According to the findings of deaf experimental psychologist Rain Bosworth, babies possess a natural ability to recognize sign language, as reported by Meghan Rosen in the article “Primed to sign” (SN: 4/26/24). Cognitive neuroscientist Karen Emmorey from San Diego State University suggests that our ancestors likely used both gestures and speech for communication, which explains why all speakers, including signers, use gestures regardless of language. The origins of language are still a mystery, with some scientists proposing that spoken language evolved from vocal sounds like grunts, while others believe that gestures laid the foundation for spoken language to develop. The dominance of speech over gestures remains unexplained, leaving us to ponder why we are not all signers, given the expressive capabilities of sign languages. Emmorey suggests that gesture and speech evolved in tandem, shaping the way we communicate today.
The universe’s structure may be intricate, resembling a doughnut, as highlighted by Emily Conover in the article “The universe may loop back on itself” (SN: 5/13/24).
Curious reader Jim Schmitz wonders if this unique shape could enable scientists to observe distant celestial objects by looking in the opposite direction.
2024-08-10 06:00:00
Originally published on www.sciencenews.org