By Michelle Warwicker
BBC Nature
Scientists have provided insight into why unrelated chimpanzees co-operate with each other outside a sexual relationship.
The team of international researchers found that increased levels of the hormone oxytocin played an intrinsic role in non-kin co-operation.
Wild chimps that had taken part in a grooming session with a “bond partner” had higher levels of the hormone in their urine than after grooming with a “non-bond partner”, irrespective of whether the individuals were related.
Results of the study are published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Read more at: BBC Nature
Funny story from: Roadsideamerica.com
A life-size bronze statue, cast from an African Bull elephant, has been dedicated as part of the United Nations sculpture garden in New York City, NY. Before the ceremony, workers maneuvered potted plants to block the public’s view of the statue’s 2-FOOT LONG PENIS.
As onlookers jostled for better views, Secretary-General Kofi Annan spoke about this gift from Nepal, Kenya, and Namibia. “The sheer size of this creature humbles us,” he said. “As well it should, for it tells us that some things are bigger than we are.”
Update Sept. 2010: The sculpture park is currently closed, but the elephant is visible, though now obscured by the modesty shrubs planted alongside.