http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/monkeys/ Monkeys in the news. From squirrel monkeys to baboons, read all the latest research about monkeys. Full text, great photos, free. en-us Fri, 16 May 2008 14:05:01 EDT Fri, 16 May 2008 14:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/monkeys/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515145406.htm Smaller primates expend no more energy climbing than they do walking. This surprising discovery may explain the evolutionary edge that encouraged the tiny ancestors of modern humans, apes and monkeys to climb into the trees about 65 million years ago and stay there. Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515145406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515092624.htm Studies with non-human primates have made major contributions to our understanding of the brain and will continue to be an important, if small, part of neuroscience research, according to a recent review. Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515092624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080507084005.htm Some Malagasy mouse lemurs are so similar that picking a mate of the right species, especially at night time in a tropical forest, might seem like a matter of pot luck. However, new research has shown that our desperately cute distant cousins use vocalizations to pick up a partner of the right species. Wed, 14 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080507084005.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080513125216.htm Researchers found socially subordinate female rhesus macaques over consume calorie-rich foods, resulting in accelerated weight gain and an increase in fat-derived hormones. The study is a critical step in understanding the psychological basis for the sharp increase in obesity across all age groups since the mid-1970s. This is the first study to show how food intake can be reliably and automatically measured, thus identifying the optimal animal model and setting for future obesity studies. Wed, 14 May 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080513125216.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422115008.htm Red colobus monkeys in western Uganda have been exposed to an unknown orthopoxvirus, a pathogen related to the viruses that cause smallpox, monkeypox and cowpox. Most of the monkeys screened harbor antibodies to a virus that is similar – but not identical – to known orthopoxviruses. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422115008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422172818.htm The generation and function of all types of blood cell are impaired in individuals infected with HIV. HIV is thought to cause this problem by disrupting the function of cells that are the precursors of all blood cells; these cells are known as hematopoietic progenitor cells. Exactly how HIV affects hematopoietic progenitor cells has not been determined, although it seems to be an indirect effect as the cells are not themselves infected with HIV. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422172818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080331223840.htm AIDS, a fatal disease in humans, may partly be the consequence of an evolutionary accident. Previous studies have established that one of the key differences between the way HIV-1 behaves in humans and closely related SIVs behave in monkeys is that when humans are infected with HIV-1 the immune system becomes highly stimulated. This means critical defense cells called helper T cells are continuously activated and die more quickly than usual. Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080331223840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080330200630.htm One of the world's deadliest diseases, caused by the Ebola virus, may finally be preventable thanks to US and Canadian researchers, who have successfully tested several Ebola vaccines in primates and are now looking to adapt them for human use. Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080330200630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080323210220.htm Researchers have identified a language feature unique to the human brain that is shedding light on how human language evolved. The study marks the first use of diffusion tensor imaging, a noninvasive imaging technique, to compare human brain structures to those of chimpanzees, our closest living relative. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080323210220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320120726.htm A new study appears to explain how humans, along with other higher primates, guinea pigs and fruit bats, get by with what some have called an "inborn metabolic error": an inability to produce vitamin C from glucose. Fri, 21 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320120726.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310174132.htm New satellite imaging research may help save the dwindling lemur population in the African nation of Madagascar. Using satellite imagery, GIS and ecological and demographic data from the field, researchers have studied the effects of deforestation on the ringtailed lemur population in Madagascar during the last forty years. Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310174132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310131532.htm Researchers have made what they say is the first experimental demonstration that a primate other than humans conveys meaning by combining distinct alarm calls in particular ways. They provide evidence that the various "hacks" and "pyows" of male putty-nosed monkey contain at least three types of information: the event witnessed, the caller's identity, and whether he intends to travel, all of which are recognized by other monkeys. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310131532.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080302163549.htm Evolution moves in fits and starts, shaping species through random genetic mutations that can help them survive or even hasten their death. But although the mutations occur by chance, the process can create surprisingly similar results. Now, in a startling twist, new research has provided an example in which evolution didn't just result in similar outcomes -- it actually repeated itself, occurring the same way twice. Scientists have shown that nearly the exact same mutation occurred twice, in two monkey species that live on opposite sides of the world from each other. And while the change evolved independently in each case, in both species it plays a distinct role in how the animals fend off disease. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080302163549.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080229075240.htm Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a gene in Asian monkeys that may have evolved as a defense against lentiviruses, the group of viruses that includes HIV. The study suggests that AIDS is not a new epidemic. Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080229075240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225213413.htm After swabbing the cheeks of more than 200 lemurs and related primates to collect their DNA, researchers now have a much clearer picture of their evolutionary family tree. Found in nature only on the island nation of Madagascar, off Africa’s southeastern coast, lemurs and their close relatives the lorises represent the sister lineage to all other primates. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225213413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080226135434.htm An experimental, combination vaccine against ebola and Marburg viruses using virus-like particles provides complete protection against infection in monkeys. Traditionally vaccines against viral diseases have consisted of whole viruses, either the one that causes the disease in a weakened or dead state (like the polio vaccine) or a genetically similar virus that does not usually cause disease but elicits a protective immune response. The problem with this approach is there is the risk, however small, of viral reactivation and infection. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080226135434.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080218172305.htm Scientists have taken a significant step in understanding how retroviruses such as HIV can move between species and the biological mechanisms behind the "jumping genes" which make some monkeys immune. They will now use this knowledge to develop a gene therapy treatment for HIV/AIDS in humans. Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080218172305.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204172226.htm Polygamous baboon fathers get more grandchildren if they spend a little time with their children during their juvenile years, according to new research. The findings, in well-studied social groupings of yellow baboons living at the foot of Africa's Mt. Kilimanjaro, were unexpected in "multi-male" animal societies where both genders have multiple partners and mature males were thought to focus their energies almost solely on mating. Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204172226.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080123102413.htm Researchers have found the brain region that controls the decision to halt your midnight exploration of the refrigerator and commence enjoyment of that leftover chicken leg. In their experiments, the researchers presented monkeys with a choice of touch targets on a computer screen, requiring the monkeys to spend time exploring which target would trigger a juice reward. Once the monkeys discovered the reward target, the researchers then gave the animals a period during which they could repeatedly touch the reward target to obtain more juice. Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080123102413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080117093444.htm Monkeys living on an island without big cat predators do not show any particular alarm when recorded tiger growls are played to them, according to new research. The pig-tailed langurs do, however, flee in a hurry from the sound of human voices. Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080117093444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080115132850.htm A potentially fatal species of malaria is being commonly misdiagnosed as a more benign form of the disease, thereby putting lives at risk, according to new research. Malaria, which kills more than one million people each year, is caused when Plasmodium parasites are passed into the bloodstream from the salivary glands of mosquitoes. Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080115132850.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080107132133.htm If you wonder where you stand in the social pecking order at work, home and in the community, a little known group of primates found only in the highlands of Ethiopia may offer some clues. Psychology and anthropology researchers have spent more than a decade studying the social skills of non-human primates, focusing their attention on behavioral stress, aggression, social status and mate choice. Thu, 10 Jan 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080107132133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080102093936.htm Researchers have shown that the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance can be reversed when the naturally occurring brain peptide, orexin-A, is administered in monkeys. Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080102093936.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071221094920.htm A cluster of antiviral genes in humans has likely battled retroviral invasions for millions of years. New research now finds that in addition to the previously identified TRIM5 gene that can defend against retroviruses like HIV, a related gene right next door, called TRIM22, may have participated in antiviral defense. Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071221094920.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071213204034.htm Indonesia's new 10 year action plan for conserving orangutans will have important benefits in mitigating climate change. Deforestation, for timber, pulp and palm oil plantations, have pushed Indonesia into the status of being a major carbon emitter, while threatening globally significant wildlife populations. Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071213204034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071218101240.htm Monkeys have the ability to perform mental addition. In fact, monkeys performed about as well as college students given the same test. The findings shed light on the shared evolutionary origins of arithmetic ability in humans and non-human animals. Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071218101240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071206110818.htm Scientists exploring one of the largest remaining blocks of tropical forest in Western Africa discovered significant populations of new, rare and threatened species underscoring the area's high biological diversity and value. The discoveries include a critically endangered frog species, an unusually high 22 species of large mammals and six species of primates including two species of global conservation concern. Sat, 15 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071206110818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071214094129.htm While it is well understood that the evolution of new genes leads to adaptations that help species survive, gene loss may also afford a selective advantage. Scientists identified 26 losses of long-established genes, including 16 that were not previously known. Next they compared the identified genes in the complete genomes of the human, chimpanzee, rhesus monkey, mouse, rat, dog, and opossum to estimate the amount of time the gene was functional before it was lost. This refined the timing of the gene loss and also served as a benchmark for whether the gene in question was long-established, and therefore probably functional, or merely a loss of a redundant gene copy. Through this process, they found 6 genes that were lost only in the human. Sat, 15 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071214094129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071210094455.htm Scientists have found that when monkeys choose between different options, the value neurons assign to each option does not depend on the menu of choices. This phenomenon may explain a behavioral trait called preference transitivity, which is the hallmark of rational economic choice. The results may also elucidate our understanding of certain "choice deficits" such as eating disorders, compulsive gambling and other abnormal social behaviors. Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071210094455.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071206102256.htm How many times a day do you grab objects such as a pencil or a cup? We perform these tasks without thinking, however the motor planning necessary to grasp an object is quite complex. For example, waiters will pick up an inverted glass with their thumb pointing down if they plan to pour water into the glass. Is this something that other animals, non-tool users, would do? Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071206102256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071129183731.htm A noninvasive, polarized light microscope invented at the Marine Biological Laboratory played a crucial role in a recent breakthrough in embryonic stem-cell research aimed at developing medical therapies. Oregon Health & Science University recently reported the successful derivation of stem cells from cloned monkey embryos. While embryonic stem cells have been made from cloned embryos in a mouse, this is the first time they have been produced in a primate. Mon, 03 Dec 2007 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071129183731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071120195703.htm Researchers have discovered that using an immune system gene to enhance a vaccine used to study HIV in macaque monkeys provides the animals with greater protection against simian HIV than an unmodified vaccine. Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071120195703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071119175028.htm Scientists have determined at very high resolution the first X-ray crystal structure of a Rhesus protein. This offers important insights into how these proteins facilitate the movement of ammonium across cell membranes. It also gives new information about the likely structure of these clinically important proteins in humans. Tue, 20 Nov 2007 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071119175028.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071115072744.htm Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University's Oregon National Primate Research Center have made a significant breakthrough in efforts to develop human stem cell therapies that may be used to combat numerous devastating diseases. For the first time, scientists have successfully derived embryonic stem cells by reprogramming of genetic material from skin cells while studying rhesus macaque monkeys. The breakthrough follows several previously unsuccessful attempts by the OHSU-based team and other scientific teams worldwide. Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071115072744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071105153607.htm Biologists have discovered a new species of peccary, a member of the pig family, in the basin of the Rio Aripuanã in the south-eastern Amazon region. The divergence time from the already known peccary species (the time which has passed since the evolutionary division) has been set at one to 1.2 million years. Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071105153607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071108180449.htm A new vaccine that protects monkeys against the avian influenza virus is now a candidate for clinical trial in humans. The rate of transmission of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) from birds to humans is rapidly increasing. The H5N1 strain is responsible for 278 known human infections resulting in 168 deaths. Fri, 09 Nov 2007 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071108180449.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071107100715.htm Sarph lives. He's nearly 15 years old, and he knows where the predators lurk, where to find food, and how to make a baby with his wild-born mate. Seven-year-old brothers Tany and Masoandro are there too, in the steep and steamy rainforest of the Betampona Reserve in northeastern Madagascar, a large island off the southeast coast of the African continent. They're perfectly at home in the wild now, but these three black and white ruffed lemurs were born in not-so-wild at the Duke University Lemur Center. Thu, 08 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071107100715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071105091923.htm Amid continuing concerns that anthrax might be used as a bioterrorism weapon, government researchers report development of a faster, more sensitive blood test for detecting the deadly toxins produced by the anthrax bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. The test produces results in only 4 hours and could save lives by allowing earlier detection of infection, they say. Thu, 08 Nov 2007 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071105091923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071030191832.htm Madagascar's geographic isolation has allowed lemurs to thrive and evolve. The 85 species of lemurs there fill a range of niches across the island's varied landscapes and climates. However, most species are classified as endangered by the World Conservation Union. Their scarcity adds a sense of urgency to the research done at this time. Sat, 03 Nov 2007 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071030191832.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071101145003.htm Animals that resemble furry kites as they glide on sheets of skin comprise a little-known group that is more closely related to primates -- including humans -- than to any other group of living mammals. The new research reveals the need for specific species-conservation and habitat-conservation efforts in southeast Asia and for the rapid development of a draft genome of one of the two species in this little-known grouping, nicknamed "flying lemurs." Sat, 03 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071101145003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071030080638.htm Single neurons in the primate cortex associate numerical meaning with visual signs, thus providing insight into precursor mechanisms of human symbol acquisition. Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071030080638.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071026095223.htm Mankind's closest living relatives -- the world's apes, monkeys, lemurs and other primates -- are under unprecedented threat from destruction of tropical forests, illegal wildlife trade and commercial bushmeat hunting, with 29 percent of all species in danger of going extinct, according to a new report. Mon, 29 Oct 2007 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071026095223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071024141749.htm Forest fragmentation threatens biodiversity, often causing declines or local extinctions in a majority of species while enhancing the prospects of a few. A new study shows that parasites can play a pivotal role in the decline of species in fragmented forests. This is the first study to look at how forest fragmentation increases the burden of infectious parasites on animals already stressed by disturbances to their habitat. Sun, 28 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071024141749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071024144314.htm When it comes to their social behavior, people sometimes act like monkeys, or more specifically, like rhesus macaques, a type of monkey that shares with humans strong tendencies for nepotism and political maneuvering, according to new research. "After humans, rhesus macaques are one of the most successful primate species on our planet; our Machiavellian intelligence may be one of the reasons for our success," says one of the scientists. Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071024144314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071018132947.htm With an eye on curing diabetes, scientists have successfully transplanted embryonic pig pancreatic cells destined to produce insulin into diabetic macaque monkeys -- all without the need for risky immune suppression drugs that prevent rejection. Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071018132947.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071015193429.htm Soon after marmosets reach adulthood, the rate at which new neural cells form in the hippocampus region of the animals' brains begins to decline. The hippocampus is associated with both learning and memory. While similar observations have been made previously in the brains of rodents, this is the first time the decrease in new cell growth has been noted in a primate. Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071015193429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071009212538.htm The population dynamics of complete copies of primate endogenous retrovirus family K in the genomes of humans, chimpanzee and rhesus monkey have revealed a surprising pattern. Human ERV-K had a similar demographic signature to that of the rhesus monkey, both differing greatly from that of the chimpanzee. Fri, 12 Oct 2007 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071009212538.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070925090250.htm Sperm cells from the more promiscuous chimpanzee and rhesus macaque species swim much faster and with much greater force than those of humans and gorillas, species where individual females mate primarily with only one male during a reproductive cycle. Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070925090250.htm