All articles tagged with #altruism
Scientists discovered that sick ant pupae release a smell that signals worker ants to destroy them, a self-sacrificial act to protect the colony from infection, with queens not participating due to their stronger immune systems. This behavior highlights altruism in social insects and parallels disease management strategies in other species.
A group of wildlife biologists at the National Park Service observed a rare act of altruism by a bull elephant seal at Point Reyes National Seashore in California, as the male seal saved a drowning pup in a selfless act during mating season, contrary to their usual behavior focused on mating. The researchers noted that the male seal's intentional and deliberate actions to rescue the pup were a departure from their typical behavior, and after the successful rescue, the seal collapsed on the shore, showcasing a rare display of heroism in the animal kingdom.
A trio of ecologists has observed a male bull elephant seal performing an act of altruism by rescuing a distressed pup at Point Reyes, California. The researchers witnessed the bull expending energy to swim into the ocean and gently nudge the pup back to shore, an unusual behavior for these typically aggressive and energy-conserving animals. This unique event, captured in photographs, suggests a rare display of altruism in the animal kingdom.
Janna Levin discusses her excitement to co-host the third season of The Joy of Why podcast, exploring the joy in math and science. The upcoming season will feature discussions with scientists and mathematicians on topics such as locust swarming, altruism, the fate of the universe, and the mystery of time. The podcast aims to provoke amazement and curiosity while delving into the wonders of the natural world and human existence.
A meta-analysis of 22 research studies with over 6,500 participants revealed that 40% of individuals choose to remain ignorant about the consequences of their actions, often using this unawareness as an excuse to act selfishly. When participants were made aware of the impact of their decisions, there was a 15.6% increase in altruistic behavior. The study suggests that much of perceived altruism may be driven by societal pressures and self-image rather than genuine concern for others. The findings highlight the prevalence and harmful effects of willful ignorance and the need for further research to understand and address this behavior.
National Geographic captured footage of humpback whales disrupting orcas that were hunting a seal in Antarctica. While humpbacks have been observed disrupting orca hunts in the past, the exact reason for their behavior remains unclear. One theory suggests that the seal may have been seeking refuge behind the humpbacks. Biologists believe that the humpbacks may engage in anti-predator mobbing behavior to protect themselves and other humpbacks, even if a calf is not immediately under threat. It is also possible that the seal itself sought out the humpbacks as a large object to hide behind.
Christopher Lloyd, co-creator of "Modern Family," honors his late wife Arleen Sorkin in an open letter, describing her as "big-hearted" and compassionate. Sorkin, known for her roles in "The Days of Our Lives" and as the original voice of Harley Quinn, passed away from multiple sclerosis at the age of 67. Lloyd reminisces about Sorkin's acts of kindness, including organizing a fundraiser with a real orangutan, hiring an incarcerated former roller derby player as their children's nanny, and creating a fake Emmy award for her father. Despite her battle with multiple sclerosis, Sorkin's spirit never wavered, and Lloyd believes that her loyalty and love for people defined her, even inspiring the character of Harley Quinn.
A new study from Georgetown University has mapped out the psychological profiles of extreme real-world altruists, such as heroic rescuers, humanitarian aid workers, and people who donate organs or bone marrow to strangers at no benefit to themselves. The study found that altruistic people are no more agreeable or conscientious than other adults, nor do they report higher levels of empathy. Instead, their choices reflect the fact that they appear to truly value the wellbeing of strangers and the welfare of their communities. The study also revealed that extreme altruists have consistently high levels of Honesty-Humility, a personality trait defined by the HEXACO model of personality structure.