Chimpanzees’ communication methods have captivated researchers for years. A recent study analyzing thousands of gestures made by wild chimps in East Africa has revealed striking similarities to human conversational patterns. The findings suggest that these similarities may be rooted in our shared evolutionary past or developed independently due to the advantages they provide. Rapid Turn-Taking ...
In a quest to learn more about the history of our planet’s extinct creatures, a group of international scientists set out on a mission to find ancient DNA which was still intact. Their mission led them to a well-preserved freeze-dried Woolly Mammoth skin sample, excavated in northeastern Siberbia in 2018. An incredible finding that allowed ...
Whether a dinosaur enthusiast or a curious mind, the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles is about to showcase an extraordinary exhibit that will captivate both. “Gnatalie,” a giant dinosaur skeleton characterized by her size and unusually green bones, was found in Bluff, Utah in 2007. This 150-million-year-old specimen may even be a whole new ...
Goffin’s cockatoos, small parrots from Indonesia, are small but incredibly intelligent parrots. Known for problem-solving abilities, these birds have captivated researchers with their ingenuity. A recent study uncovered their ability to creatively use tools—showcasing their advanced understanding of how objects can be manipulated to achieve a goal. Smart Birds with a Plan Goffin’s cockatoos continue ...
For centuries, historians and scientists have speculated about the physical appearance of our ancestors. What color were their eyes? Did they have dark or light skin? Were early Europeans blond, brown-haired, or redheaded? Thanks to advancements in genetics, researchers can now analyze ancient DNA to reconstruct these traits, offering us a vivid glimpse into the ...
When birds feed on nectar from flowers, they do more than just get a meal—they play a crucial role in pollination, transferring pollen from one flower to another. But how well do the shapes of their beaks match the flowers they visit? A new study on Australian honeyeaters feeding on spotted emu bush (Eremophila maculata) ...
A surprising discovery has emerged from within California’s Briones Regional Park, challenging our traditional understanding of squirrel behavior. Researchers from the University of California, Davis, and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire have documented California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi) actively hunting and consuming voles—despite their being considered herbivores. A Shift in the Squirrel Diet? California ground ...
Linnea H, BSc Sociology
