Explore the remarkable memory abilities of black-capped chickadees and how neural activity works like a barcode to aid their impressive seed-stashing feats. Discover the connection between tiny songbirds' memories and human memory, as well as the fascinating world of AI interaction through robotic faces learning to smile. Delve into centuries-old Hiku poems and the neglect of aquatic arthropods, alongside engaging in the Hexapod Hiku challenge and a personal zoo poetry contest story.
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Quick takeaways
Unique brain patterns in chickadees resemble a barcode, aiding memory retention.
A robotic face, Emo, learns to smile through AI, enhancing human-robot interactions.
Deep dives
Chickadees' impressive memories
Researchers at Columbia University studied black-capped chickadees known for stashing seeds in numerous locations. By observing unique brain patterns firing off in the birds' hippocampus each time they hide a seed, scientists found similarities to a barcode-like activity. This significant memory retention is crucial for chickadees' survival in finding food during scarce times.
Robot learning to smile
A team at Columbia University created a robotic face named emo, capable of learning how to smile through AI by watching videos and observing itself in a mirror. Emo's ability to anticipate human smiles and react accordingly showcases advancements in non-verbal communication for robots. This development aims to overcome the uncanny valley for more realistic human-robot interactions.
Insects and poetry - Haiku analysis
Researchers at the Frost Entomological Museum analyzed Haiku poems referencing arthropods, unveiling a preference for Lepidoptera like butterflies and moths. While these insects received significant attention, aquatic arthropods such as caddis flies were often overlooked in the poems. An ongoing Hexapod Haiku challenge encourages entries, including a special category highlighting aquatic arthropods to promote a diverse representation in poetry.
Tiny, black-capped chickadees have big memories. They stash food in hundreds to thousands of locations in the wild – and then come back to these stashes when other food sources are low. Now, researchers at Columbia University's Zuckerman Institute think neural activity that works like a barcode may be to thank for this impressive feat — and that it might be a clue for how memories work across species.
Curious about other animal behavior mysteries? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.