DeepSummary
The episode discusses new research on how specific nerve structures called Krause corpuscles on the genitals are activated by vibrations and contribute to sexual behavior. After being discovered over 150 years ago, researchers have now identified that these corpuscles are sensitive to low-frequency vibrations and can trigger sexual responses like erections in mice.
The episode also covers how fish are able to determine the direction of sound underwater, a longstanding question in animal behavior. Using a specialized setup, researchers found that some fish can independently detect the particle motion and pressure components of sound waves and combine this information to pinpoint the source.
Additionally, the episode discusses two stories from the Nature Briefing. The first reveals how ancient DNA analysis of skeletal remains at the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza has provided insights into ritual human sacrifices, including that the victims were primarily related young boys. The second story explores research suggesting that elephants may have unique vocalizations or "names" to address each other.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Krause corpuscles, nerve structures present in the genitals, are sensitive to low-frequency vibrations and contribute to sexual behavior.
- Some fish can detect and combine particle motion and pressure components of sound waves to determine the direction of the source.
- Ancient DNA analysis of skeletal remains at Chichen Itza revealed that ritual sacrifices involved primarily related young boys.
- Research suggests elephants may use unique vocalizations or "names" to address one another.
- New techniques, such as specialized setups and AI analysis, are advancing our understanding of animal behavior and physiology.
- Ancient DNA is providing insights into historical practices and events, challenging previous assumptions.
- Interdisciplinary approaches, combining fields like neuroscience, animal behavior, and anthropology, are shedding light on longstanding questions.
- Examining cultural practices and beliefs from different perspectives can offer a more nuanced understanding.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “We found that this sound works really well and better than other sounds.“ by Johannes Veidt
- “It seems like they were still able to control their bodies, they were still able to mount the female, but it seems like that difficulty really only came up when it came time to sense the location of the penis.“ by Michael Iscouls
- “And that death and sacrifice for them means something completely different to what it means to us for them. It was a big honor to be part of this.“ by Benjamin Thompson
- “So we did, in fact, find that they're present in the genitals, the clitoris, and the penis of the mice. But we found that they're pretty incredibly diverse, that some end in complex terminals like balls of yarn, and others are far more simple, and they're kind of a straight terminal in the genitals.“ by Michael Iscouls
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Episode Information
Nature Podcast
podcast@nature.com
6/19/24
00:46 How light touches are sensed during sex
150 years after they were discovered, researchers have identified how specific nerve-cell structures on the penis and clitoris are activated. While these structures, called Krause corpuscles, are similar to touch-activated corpuscles found on people’s fingers and hands, there was little known about how they work, or their role in sex. Working in mice, a team found that Krause corpuscles in both male and females were activated when exposed to low-frequency vibrations and caused sexual behaviours like erections. The researchers hope that this work could help uncover the neurological basis underlying certain sexual dysfunctions.
Research article: Qi et al.
News and Views: Sex organs sense vibrations through specialized touch neurons
07:03 Research Highlights
Astronomers struggle to figure out the identity of a mysterious object called a MUBLO, and how CRISPR gene editing could make rice plants more water-efficient.
Research Highlight: An object in space is emitting microwaves — and baffling scientists
Research Highlight: CRISPR improves a crop that feeds billions
09:21 How fish detect the source of sound
It’s long been understood that fish can identify the direction a sound came from, but working out how they do it is a question that’s had scientists stumped for years. Now using a specialist setup, a team of researchers have demonstrated that some fish can independently detect two components of a soundwave — pressure and particle motion — and combine this information to identify where a sound comes from.
Research article: Veith et al.
News and Views: Pressure and particle motion enable fish to sense the direction of sound
D. cerebrum sounds: Schulze et al.
20:30: Briefing Chat
Ancient DNA sequencing reveals secrets of ritual sacrifice at Chichén Itzá, and how AI helped identify the names that elephants use for each other.
Nature News: Ancient DNA from Maya ruins tells story of ritual human sacrifices
Nature News: Do elephants have names for each other?
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