Neil Reid

Often representatives of fauna are sensitive to sounds, scents, atmospheric pressure changes. For example, a cat can hear very distant thunder. And before a thunderstorm, the four-legged pet feels a sharp change in atmospheric pressure.

Temperature

A number of animals can sense subtle changes in air temperature. For example, it is the temperature of the environment that affects the heart rate of the cricket. An increase in temperature speeds up the metabolism of cold-blooded crickets, providing them with more energy for muscle contractions.

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A new study, submitted in preprint form and not yet publicly peer-reviewed, examines the initial phase of aggressive confrontations between Siamese fighting fish, or cockerels (Betta splendens).

This stage is called the display phase: the fish alternately open their gills – like a dance in which one tries to intimidate the other, causing the other to decide to flee or fight. To find out which aspects of this performance might play a key role in determining the sequence of actions, the scientists observed how the roosters responded either to live counterparts or to realistic animations on a screen next to the aquarium.

It turned out that roosters were more likely to attack when another fish was near the surface of the water and turned sideways. This may indicate the important role of orientation in aggression.

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Leprosy still affects some people in Asia, Africa and South America. Despite the large body of evidence on the evolution of pathogens, it has not previously been documented that it was once transmitted to humans from wild fauna.

Analysis of 25 samples of human remains and a dozen DNA samples from the Winchester red squirrel revealed 4 lepra genomes belonging to a single genetic lineage.

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Before starting, the subjects underwent a mental status test according to WHO standards. Then they were divided into three groups. In the first group, the volunteers followed a normal lifestyle, in the second group they walked in parks at least once a day for half an hour, and in the third group they not only walked but also monitored birds using a special smartphone application.

After 35 days, all participants took a psychological test again.

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The Malaysian government plans to apply the concept of ‘orangutan diplomacy’ to trade relations with palm oil buyers. The government plans to offer orangutans to importing partners as a ‘trade gift’ to reduce public concern about the environmental impact of palm oil production.

In the described approach one can notice similarities with the well-known strategy of ‘panda diplomacy’, which is actively used in China. The orangutan option was developed when the European Union approved a ban on imports of products related to forest clearance. This decision is fraught with losses for the palm oil industry.

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