animals behaviour

Tracking feline memories on move

harminka — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 11:59:05 -0500

When a cat steps over an obstacle with its front legs, how do its hind legs know what to do" A new study in the August 21st issue of Current Biology, a publication of Cell Press, reveals that it is the foreleg stepping movement itself that leaves a lasting impression. By comparison, feline memories of having just seen an obstacle proved rather fleeting.

Monkeys learn in the same way as humans

harminka — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 07:44:51 -0500

Monkeys seem to learn the same way humans do, a new research study indicates.

Altering protein makes mice less fearful

harminka — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 07:13:28 -0500

A University of Iowa study shows that loss or chemical inhibition of a protein, known as acid sensing ion channel protein (ASIC1a), reduces innate fear behavior in lab animals, making normally timid mice relatively fearless. The findings might provide useful insight into anxiety disorders and may even point the way to a new therapeutic target.

Generalized reciprocity in rats

harminka — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 08:59:03 -0500

Cooperation in animals has long been a major focus in evolutionary biology. In particular, reciprocal altruism, where helpful acts are contingent upon the likelihood of getting help in return, is especially intriguing because it is open to cheaters.

Mule deer moms rescue other fawns

harminka — Wed, 30 May 2007 23:48:40 -0500

Mule deer are giving new meaning to watching out for other mothers' kids.

Male dolphins' fight for females' attention

harminka — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 04:43:45 -0500

Mating strategies are straightforward in bottlenose dolphins, or are they? Much of the work carried on male-female relationships in that species to date show that males tend to coerce females who are left with little choice about with whom to mate.