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Scientists have long debated when early humans learned that they could use fire to cook their food. Some believe this occurred soon after humans learned to control fire, others argue there isn’t enough evidence. A scientific study in a chimpanzee sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has shed new light on these persistent questions. The experiment gave chimps a machine to “cook” their food and tracked their preference for cooked food and how it changed their eating behaviors. Listen to learn more about this experiment and how it plays into the debate about when early humans began to cook.
Story Length: 3:43
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August 26, 2021
3:02
Humans are not the only species that laughs during play. Scientists have identified dozens of other animals, from gorillas to rats, that giggle, chuckle, and guffaw, and they are investigating the meaning of these behaviors. Listen to hear the sounds of animal laughter and find out what researchers hope to learn by studying it.
Read MoreJune 16, 2015
5:53
We all know that a panda’s primary food source is bamboo. But a new study about giant pandas has found that their digestive system is built to support a carnivorous diet, not their vegetarian one. Listen to learn more about what and how pandas eat and how this is part of a panda paradox.
Read MoreJanuary 29, 2015
3:39
Great apes such as orangutans, chimpanzees and gorillas have long been known for their intelligence and have been thought to be early ancestors of humans. Orangutans who could whistle led scientists to discover even more fascinating orangutan vocalizations. Listen to learn more about this discovery and what it may mean for the origin of human speech.
Read MoreJuly 8, 2014
7:54
Fire ants are known as nature's "engineers" for their ability to morph, heal, and flow through continuous team work. They can build bridges as well as self-sustaining water rafts that can float for weeks. Listen to this public radio story to learn how they do it.
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