Exploring the evolutionary rarity of menopause in animals through a study of toothed whales, discussing the benefits and insights gained from comparing whales that experience menopause with those that don't. Uncovering the hidden stopovers of migrating songbirds and the vital role of weather radar in tracking their synchronized movements. Highlighting the importance of private land for conservation partnerships in midwest and east deciduous forests.
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Quick takeaways
Menopause in toothed whales may be linked to increased longevity by allowing older females to provide intergenerational help.
Research on whales may help explain menopause in humans by focusing on maximizing offspring for gene propagation.
Deep dives
Innovative Patch for Vocal Disorders
A team at UCLA has developed a patch that adheres to the throat to help individuals with voice disorders speak without the need for hand-held devices. This one-square-inch patch converts muscle movements into electrical signals, resulting in audible speech without hands being required. The device, featured in the journal Nature Communications, utilizes a machine learning algorithm to correlate the electrical signals to words with an accuracy rate of about 95%, offering a potential future alternative for those with voice impairments.
Menopause in Toothed Whales
Toothed whales, like killer whales, experience menopause, a rarity among animals. Research has shown that female whales undergoing menopause live significantly longer than other species, indicating a link to increased longevity. The study suggests that menopause in toothed whales may allow older females to provide intergenerational help instead of competing with younger generations for resources like food, shedding light on the social benefits of menopause in certain mammal species.
Secret Rest Stops of Songbirds During Migration
A recent study published in Current Biology has revealed the elusive resting locations of migrating songbirds along the eastern US using weather radar technology. By identifying these secret rest stops, conservation efforts can be better directed towards protecting vital habitats for bird populations facing significant declines. The researchers discovered hotspots in deciduous forest fragments and highlighted the potential for collaboration with private landowners to enhance bird conservation initiatives in these crucial areas.
Across the animal kingdom, menopause is something of an evolutionary blip. We humans are one of the few animals to experience it. But Sam Ellis, a researcher in animal behavior, argues that this isn't so surprising. "The best way to propagate your genes is to get as many offspring as possible into the next generation," says Ellis. "The best way to do that is almost always to reproduce your whole life."
So how did menopause evolve? The answer may lie in whales. Ellis and his team at the University of Exeter recently published a study in the journal Nature that studies the evolution of menopause in the undersea animals most known for it. What they uncovered may even help explain menopause in humans.
Curious about other animal behavior mysteries? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.