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Mice exhibit CPR-like care for distressed cage-mates, linked to oxytocin
animals
18.635 min4 days ago

Mice exhibit CPR-like care for distressed cage-mates, linked to oxytocin

A USC-led study observed mice performing first-aid–like behaviors toward an unconscious cage-mate—sniffing, grooming, and face-directed actions—triggered by unresponsiveness and strengthened by oxytocin signaling; responses are stronger for familiar cage-mates, suggesting an innate caregiving tendency that could aid group survival, though it is not human CPR.

More Animals Stories

Rotting-Head Deer and Playful Lynx Lead Wildlife Photographer of the Year Shortlist
animals22 days ago

Rotting-Head Deer and Playful Lynx Lead Wildlife Photographer of the Year Shortlist

Wildlife Photographer of the Year’s Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026 shortlist features 24 images, including a sika deer carrying the head of a rival after a fight and a playful lynx; voting is open worldwide and the winner will be announced March 25, with the exhibition at London’s Natural History Museum.

Mud Nap Moment: Polar Bear Family Rests Amid Summer Heat Along Hudson Bay
animals22 days ago

Mud Nap Moment: Polar Bear Family Rests Amid Summer Heat Along Hudson Bay

A moody shot by Christopher Paetkau shows a polar bear mother with three cubs napping on mud along Canada’s Hudson Bay coast in the summer heat. The image is shortlisted for Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026 and highlights how shrinking sea ice from climate change is forcing polar bears to spend more time on land in search of food.

Tiny hummingbird chick mimics poisonous caterpillar to deter predators
animals1 month ago

Tiny hummingbird chick mimics poisonous caterpillar to deter predators

In a Panama rainforest, a white-necked jacobin hummingbird chick about one inch long was observed flicking and twisting to mimic a poisonous caterpillar, scaring away wasps and other predators. Scientists say this may be the first clear record of caterpillar-like mimicry in a hummingbird, a potential Batesian strategy to boost nest survival in predator-rich tropical forests; further experiments with artificial chicks are planned to test which colors or movements elicit attacks.