Long-term conclusive results from US-based experiments have emerged. The latest release on Tuesday highlights a tiny particle behaving unexpectedly, which is still positive news for our understanding of Physics Laws.
“This experiment represents a remarkable achievement in precision,” noted Toba Holmes, an experimental physicist at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, who is not affiliated with the collaboration.
The enigmatic particles known as Muons are heavier than electrons. They exhibit a wobbling motion akin to a spinning top when subjected to a magnetic field, and scientists are scrutinizing this motion to determine its compliance with the well-established physics framework known as the standard model.
Findings from the 1960s and 1970s suggested everything was functioning as expected. However, investigations at Brookhaven National Laboratory in the late 1990s and early 2000s yielded unexpected results.
Decades later, an international coalition of scientists opted to revisit the experiment with enhanced accuracy. The team navigated Muons around magnetic, ring-shaped tracks akin to those used in the initial Brookhaven studies, and recorded the wobble signals at Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory near Chicago.
The outcomes from the initial two sets published in 2021 and 2023 appear to affirm the odd behavior of Muons, encouraging theoretical physicists to reconsider the standard model alongside new metrics.
Recently, the team finalized the experiment and published Muon wobble measurements that align with their earlier findings, utilizing more than double the data collected in 2023.
Nevertheless, this does not finalize the fundamental understanding of what underpins the universe. As Muons travel along their paths, other researchers have devised methods to better harmonize standard models with observed behaviors, leveraging the power of supercomputers.
Further investigation is essential as researchers collaborate, and upcoming experiments will encourage future studies that assess Muon wobble. Scientists are also examining the latest Muon data for insights into other mysterious entities like dark matter.
“This measurement will serve as a benchmark for years to follow,” remarked Marco Incagli from the Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics.
In their pursuit of Muons, scientists aim to unravel fundamental questions that have long intrigued physicists, as noted by Peter Winter from the Argonne National Laboratory.
“Isn’t it something we all wish to understand—how the universe operates?” Winter questioned.
Every April, the Lilid Meteor Shower returns to our sky, offering the chance to get a glimpse of the fireballs across the sky.
Though not the most prolific meteor exhibit of the year, Lilid is a welcome treat for Stargazer.
All you need to know about Lilid in 2025 is when to look up, what to expect, how to get the best views and more.
When is Lyrid Meteor Shower 2025?
Lilid will be active from April 15th to 25th, 2025, and peak activity is expected on the evening of April 22nd early on April 23rd.
Your best bet is to still go out before dawn on April 23rd. The radiation point (the part of the sky where the meteor appears to come from) is the best.
Where to see Lilid
Lilids are emitted from the constellation Lyra, located near the bright star Vega, one of the easiest stars in the Northern Hemisphere.
Look east or northeast after midnight and let your eyes clean the sky. Meteors may appear in any direction rather than near meteors.
No telescopes or binoculars are required. In fact, it’s better to see the meteor shower with the naked eye and be able to take in as many sky as possible.
read more:
Can you hear the meteor?
Meteors, Asteroids, Comets: What’s the difference?
How can you tell that a metstone comes from a particular planet?
How many meteors are there?
Under a dark moonless sky, Lilids usually produce 10-15 meteors per hour, but sudden bursts can produce up to 100.
Lilid is known for being quick and sometimes bright, with strange fireballs thrown in properly.
The month around this time will pass the third quarter, so if it rises it will be very bright. Thankfully, this won’t last until around 4am (US and UK). This means you’ll get unobstructed meteor monitoring for hours.
Laila’s constellation. Vega is a bright star in the top right. – Getty
What causes the Lyrid Meteor Shower?
The Lyrid meteor is caused by the Earth passing through the traces of debris left by Comet Thatcher. It finally reached the approach closest to the sun in 1861, so it takes a long time to wait until our path comes again (c. 2276).
When comet dust and rock fragments collide at high speed in the atmosphere (approximately 50 km/s), they burn out and create stripes of light seen from the ground.
Lilid is actually one of the oldest recorded meteor showers. Chinese astronomers observed them over two to six hundred years ago.
Tips for viewing lyrids
Catching a meteor shower is not complicated, but some wise strategies can make all the difference.
Find a dark place It’s quite far from the city lights – less light pollution, the better.
Give me time to adjust my eyes In the darkness. It can take 20-30 minutes to see the sky at its best.
Wear warm clothesEven in spring. The temperature in the early morning can be chilly.
Lie down It allows you to comfortably scan the sky on a blanket or reclining chair.
be patient – Meteors have bursts and may take some time to catch good ones.
If you’re having trouble finding the sky you need, Technology helps. “Star Map apps like Sky Guide, Star Walk 2, and Stellarium will help you find Sky Vega and Lyra using your phone.” Dr. Sham Balajia researcher in space particle physics and cosmology at King’s College London.
“Many apps use augmented reality, so just point your phone in the sky and you’ll see where to look.”
Is this the best meteor shower of the year?
Not at all – that title is usually sent to Persade in August or Geminid in December.
However, Lilid is the first decent meteor shower for Northern Hemisphere observers, and could be surprisingly dramatic.
Additionally, for the UK people, they arrive during school holidays. So, if the sky is clear, it’s the perfect excuse to make a late family stargaze.
read more:
Can you hear the meteor?
Meteors, Asteroids, Comets: What’s the difference?
How can you tell that a metstone comes from a particular planet?
Recent research suggests that a muscle called the levator medial oculi (LAOM) is unique to dogs (canine) and evolved through domestication. This muscle lifts the inner eyebrows, creating a “puppy eye” look. In a new study, Baylor University scientists tested whether LAOM is a derived trait in dogs by (i) examining facial muscles in closely related wild ancestors; canis seed, Coyote (canis latrans) (ii) compare your results with other results; canis and canine species. They discovered that coyotes, like dogs, have well-developed LAOMs. This is different from the modified/absent LAOM of gray wolves. Their findings cast doubt on the hypothesis that LAOM developed through domestication.
Like dogs, coyotes have a well-developed LAOM, which gives both species the ability to develop “puppy eyes.” Image credit: Cunningham others., doi: 10.1098/rsos.241046.
“Our findings suggest that the ability to produce 'puppy eyes' is not a unique product of dog domestication, but rather an ancestral trait shared by multiple species on Earth. . canis genus,” said Dr. Patrick Cunningham. student at Baylor University.
“This raises interesting questions about the role of facial expressions in communication and survival in wild canids.”
In this study, Cunningham and colleagues compared the facial muscles of coyotes, dogs, and gray wolves.
Both dogs and coyotes have well-developed LAOMs, but gray wolves' muscles are modified or absent.
This challenges the hypothesis that human-driven selection alone is responsible for the development of the inner eyebrow ridge in dogs.
Instead, this study suggests that LAOM was likely present in the common ancestor of dogs, coyotes and gray wolves, but was later lost or reduced in wolves.
The researchers also documented significant within-species variation in coyote facial muscles, particularly those related to eyebrow and lip movements.
Genetic analysis excluded significant canine ancestry in the coyote specimen, confirming that these traits were not the result of interbreeding.
“Our research shows that coyotes and dogs not only share behavioral similarities, but also an interesting evolutionary history, including the ability to make expressions that were once thought to be unique to domestic animals. “We made it clear,” Cunningham said.
“This discovery has broader implications for understanding the evolution of facial expressions in mammals.”
“LAOM may have originally evolved for functions related to vision and eye movements, rather than for human communication, as previously thought.”
“Future studies on other canid species, such as red wolves and African wild dogs, may further elucidate the role of facial expressions in survival and species communication.”
a paper The survey results were published in a magazine Royal Society Open Science.
_____
Patrick Cunningham others. 2024. Coyotes can also have “puppy eyes”: a comparison of interspecific variation. canis Facial muscles. R. Soc. Open Science 11(10):241046;doi: 10.1098/rsos.241046
The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most stunning meteor showers in 2024, is currently in full swing and offering a breathtaking display of fast, bright shooting stars streaking across the night sky.
As we move closer to the middle of August, the excitement is set to increase. During the peak of the shower, if conditions are favorable, you could witness up to 100 meteors per hour, some of which might even turn into fiery fireballs.
Unlike other meteor showers this year, the moonlight is not expected to overshadow this magnificent event. Although the waxing crescent moon will be visible as we near the peak, it will have set below the horizon by the time meteor activity intensifies.
For a comprehensive list of meteor showers throughout the year, check out our meteor shower calendar. If you’re interested in astrophotography but unsure where to begin, expert Pete Lawrence has put together a beginner’s guide on capturing amazing photos of the moon.
When is the Perseid meteor shower in 2024?
The Perseid meteor shower will commence on July 17, 2024, and extend until around August 24. The optimal viewing time for the meteors is from midnight until dawn.
The peak of the meteor shower is expected on August 12, with increased meteor activity around this period. Since the peak occurs during the daytime, the best times to observe the Perseids are before and after the peak, specifically on the nights of August 11/12 and August 12/13.
You’ll have the best visibility between midnight and just before sunrise (around 5:30 am in the UK, 6 am in New York, and Los Angeles).
How many meteors can you see?
The Perseids are known for being one of the most active meteor showers of the year, but it doesn’t mean there will be a constant stream of meteors to observe. Most images capturing numerous meteors are the result of long exposure shots that can capture dozens, or even hundreds, of meteors in a single frame.
Under ideal conditions and dark skies, you could potentially see up to 100 meteors per hour. However, in reality, you’re likely to witness far fewer, possibly only a few dozen per hour. Nonetheless, the Perseid meteor shower remains a spectacular event.
The Perseid meteor shower is about to reach its peak. – Photo credit: Getty Images
Where to look in the sky
The most favorable direction to observe the Perseid meteor shower is directly overhead. Aim to have as much of the sky in your field of view as possible, as the meteors will traverse the entire sky and won’t be confined to a specific location.
It can be useful to know the radiant point, as it helps differentiate the Perseids from sporadic meteors. The radiant point of a meteor shower appears to be the origin of the meteors.
In the case of the Perseid meteor shower, the radiant point is within the constellation Perseus, hence the name “Perseid meteor shower.”
If you look towards the northeast early in the morning, you’ll spot the constellation Perseus positioned directly above the bright Jupiter. Taurus is situated to the right of Jupiter, and you might even catch a glimpse of Mars nearby.
Since the sun rises in the east, facing in that direction and slightly turning left will have you looking towards the northeast. However, don’t worry if you’re unsure of the direction – meteors can appear anywhere overhead.
Perseus lies between the prominent “W” of Cassiopeia and the Pleiades star cluster. If you’re having difficulty locating the radiant point, an astronomy app can assist you (check out our recommended astronomy apps).
* The closest conjunction of Mars and Jupiter is set to occur on August 14, 2024. This will be the closest conjunction of the two planets until 2033, potentially offering an extraordinary sight alongside the Perseid meteor shower.
What causes the Perseid meteor shower?
Meteor showers manifest when a parent object (typically a comet or asteroid) leaves behind a trail of debris in its path around the Sun. As Earth intersects with this debris stream, the particles interact with the atmosphere, creating luminous streaks known as shooting stars.
Regular meteor showers like the Perseids follow a predictable pattern, occurring at the same time each year and peaking when Earth’s orbit intersects with the densest part of the shower.
According to astronomer David Schneider, “As Earth passes through the debris stream, the density of particles increases to a maximum and then decreases again. This usually takes a few weeks, but can also take a few days. The meteor shower peaks during the period of maximum density.” Presenter Pete Lawrence further elaborates.
In the case of the Perseids, Comet Swift-Tuttle serves as the parent body, which is a sizable comet composed of dust, ice, and rock. With a nucleus diameter of approximately 26 kilometers (about 16 miles) and a 133-year orbit around the Sun, Comet Swift-Tuttle is classified as a short-period comet denoted by the “P” in its official designation, 109P/Swift-Tuttle.
The comet’s last visible appearance was in 1992, with its next anticipated return in 2125 or 2126. While it was too dim to be observed with the naked eye in 1992, a clearer view is expected a century from now.
Will the moon affect visibility?
This year, moonlight may pose a challenge as a half moon will be visible on the evenings of August 11 and 12 before and after the peak. The moon’s luminosity will gradually increase as it approaches full moon status on August 19.
If observing at night, you may have to contend with moonlight obstruction, with the Moon being 51% bright on August 12 and 61% bright on August 13.
However, as the Perseid meteor shower activity intensifies after midnight on both nights, observing in the early morning should not be hindered by the moon’s light.
The optimum viewing time for the Perseid meteor shower is before sunrise between midnight and 5:30 am in the UK and 6 am in the US. With the moon below the horizon, there will be a higher probability of witnessing more meteors.
Tips for Maximizing Your Meteor Watching Experience
You don’t need a telescope or binoculars to enjoy the Perseid meteor shower; it’s best observed with the naked eye to capture a wider expanse of the sky than through optical devices.
“For optimal visibility, watch in a dark, moonless sky and allow at least 20 minutes in complete darkness to acclimatize to your surroundings,” suggests Lawrence. “A reclining chair provides an ideal vantage point for meteor observation.”
“Spend at least 30 minutes, if not longer, watching the sky. The rest is up to chance, but witnessing a bright summer meteor streaking across the sky will leave a lasting impression,” he adds.
Here are some tips to help you maximize your meteor viewing experience.
Avoid bright lights. Choose viewing locations away from bright artificial lights and ensure that streetlights are not directly in your line of vision.
Allow your eyes to adapt. Spend about 20 minutes outside until your eyes adjust to the darkness.
Use a red light filter when looking at your phone. This can be a physical red filter or an app that maintains your night vision until your eyes acclimate.
Choose the right time: Early morning is the prime time to witness the Perseid meteor shower at its peak activity and with the Moon below the horizon.
Block out the moon. If unable to observe in the early morning, still look out for meteors in the evening. During the peak on August 11/12 and 12/13, the Moon will be about 50-60% illuminated, so position yourself where the Moon is obscured by buildings or trees for better viewing.
Keep a wide field of vision. Maximize your peripheral vision to see as much of the sky as possible.
Beware of fireballs. The larger particles from the comet fragments responsible for the Perseid meteor shower can produce bright, long-lasting bursts of light, known as fireballs.
Identifying Perseid Meteors
While other meteors might be visible during this event, they are considered sporadic meteors.
Referred to as “sporadic meteor showers,” these meteors can appear from any direction in the sky and are not linked to a specific meteor shower like the Perseids (albeit they may originate from undiscovered meteor showers).
Lawrence differentiates between sporadic and shower meteors, stating: “Sporadic meteors occur when a small rock, typically the size of a grain of sand, enters Earth’s atmosphere, vaporizes, and creates a luminous streak known as a meteor trail. These occur randomly and can appear at any time, from any direction.”
Distinguishing between a sporadic meteor and a Perseid meteor shower can be tricky, but it’s based on their apparent direction in the sky. Meteor showers typically emanate from the radiant point associated with the shower, while sporadic meteors can streak across the sky from any direction at any given time.
According to Lawrence, “Meteor showers, in contrast [to sporadics], occur when a stream of sand-sized particles in orbit around the Sun intersects Earth’s atmosphere. Associated with comets and possibly asteroids, these particles are released over time and dispersed into orbit.”
“As they follow parallel orbits around the Sun and enter the atmosphere, they appear to originate from the same region of the sky, known as the shower’s radiant point.”
Knowing the radiant point of a specific meteor shower (such as the constellation Perseus for the Perseid meteor shower) enables you to discern whether the meteor you’re witnessing belongs to that meteor shower or if it’s a sporadic meteor.
About our experts
Pete Lawrence: With extensive experience as an astronomer, astrophotographer, and BBC night sky presenter, Pete Lawrence’s expertise shines on the show aired on BBC Four and available on demand through BBC iPlayer.
circleWhen you enter this unique boutique video game festival, you’ll be greeted by bullet hell shooters with a painterly twist. ZOE Go away! As you dodge and fire attacks at breakneck speed, the game immerses you in an intoxicating shower of pointillist color, dazzling your eyes and challenging your thumbs. Leave after reading Initially resembling dark fantasy Quake clones, these games present a peculiar challenge of checking text messages on your phone while battling through dungeons. They are subversive games that cleverly twist common design tropes.
Violating the norm, the Glasgow Independent Games Festival was previously known as the Southside Game Festival. The recent event was held at Civic House, nestled in the shadow of the M8, a concrete eyesore cutting through Glasgow. The showcased games, created by developers residing in or near Glasgow, boast quirkiness and lower budgets compared to mainstream titles. Co-founder Joe Bain aims to place these works within games’ broader cultural context, steering away from the profit-driven atmosphere of trade shows like Gamescom.
Breaking the rules with wit and fun…Glasgow Independent Games Festival Photo: Mhairi Teresa
During a panel on “Unconventional Games,” game maker Stephen Gill-Murphy from Glasgow (aka Katamites) offered a sharp critique of what he termed the media’s “cult of depth.” He argued that games often lead players deeper into virtual worlds only to reveal the lack of coherence at the end. Gill-Murphy transformed this idea into a chilling horror game with intentional flatness called Murderer’s Anthology, available for play at the event.
At the festival, participants engage in activities like making amends with deceased virtual pets through Tamagotchi Seance, where they interact with virtual animals through spoken dialogue. Another intriguing game on display is Apartment Story, a simulator showcasing the chaotic everyday life in a single room with elements of a gangster thriller and The Sims.
An unconventional convention…the Glasgow Independent Games Festival. Photo: Mhairi Teresa
Spontaneous interactions are vital at these events. Participants come together to engage in a language decoding game like Kevin (1997-2077), deciphering cryptic images and text without clear instructions. This collaborative puzzle-solving process transforms the game into a participatory artwork, offering a collective experience with no definitive answers.
While Scottish video games were once synonymous with Edinburgh’s Rockstar North, the co-founder Ryan Caulfield emphasizes the abundance of “weird and wonderful” options available today. Amidst the prevalence of profit-driven live-service looter-shooters, playing games that defy conventions with irreverence at this festival is truly exciting.
For the first time, scientists have captured on video a leech leaping from a leaf, settling a long-standing debate about the creature’s jumping abilities.
The question of whether leeches can jump has been debated since the late 1800s when rumors of their ability first surfaced. Despite occasional sightings, conclusive evidence was lacking until now.
My Fafmi A researcher from Fordham University in New York documented this ability during fieldwork in Madagascar in 2017. While hiking, she discovered a Chtonobdella hill (Kutnobdera Falux) – A worm-sized animal that lives only in Madagascar.
“I crouched on the ground next to the leech, took out my phone and started recording,” Fahmi said. “At the time I had no idea what I was recording.” When he showed the video to his colleagues in New York, Fahmi said they all had the same reaction: “Did that leech just jump?”
Six years later, Fahmi returned to Madagascar again to attempt to record another jumping leech, and again met with immediate success: this time, he recorded two leeches interacting, one of which leapt off a leaf.
The leech prepares itself by anchoring its rear suckers to the ground (in this case a leaf) and wrapping the rest of its body around its back, then, like a cobra attacking, thrusts its body forward in one swift motion, detaching its rear suckers and launching itself into the air.
The sudden, explosive movements may be a tactic to land on or near unsuspecting prey. Although the leap is a bit awkward, “this is clearly active propulsion,” he said. Michael Tesler At Medgar Evers College in New York.
Terrestrial leeches have not been studied extensively, even though analyzing their blood meals can help conservationists track elusive animals. But finding the ability in two different individuals and locations “suggests that the behavior is more common than we thought,” Tesler says. Based on this evidence and anecdotes from other regions, he believes this is not the only jumping leech in the world.
Tardigrades can withstand amazing amounts of ionizing radiation, about 1,000 times more lethal than humans. How they do so is not fully understood. In a new study, scientists at the University of North Carolina found that tardigrade species Hypsibius exemplaris Gamma irradiation causes DNA damage, but that damage can be repaired. This study shows that this species has a specific and strong response to ionizing radiation. In short, irradiation induces rapid upregulation of many DNA repair genes.
Artist's impression of tardigrade species Hypsibius exemplaris.
First discovered in 1773, tardigrades are a diverse group of microscopic invertebrates famous for their ability to withstand extreme conditions.
Also known as tardigrades or moss piglets, they can live up to 60 years, grow to a maximum size of 0.5 mm, and are best seen under a microscope.
Tardigrades can survive for up to 30 years without food or water at temperatures as low as -272 degrees Celsius (-457 degrees Fahrenheit) or as hot as 150 degrees Celsius (-302 degrees Fahrenheit) and for a few minutes at temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius. can. Minus 4 degrees Celsius (minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit) continues for decades.
It can withstand pressures from virtually 0 atmospheres in outer space to 1,200 atmospheres at the bottom of the Mariana Trench.
It is also resistant to radiation levels up to 5,000-6,200 Gy.
“What we saw surprised us. Tardigrades are behaving in ways we didn’t expect,” said researcher Professor Bob Goldstein from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
In their research, Professor Goldstein and his colleagues Hypsibius exemplaris Tardigrades can also withstand strong radiation.
The researchers found that although tardigrades are not immune to DNA damage, and that radiation damages their DNA, tardigrades can repair extensive damage.
They were surprised to discover that tardigrades can increase production of DNA repair genes.
Unlike humans, they are able to produce extremely high levels of DNA repair gene products, making them some of the most abundant gene products of any animal.
“These animals have an incredible response to radiation, and that seems to be the secret to their extreme survivability,” said Dr. Courtney Clark-Hachtel, a researcher at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Ta.
“What we’re learning about how tardigrades overcome radiation stress could lead to new ideas about how we try to protect other animals and microorganisms from harmful radiation. “
Courtney M. Clark Hucktell other.Tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris Dramatically upregulates DNA repair pathway genes in response to ionizing radiation. current biology, published online on April 12, 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.019
Some snakes seem to respond differently to their scent when it changes, suggesting that they have some form of self-awareness.
A small number of animals, including roosters, horses, and cleaner fish, have shown signs of self-awareness in the so-called mirror test. This includes applying paint to areas of the body that cannot be seen without a mirror, such as the forehead. If an animal touches a mark when it looks in the mirror, it suggests that it knows it is its own reflection and not another individual’s image.
“But snakes and most reptiles interact with the world primarily through smell,” he says. gnome miller At Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada. So he and his colleagues tried an alternative, odor-based version of the mirror test.
Team members collected scents from 36 Eastern Garter Snakes (Thamnophis certalis) and 18 ball pythons (python) Wipe along the skin with a cotton pad.
Next, each snake was exposed to five scents. My snake, my snake with a little olive oil, his one with just olive oil, another snake of the same species, and his one with another snake with a little olive oil.
The garter snakes responded to their own modified scent by clicking their tongues more often and for longer periods of time compared to other scents.
“The only time they click their tongues is when they’re interested in something or when they’re researching something,” Miller said. This suggests that garter snakes can recognize that something about themselves doesn’t smell right. “They might be thinking, ‘Oh, this is weird, I shouldn’t smell like this.'”
Ball pythons, on the other hand, responded the same way to all odors. Garter snakes are much more social than ball pythons, Miller said, so social species may be more likely to be self-aware.
This discovery is the first evidence of potential self-awareness in snakes, Miller said. “There’s a misconception that snakes, and almost all reptiles, are dull, instinctive, non-cognitive animals, but that’s definitely not true.”
but, Johannes Brandl Researchers at the University of Salzburg in Austria question whether this should be interpreted as self-awareness. “This interpretation is only valid if a correlation with social behavior can be established,” he says. Otherwise, one could argue that some snake species are simply more inclined to participate in experiments.
A groundbreaking study has revealed that great apes possess exceptional social memories, allowing them to recognize former mates over 25 years later. This discovery indicates that there are significant cognitive similarities between humans and great apes, emphasizing the depth and longevity of social connections among these close animal relatives. Published today in the Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, this research demonstrates the longest-lasting non-human social memory ever recorded.
The study, led by Christopher Krupenier, assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University, explores the remarkable social memory capabilities of great apes, particularly chimpanzees and bonobos. The research team found that these animals can recognize individuals even after decades of separation, and exhibit heightened responses to individuals with whom they had positive relationships.
To conduct the study, the researchers worked with chimpanzees and bonobos at various zoos, collecting photos of apes that had left the zoos or passed away. They then presented these photos to the apes and measured their response using non-invasive eye-tracking equipment. The results indicated that the apes displayed enduring social memory, as they looked longer at their former group members and friends, despite prolonged periods of separation. One notable example was a bonobo named Louise, who showed a strong bias toward her sister and nephew, despite not having seen them for over 26 years.
The findings suggest that great apes possess social memories that may persist for over 26 years, similar in duration to human social memory. This suggests that such memory was likely already present in the common evolutionary ancestor of humans and great apes. Moreover, these long-lasting social memories may have played a crucial role in the evolution of human culture, influencing unique forms of social interaction and relationships.
According to the researchers, this study also raises questions about the emotional impact of separation on great apes, highlighting the potential negative consequences of poaching and deforestation on their social relationships. Going forward, the team hopes to further investigate the unique social memory capabilities of great apes and examine how it may compare to other primate species.
This research, made possible by the Templeton Global Philanthropic Foundation grant TWCF-20647 and the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program, offers valuable insights into the social cognition of great apes and underscores the importance of preserving their social networks and relationships.
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