Add BrightSurf on Google Email

When meat doesn’t matter: Female Guinea baboons do not prefer males who are better at acquiring or sharing meat

In contrast to previous studies on human food-sharing practices, female Guinea baboons have diverse sources of meat and do not rely heavily on their primary males. The researchers observed that females often catch prey themselves and access alternative sources of meat.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Biological Anthropology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2026

Well-worn wins: Wild capuchin monkeys prefer stones with a proven track record of cracking nuts

In a new study, researchers found that wild capuchin monkeys prioritize stones with proven track records of cracking nuts, even if they're not the mechanically optimal choice. This demonstrates that primates rely on durable physical traces to guide their tool selection.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateAug 5, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

AI opens new era in cognitive studies of wild primates

Researchers at Emory University developed an AI system, CapuchinAI, to automate cognitive studies of capuchin monkeys in the wild using facial recognition and real-time testing. The system identifies individual capuchins with 97% accuracy and provides a scalable field method for cognitive testing.

SourceEmory University·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 29, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Treating hepatitis C in former medical experiment chimpanzees

Researchers at Kyoto University successfully eliminated hepatitis C virus in six chimpanzees using direct-acting antiviral therapy, improving their liver function and health. However, two chimpanzees died of liver cancer, highlighting the need for further study and potential drug resistance.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2026
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Fates of famous problem-solving chimps revealed

A University of Auckland scientist has uncovered the fates of chimpanzees who starred in seminal psychological studies. The apes were transported to Europe after the research centre closed down, where they faced harsh conditions, inadequate diet and social upheaval, leading to their premature deaths.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalEuropean Psychologist·TypeCase study·DateJul 13, 2026
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Childbirth is not uniquely difficult to humans

Researchers at UCL found that some small-bodied primates experience a tight cephalopelvic fit during childbirth due to their large newborn heads. These species, such as American monkeys and bushbabies, have developed adaptations to make the process less difficult, including pelvic expansion or delayed pelvic bone fusion.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2026

Apes and humans have been sharing a laugh for 15 million years

A study reveals that the rhythmic structure of laughter has remained constant in all living great apes, including humans, for at least 15 million years. This finding offers unexpected clues to the evolution of human speech, suggesting that sophisticated vocal control is a fundamental building block.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2026

Orangutans seek out medicinal plants

New research reveals orangutans selectively consume certain medicinal plants in specific sequences, suggesting 'self-medication' behaviors. The study, based on 20 years of observations, found plant combinations with known medicinal benefits are eaten consistently beyond simple nutrition needs.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2026

Not too sunny, not too shady, just right

In a study on Japanese macaques, researchers found that semi-shade is an important thermoregulatory option under hot, dry conditions. The macaques preferred semi-shade over full shade or sun when it was hot and dry, but not humid. This suggests that semi-shade may play a significant role in helping endotherms cope with heat stress.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPrimates·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2026
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New experimental drug may restore movement after stroke

Researchers discovered that strokes cause a chain reaction within the brain, leading to neuronal cell death. They found that blocking collagen production can prevent this damage and even restore motor function in paralyzed monkeys. The new drug KDS12025 reduces hydrogen peroxide levels and prevents the entire process from being triggered.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Monkeys learn to self-medicate with soil to help them digest tourists’ junk food

In a unique behavior, monkeys on Gibraltar have learned to eat dirt to help them digest the junk food consumed by tourists, which disrupts their gut microbiome. The researchers found that geophagy is socially learned and has become part of the macaques' culture, with different troops having preferences for certain types of soil.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2026
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Chimpanzees can be multitalented musicians

Researchers at Kyoto University's EHUB center analyzed the musical performances of a 26-year-old male chimpanzee named Ayumu. The study found that Ayumu's instrumental sound-making was not random and exhibited isochronous intervals, similar to a metronome.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2026

Humans perceive and mimic the emotional expressions of non-human primates

A study published in PLOS One found that humans can recognize and mimic emotional expressions of non-human primates, indicating a strong empathetic response. The researchers assessed facial expressions and emotional states of participants, revealing a strong connection between humans and non-human primates

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Miniscule fossil discovery reveals fresh clues into the evolution of the earliest-known relative of all primates

The discovery of miniscule Purgatorius fossils in Colorado provides fresh insights into the evolution of the earliest-known relative of all primates. The find suggests that archaic primates originated in the north and spread southward, diversifying soon after the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous Period.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2026

Platform to map living brain noninvasively takes next big step

A gene therapy platform successfully mapped the living brain noninvasively, using engineered proteins to track gene expression in different brain regions. This technology has the potential to reveal critical information about cellular activity and neurological disease progression.

SourceRice University·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026

The wild can be ‘death trap’ for rescued animals

A new study published in Global Ecology and Conservation found that released animals, like Bengal slow lorises, are at risk of being attacked by territorial peers. Only two out of nine released animals survived, with the others dying due to fatal attacks.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·DateFeb 25, 2026
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Hot spring bathing doesn't just keep snow monkeys warm

Researchers found that hot spring bathing in Japanese macaques subtly reshapes their relationships with parasites and gut microbes. The study suggests that behavior can shape the animal holobiont and act as an important driver of animal health.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPrimates·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2026

Autism research reframed: Why heterogeneity is the data, not the noise

Dr. Noritaka Ichinohe challenges the long-held assumption that averaging away individual differences is necessary in psychiatric research. Instead, biological heterogeneity is seen as a phenomenon demanding explanation. The author's work on primate brain mapping and molecular subtyping has identified convergence points between species ...

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateJan 6, 2026

Hierarchical temporal processing in the primate thalamocortical system: insights from nonlinguistic structured stimuli

The study demonstrates the auditory cortex's ability to integrate fine-scale and coarse-scale temporal cues during synchronization, with better performance in macaques compared to the middle glandular body. The nonlinguistic oddball paradigm shows promise for clinical applications in psychiatric disorders and future research should exp...

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateDec 14, 2025

Lethal aggression, territory, and fitness in wild chimpanzees

A study by UCLA's Brian Wood and University of Michigan's John Mitani found a link between lethal aggression, territorial expansion, and improved reproductive success in wild chimpanzees. The Ngogo group's territory grew after coordinated attacks, leading to increased fertility and survival rates among females.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2025
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New cell-scale method reconstructs whole-brain fiber tracts from routine histology

Researchers developed a novel method called cytoarchitecture-based link estimation (CABLE) to infer axonal pathways from routine histology, reconstructing three-dimensional whole-brain fiber tracts at cellular scale. CABLE outperforms existing neuroimaging tools in resolving complex geometries and has potential applications in psychiat...

SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2025

Humans evolved fastest amongst the apes

Researchers analyzed ape skulls to find that humans evolved the largest brain size and flattest face among closely related species. This rapid evolution suggests a strong link between cranial structure and cognitive abilities, but social factors may also play a role in human skull development.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 21, 2025

Adapting to a seasonal diet

A year-long study on Japanese macaques found that their gut microbiome composition and fermentative ability adjust seasonally to improve digestive efficiency. The study reveals that mature leaf consumption boosts the fermentative ability of the gut microbiome, helping monkeys handle chemically defended foods during harsh winters.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2025
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Proboscis monkeys' big noses boost vocal identity

A new study links the size of male proboscis monkeys' noses to their unique vocal characteristics, suggesting a significant impact on individual identity. The findings shed light on the complex interplay between anatomy, acoustics, and social behavior in animals, with potential implications for human communication.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 3, 2025

Lemurs in Madagascar: Diversity through repeated evolutionary bursts

Research finds lemurs evolved in multiple successive radiations, with hybridization contributing to new species emergence. Over 100 lemur species exist, but many are endangered due to habitat destruction and climate change.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 27, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Why oxytocin treatments for social behavior are inconsistent

A study by Steve Chang explores how oxytocin influences brain activity to shape social behavior in rhesus monkeys. The researchers found that oxytocin increased activity in the basolateral amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex when monkeys were socially motivated, maintaining beneficial decisions and social task behavior.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateAug 11, 2025

Networks of long-distance female friends help gorillas move between groups

Female gorillas avoid groups with males they grew up with and instead seek out familiar females, highlighting the importance of social relationships in dispersal decisions. The study reveals that investing in these relationships can be crucial for cooperation within groups.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2025

'Arctic Monkeys': Early primates survived in cold climates, not tropical forests

A study published in PNAS suggests that early primates evolved in North America's cold climate with hot summers and freezing winters, rather than warm tropical forests. This finding challenges the long-held narrative and provides insights into how ancient primates adapted to survive climate change.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

The microbiome of the indri, a critically endangered lemur, has been described

Researchers have identified 48 previously unknown bacterial species in the indri's microbiome, which is largely established through transmission between members of the same social group. This finding has significant implications for preserving the species' habitat and preventing extinction.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2025

How ‘scrumping’ apes may have given us a taste for alcohol

A new study has coined the term 'scrumping' to describe great apes' fondness for eating ripe, fermented fruit from the forest floor. The researchers suggest that this behavior may have played a significant role in the evolution of human alcohol tolerance.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 31, 2025
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Gelada monkeys understand complex "conversations" involving distress calls and prosocial comforting responses, exhibiting surprise when such vocal exchanges are manipulated to violate their expectations

In a study published in PLOS, gelada monkeys demonstrated an understanding of complex vocal exchanges involving distress calls and prosocial comforting responses. The monkeys exhibited surprise when such vocal exchanges were manipulated to violate their expectations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMay 14, 2025

Chimpanzee groups drum with distinct rhythms

Researchers found that eastern and western chimpanzees exhibit different drumming patterns, including evenly spaced hits and alternating intervals. Western chimpanzees use a faster tempo and integrated their drumming earlier in pant-hoot vocalizations.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2025
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Gorilla study reveals complex pros and cons of friendship

A new study of gorillas found that friendly relationships have varying costs and benefits, depending on group size and sex. For example, female gorillas with strong social bonds tend to get ill less often, but have fewer offspring.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2025

Beyond the double helix: Alternative DNA conformations in ape genomes

A team of researchers has comprehensively predicted the location of non-B DNA structures in great apes using newly available telomere-to-telomere genomes. The study suggests that non-B DNA is enriched in these segments and may play a role in genetic diseases and cancer, with potential new functions discovered.

SourcePenn State·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2025

Primate mothers display different bereavement response to humans

A study by University College London anthropologists found that macaque mothers experience a short period of physical restlessness after the death of an infant, but do not exhibit typical human signs of grief. In contrast to human bereavement, macaque mothers spent less time resting in the first two weeks after their infants' deaths.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBiology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateApr 15, 2025

Monkeys are world’s best yodellers - new research

Researchers discovered how monkeys produce 'voice breaks' and 'ultra-yodels' using their vocal membranes, which allow for a wider range of calls. These unique vocalizations enable monkeys to communicate in different ways, particularly in complex social lives.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateApr 2, 2025
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.