Brain capacity increases as social networks grow

Monkey brains grow bigger with every cagemate they acquire, according to a new study by primatologists at Oxford University.

Results from the study show that certain parts of the brain associated with processing social information expand in response to an increasingly complex social environment.

For a preview of the findings see: http://www.livescience.com/16865-social-network-monkey-brain.html

The full research article will be published in the journal Science on the 4th of November 2011.

Monkeys put to work as waiters in Japanese restaurant

Two macaque monkeys have been caught on film serving drinks, snacks and hot towels to customers in a restaurant in Japan.

The family pets, Yatchan and Fukuchan, are paid with soya beans in return for their help behind the bar.

The premises are regularly inspected to ensure that animal rights regulations are not being broken.

For a full video report see: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/7654267.stm

Mandrill uses self-made tool for pedicure

A crude pedicure performed by a mandrill at Chester Zoo suggests monkeys are capable of more advanced tool use than previously believed.

 

Scientists from Durham University filmed the mandrill stripping a twig and using it to clean under its toenails.

The research, published in the journal Behavioural Processes, cites Mandrills as the fifth species of Old World monkey seen deliberately modifying tools.

Non-human apes, usually chimpanzees and orangutans, are often seen adapting basic tools for specific jobs, such as peeling fruits or fishing for termites.

Researcher Dr Riccardo Pansini believes that his new findings indicate that mandrills’ intelligence has previously been underestimated.

Dr Pansini said: "It is an ability that, up until a few years ago, was thought to be unique to humans."

"The gap between monkeys and great apes is not as large as we thought it was in terms of tool use and modification."

Though he was excited by his recent discovery, Dr Pansini said he was not surprised as in the past he has witnessed mandrills modifying tools to clean their ears in order to prevent infections.

Although some similar behaviour has also been observed in natural habitats, he believes the mandrills' captive setting encourges tool use.

For the original video see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGkWisd3R7g

"Project Nim" tells true story of ground-breaking primate experiment

This insightful documentary tells the true story of a chimpanzee raised by scientists in the 1970s as part of a landmark study into communication.

In 1973, a group of American primatologists set out to discover if a chimp named ‘Nim Chimpsky’ who was raised like a human child could learn to communicate through language.

The story of Nim's amazing journey through human society and the relationships he forms with those around him make for a brave and unsentimental biography.

James Marsh and the Oscar-winning team behind Man on Wire tell this extraordinary story through previously unseen archive footage and interviews.

 For the full HD trailer see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_vha0FI0j8

Millie the mandrill develops own sign language

Researchers believe a monkey at Colchester Zoo has developed a sign language unique to her family.

Since Millie began signing earlier this year, six young males in the group have followed her example.

For the original video footage see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-14423989