Exciting News About Pets and Animals
Discover the latest scientific findings about pets and animals in this article.
Cats Have 276 Distinct Facial Expressions
A recent study found that domesticated cats have 276 distinct facial expressions when interacting with each other. This includes a 'play face' similar to that seen in humans. The study was conducted in a cat cafe in Los Angeles, where researchers observed around 50 cats. According to the co-author of the study, cat communication is more complex than previously believed.
Source: CNN
Rats May Have an Imagination
Researchers at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus found evidence that rats can navigate through a space they've previously explored using only their thoughts. This suggests that rats may possess a form of imagination similar to humans. The study is the first of its kind to show that nonhuman animals can activate the brain's representation of distant places.
Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
A New Drug for Extending Dog's Life
A veterinary biotech company called Loyal is developing a new drug that may extend a dog's life, especially among larger breeds. Though the drug has not yet been tested in clinical trials, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed its initial data sufficient to show a reasonable expectation of effectiveness. This is a promising development for pet owners who want to prolong their dog's life.
Source: The New York Times
Female Frogs Fake Death to Avoid Unwanted Advances
According to a study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, female European common frogs feign death to avoid unwanted attention from males during the breeding season. Males engage in harassment, sexual coercion, and intimidation, leading female frogs to develop this survival strategy. Pretending to be dead allows them to avoid unwanted advances and ensure their safety.
Source: ABC News
