: Mini-episode #1 - Handling in horses, cat aggression at the vet clinic and at home, pandemic puppies21 Mar 202400:22:05

Here is a quick little episode for you with a summary of three recent papers. If you enjoyed this information and would like more opportunities to stay current with dog behavior research, check out Research Bites here. You can also get more information on my courses and upcoming events at www.sciencemattersllc.com.

Papers discussed in this episode:

Pereira-Figueiredo, I., Rosa, I., & Sancho Sanchez, C. (2024). Forced Handling Decreases Emotionality but Does Not Improve Young Horses’ Responses toward Humans and their Adaptability to Stress. Animals, 14(5), 784. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/5/784

Gerken, A., Lee, K., Bain, M., & Kim, S. A. (2024). Correlation between aggression at the veterinary clinic and problem behaviors at home for cats in the USA. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 26(2), 1098612X231214907. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X231214907

Brand, C. L., O’Neill, D. G., Belshaw, Z., Dale, F. C., Merritt, B. L., Clover, K. N., ... & Packer, R. M. (2024). Impacts of Puppy Early Life Experiences, Puppy-Purchasing Practices, and Owner Characteristics on Owner-Reported Problem Behaviours in a UK Pandemic Puppies Cohort at 21 Months of Age. Animals, 14(2), 336. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020336

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#18 - Dr. Erin Hecht - Breed differences in dog brains14 Mar 202400:40:31

In this episode, I will be talking to Dr. Erin Hecht. She received her bachelor of science degree in cognitive science from the University of California, San Diego in 2006, and her PhD in neuroscience from Emory University in 2013. Before moving to Harvard, she was a research scientist at the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience at Georgia State University and an affiliated scientist at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University.

Dr. Hecht joined the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University in January of 2019. Her lab studies brain behavior, evolution, and dogs, primates, and humans. And she has two miniature Australian shepherds, Lefty and Izzy, who are mostly good. 

In this episode, we cover recent studies indicating that different breeds have slightly different brain structures. This discovery opens up a whole new avenue for understanding what traits might have been selected for in breeding - each breed may have unique cognitive strengths and weaknesses. We also discuss how to interpret genetic studies, and the relationship between dog size, brain size, and behavior.

Finally - and excitingly, we discuss ongoing studies in which you can participate! You can find more information on these studies - and sign up to participate - at caninebrains.org. You can get more information on Dr. Hecht and her work at https://heb.fas.harvard.edu/people/erin-hecht. And, of course, if you'd like to geek out about dog behavior even more, please visit my Dr. Spaulding's website www.sciencemattersllc.com for even more opportunities for science learning.

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#17 - Dr. Sharmaine Miller - One Health02 Feb 202401:12:12

Dr. Sharmaine Miller is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Her research focuses on stress, One Health, and health equity and she is interested in human-animal relationships and their impact on both human and animal health.

Dr. Miller completed her undergraduate studies at Towson University (2010 - 2014) and her PhD in Biology from Pennsylvania State University (2014 - 2019). Her PhD focused on stress (biology and exposure) and its effects on animal behavior. She is currently conducting research on the stress and health impacts of animal-assisted therapy as well as potential health impacts of pet ownership in minority populations.

In this episode, we talk about the impacts of development stress on behavior and  differences between stress in captive vs. free-living animals. We then move on to a discussion of One Health (an interdisciplinary framework examining how local environment can impact human and animal health) and how each of these three segments interact to influence each other. Dr. Miller discusses her work with animal shelters and animal-assisted therapy.


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#16 - Pierre Zimmerman - Addressing burnout and emotional well-being in humans30 Jan 202401:03:51

We can't help animals if we, ourselves, are not okay. Taking care of your mental health and well-being is essential to avoid burnout. In this episode, I interview Pierre Zimmerman, a Buddhist chaplain and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction instructor.  We discuss the impact of stress on different aspects of behavior, and approaches for handling stress  and uncertainty. Drawing parallels from animal behavior, Pierre explains how mindfulness can foster compassion, empathy, and better communication among humans. Set aside some time and give yourself the gift of listening to this episode - you won't regret it!

If you'd like to learn more, check out Pierre's new book, Facing Cancer with an Attitude, Beyond Survivorship

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Podcast Update!16 Oct 202400:02:30

Hello everyone! I am taking a break to develop a more effective and consistent system for podcast production so that I can release episodes on a regular timeline. That means I need to take a short break to get everything organized, but rest assured we will be back soon!


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#26: Dr. Daniel Mills on understanding animal emotions and behavior21 Oct 202401:10:11

In this episode of the Research Bites podcast, host Dr. Kristina Spaulding interviews Professor Daniel Mills, a renowned expert in veterinary behavioral medicine from the University of Lincoln. They explore the complexities of animal behavior, the evolution of different behavioral models, and the role of emotions in influencing behavior. Professor Mills shares insights from his extensive research, including the development of the psychobiological model for assessing animal behavior and his work on using AI to detect emotions and pain in animals.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Behavioral Models Explained: Differences between the medical, behavioral, and psychobiological approaches to animal behavior.
  • The Role of Emotion in Behavior: Considering internal states is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of animal behavior.
  • AI and Emotion Detection: How artificial intelligence is being used to recognize emotions and pain in animals, including dogs, cats, and horses.
  • The Impact of Cognitive Load: How factors like discomfort or anxiety can affect an animal's cognitive capacity and behavior.
  • Human-Animal Interactions: How dogs respond to human facial expressions and vocal cues, and the importance of building a positive relationship with pets.
  • Challenges in Scientific Communication: Addressing the uncertainty of science, biases, and the influence of beliefs on interpreting behavior.

Key Quotes:

  •  "Dogs live in an emotional world, often looking to synchronize their emotions with those of their human companions." 
  • "Science is about reducing uncertainty, not finding absolute truths."

Timestamps:

  • [00:05:45] Discussion of different behavioral models
  • [00:18:47] The function and importance of emotions in animals
  • [00:24:03] Using AI for emotion recognition in animals
  • [00:46:47] The effects of cognitive load on behavior
  • [00:48:42] How dogs respond to human emotions and facial expressions
  • [00:59:5

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#27: Dr. Sara Hintze on animal well-being and intrinsic reward16 Nov 202400:55:09

00:00 Introduction to Research Bites Podcast
 00:30 Join the Research Bites Membership
 01:08 Introducing Dr. Sara Hintze
 02:01 Dr. Hintze's Journey into Animal Welfare
 04:43 The Evolution of Animal Welfare Science
 06:22 Understanding Positive Welfare in Animals
 09:33 Challenges in Measuring Animal Emotions
 14:58 Individual Differences in Animal Welfare
 19:28 Cognitive Bias and Optimism in Animals
 22:28 Assessing Well-Being in Individual Animals
 28:40 Balancing Individual Differences in Animal Training
 30:23 The Importance of Addressing Underlying Problems
 33:01 Introduction to Flow in Animal Behavior
 34:10 Defining Intrinsic Reward and Flow
 37:13 Exploring Flow in Animals
 48:31 Inducing Flow in Companion Animals
 51:39 Future Directions in Animal Welfare Research
 54:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
 In this episode of the Research Bites podcast, host Dr. Kristina Spaulding welcomes Dr. Sara Hintze, who studies animal welfare and emotions. They discuss the evolution of the study of animal welfare, shifting from focusing solely on reducing suffering to promoting positive emotional states. Dr. Hintze explains the complexities of measuring subjective experience in animals and highlights research related to cognitive bias, optimism, and individual differences in animal behavior. The conversation also delves into the intriguing concept of 'flow' in animals, exploring how activities such as herding and hunting might induce a state of intrinsic reward. The importance of choice, agency, and varied enrichment for enhancing animal well-being is also discussed.

For more information about Dr. Hintze, you can click here.

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#28 Science Myths Busted: Understanding Behavior and the Role of Science25 Jan 202500:36:10

In this episode, we explore two common myths about science and how they relate to the world of dog training and behavior:

Myth #1: Science is elitist and doesn’t apply to the real world.

  • The Truth: Science is for everyone! You don’t need a fancy degree to understand and apply science in meaningful ways.
  • Science is deeply connected to real-world applications, including the everyday work of dog training and behavior.
  • Dr. Spaulding shares examples of research that directly informs and improves how we work with dogs.

Myth #2: There are black-and-white answers about behavior.

  • The Truth: Behavior and biological systems are incredibly complex.
  • Oversimplifying them can hinder our ability to truly understand and help animals.
  • Science evolves as we learn more, and this is a good thing! Progress means discovering better ways to do things, rather than sticking to outdated methods.

Key Takeaways:

  • Science matters! It can be approachable and valuable for anyone working with animals. 
  • Complexity is part of what makes science (and behavior) fascinating—and embracing it can lead to better outcomes.
  • Learning and adapting as new evidence emerges is essential for growth, both as individuals and as practitioners.

This episode is about making science less intimidating, highlighting how it connects to what you do every day, and encouraging curiosity about the way we approach training and behavior.

Let’s dive in!

Unlocking Resilience course (starts February 5th, 2025): https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience 
Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites 

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#29: Dr. Lisa Gunter on sleepovers and field trips for shelter dogs06 Mar 202501:04:56

In this episode of the Research Bites podcast, Dr. Spaulding interviews Dr. Lisa Gunter about her work on reducing stress and improving welfare in shelter dogs.  If you work or volunteer in a shelter – or work closely with shelter or rescue dogs - this is the podcast for you! 

Lisa Gunter is an Assistant Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare at Virginia Tech in the School of Animal Sciences, and she directs the Center for Applied Animal Behavior and Education. Before beginning her graduate studies, she worked for nearly a decade in animal shelters and with pet dogs and their owners.

The goal of Lisa's teaching, research, and extension is to better the lives of people and their pets. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, she was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Coastal Carolina University and the Maddie's Fund Research Fellow at Arizona State University. Lisa is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and earned her Ph.D. and M. A. in the Behavioral Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology program at Arizona State University. In the canine science collaboratory. 

Dr. Gunter discusses how weekend foster stays and brief field trips affect shelter dogs. Specifically, she explains how these activities influence stress and length of stay. Another factor that may impact length of stay is breed labeling – Dr. Gunter shared key insights from her research on this topic as well. This exciting research sheds light on how shelters can best serve the animals in their care. 

Next, Dr. Gunter and Dr. Spaulding share their thoughts on the future of animal sheltering– it’s a very different model than what is being used today! Finally, make sure you stay to the end to learn more about the upcoming Canine Science Symposium!

00:00 Introduction to Research Bites Membership
00:53 Welcome to the Research Bites Podcast
01:27 Introducing Dr. Lisa Gunter
01:44 Dr. Gunter's Background and Research Focus
03:34 The Importance of Shelter Dog Research
05:44 Impact of Short-Term Foster Stays
08:42 Measuring Stress in Shelter Dogs
10:24 Challe

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#30 - Dr. Amy Learn and Dr. Amy Pike on medical issues and behavior18 Jun 202501:14:56

In this episode, we’re joined by not one, but two Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorists—Dr. Amy Learn and Dr. Amy Pike—for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation on the intersection of medicine and behavior. We dive into Dr. Spaulding’s new favorite concept: mindbody unity, and explore how physical health and behavior are deeply intertwined.

Dr. Pike has been caring for patients for well over 20 years. She is a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through IAABC, and is Fear Free Certified. She is the Secretary for the American College of Veterinary Behaviorist's Board of Regents, and the Head of the Specialty Training Committee. Dr. Pike is currently the co-owner of both Animal Behavior Wellness Center locations in Fairfax, VA and Richmond, She sees pets with behavior disorders ranging from mild fears to extreme aggression, compulsive disorders, and panic disorders. 

Dr. Learn attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, she completed an internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in NJ. Dr. Learn remained in general practice for 20 years, when she completed her residency in Clinical Behavioral Medicine. She is currently the Chief of Clinical Behavioral Medicine at the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Richmond VA. Dr. Learn has received the prestigious RK Anderson Resident Achievement Award from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists for outstanding research in the field of applied animal behavior. Dr. Learn is also an active member on the board of the IAABC Foundation.

Join us as Drs. Learn and Pike share compelling case studies that highlight the medical roots of behavioral concerns, and offer practical insight into how behavior consultants and veterinarians can collaborate more effectively. We also examine the roles—and limitations—of medications, nutraceuticals, CBD, and probiotics in behavior work, discussing what we know and where uncertainty still remains.

We end by taking on the recent question of playin

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#33: Building Resilience: Dr. Mike Mendl on Positive Welfare, Emotion, and Decision-Making in Animals15 Aug 202501:13:17

In this thought-provoking episode of the Research Bites Podcast, Dr. Kristina Spaulding is joined by Dr. Mike Mendl, professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare at the University of Bristol’s Veterinary School, for a deep dive into what it truly means to support positive animal welfare.

From competence and resilience to cognitive bias and decision-making, Dr. Mendl explores how animals perceive and interact with the world—and why individual differences matter so much. You’ll hear how animal-based indicators can reveal nuanced welfare states, why emotions play a pivotal role in behavior, and how the dimensional model of emotion can help us better understand and assess an animal’s experience.

Along the way, we discuss:

  • How competence and resilience shape behavior and well-being
  • How animals set and pursue their own goals
  • Cognitive bias testing as a window into welfare states
  • Recognizing when hidden medical issues influence behavior
  • Using positive states—not just the absence of negatives—to improve lives
  • Future directions for research in welfare and emotion

Whether you’re a trainer, behavior consultant, veterinarian, or simply a science-curious animal lover, this conversation offers both practical insights and a deeper appreciation for the complexity of animal minds. By connecting the latest welfare science with real-world applications, Dr. Mendl’s work challenges us to move beyond preventing suffering and toward actively fostering lives worth living.

For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!

#32: Why Behavior Doesn’t Fit in Boxes: Rethinking How We Classify Behavior12 Aug 202500:41:41

In this episode, Dr. Kristina Spaulding dives into the complex world of labels—how we define, categorize, and talk about behavior in both humans and animals. Drawing on her psychology background, she explores the benefits and pitfalls of labels, the messiness behind mental health classifications, and how new models in psychology might help us think differently about animal behavior. At the heart of the discussion: lasting change comes from addressing underlying processes—like stress, emotional regulation, and impulsivity—rather than focusing only on behaviors. If you’ve ever wondered how labels shape your work—or how to use them more effectively—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re a trainer, behavior consultant, vet, or science-curious animal lover, you’ll come away with a richer, more nuanced view of how labels shape our understanding—and results.

Links & Resources:
Unlocking Resilience:  https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience

First, M. B., Rebello, T. J., Keeley, J. W., Bhargava, R., Dai, Y., Kulygina, M., ... & Reed, G. M. (2018). Do mental health professionals use diagnostic classifications the way we think they do? A global survey. World Psychiatry, 17(2), 187-195.

Maj, M. (2018). Why the clinical utility of diagnostic categories in psychiatry is intrinsically limited and how we can use new approaches to complement them. World Psychiatry, 17(2), 121–122. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20512

Nasrallah, H. A. (2021). Re-Inventing the Dsm as A Transdiagnostic Model: Psychiatric Disorders Are Extensively Interconnected. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, 33(3), 148–150. https://doi.org/10.12788/acp.0037



 

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#31: Dr. Michael Blackwell on increasing access to services in the animal field02 Jul 202501:03:05

In this episode of the Research Bites podcast, Dr. Spaulding interviews Dr. Michael Blackwell, Director of Pet Health Equity at the University of Tennessee. The discussion centers around the intersection of veterinary care and public health, emphasizing how financial and systemic barriers affect access to veterinary services, particularly for low-income and BIPOC families. Dr. Blackwell introduces Align Care, a program designed to subsidize veterinary care through community-supported fund accounts, and highlights the benefits of case management over strict enforcement in animal control policies. 

The episode also delves into the importance of diversity within the animal welfare field, effective strategies to make it more inclusive, and the pioneering role of veterinary social workers in supporting pet owners' mental health. This insightful conversation underscores the need for systemic changes and community involvement to improve the well-being of pets and their families.

00:00 Welcome to Research Bites
01:19 Introducing Dr. Michael Blackwell
03:02 Dr. Blackwell's Journey and Mission
04:36 The Intersection of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health
07:12 Mental Health and Veterinary Medicine
11:26 Racial Disparities in Animal Welfare
17:13 Challenges in Animal Control and Sheltering
26:05 Improving Diversity in Animal Welfare
32:56 The Importance of Inclusive Public Health
35:56 Introducing Align Care: A Solution for Veterinary Subsidies
36:25 How Align Care Works: Structure and Goals
41:26 Community Involvement and Funding for Align Care
45:15 Align Care's Impact on Shelters and Local Governments
50:20 Behavioral Services and Align Care
53:31 Veterinary Social Work: Supporting Pet Owners
59:12 Future Directions and Final Thoughts

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#34: Ádám Miklósi - Natural dog behavior, imitation, self-awareness, word learning (full length version of original, shortened version)21 Sep 202501:01:50

This podcast was originally released in April 2022 as a shortened version. This is the full version of the original podcast.

Dr. Ádám Miklósi is a full professor and the leader of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös University in Budapest (Hungary). He is also the co-founder and leader of the Family Dog Project ( http://familydogproject.elte.hu ) which studies human-dog interaction from an ethological perspective. In recent years he has also become interested in the automatization of measuring dog behavior and his research group has pioneered  studying the neural and genetic aspects of dog behavior using non-invasive methods like fMRI and EEG.  

Over more than twenty years The Family Dog Project published over 180 scientific papers, and organized several conferences. 

In 2014 Miklósi published the second edition of an academic volume entitled Dog Behavior, Evolution and Cognition by Oxford University Press that summarizes the most recent status on dog oriented research. More recently, together with his colleagues, he published The Dog: A Natural History with Ivy Press, London.  For more information on Dr. Miklósi and his lab visit: https://familydogproject.elte.hu/

In this episode we talk about meeting the needs of dogs, approaches to training, imitation, self-awareness, exceptional word learning capabilities in certain dogs, and much more.

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#35: Dr. (Jessica) Perry Hekman – What Genetics Really Tells Us About Dog Behavior07 Oct 202501:05:45

In this episode of the Research Bites Podcast, Dr. Kristina Spaulding talks with Dr. (Jessica) Perry Hekman, DVM, PhD — behavioral geneticist and co-founder of the Functional Dog Collaborative — about what genetics can (and can’t) tell us about dog behavior.

Dr. Hekman shares her journey from veterinary practice to genetics research and helps unpack key concepts like heritability, epigenetics, and behavioral phenotypes. Together, they explore what the science really says about breed and behavior — including a thoughtful look at the much-debated 2022 Darwin’s Ark study.

The conversation takes a nuanced look at some of the biggest questions in our field: What does “breed” actually mean? How much variation exists within breeds? And how do genes and environment interact to shape the dogs we live and work with? While these questions don’t yet have clear, concrete answers, Dr. Hekman helps shed light on what current research can tell us — and where science is still evolving.

Dr. Hekman also discusses the goals of the Functional Dog Collaborative, which promotes evidence-based breeding practices that support genetic diversity, health, and sound temperament. The discussion concludes with a look at how trainers and behavior professionals can contribute to a more informed, ethical approach to breeding and behavior.

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#36: Does Stress Really “Stay in the System” for Three Days?17 Oct 202500:34:24

One of the most common questions Dr. Kristina Spaulding hears is whether stress “stays in the system” for three days. In this episode, she digs into what that really means, what the research shows, and why the truth is more complex than a simple yes or no.

She begins with the biology of the stress response—how the HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system work together, the roles of cortisol and corticosterone, and why not all stress is bad. Then she takes on the central question: how long does stress actually last? You’ll learn how long it typically takes for stress hormones to peak and return to baseline, and the many factors that influence recovery, making exact estimates of the duration of the stress response extremely difficult.

Dr. Spaulding also explores sensitization and cross-sensitization—how prior stress can make animals more reactive to future challenges, even entirely different ones. This has big implications for understanding anxiety, PTSD, and the impacts of stress on behavior. Finally, she discusses chronic and developmental stress and why a blunted stress response doesn’t necessarily mean an animal is “fine.”

The idea that stress lingers for three days is a myth. Hormones often normalize within hours, but the effects of stress—especially repeated or early-life stress—can last for days, weeks, or even a lifetime.

Resources:

Garcia, Arantxa, Octavi Marti, Astrid Valles, Silvina Dal-Zotto, and Antonio Armario. “Recovery of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Response to Stress: Effect of Stress Intensity, Stress Duration and Prevention Stress Exposure.” Neuroendocrinology 72, no. 2 (August 2000): 114–25.

Belda, X., Rotllant, D., Fuentes, S., Delgado, R., Nadal, R., & Armario, A. (2008). Exposure to severe stressors causes long‐lasting dysregulation of resting and stress‐induced activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1148(1), 165-173.

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