Insect News Today — October 17, 2026
How animal identifiability affects children's food choices and more — today's insect signal.
As we navigate the intricate social hierarchies and environments that shape our lives, it's fascinating to observe how various factors influence our choices and perceptions. For instance, research on children's food preferences reveals that when animals are easily identifiable, kids are more likely to choose plant-based options, highlighting the complex interplay between cognition, empathy, and dietary decisions. Meanwhile, a historical perspective from medieval England shows how the scarcity and luxury status of rabbits were drastically altered by the devastating impact of the Black Death, which dramatically shifted the social and economic landscape.
These stories of interaction and transformation are not limited to the biological and historical realms. In the vast expanse of the universe, scientists are working to unravel its secrets through innovative technologies and missions. A new NASA project aims to create an unprecedented view of the early universe, while advances in 3D modeling are shedding light on the mysterious chemistry of stellar nurseries. On a more terrestrial note, breakthroughs in materials science and physics are paving the way for next-generation quantum computers and novel applications of light and sound in optical fibers. As we explore these diverse developments, we find that they are all connected by a common thread – the pursuit of understanding and innovation that drives us to reexamine our world and our place within it.
Today's signal:
• How animal identifiability affects children's food choices (phys.org)
• Rabbits were a medieval royal luxury in England—until the Black Death made them commonplace (phys.org)
• Astronomer leads global team on NASA mission to create unprecedented view of the early universe (phys.org)
• New 3D model reveals how shadows reshape chemistry in stellar nurseries (phys.org)
• New high-frequency method boosts 2D material readout for next-gen quantum computers (phys.org)
• A highway instead of a racetrack: Strong coupling of light and sound in an optical fiber (phys.org)