Latest news with #MaxPlanck
The Guardian
20-05-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
Video suggests capuchin monkeys ‘kidnap' baby howler monkeys, scientists say
Scientists have spotted surprising evidence of what they describe as monkey kidnappings while reviewing video footage from a small Panamanian island. Capuchin monkeys were seen carrying at least 11 howler babies between 2022 and 2023. 'This was very much a shocking finding,' said Zoë Goldsborough, a behavioural ecologist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany. 'We've not seen anything like this in the animal kingdom.' The monkeys' motivations remain under investigation. Capuchins are house cat-size monkeys found in South America and Central America. They are long-lived, clever and learn new behaviours from each other. One group of capuchins in Panama has even learned to use stone tools to crack open nuts and seafood. Goldsborough and other researchers at Max Planck and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute had set up more than 80 cameras to study capuchin tool use, but were surprised to see the first howler babies appear in early 2022. The footage showed the capuchins walking and pounding their stone tools with baby howlers on their backs. But cameras did not capture the moments of abduction, which scientists said likely happened up in the trees, where howlers spend most of their time. 'Our window into this story is constrained,' said co-author Margaret Crofoot of Max Planck and the Smithsonian. The findings were published on Monday in the journal Current Biology. In most or all cases, the baby howlers died, researchers said. Infant howler monkeys would normally be carried by their mothers while still nursing. All the babies in the video – from a few weeks to a few months in age – were too young to be weaned. 'A hopeful part of me wants to believe some escaped and went back to their mothers, but we don't know,' said Crofoot. The videos recorded a few instances of young capuchin males still carrying howler babies that had died, likely from starvation. Many animals – from gorillas to orcas – have been observed carrying their own dead offspring, though scientists aren't sure the reasons. Why did the capuchin males do it? There were no signs of deliberate aggression toward the babies and they weren't eaten, ruling out predation. 'We've all spent hours racking our brains why they would do this,' said Goldsborough. The first baby-snatcher may have had a confused 'caring motivation', or parental instinct, because he showed gentleness interacting with the infants, she said. Then four other males copied his actions. The researchers said they don't believe the capuchins harmed the babies on purpose. So far, only one group of capuchins has been known to kidnap. The research shows the 'remarkable behavioural variation across social groups of the same species', said Catherine Crockford, a primatologist at the CNRS Institute for Cognitive Sciences in France, who was not involved in the study.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
Moment monkey 'kidnaps' a baby of another species and carries the bub away on its back... and experts are struggling to work out why
Fascinating new video footage captured on a remote island has captured a bizarre new phenomenon - baby monkeys being abducted by another species. The unprecedented craze of so-called 'monkey kidnappings' by capuchin monkeys have left scientists baffled, having first discovered the distinctive behaviour while reviewing footage from the small island of Panama. Zoe Goldsborough, alongside other researchers at Max Planck and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Germany, had initially set up more than 80 cameras to study capuchin tool use, but were shocked to witness the first howler babies begin to appear in early 2022. In bewildering new footage shared on YouTube a capuchin monkey, the size of a house-cat, is videoed with a baby howler monkey clinging to its back. Neither monkey are related, nor even of the same species. In fact, over the course of the 'tends and thousands of video footage and images', the all-male capuchin monkeys were seen carrying at least 11 howler babies between 2022 and 2023. Ms Goldsborough described the kidnappings as a 'shocking finding', with it still unclear what motivated the monkeys to carry out the mass abductions. Stressing the unprecedented nature of the footage, she added: 'We've not seen anything like this in the animal kingdom. 'We could see, for instance, that it was not a case of adoption where these babies were found by the capuchins, but rather abduction, because the infants tried to escape, they called to their parents who called back and we also saw the capuchins preventing them from escaping.' Meanwhile, Margaret Crofoot, co-author of Max Planck and Smithsonian, who have published the findings from the study in the Current Biology journal, described the early photographs of the kidnappings as 'so weird and so wrong'. The fascinating video showed the capuchins walking and pounding their stone tools with baby howlers on their backs. However, cameras did not capture the moments of abduction, which scientists said likely happened up in the trees, where howlers spend most of their time. As a result, Ms Crofoot described their 'window' into the story as 'constrained'. In most or all cases, the baby howlers died, the researchers said. Infant howler monkeys would normally be carried by their mothers while still nursing. All the babies in the video - from a few weeks to a few months in age - were too young to be weaned. Ms Crofoot added: 'A hopeful part of me wants to believe some escaped and went back to their mothers, but we don't know'. The videos recorded a few instances of young capuchin males still carrying howler babies that had died, likely from starvation. Many animals - from gorillas to orcas - have been observed carrying their own dead offspring, though scientists are unsure of sure the reasons. Found solely in South America and Central America, the capuchin monkeys are long-lived, intellectual and often learn new behaviours from each other. One particular group of capuchins in Panama even learned how to use stone tools to crack open nuts and seafood. But, the question still remains - Why did the capuchin males do it? There were no signs of deliberate aggression toward the babies and they weren't eaten, ruling out predation. Ms Goldsborough said that the scientists have 'all spent hours wracking our brains why they would do this'. The first baby-snatcher may have had a confused 'caring motivation,' or parental instinct, because he showed gentleness interacting with the infants, she said. Then four other males copied his actions. Brendan Barrett, project leader for the Department for Ecology of Animal Societies, said that given there was no utility or function of the kidnapping, the monkeys may have been doing it simply out of 'boredom' given there is a lot of 'free time' on islands. The researchers said they don't believe the capuchins harmed the babies on purpose. So far, only one other group of capuchins has been known to kidnap. The research shows the 'remarkable behavioral variation across social groups of the same species,' said Catherine Crockford, a primatologist at the CNRS Institute for Cognitive Sciences in France, who was not involved in the study.
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Science
- The Independent
Caught on camera, capuchin monkeys kidnap howler monkey babies
A baby howler monkey clung to the back of an older male monkey, its tiny fingers grasping fur. But they're not related and not even the same species. Scientists spotted surprising evidence of what they describe as monkey kidnappings while reviewing video footage from a small island of Panama. The capuchin monkeys were seen carrying at least 11 howler babies between 2022 and 2023. 'This was very much a shocking finding,' said Zoë Goldsborough, a behavioral ecologist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany. 'We've not seen anything like this in the animal kingdom." The monkeys' motivations remain under investigation. Capuchins are house cat-size monkeys found in South America and Central America. They are long-lived, clever and learn new behaviors from each other. One group of capuchins in Panama has even learned to use stone tools to crack open nuts and seafood. Goldsberg and other researchers at Max Planck and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute had set up more than 80 cameras to study capuchin tool use, but were surprised to see the first howler babies appear in early 2022. The footage showed the capuchins walking and pounding their stone tools with baby howlers on their backs. But cameras did not capture the moments of abduction, which scientists said likely happened up in the trees, where howlers spend most of their time. 'Our window into this story is constrained,' said co-author Margaret Crofoot of Max Planck and the Smithsonian. The findings were published Monday in the journal Current Biology. In most or all cases, the baby howlers died, researchers said. Infant howler monkeys would normally be carried by their mothers while still nursing. All the babies in the video -- from a few weeks to a few months in age -- were too young to be weaned. 'A hopeful part of me wants to believe some escaped and went back to their mothers, but we don't know," said Crofoot. The videos recorded a few instances of young capuchin males still carrying howler babies that had died, likely from starvation. Many animals -- from gorillas to orcas -- have been observed carrying their own dead offspring, though scientists aren't sure the reasons. Why did the capuchin males do it? There were no signs of deliberate aggression toward the babies and they weren't eaten, ruling out predation. 'We've all spent hours wracking our brains why they would do this,' said Goldsborough. The first baby-snatcher may have had a confused 'caring motivation,' or parental instinct, because he showed gentleness interacting with the infants, she said. Then four other males copied his actions. The researchers said they don't believe the capuchins harmed the babies on purpose. So far, only one group of capuchins has been known to kidnap. The research shows the 'remarkable behavioral variation across social groups of the same species,' said Catherine Crockford, a primatologist at the CNRS Institute for Cognitive Sciences in France, who was not involved in the study. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Science
- Associated Press
No One Owns Quantum Science: The First Principle of the International Year of Quantum
By Jenn Mullen As we celebrate 2025—the International Year of Quantum (IYQ)—we embark on a journey through the eight guiding principles that have shaped a century of quantum discovery. This series begins with perhaps the most foundational principle: 'No one owns quantum science.' The Declaration The IYQ's official declaration of this principle states: 'No individual, society, country, institution, or discipline can claim ownership of the past or future of quantum science; it is knowledge that should be free to all. IYQ recognizes those who put effort into studying, developing, investigating, using, and teaching quantum science and technology, while seeking to solicit and answer questions from anyone who wants to learn more about it.' This statement isn't merely aspirational—it reflects the very essence of how quantum mechanics emerged and continues to evolve. But what does it mean in practice, and why does it matter as we commemorate 100 years of quantum mechanics? Born from Collective Genius When we trace quantum science to its origins, we find not a single inventor but a tapestry of brilliant minds wrestling with the universe's most profound mysteries. In July 1925, Werner Heisenberg published his groundbreaking paper on quantum theoretical reinterpretation, followed shortly by the seminal " Three-Man Paper " with Max Born and Pascual Jordan that September. Yet these works didn't emerge from isolation. They built upon the quantum theories of Max Planck and Albert Einstein's work on the photoelectric effect. They were influenced by Niels Bohr's atomic model and Louis de Broglie's matter waves. The mathematics drew from the work of numerous mathematicians across Europe. No single genius 'invented' quantum mechanics—it evolved through conversation, correspondence, and spirited debate among physicists from Germany, Denmark, Austria, France, the Netherlands, and beyond. The famous Solvay Conferences, beginning in 1911, exemplified this spirit of international collaboration. Scientists gathered across national boundaries—sometimes even as their countries were in political conflict—to grapple with quantum's deepest questions. The iconic 1927 Fifth Solvay Conference photo captures this perfectly: 29 scientists from different countries and backgrounds united by a shared quest to understand the quantum world . Today's Quantum Commons A century later, this collaborative ethos thrives in initiatives like the European Quantum Flagship, the US National Quantum Initiative, China's national quantum projects, and international research partnerships that span continents. While nations may compete in quantum advancement, the underlying science remains part of our shared human heritage. Modern quantum computing companies—despite operating in a competitive landscape—have fostered remarkable openness. Many maintain open-source tools and frameworks that invite global contribution. A number of companies and platforms provide cloud access to quantum processors, allowing researchers, educators, and curious minds worldwide to run quantum experiments without needing to build multi-million-dollar hardware. Repositories of quantum algorithms and educational resources created by and for developers from every corner of the globe are widely available. Graduate students in Bangalore collaborate with professors in Berkeley. Researchers in Beijing build upon discoveries made in Boston. A high school student in rural areas can access the same quantum computing platforms as scientists at elite institutions. Why It Matters This principle—that no one owns quantum science—isn't merely philosophical; it's pragmatic. Quantum mechanics tackles questions so profound and complex that they require diverse perspectives. The field advances most rapidly when knowledge flows freely, when insights from condensed matter physics inform quantum computing, when theoretical mathematics inspires experimental breakthroughs. As quantum technologies approach potential commercial applications—from secure communications to powerful computing paradigms and precise sensors—economic pressures might tempt some to enclose quantum knowledge behind proprietary walls. The IYQ's first principle reminds us that while specific implementations may be owned, the foundational science belongs to humanity. This openness also ensures that quantum science doesn't become the exclusive domain of wealthy nations or institutions. When knowledge is freely shared, brilliant minds everywhere can contribute, regardless of geography or resources. Some of tomorrow's most transformative quantum breakthroughs may come from unexpected places if we maintain this commitment to open access. The Centennial Invitation As we mark the 100th anniversary of quantum mechanics' formalization, the principle that 'no one owns quantum science' serves as both a celebration of the field's collaborative history and a recommitment to its open future. It invites all of us—regardless of background—to engage with quantum concepts, to ask questions, to contribute where we can. Whether you're a seasoned quantum physicist, a student just beginning to explore wave functions, or someone simply curious about the strange and beautiful rules that govern our reality at its smallest scales, the quantum world belongs to you too. That's the promise and the challenge of the International Year of Quantum's first principle: this revolutionary science—with all its wonder and potential—is our collective inheritance and responsibility. In the coming weeks, we'll explore the remaining seven principles that guide the IYQ celebration, each illuminating different facets of quantum science's past, present, and promising future. For now, remember that quantum science has no single owner because it belongs to us all. Learn with Keysight Keysight is committed to empowering the next generation of engineers and innovators. Explore Learn to find a rich and growing library of resources spanning a range of technical areas, industries, and specialties. Explore Learn now . _________________________________ This is the first in an eight-part series exploring the guiding principles of the 2025 International Year of Quantum. Next week: 'Everyone is invited—Making quantum science accessible to all.' Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Keysight Technologies Page 2
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
German police probe 4 teen suspects over school threats
Police in Germany said Friday that they have identified four teenaged suspects during investigations into threatening emails that forced the closure of schools last week. A 15-year-old from Berlin is believed to have sent an email which forced classes at the Max Planck secondary school in the western city of Duisburg to be canceled on Thursday. Three other teens aged between 16 and 17 who live in Duisburg are also under investigation, Duisburg police said in a statement. It was unclear how the three were involved in the threatening email. Police said in the statement that the three Duisburg suspects had been identified after the Berlin suspect's home and phone had been searched. According to German news agency dpa, police believe the teens from Duisburg wanted to prevent an exam from taking place at their school. Thursday's closure came after emails containing racist threats and right-wing extremist content led to 20 schools in Duisburg being shut on Monday, which forced in-person teaching for nearly 18,000 pupils to be canceled. Police are also looking into whether the four teens were also involved in those emails that were sent over the weekend. "Investigations into the extent to which the suspects are connected to the other threatening letters are ongoing," the statement said. Herbert Reul, the Interior Minister of North-Rhine Westphalia state, where Duisburg is located, praised the police's speedy response. "The police have pulled out all the stops in no time at all and used all the technical means at their disposal to determine the backgrounds of the suspects of the Duisburg threatening emails," Reul said. "Such threatening emails are not a trivial matter," he added. The school closures come as the far-right movement in Germany continues to gain strength. In federal elections earlier this year, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won the most votes by an extreme right group since World War 2, and is now the largest opposition party in the Bundestag. Edited by: Wesley Dockery
