Newly discovered monkey is threatened with extinction
The kipunji monkey is critically endangered with only 1,117 individuals remaining in the wild. Habitat degradation and poaching pose significant threats to its survival.
Monkeys
Articles tagged with Monkeys
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The symbolic monkey? Token-mediated economic choices in tufted capuchins
In a study published in PLOS ONE, capuchin monkeys were found to reason about symbols in economic choices, showing a preference for items A and C over B, both with tokens and actual foods. This suggests that these animals can comprehend and use symbols, although their symbolic competence may differ from that of humans.
Small primate ancestors had a leg up
Researchers found that smaller primates have an evolutionary edge due to their ability to climb with minimal energy expenditure. This discovery challenges the longstanding assumption that climbing is energetically expensive for all primates.
Island monkeys do not recognize big cat calls
Pig-tailed langurs on Mentawai islands show no alarm at tiger and leopard sounds but flee quickly from human voices. The study suggests animal behavior changes under relaxed selection pressures.
Like humans, monkey see, monkey plan, monkey do
Cotton-top tamarins display grasps consistent with end-state comfort in experiments, suggesting sophisticated motor planning. The results challenge previous attributions of nonhuman species' cognitive abilities.
Primates in peril
The report highlights the devastating impact of habitat loss, hunting, and climate change on primates, with 114 species threatened with extinction. The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates list reveals that these animals are crucial to maintaining ecosystem balance, making their survival critical for the health of our planet.
Spread of endogenous retrovirus K is similar in the DNA of humans and rhesus monkeys
A study on human, chimpanzee, and rhesus monkey genomes reveals that humans and rhesus monkeys have purged ERV-K copies from their genomes, while chimpanzees have retained a greater number of complete ERV-K copies. This finding suggests that genetic fluctuations due to bottlenecks and expansion play a role in shaping ERV-K dynamics.
Influence of sex and handedness on brain is similar in capuchin monkeys and humans
Research in capuchin monkeys reveals a connection between sex, handedness, and brain structure. The study found that male monkeys have a smaller corpus callosum than females, while right-handed individuals have a smaller relative size of the corpus callosum than left-handed individuals. This pattern mirrors findings in humans.
Brain, size and gender surprises in latest fossil tying humans, apes and monkeys
A recently discovered fossil skull of Aegyptopithecus zeuxis, an ancient primate relative of humans, apes, and monkeys, contradicts previous assumptions about its brain size. The study suggests that the species' brain was smaller than expected, with a visual cortex indicating sharp vision, and may have had a large social group.
Monkeys' ability to reflect on their thoughts may have implications for infants, autistic children
A study by Columbia's Primate Cognition Laboratory found that monkeys can acquire meta-cognitive skills, reflecting on their thought process and assessing performance. This ability has far-reaching implications for understanding cognitive development in infants and autistic children.
Social imitation in neonatal monkeys
Rhesus monkeys display neonatal imitation, reproducing human tongue protrusion and lip smacking after watching experimenters perform similar gestures. The study suggests that imitation may have evolved earlier in the primate tree than previously thought.
Ancient raptors likely feasted on early man, study suggests
A new study found that ancient birds of prey like African crowned eagles likely feasted on some of our earliest human ancestors. The researchers analyzed over 600 bones from monkey skulls, which showed puncture marks and scratches consistent with the grip of an eagle's talons.
Viruses can jump between primates and humans, researchers warn
Researchers warn that viruses like HIV and influenza can spread from monkeys to humans through contact in settings such as temples, markets, and homes. By taking precautions like using caution around monkeys, following proper wound care, and implementing public health measures, the risk of transmission can be reduced.
Seeing the serpent
Scientists suggest that primates evolved good close-up eyesight to avoid snakes, which were the primary predators of modern mammals. Fossil records show that snakes emerged around 100 million years ago, prompting primates to adapt their vision.
Scientists describe new African monkey genus – first in 83 years
A team of international scientists has discovered a new African monkey genus, Rungwecebus kipunji, through collaborative research. The species, found in Tanzania's high-altitude forests, exhibits distinct physical characteristics and is closely related to baboons, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect its vulnerable...
New species of monkey discovered in Tanzania is a new genus
The newly discovered Rungwecebus monkey is a distinct genus, marking the first new species since 1923. The critically endangered monkey's habitat faces severe logging threats, prompting calls for global protection.
Global team of scientists describes new genus of African monkey: First in 83 years
Scientists describe new genus of African monkey, Rungwecebus kipunji, after analyzing physical characteristics and molecular samples. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of monkeys in Africa and Eurasia.
New study finds similarities between monkey business and human business
Researchers from Yale University found that capuchin monkeys display similar economic biases to humans, including a preference for bonuses over losses. The study suggests that loss-aversion may be an innate feature of economic choice.
OHSU scientists dispel late-night eating/weight gain myth
Researchers dispelled the myth that eating late at night causes weight gain. Female rhesus monkeys on a high-fat diet gained 5% more weight after having their ovaries removed, showing ovarian hormones play a role in weight balance. The study found no correlation between late-night eating and weight gain.
Like their pregnant mates, primate dads-to-be pack on pounds
In a study published in Biology Letters, researchers found that male monkeys of two species experience a 10% weight gain when their mates are pregnant. This gain is likely due to hormonal changes, including increased prolactin and estrogen levels. The study's findings could provide insights into human fathering behavior and motivate me...
Performing monkeys in Asia carry viruses that could jump species to humans
A recent study found that performing monkeys in Asia carry various simian viruses, including simian foamy virus and simian retrovirus. These viruses pose a potential risk of transmission to humans, particularly in settings where people have close contact with non-human primates.
For two primates, patience takes different forms, shaped by ecology
Researchers found that two monkey species, cotton-top tamarins and common marmosets, exhibit differing propensities toward patience and impulsivity depending on the context of the choice being made. The study suggests that impulsivity is context-specific and shaped by a history of ecological pressures.
Research shows where brain interprets 'pitch'
Scientists identified single neurons in the brain's pitch center that recognize a middle-C as a middle-C even when played by two different instruments. This discovery solves an age-old mystery of auditory research and highlights the importance of pitch perception to humans, facilitating melodic patterns and emotional content of speech.
Genetic links could unlock clues to leading cause of blindness
Studies have pinpointed a chromosome region and genetic markers for macular degeneration in humans and rhesus monkeys. This breakthrough could lead to better treatments and even a cure by studying the disease's progression in monkeys, which age faster than humans.
Primate virus jumps species barrier to humans for first time in Asia
A study has found that a primate virus, simian foamy virus, has jumped the species barrier to humans in Asia, primarily through contact with temple macaques. Researchers warn that limiting human-primate interaction can reduce transmission risks and protect both humans and monkeys from disease.
Rhesus monkeys can assess the visual perspective of others when competing for food
In a groundbreaking study, rhesus monkeys demonstrated the ability to assess visual perspectives of others during competitive interactions for food. By considering whether a competitor could or couldn't see them, monkeys made strategic decisions to maximize their chances of acquiring food.
New monkey discovered in Northeastern India
The Arunachal macaque is a new species of macaque found in India's Northeast, with its name meaning 'deep-forest monkey' in local vernacular. Further studies will determine if it should be included on the IUCN Red List and protected under Indian law.
Research led by UGA professor reports first routine tool use by wild capuchin monkeys
In a groundbreaking study, researchers confirmed that wild capuchin monkeys in northeastern Brazil routinely crack open palm nuts using heavy stones. The behavior was previously observed only in chimpanzees and other primates. This finding expands our understanding of tool use among non-human primates.
New fossil may be closest yet to ancestor of all great apes
A new fossil discovery in Spain reveals a 13-million-year-old ape species, Pierolapithecus catalaunicus, that shares key features with modern great apes. The species' unique adaptations for climbing and its relatively complete skeleton suggest it may have been the last common ancestor of all great apes.
Monkey business: Studies show tiny callimicos have unusual characteristics
Callimico monkeys eat fungi during the dry season, a trait shared by no other tropical primate species. They also exhibit a different reproductive strategy than other small New World monkeys, giving birth to single offspring twice annually.
Experiments reveal startling insights into lemur intelligence
Researchers at Duke University found that ringtails and mongoose lemurs can learn sequences of pictures and discriminate quantities. The animals show a systematic learning ability and can recognize larger quantities, but their numerical abilities are not as sophisticated as those of monkeys and apes.
New evidence suggests that monkey thought extinct still exists
Recent discoveries, including a photo and skin samples, have reignited hopes of finding the Miss Waldron's red colobus monkey in its remote southeastern corner of Ivory Coast. The discovery has sparked concerns about potential extinctions of other high-canopy forest-dwelling animals.
Monkey talk, human speech share left-brain processing
Researchers have identified a specialized area in the monkey brain's left temporal lobe that processes species-specific vocalizations, mirroring the human brain's linguistic abilities. This finding suggests that vocalizations can be deciphered better when processed by one temporal pole rather than both.
Primates trade smell for sight
A recent study found a correlation between the loss of olfactory receptor genes and the acquisition of full trichromatic color vision in primates. The research team analyzed 19 primate species, including humans, and discovered that Old World monkeys and apes had similar percentages of OR pseudogenes, while New World monkeys had lower p...
Monkeys show sophisticated learning abilities
Researchers found that monkeys learned and applied strategies to distinguish order in image sequences with high accuracy. The study revealed two distinctive properties: distance effects and magnitude effects, which mimic human responses to memory tasks and number discrimination tasks.
MRI technique lets researchers directly compare monkey and human brains
Researchers used fMRI to directly compare human and monkey brain activity, discovering differences in areas of the visual cortex. The study found that humans have distinct regions involved in processing 3-D images, which do not exist in monkeys.
Twenty years of monkey research boosts AIDS knowledge
Scientists have gained valuable insights into AIDS by studying the simian immunodeficiency virus in monkeys. Researchers are now exploring ways to vaccinate against HIV transmission and eliminate latent viruses.
World’s largest rain forest national park created in Northern Amazon
The Tumucumaque Mountains National Park, covering 9,562,770 acres, protects pristine forests and endangered species like jaguars, giant anteaters, and harpy eagles. The park ensures the conservation of biodiversity in the Brazilian Amazon.
'Fowl-howl' ties discovered between birds, monkeys
A study by Duke University scientists found that excess plant-eating monkeys on small islands spur extra tree growth, boosting insect populations that attract birds. The density of birds is strongly correlated with the density of howler monkeys.
Two new monkey species discovered
Scientists have discovered two new monkey species, Callicebus bernhardi and Callicebus stephennashi, which are named after Prince Bernhard and Stephen Nash. These discoveries highlight the vast biodiversity of the Amazon rain forest, with over 95 species of primates found in Brazil alone.
Study suggests infants 'tune in' to familiar face groups
A recent study suggests that infants 'tune in' to familiar face groups and perform better at recognizing faces of humans than other species. The researchers propose that this specialization occurs only with experience in viewing faces and may signal a general change in neural networks involved in early cognition.
Earliest evidence of lemurs discovered in Pakistan, far from their current home, Science reports
A 30-million-year-old lemur fossil, Bugtilemur mathesoni, found in Pakistan's Bugti Hills provides a rare glimpse into the evolution of strepsirrhine primates. The discovery sheds new light on the origins of lemurs and their close relatives, the lorises.
First genetically modified monkey, reported inScience,may promise medical advances for humans
A genetically modified monkey, ANDi, carrying an extra gene may suggest a way to speed new treatments for human conditions. The modification method used could lead to laboratory animals carrying genes associated with specific medical conditions.
Gene therapy shown to protect and reverse the debilitating effects of Parkinson's disease in pre-clinical studies
Researchers used gene therapy to deliver GDNF directly to the brain cells of monkeys, resulting in a dramatic increase in dopamine production and prevention of disease progression. The treatment also reversed functional deficits and symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.
Vaccine controls AIDS in monkeys, researchers report inScience
A DNA vaccine paired with an immune protein successfully controls a highly pathogenic AIDS virus in monkeys, strengthening their immune response and preventing disease. The approach could decrease HIV-1 transmission rates by reducing viral replication in vaccinated individuals.
Scientists fear loss of colobus monkey heralds beginning of 'extinction spasm' of many West African species
The extinction of the Miss Waldron's red colobus monkey is a warning sign of an impending ecological disaster in West Africa. The loss of large-bodied monkeys, including primates and forest antelope, threatens the region's biodiversity, highlighting the need for improved law enforcement, protected areas, and conservation education.
Stress could increase risk of heart disease in women
Reduced estrogen levels caused by stress can lead to atherosclerosis and increased heart disease risk in women. Stress affects estrogen production, causing fatty deposits in arteries and potentially leading to heart attacks and strokes.
Stress hormone linked to increased alcohol consumption in animal models
Researchers studied rhesus macaques from birth to young adulthood, finding that those with high cortisol levels responded more strongly to stress and drank more alcohol as adults. The study's findings suggest early life stress can influence later alcohol consumption and offer a promising biological marker of risk.
Parenting, stress and your child's risk for alcoholism
A study found that infant monkeys raised without adult supervision experienced higher cortisol levels, indicating increased stress, which later led to heavy drinking as adults. This suggests a link between early life experiences, sensitivity to stress, and subsequent alcohol consumption.
Monkeys pay one another for work
Capuchin monkeys have been found to cooperate in obtaining food by working together and sharing the rewards. This study by Frans de Waal and Michelle Berger suggests that reciprocity is a fundamental feature of human society and has implications for understanding evolutionary cooperation.
$6.75 Million to extend primate studies of diet and aging
A decade-long primate study on diet and aging will be extended with a $6.75 million NIH grant, exploring mechanisms of aging in rhesus macaques. The research aims to answer whether calorie restriction can slow or prevent aging, building on existing studies in rodents.
Wake Forest research explores link between stress and depression
A five-year study of female monkeys will examine how chronic, low-level stress affects brain function and may lead to depression. The research aims to understand why some individuals are more susceptible to depression than others and may provide insights into treating depression in humans.
A sharper look at the brain
Researchers have successfully used fMRI to generate high-resolution pictures of active brain regions in monkeys under anesthesia. The technique allows for precise visualization of brain activity, challenging previous assumptions about the effects of anesthetics on brain function.
A Simple Jab Could Save Women From An Irritating Infection
The vaccine targets Escherichia coli, the bacterium causing 85% of UTIs. Recipients develop antibodies that prevent bacteria from colonizing bladder walls. Clinical trials in women are planned for the end of this year to test the vaccine's effectiveness.
Visual Environment Can Affect Even Healthy Eyes --- Nature Works With Nuture For Good Vision
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center discovered that the visual experience of one eye influences the growth and quality of vision in the fellow eye. The study found that environmental factors play a significant role in eye development, suggesting a potential cure for myopia and related eye problems.
Monkeys Have Numerical Abilities, Two Columbia Psychologists Report
Researchers trained monkeys to discriminate computer-generated images containing different numbers of objects and respond in ascending order. The study suggests that monkeys share human-like capacity for simple arithmetic, potentially tracing human intelligence to animal origins.
Social Disruption Leads To Shorter Survival In Monkeys With AIDS
A new study found that social disruption in monkeys infected with simian AIDS virus accelerates disease progression. Monkeys separated from familiar companions experienced faster development of AIDS, highlighting the impact of psychosocial factors on immunodeficiency disease.
Two New Studies Suggest That Caloric Restriction In Monkeys May Extend Their Life And Health
Two studies suggest that caloric restriction in monkeys can lead to increased HDL2B levels, reduced triglycerides, and lower blood pressure, potentially extending life and health. Caloric restriction also slows the age-related decline in DHEA levels, a biomarker of aging.
New Study Suggests That Capuchin Monkeys Depend On Growth And Size -- Not Just Learning -- For Successful Foraging
Researchers found that young capuchins learn to forage through manual skills but don't become self-sufficient until they have sufficient size and strength. This pattern is unusual among monkeys and suggests that physical growth plays a significant role in successful foraging.