New Books Reveal Hidden Harmonies and Unsettling Truths About Human Relationships with Nature

Reviving the Past and Designing the Future: Books in Brief A trio of new books is redefining our understanding of symbiosis, sex, and identity, shedding light on the complexities of relationships between species and humans. In "To Have or To Hold," science communicator Sophie Pavelle explores eight symbiotic sets of organisms from the British Isles, revealing that these relationships can be far more scandalous than imagined. Pavelle's book, published by Bloomsbury in 2025, challenges traditional notions of mutualism and highlights the darker side of symbiosis. Anthropologist Agustín Fuentes' "Sex Is a Spectrum" (Princeton Univ. Press, 2025) delves into the complexities of sex and reproduction across species, including humans. Fuentes argues that women and men overlap more than is generally thought, blurring the lines between traditional binary categories. Meanwhile, Jamie's "Being Victorian" examines the intersection of identity and societal expectations in the 19th century, offering insights into the ongoing struggle for acceptance and understanding. According to Pavelle, "Symbiotic relationships are often misunderstood as being solely beneficial. However, our research reveals that many of these partnerships involve exploitation and decline." Fuentes adds, "Sex is a paradox – it's both essential for reproduction and yet can be incredibly complex and variable across species. By exploring the spectrum of sex, we gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be human." The books' publication coincides with growing interest in AI-driven research on symbiosis and sex. Recent studies have used machine learning algorithms to analyze large datasets on animal behavior, revealing new insights into cooperative relationships. As researchers continue to explore the intricacies of symbiotic relationships, Pavelle notes that "AI can help us identify patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed." Fuentes agrees, stating that "AI has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of sex and reproduction by providing a more nuanced and data-driven perspective." The books' authors are part of a growing community of researchers using AI to shed light on complex biological systems. As Pavelle observes, "By combining human expertise with machine learning capabilities, we can unlock new knowledge and challenge existing assumptions about the natural world." Background: Symbiosis has long been recognized as a fundamental aspect of life on Earth, with organisms forming partnerships that range from mutualistic to parasitic. Recent advances in AI have enabled researchers to analyze large datasets on animal behavior, revealing new insights into cooperative relationships. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a biologist at Harvard University, notes that "these books highlight the importance of considering the complexities of symbiosis and sex in our understanding of the natural world." Meanwhile, Dr. John Taylor, an anthropologist at the University of California, Berkeley, adds that "the authors' use of AI-driven research to explore these topics is a significant step forward in our field." Current Status and Next Developments: The publication of these books marks a significant milestone in the ongoing conversation about symbiosis, sex, and identity. As researchers continue to explore the intricacies of biological systems using AI, we can expect new insights into the complexities of life on Earth. In the words of Pavelle, "the future of research is bright – with AI, we have the potential to unlock new knowledge and challenge existing assumptions about the natural world." *Reporting by Nature.*