Articles tagged with Nonhuman Primates
Geladas' vocal lip-smacks exhibit speech-like undulating rhythms, matching human speech patterns. This finding supports the idea that lip-smacking could be an evolutionary step toward human speech.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that rhesus monkeys prefer a highly-valued food item alone to the same item paired with a lower-value item. This behavior is similar to what has been seen in human studies, where participants rated a highly-valued item more highly than one with multiple items of lesser value.
Researchers studied Campbell's monkeys and found that females pick up habits from each other through grooming and contact calls. The study suggests that human speech evolved gradually from ancestral primate vocalisations and social patterns, influenced by environmental factors rather than genetic predisposition alone.
Researchers have discovered a new therapy that increases good cholesterol and lowers triglycerides, showing promise in combating cardiovascular disease. The treatment, which targets microRNA-33, has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels in non-human primates.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have defined three distinct processing stages for human speech recognition, mirroring those found in non-human primates. These findings provide insights into the complex workings of the human auditory brain and its role in processing language.
A mosquito-borne virus that infected monkeys may cause human outbreaks if it adapts to urban mosquitoes, warns a new study. The 'fever from the forest' dengue virus has spread globally, causing 100 million cases annually and 50,000 deaths.
Research in Guinea reveals why chimpanzees attack humans, highlighting the importance of habitat conservation to prevent resource-based attacks. The team studied eleven attacks, finding that they occurred during periods of crop-raiding and food scarcity.
A groundbreaking study has shown that a novel treatment using small interfering RNAs can protect monkeys from lethal Ebola virus infection after exposure. The treatment was found to be well-tolerated and offered complete protection in some cases, paving the way for further research and potential human trials.
Researchers found SIV-infected African wild chimpanzees died prematurely and developed hallmarks of HIV-1 infection, contradicting previous assumption that infected primates wouldn't develop AIDS. Yerkes contributed key comparative data on SIV-infected and uninfected sooty mangabeys, shedding light on mechanisms behind natural immunity.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have developed the first transgenic nonhuman primate model of Huntington's disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. The model is expected to help researchers better understand the disease and develop more effective therapies.
Scientists have discovered conclusive evidence of Alzheimer's-like neurofibrillary brain tangles in an aged nonhuman primate, a breakthrough that could help understand why humans develop neurodegenerative diseases. The finding also paves the way for new treatments and therapies targeting beta-amyloid protein.
Research finds symmetry and sexual dimorphism in human faces are related to attractiveness, supporting the idea that they signal genetic quality. The study also reveals similar patterns in non-human primates and different human populations, indicating universal signals of quality.
A commentary in Biological Psychiatry highlights attacks on medical researchers conducting non-human primate research, emphasizing their vital role in psychiatric disorder treatment. The authors condemn these acts and advocate for public action to protect scientists.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that non-human primates infer intentions based on rational action, not just surface-level appearances. The primates chose the most accessible food container in each scenario, demonstrating a human-like understanding of others' goals and actions.
Research suggests that prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids can have deleterious effects on newborns, impairing growth, glucose regulation, and cortisol production. High levels of dexamethasone impaired postnatal development, leading to increased blood pressure and changes in cardiometabolic function.
Research suggests that present-day non-human primates, such as rhesus monkeys and macaques, use brain regions similar to those in humans to process species-specific vocalizations. This finding bolsters the hypothesis that a shared ancestor possessed the neural mechanisms for language, which may have evolved in humans.
A panel of experts published recommendations to minimize the risk of altering non-human primates' cognitive capacity, focusing on grafting human stem cells into their brains. The panel concluded that healthy adult members of species distantly related to humans are least likely to experience morally significant changes.
A new investigational transplant drug called LEA29Y has been shown to selectively block the co-stimulatory signal that triggers an immune response, thereby preventing organ rejection and preserving kidney function. This approach avoids the toxic side effects associated with current immunosuppressant medications like cyclosporine.
Researchers found that older male nonhuman primates' spatial memory declines at a greater rate than females, suggesting sex differences in age-related cognitive decline. The study aims to investigate factors contributing to these differences and potentially inform the development of sex-specific therapies.
Researchers find chimpanzees' responses to unfair situations depend on the strength of their social connections. In a study, chimpanzees in long-term groups were less likely to react negatively to unfair situations compared to those in short-term groups.
Scientists have successfully cloned primates up to the blastocyst stage, a developmental milestone for embryonic stem cell research and potential treatments for diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's. The breakthrough could pave the way for deriving human embryonic stem cells from nonhuman primate templates.
Researchers used fMRI to study male monkeys' brain activity in response to attractive female scents, finding high levels of neural activity in areas associated with decision-making and memory. The study suggests that males don't just act on primal urges, but exhibit complex neural processes when evaluating potential mates.
Researchers found that brown capuchin monkeys refused previously acceptable rewards if they witnessed their partners receiving higher-value rewards for equal or less work. This study provides insight into how humans develop emotional reactions to fairness in economic interactions.
Scientists at the Pittsburgh Development Center are working towards cloning nonhuman primates, overcoming fundamental molecular obstacles first reported in 2003. The goal is to generate at least 10 cloned nonhuman primates and produce identical offspring through embryo splitting for studying human diseases.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that chromosomal problems exist within each individual cell, leading to developmental abnormalities. The study suggests that current techniques used for reproductive cloning do not work in nonhuman primates.
Scientists discovered microscopic differences in minicolumns, a group of brain cells involved in language, between humans and non-human primates. These findings suggest that the human brain is organized differently than its primate counterparts, which may explain the complexity of human communication.
Researchers from Emory University Health Sciences Center have identified three HIV-positive chimpanzees that are progressing to AIDS, offering insights into how the disease develops and may be resisted. The chimps' unique genetic profile could hold key to developing an HIV vaccine and new treatments for AIDS.
A Chimpanzee Genome Project is proposed due to the remarkable differences in diseases affecting humans and chimps. The project aims to identify genetic factors contributing to these disparities, which could lead to better treatments for both humans and captive apes.
Researchers find nearly 99% identity in X and Y chromosome regions, revealing a much smaller difference in mutation rates. This discovery suggests that genetic-disease-producing mutations must be explored for individual underlying causes, potentially changing the understanding of inherited diseases.
The Apes: Challenges for the 21st Century conference addresses pressing issues affecting gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, bonobos, gibbons, and siamangs in both their natural habitats and zoos. The event brings together leading researchers to develop action plans on conservation, husbandry, and other key topics.
A partnership between conservation organizations and universities uses remote sensing technology to assess gorilla habitat, track population, and manage National Parks. The project aims to rebuild Rwanda's national university and recover from a devastating war and genocide.
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.
A recent study published in Science found that chimpanzee subspecies are genetically mixed and more diverse than previously thought. The research suggests that the variation in the chimpanzee genome is not due to cultural differences, but rather a result of genetic variation between populations.
Scientists have found evidence that trichromatic or full color vision originated in prosimians, a group of lemurs, Bush Babies and pottos, rather than in higher primates. The new research pushes the origin of primate color vision back roughly 20 million years to about 55 million years ago.
A 40 million-year-old fossil from Myanmar, Bahinia pondaungensis, sheds light on the origins of anthropoids, a group that includes monkeys and apes. The discovery suggests that these primates may have originated in Asia, rather than Africa, with similarities to tarsiers found in dental anatomy.
Lemurs play a vital role in dispersing seeds for tree species in Madagascar's dry forests, which would otherwise fail to regenerate without them. The study found that the brown lemur is responsible for dispersing most of these species, highlighting the importance of reintroducing lemurs and reducing fragmentation.
Chimpanzees demonstrate ability to visually recognize and match portraits of female relatives, potentially aiding kinship decisions and alliances. This skill may have played a role in the evolution of complex societies among primates.
Researchers are exposing chimps to lethal HIV strains to develop an AIDS vaccine, with some arguing that the practice is unjustified and disrespects animal life. Chimps have already been infected with deadly strains of HIV, and more may be exposed in future experiments.
The Great Ape Project advocates for nonhuman great apes to have individual rights, including the right to life and protection from cruel treatment. However, experts raise concerns about overemphasizing human-like qualities in great apes, which may lead to an expansion of moral concern beyond humans.
Researchers identified a subspecies of chimpanzees as the natural reservoir of HIV-1, leading to cross-species transmission events. Studying these animals may help protect humans from developing AIDS.
Research by Frans de Waal suggests that chimpanzees resolve conflicts through cooperative behaviors, such as food sharing, which can inform our understanding of human aggression. By studying chimp societies, de Waal's research provides insights into the complex social system and reconciliation mechanisms that repair relationships.
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.
A recent census reveals that Grauer's gorilla populations have remained stable despite growing human pressures, with 16,900 individuals estimated. However, local populations are increasingly threatened due to poaching and habitat loss, highlighting the need for continued support of conservation efforts.
Researchers found a brain region thought to control language is proportionately the same size in humans and chimpanzees, challenging a long-standing theory. The planum temporale, located beneath the parietal cortex, demonstrates similar asymmetry in both species, raising questions about chimp communication.
African and Asian macaques' complicated lineages have been unraveled by genetic detective work at Columbia University. The study confirms that the genus is one of the oldest among Asian monkeys, dating to at least 7 million years ago.
A new census of mountain gorillas in Uganda's Impenetrable Forest has yielded 292 individual gorillas from 28 groups, with the help of survey techniques developed in the Virunga Conservation Area. The results will inform a regional plan of action to conserve these endangered populations.
A new study reveals that chimpanzees can determine whether their partners are aware of danger, indicating a shared ability to perceive knowledge states and intentions. This suggests a stronger cognitive connection between chimps than previously thought.
A first-ever restocking project will release up to 20 captive-bred black and white ruffed lemurs into the ancestral island nation's rain forests. The project aims to help the animals adjust to their new environment through a 'soft release' approach, while also stimulating conservation-mindedness in local citizens.
A new DNA vaccine has shown promising results in protecting chimpanzees from HIV-1 infection, with two immunized animals demonstrating a strong immune response and one controlled animal showing signs of infection before recovery. The vaccine's genetic approach may lead to breakthroughs in human disease treatment.
Researchers studied chimps' reaction to hand-held mirrors, finding they acted like young children when dressing up. The capacity for playful self-expression appears to exist before it's expressed, suggesting a strong influence of social background on sense of self.
Duke University primatologists failed to capture a mate for Romeo, the rarest lemur species, during an October expedition. The diademed sifaka is threatened by hunting and habitat destruction, with estimates suggesting it will go extinct in about 20 years.
The Duke Primate Center aims to capture three diademed sifakas for breeding in captivity, addressing the animals' critically endangered status due to habitat destruction and poaching. The expedition, set for October 2-18, will help build a captive breeding stock to replenish wild populations.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology and Zoo Atlanta created a virtual reality gorilla exhibit to simulate ape social interaction. The program allows students to become part of a gorilla family, learning realistic behaviors such as submissive postures and interactions with dominant males.