Animals

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have found ethanol in the nectar of most plant species examined, meaning pollinators like bees and hummingbirds consume alcohol daily. An Anna's hummingbird drinks an amount equivalent to one human alcoholic beverage per day, yet shows no intoxication. The findings, published March 25 in Royal Society Open Science, suggest evolutionary tolerance to low-level ethanol.

25. mars 2026 Rapportert av AI

Honey bees perform their waggle dance more precisely when more hive mates watch, according to a new study. Researchers found that dancers adjust their movements to attract followers, sacrificing accuracy for engagement when audiences are small. The findings highlight the social dynamics of bee communication.

The Federal Court in Rio de Janeiro has condemned three defendants for smuggling, mistreatment, and obstruction of environmental oversight in the irregular importation of 18 giraffes from South Africa in November 2021. Four animals died shortly after arrival, and the 14 survivors are under Ibama's custody. Defenses have announced appeals against the ruling.

4. mars 2026 Rapportert av AI

Researchers have identified a highly flexible region in cats' spines that allows them to rotate their bodies sequentially while falling, ensuring they land on their feet. Experiments on cat spines and high-speed videos of falling cats support the tuck-and-turn model over other theories. The findings suggest cats may prefer twisting in one direction due to anatomical asymmetries.