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Mary Bates Ph.D.

About

Mary Bates, Ph.D., is a science writer who specializes in neuroscience, animal behavior, psychology, and biology. Her work has been published by National Geographic News, New Scientist, Muse, the Society for Neuroscience, and other print and online publications. She earned a doctorate in psychology from Brown University, where she researched bat echolocation. Mary previously worked as a research assistant in a geriatric neuropsychology laboratory, a necropsy and rescue and rehabilitation intern at the New England Aquarium, a veterinary assistant, a laboratory instructor, and a middle school summer science course teacher.

Recent Posts
Teasing Apes Suggest Humor Has Deep Evolutionary Roots

Do apes have a sense of humor? Scientists find all four great ape species engage in playful teasing, a precursor of joking behavior.

Do apes have a sense of humor? Scientists find all four great ape species engage in playful teasing, a precursor of joking behavior.

Backyard Chickens: Poultry, Pets, or Something In Between?

More and more people are welcoming backyard chickens into their lives. Are these birds livestock, pets, or something in between?

More and more people are welcoming backyard chickens into their lives. Are these birds livestock, pets, or something in between?

Noise Pollution Makes Birds Flock Together

A study shows captive birds become more social in response to traffic noise. The implications of increased sociality in wild populations is largely unknown.

A study shows captive birds become more social in response to traffic noise. The implications of increased sociality in wild populations is largely unknown.

Yes, Cats Play Fetch, Too

Does your cat play fetch? A new survey suggests the behavior might not be uncommon, but also that each cat may have their own individual play preferences.

Does your cat play fetch? A new survey suggests the behavior might not be uncommon, but also that each cat may have their own individual play preferences.

Bottlenose Dolphins Sense Electricity

Bottlenose dolphins have keen vision and acute hearing. Now, new research shows they possess another super sense: They can feel electric fields.

Bottlenose dolphins have keen vision and acute hearing. Now, new research shows they possess another super sense: They can feel electric fields.