How neurobiology and genetics can help researchers understand human-animal interaction
When you gaze into your dog’s face and he gazes back at you, do you ever wonder what is going on? The ‘mutual gaze’ between individuals is an important aspect of social communication and is essential...
Pets can be good for you – but the evidence shows it’s not quite that simple
When it comes to pet ownership, emotions often run high. Those who share their lives with a pet can be passionate about the benefits they feel their animal companion brings. However, the scientific ev...
Is the pressure to be a ‘responsible’ pet owner increasing?
Britain has long been thought of as a nation of pet lovers. Nearly half of UK households have at least one pet, but the last 40 years have seen many changes in attitudes to animals and their ownership...
How important is children's relationship with their pets?
January, 2017 - Children get more satisfaction from relationships with their pets than with their brothers or sisters, according to a newly published University of Cambridge study. Children also appea...
Dogs could help seniors be more active
Exercising in later life can be a challenge. Social circles diminish. Gyms can be expensive and intimidating; dominated by lycra-clad young fitness freaks. Tired limbs and aching joints make it hard t...
Pets can impact our physical, emotional well-being, social relationships and community connectedness
Positive results from three new studies on human-animal interaction (HAI) were presented recently at the triennial conference of the IAHAIO in Chicago, IL. The studies, supported by funding from Mars ...
Pets prove to be a child's best friend
The study of 1,000 children aged between nine and 10 years old, conducted by Mars Petcare in conjunction with the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition and The University of Liverpool, UK, with partners Li...
Waltham-funded study to examine the impact of pet ownership on healthy human aging
Professor Erika Friedmann, Associate Dean of Research at the University of Maryland, together with her colleague, Barbara Resnick Professor in Gerontology and Drs Eleanor Simonsick and Stephanie Stude...
