The hottest Animal studies Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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A Search for Sick Animals

Asimov Press • 186 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biology Medical Research Neuroscience Animal studies Genetics
  1. Animal models are really important for studying diseases like Parkinson's because they can show how conditions develop and help test new treatments.
  2. Researchers have looked for animals with naturally occurring Parkinson's, but finding them is hard. A recent study claims to have found a monkey with the disease indicating there may be others we just haven't discovered yet.
  3. If scientists can identify more animals with Parkinson's, it could lead to better understanding and treatment options for humans. It's important to keep searching for these models.

DNA goes to the Dogs

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 519 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Animal studies History Genetics Ethnography Cultural Practices
  1. Woolly dogs were kept by the Coast Salish people for their fur, which was used to make warm blankets. Unfortunately, these dogs went extinct in the late 1800s, leaving only one pelt known today.
  2. Recent research used genetic studies and the historical context of Mutton, a woolly dog, to learn about its unique traits and the care it received from Indigenous people. This shows how important these dogs were to their culture.
  3. The extinction of woolly dogs is connected to historical racism and policies that targeted Indigenous practices. Understanding this context is just as important as studying the genetics of the dogs.

Considerable overlap

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🔬 Science Behavioral Science Animal studies Cognitive skills Statistics Economics
  1. Baboons can learn to assess scatterplots and identify trends, similar to humans. This shows that different species can have overlapping skills in certain tasks.
  2. In general, smart baboons can outperform less intelligent humans in recognizing relationships in data. This highlights that intelligence can vary greatly, even within our own species.
  3. The study suggests that education plays a big role in developing skills, like understanding statistics. Humans often learn these concepts in school, while baboons do not.

Walking quietly with a can of snakes

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
💾 History Local news Animal studies Public Perception
  1. Dr. Otto Bohl was an eccentric character known for his unusual habits and collection of animals and curiosities.
  2. Bohl faced legal troubles and conflicts with neighbors due to his unconventional lifestyle and behavior.
  3. Despite his eccentricities, Bohl's unique personality and interactions with his community make him a fascinating figure from the early 20th century.

The ocean of life

Tranquil Thoughts • 1 HN point • 10 Aug 24
📚 Literature Animal studies Science fiction Philosophy
  1. Focusing on our inner world can make us ignore the lives and events of others, especially animals. Understanding their existence is just as important as our own.
  2. Animals experience the world in ways we can’t fully grasp, and we need to respect their unique senses and needs. Instead of seeing them as nuisances, we should try to learn from them.
  3. Books can open our eyes to the complex lives of other creatures. They remind us that humans are just one part of a vast ocean of life, not superior or special.
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