Humpback whales could be secretly trying to talk to humans, scientists say
Humpback whales have been documented for the first time creating large bubble rings in water during friendly interactions with humans, suggesting they could be trying to communicate with us.
The whales are known to use bubbles to hunt prey and when competing to escort females.
They don't just produce these rings but also manipulate them in a variety of ways, actively controlling their size and depth.
A new study, published in Marine Mammal Science, hints that they could be trying to communicate with humans using the bubbles during friendly encounters.
' This important assumption is certainly supported by the independent evolution of curious behaviour in humpback whales,' said Laurance Doyle, an author of the study from SETI Institute.
Researchers have previously documented the whales living in complex societies and using their ring bubbles to assist other species harassed by predators.
The bubble rings are described by researchers as spinning, air-infused vortices that look like 'giant smoke rings' about a metre in diameter.
The whales often exhibit inquisitive, friendly behaviour towards boats and human swimmers. "Now, akin to a candidate signal, we show they are blowing bubble rings in our direction in an apparent attempt to playfully interact, observe our response, and/or engage in some form of communication,' study co-author Fred Sharpe said.
"We've now located a dozen whales from populations around the world, the majority of which have voluntarily approached boats and swimmers blowing bubble rings during these episodes of curious behaviour,' said Jodi Frediani, another author of the study,
In the study, researchers analysed 12 humpback whale bubble ring production incidents, totalling 39 rings made by 11 individuals. They categorised the whales into known age classes: yearling; 4-6 years old subadult; and adult.
In many of these instances, during ring release, the whales were motionless or slowly idling forward 'with blowholes held upright and the body mostly in the horizontal position'.
'None of the other ten episodes were associated with feeding behaviour nor were prey organisms noted within rings,' the researchers noted.
They also confirmed that none of the observed whales expressed any aggressive behaviour towards a boat or a human swimmer.
In a majority of the observed incidents the ring blowing whale was alone, suggesting that the intended recipient wasn't another whale.
'Ring generation during inquisitive encounters adds to the humpback whale's diverse interspecies behaviours,' the scientists wrote.
The findings are also intriguing since researchers believe interacting with the humpbacks can be a proxy for communicating with aliens.
Studying these whale interactions can offer valuable insights into non-human intelligence and potentially help refine methods for detecting extraterrestrial life, scientists say.
'More research is needed to systematically study bubble ring production and ascertain under what conditions bubble rings are consistently produced,' they said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
The explosive figure scientists want leaders to know about ocean warming
Scientists warn the ocean has absorbed heat to match the energy of 1.7 billion atomic bomb explosions since the Paris Agreement, leading to record temperatures, sea ice loss, and coral bleaching. The UN Ocean Conference in Nice is addressing these issues, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres urging a shift "from plunder to protection" to save the oceans. Record sea surface temperatures, an all-time low for global sea ice, and the largest coral bleaching event ever recorded are among the most serious warnings. France's President Emmanuel Macron said the High Seas Treaty could be in force by January 2026 and reiterated France's call for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. The UK announced it would introduce legislation by the end of the year to ratify the High Seas Treaty, while experts call for stronger integration between climate policy and marine conservation efforts.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
Scientists identify strange 'communication' of non-human intelligence in Earth's oceans
Scientists have found the source of a strange form of communication in the ocean that they say could help them locate extraterrestrial life in space. Researchers from the SETI Institute (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) revealed that large 'smoke ring-like' bubbles coming from underwater were created by humpback whales, which researchers believe is their way of greeting nearby humans. It's the first time scientists have seen whales sending out these unique rings while interacting with people in the wild, and the SETI team said they show an intentional attempt to get the attention of humans - just like saying hello. Until now, the bubble rings have only been seen while humpbacks were gathering prey and when males were making a trail of bubble rings to attract a mate. Researchers said it's quite possible whales have been trying to communicate with people for years but the phenomenon hasn't been studied until now. The team added that these bubble rings could help researchers refine their search for an alien intelligence in the cosmos, opening a door to spotting unusual signals from space that we normally wouldn't think are meant for humans. Study co-lead author Dr Fred Sharpe from the University of California-Davis said: 'They are blowing bubble rings in our direction in an apparent attempt to playfully interact, observe our response, and/or engage in some form of communication.' Now, the institute's WhaleSETI team is studying if this could be a sign that intelligent marine animals are trying to talk to humans, in the same way that aliens from a distant ocean may try to contact Earth. The SETI Institute is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to searching for extraterrestrial intelligence and studying the origins and nature of life in the universe. Scientists analyzed 12 bubble ring episodes that involved 11 different humpback whales between 2019 and 2023 in the wild. These rare reports came from naturalists, citizen scientists, and researchers who revealed what they saw on social media, during interviews, or at scientific conferences. In total, the witnesses spotted 39 bubble rings from whale-watching boats, research vessels, private ships, and airplanes. The study, published in Marine Mammal Science, found that bubble rings were produced in three main contexts: feeding, resting, and curiosity - which was the most common purpose. There were nine instances of humpback whales blowing bubble rings near boats and swimmers. The whales in these cases were consistently seen approaching boats and people in the water without any signs of aggression, splashing their tails and spraying water out of their blowholes. The researchers said this was a clear sign that the humpbacks were relaxed and trying to be playful, leading them to feel comfortable communicating with the humans near them. They typically let out bubble rings from their blowholes that were six to 10 feet in diameter, which floated straight up and look like a smoke ring when they reached the ocean surface. The rings were often aimed right at humans and were paired with other playful behaviors like circling the boats or peeking at swimmers. The humpbacks didn't show anger or fear and lingered after sending out the bubble ring, almost as if waiting for the people to 'answer' their greeting. Scientists concluded that these rings might be a whale's way of saying, 'Hey, let's chat!' or play a game to see how we react, much like a child blowing bubbles to get our attention. The team from SETI said this never-before-seen behavior among humpback whales further supports the assumption that intelligent extraterrestrial life might also seek contact with humans. SETI Institute scientist and study co-author Dr Laurance Doyle said: 'This important assumption is certainly supported by the independent evolution of curious behavior in humpback whales.' Humpback whales have been a constant resource in SETI's search for alien life, with researchers using them as a model of intelligent, non-human creatures which may be living on distant ocean worlds By studying these whales and their new interactions with people as an example of non-human intelligence, WhaleSETI researchers are creating ways of finding and translating potential signals found in space. The institute suggested that bubble rings could be a deliberate attempt by whales to talk with humans they considered peaceful, not just aimless play. According to SETI, this would mimic how extraterrestrials might target satellite receivers on Earth if they wanted to contact humanity. This isn't the first time the WhaleSETI team has connected the behavior of humpbacks to aliens. In 2023, scientists engaged in a 20-minute 'conversation' with a humpback whale named Twain in Alaska. They played whale calls for her and Twain responded with similar calls, matching the timing like a back-and-forth chat. That study showed whales can intentionally interact with humans, helping SETI scientists understand the non-human intelligences they may find in space. 'By integrating our findings into the broader context of Drake's Equation, we aspire to advance our understanding of the factors influencing the emergence of communicative intelligence in extraterrestrial civilizations,' the WhaleSETI team explained in a statement. Drake's Equation is a mathematical formula created in 1961 to estimate the number of extraterrestrial civilizations in our galaxy that can communicate with humans and might be detectable through their signals, like radio waves. If whales show that curiosity and friendly interactions are key to communication, it suggests alien civilizations might also need these traits to develop detectable signals, influencing the numbers in Drake's Equation and guiding SETI's search for life beyond Earth.
Geeky Gadgets
3 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
How Golf Ball Dimples Could Transform Aviation and Marine Travel
Could the secret to transforming propeller design lie in the dimples of a golf ball? It might sound far-fetched, but the same aerodynamic principles that allow a golf ball to soar farther and faster could hold the key to transforming how propellers perform. By reducing drag and optimizing airflow, these tiny, unassuming dimples have already proven their worth in sports. Now, engineers are asking a bold question: could this same technology redefine propulsion systems across aviation, marine transportation, and renewable energy? The implications are staggering—imagine planes that consume less fuel, ships that glide more efficiently through water, and wind turbines that generate more energy with less noise. The future of propulsion might just be hiding in plain sight. In this exploration, Ziroth uncover how the science of dimples could reshape the way we think about efficiency and performance. From reducing drag to boosting lift, the potential benefits of dimpled propellers extend far beyond simple tweaks—they could represent a paradigm shift in engineering. You'll discover how this innovation could address critical challenges like fuel consumption, environmental impact, and even noise pollution. But how exactly do these tiny grooves work their magic, and what industries stand to gain the most? The answers might surprise you, offering a glimpse into a future where smarter design meets sustainability. Golf Ball Dimples Transforming Propellers The dimples on a golf ball are specifically designed to manipulate airflow by creating a thin layer of turbulence around the ball. This controlled turbulence reduces drag and increases lift, allowing the ball to travel farther with greater efficiency. Engineers are exploring how this principle can be applied to propellers. By incorporating dimples onto propeller surfaces, they aim to reduce resistance as the blades move through air or water. The anticipated outcome is smoother, more efficient propulsion that could redefine performance standards in various applications. Why Dimples Could Transform Propeller Design The integration of dimple technology into propeller design offers a range of potential benefits that could reshape the future of propulsion systems: Drag Reduction: Dimples alter airflow patterns, minimizing drag and allowing propellers to move more efficiently through their operating medium. Dimples alter airflow patterns, minimizing drag and allowing propellers to move more efficiently through their operating medium. Energy Efficiency: By optimizing airflow, dimpled propellers could reduce energy consumption, making propulsion systems more sustainable and cost-effective. By optimizing airflow, dimpled propellers could reduce energy consumption, making propulsion systems more sustainable and cost-effective. Enhanced Lift: Dimples may improve the lift-to-drag ratio, increasing the thrust generated by the propeller blades and boosting overall performance. These advantages hold particular promise for industries such as aviation, marine transportation, and renewable energy, where efficiency and performance are critical to success. The potential to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while improving operational capabilities makes dimple technology an exciting area of exploration. How Dimples Influence Aerodynamics Watch this video on YouTube. Find more information on new innovations by browsing our extensive range of articles, guides and tutorials. Propulsion Systems and Emerging Innovations The exploration of dimpled propeller designs aligns with broader trends in propulsion system innovation. Engineers are continually seeking ways to enhance performance while minimizing environmental impact. Dimple technology could complement other advancements, such as the development of lightweight materials, improved propulsion mechanisms, and advanced computational modeling for aerodynamic optimization. When combined, these innovations could lead to propulsion systems that consume less fuel, emit fewer pollutants, and operate more efficiently. For example, in aviation, dimpled propellers could work alongside lightweight composite materials to achieve unprecedented levels of fuel efficiency. In marine applications, this technology could reduce drag on ship propellers, lowering operational costs and environmental impact. How Dimples Optimize Airflow Airflow optimization is a fundamental aspect of aerodynamic design, and dimple technology offers a unique and effective way to achieve it. By disrupting the boundary layer of air around a propeller, dimples reduce turbulence and increase stability. This not only enhances propulsion efficiency but also addresses other critical factors, such as noise reduction. In aviation, quieter propellers could improve passenger comfort and reduce noise pollution near airports. In wind energy, dimpled turbine blades could capture wind more effectively while operating with less noise, making them more suitable for urban or residential areas. By fine-tuning airflow patterns, dimple technology has the potential to deliver quieter, more precise, and highly efficient designs across multiple applications. Applications Across Industries The versatility of dimple technology makes it applicable to a wide range of industries that rely on propeller-driven systems. Some key examples include: Aviation: Aircraft propellers with dimpled surfaces could achieve better fuel efficiency, lower noise levels, and enhanced performance, improving both operational costs and passenger experience. Aircraft propellers with dimpled surfaces could achieve better fuel efficiency, lower noise levels, and enhanced performance, improving both operational costs and passenger experience. Marine Transportation: Ships, submarines, and other marine vessels could benefit from reduced drag and improved propulsion efficiency, leading to lower fuel consumption and a smaller environmental footprint. Ships, submarines, and other marine vessels could benefit from reduced drag and improved propulsion efficiency, leading to lower fuel consumption and a smaller environmental footprint. Renewable Energy: Wind turbines with dimpled blades could capture wind energy more effectively, increasing power generation and contributing to the global push for sustainable energy solutions. These examples highlight the broad potential of dimple technology to address modern engineering challenges. By improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact, this innovation could play a pivotal role in advancing technology across diverse fields. Looking Ahead The application of golf ball dimple technology to propellers represents a bold and promising step in the evolution of aerodynamic design. By reducing drag, enhancing lift, and optimizing airflow, this approach has the potential to transform propulsion systems across industries. As research and development continue, dimple technology could unlock new possibilities for improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and advancing sustainability. This innovation may pave the way for a future where high performance and environmental responsibility go hand in hand, offering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in modern engineering. Media Credit: Ziroth Filed Under: Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
