Tropical field and behavioral ecologist Wendy Erb explores the world of orangutans in Borneo’s lush, emerald tropical peatland woods. Her mission? To comprehend the language of these amazing creatures, particularly how male Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) communicate— a quest fraught with surprises and danger.  According to Erb, “Orangutans have extraordinary strength, and big males have a penchant for finding standing dead trees and shaking, pushing or pulling them until they topple in a tremendous (and impressive) crash.” The danger and delight of studying orangutans Understanding the orangutan language is more than just an academic goal for Erb and her colleagues; it’s also about safety. These apes do not appear to issue any warnings before displaying their strength, but this could be due to the researchers’ inability to interpret them. In a recent study published in the journal PeerJ Life & Environment, Erb and her team, along with the Cornell University tropical field and behavioral ecologists, shed light on the intricate vocalizations of male Bornean orangutans, revealing a level of complexity comparable to that of other primates such as chimps. Orangutan language: an odyssey of discovery The researchers used audio analytic techniques, including machine learning, to study the cries of 13 male orangutans, revealing a wide range of vocalizations. “Orangutan long calls include only two to four loosely differentiated sound types,” says Erb. “Within those sound types, the orangutans produce a diverse spectrum of intermediate types, which yield sounds capable of being combined into various sequences within a single vocalization.” Orangutan speak: intricacies of vocal communication This research not only demonstrates the sophistication of orangutan communication but also emphasizes the need for a better understanding of the vocal repertory. According to Erb, “While vocal complexity is an important concept in animal communication, we are lacking a unifying framework for quantifying complexity.” Indeed, studying the orangutan language provides essential insights into the evolution of communication systems, which matches our own effort to understand the origins of human speaking. “By learning more about orangutan vocalizations, scientists could ultimately better understand how humans learned to speak,” says Erb. The evolution of language and its implications for human understanding While humans have clearly perfected the art of speaking, our ape counterparts provide interesting insights into the slow evolution of vocal sophistication. Erb anticipates a future in which humans can easily converse with orangutans and chimps, demonstrating our shared evolutionary background. Despite the scientific curiosity and fascination of discovery, Erb is aware of the hazards hiding in the forest. “In the dark, it’s much harder to assess which way the tree is going to fall,” she says. “So we were quite lucky to have made it through these heart-pounding wake-up calls unscathed.” As Erb navigates the tangled web of orangutan communication, one question lingers: Which of these snag crashes are directed at neighboring orangutans, and which are intended as a message for us bipedal interlopers? Only time—and further research—will tell. Source study: PeerJ Life & Environment—Vocal complexity in the long calls of Bornean orangutansThe post Scientists use machine learning to begin understanding complex orangutan communication first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Hate—what a loaded term, full of tremendous emotions and complicated connotations. But have you ever paused to consider what lies beneath the surface when we casually use the word “hate“? Let’s take an excursion into the web of human emotions, shining light on the intricate fabric of hatred and how we might break free from its grip. The depths of human emotions: understanding the spectrum of hate Hate is more than simply a transient sensation; it’s a complex combination of fear, fury, and a sense of injury. Researchers from a variety of sectors, including education, psychology, sociology, and law, work to decode the enigma of hatred, peeling back its layers to discover its fundamental essence. Fear can serve as the foundation for hatred. For example, if you are learning to swim and get washed away by a very strong current, you may develop a dislike for swimming in the future. Or perhaps you had a horrible argument with a friend at a local restaurant, and walking past it reminds you of that painful experience, so you now say you despise going there. This sensation may even extend to the person with whom you argued. If they said anything hurtful to you, you may now claim you detest that person. Understanding hate as an emotional response might help us understand our feelings for something or someone and become curious about where they come from. Dissecting hate: dispelling misconceptions Contrary to common belief, hatred is not synonymous with rage or dislike. Hatred is often motivated by misunderstanding or disagreement rather than true hostility. Anger, hurt, or confusion can all be mislabeled as “hate”. When there is a lack of understanding or fear of the unknown, hate or harsh judgment may appear to be an easy way out, allowing people to avoid the difficult work of being inquisitive and open to other people’s distinct lived experiences.  Hatred occurs when someone or a group of individuals are judged to be innately less human or worthwhile than oneself. Unfortunately, it is simple to blame others for things we do not believe or experiences we dislike, resulting in a cycle of misunderstanding and animosity. The pyramid of hatred: visualizing hate The United States Department of Justice defines hatred as “bias against people or groups with specific characteristics that are defined by law.” These traits may include a person’s race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, handicap, or country of origin. Consider hatred to be a pyramid, with biased attitudes and stereotypes serving as the basis. Left unchecked, these seeds of bias blossom into discriminatory actions—bullying, exclusion, and verbal assaults—pushing individuals or groups to the brink of violence and hate crimes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Asian people in the United States experienced an increase in hate crimes. When biases are allowed within communities, individuals may escalate their discriminatory ideas, resulting in exclusion or prejudice against specific groups in a variety of situations, including neighborhoods and workplaces. Individuals moving up the hatred pyramid may turn to violence or hate crimes, motivated by the mistaken idea that their own identity or values are superior to those of others. This can emerge as threats, physical aggression, or property destruction. At the top of the pyramid is genocide, which represents the strong intention to wipe out an entire group. Taking action against hate In the fight against hatred, we individually have the ability to impact change. We can destroy the pyramid of hate from the ground up by cultivating empathy, exposing biases, and advocating for inclusion. As stewards of justice, we must serve as lights of hope in a world enveloped in darkness. Fortunately, there are numerous methods we can overcome hatred in our daily lives. From speaking out against hateful words to promoting understanding and empathy, every action, no matter how small, helps to create a more compassionate and equitable society. Choosing love over hate: A path to healing and reconciliation Hate has sometimes been incorporated into legislation, as evidenced by historical examples such as the Indian Removal Act and Jim Crow laws, which targeted Native and Black Americans. When we choose silence in the face of hatred, we unintentionally allow it to develop, resulting in greater harm. Here are some strategies to combat hate in our everyday lives. First, pay close attention to the conversations around you. If people you associate with display hostility toward specific groups, consider speaking up or reevaluating your social circles. Being an upstander entails supporting those who are targeted and reporting hate crimes when you see or hear about them. Additionally, introspection is essential. Take notice of any nasty thoughts or behaviors that may be influencing your actions and views. Understanding what hate looks and sounds like, both in yourself and in others, is essential for effectively combating it. Furthermore, embrace variety and endeavor to comprehend others who have had different experiences than you. Be willing to examine your own preconceptions and prejudices, and approach situations with curiosity and kindness. Remember that you are not alone in the fight against hate. Many human rights organizations and government programs work to eradicate hatred and promote inclusivity. As civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” By demonstrating love and compassion, you create a good example for others to follow, resulting in a more inclusive and peaceful community.The post Unraveling the layers and complexity of the great force of hate first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

259 years ago today, former Virginia governor and revolutionary Patrick Henry was not only born, but used his 29th birthday as an occasion to deliver a rousing speech is response to the British Parliament passing the Stamp Act. In response, Henry introduced the Stamp Act Resolves to the House of Burgesses in Virgina. Though his […] The post Good News in History, May 29 appeared first on Good News Network.

Living in the countryside often brings delightful surprises, as one person discovered on a rainy afternoon. They stepped onto their porch, calling for their cat to come inside to escape the drizzle. Instead of the expected feline, a parade of unexpected guests arrived. A simple call turned into a scene reminiscent of a nature documentary.... The post Woman calls her cat home from the woods but is met by a flock of wild turkeys appeared first on Animal Channel.

Pomeranians are small yet hardy dogs with outgoing and sociable personalities. Like some other breeds, they do suffer with their fair share of common illnesses, including eye problems, dental disease and hip dysplasia.  Like other dogs, they can also suffer with illnesses that can lead to coughing. There are several reasons that your Pomeranian might be coughing so much, and we will outline some of them here. One or more of the following causes may apply to your beloved pup. The 7 Reasons Why Your Pomeranian Is Coughing So Much 1. Kennel Cough Kennel cough is the common name given to infectious bronchitis in dogs. It is highly contagious between dogs and is usually caused by a combination of virus and bacteria.  The infection affects the dog’s respiratory system, causing a hacking cough and sometimes a high temperature. This disease is named as such because it’s commonly found in places where many dogs congregate, like kennels.  If a dog is stressed, its immune system may be suppressed slightly, which allows the infection to take hold. For fit and healthy dogs, kennel cough is usually self-limiting, and your dog will recover over about 3 weeks.  However, in very young or very old dogs, or those suffering with other diseases, it can progress to pneumonia and become more serious. If your Pomeranian is coughing, it is best to call the vet for advice.  If your pup is otherwise well, eating and drinking normally and isn’t showing signs of lethargy, you might be advised to keep them at home, with plenty of fluid, tasty food and TLC.  It’s important to keep them quarantined from other dogs while they recover to ensure that they don’t spread the disease. A dehumidifier may be helpful. If the coughing progresses and your dog develops further signs such as lethargy or going off their food, a trip to the veterinarian’s office is in order. Image Credit: Pradit.Ph, Shutterstock 2. Hairballs Just like cats, Pomeranians can be affected by hairballs. Their long hair is easy for these dogs to lap up when they are grooming themselves. Hairballs are especially common among Pomeranians when they are shedding. If your Pomeranian is suffering from hairballs, they might sound like they are coughing, as they are trying to bring the hairball up, but they are actually vomiting (bringing the hairball up from the stomach). Typically, hairballs will either get vomited up or they will make their way through the digestive tract and pass out the other end.  On occasion, a hairball can become stuck in the gastrointestinal system and create an intestinal blockage, which is an emergency.  Signs of a gastrointestinal blockage are vomiting and abdominal pain.  In these cases, endoscopy, or more commonly, surgery, is required to remove the blockage.  The best thing to do is take steps to avoid hairballs in the first place. Brush your Pomeranian daily to get rid of any loose hairs mixed into their coat. Make flea treatments a priority; the less irritating your dog’s skin is to them, the less likely they are to lick themselves. Also, ensure your dog gets both physical and mental exercise through the day, as boredom can lead to excessive grooming. 3. Reverse Sneezing If your Pomeranian sounds like they are snorting and stretching out their neck at the same time, chances are that they are reverse sneezing. This action is caused by a condition called paroxysmal respiration, which is common among some small breeds, such as Pomeranians. It makes a dog quickly draw air in through their nose quickly and repeatedly, making a very strange noise. Witnessing your Pomeranian reverse sneeze can be alarming — some owners believe that their dog is having a seizure! However, reverse sneezing is not harmful to dogs, and the cause is usually down to soft palate irritation.  This can be caused by anything from a blade of grass to household products.  There are no side effects to worry about, but if it keeps recurring, you should take your dog for an examination at the vets.  The typical reverse sneezing session can last anywhere from just a few seconds to about a minute. Image Credit: Koy_Hipster, Shutterstock 4. Heart Problems Many heart conditions cause a dog to cough. The most common types of heart problem in Pomeranians include Patent Ductus Arteriosus (a rare defect that some puppies are born with) and valvular disease, most commonly Mitral Valve Disease.  When you take your Pom puppy for their first vet check, your vet will carefully listen to your dog’s heart and lungs, and feel their pulses.  If they suspect any problem with your dog’s cardiovascular system, they will let you know and run further tests. In an older dog, degeneration of one or more of the heart valves can cause the heart to beat less efficiently which can result in fluid building up on the lungs.  Fluid on the lungs as well as the enlargement of the heart (which occurs as the disease progresses) causes dogs to cough.  The cough is usually soft and they may bring up small amounts of fluid with it.  If you notice your dog starting to cough and perhaps starting to slow down on walks a little, take them to your vet for a good check over.  Old dogs do slow down, but more often than not, there is a good reason for it, and ruling out heart disease early is important so that management can be more successful. Heartworm is also a problem that all dog breeds are susceptible to, and Pomeranians are no exception. One of the first signs of heartworm infection is a light and dry cough. Heartworm is transmitted from an infected dog to a healthy dog via a mosquito bite.  The larval stages of the parasite (microfilariae) then migrate through the tissues, eventually reaching the blood vessels that supply the heart and lungs.  Through damaging the blood vessels and causing irritation and inflammation, heartworm can cause severe illness and even death. 5. Trachea Collapse This progressive disease affects a dog’s trachea or windpipe. Tracheal collapse is most common in small dog breeds like Pomeranians, so all owners should be aware of it and its signs. A tracheal collapse happens when the cartilage rings that maintain the shape of the windpipe start to weaken, so they can no longer hold the windpipe open. As the windpipe “flattens,” less air can get through, which makes it tough for a dog to breathe. The predominant sign of a trachea collapse is a harsh and persistent cough, often described as a “goose honk.” More severe signs of tracheal collapse are difficulty breathing, fainting, and changing tongue color. If these signs are seen, a trip to the nearest emergency hospital is needed. Trachea collapse unfortunately can’t be cured, but it can be medically managed in most cases.  However, if medical management isn’t working, your vet may advise you that surgery is needed.  Medications include cough suppressants, anti anxiety medication, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids. Your veterinarian will determine a treatment course based on your dog’s health and other ailments that they might be dealing with. Image Credit: Nuttapong punna, Shutterstock 6. Allergies Have you ever had an allergic reaction that made you sneeze, cough, and/or tear up? If so, you should know that the same thing can happen to your Pomeranian. Dogs can be allergic to various things, just like humans can.  If your dog is coughing, think about the allergens in your dog’s environment.  These could include things like dust, pollen, cigarette smoke and dander from other animals. If you suspect your dog is coughing due to something like a new air freshener, try to remove that from the environment and assess how your dog is.  If it doesn’t improve over the course of a day or two, it is best to visit your vet for an examination.  If your dog is unwell in any other way, see your vet more urgently. 7.  Canine Influenza Virus Canine influenza, or “dog flu” can infect dogs of all breeds. It’s similar to the flu that humans experience, but the virus that causes it has not been shown to affect humans in any way. However, it is extremely contagious among canines. There are two canine influenza viruses to be aware of: H3N2 and H3N8. Dogs generally recover well from both types of virus, though in severe and very rare cases, the virus can lead to pneumonia which is much more serious. Signs of canine influenza include coughing, fever, runny nose, eye discharge, a lack of appetite, and lethargy. Fortunately, you can get your dog vaccinated against both strains of canine influenza viruses, which should minimize their risk of getting ill if they are exposed. If your dog does get sick, treatment typically consists of plenty of rest and hydration. Their immune system should take over the job of fighting off the virus, as long as they are otherwise healthy.  If your dog is very old, very young or is immuno-compromised, you should see your vet as soon as you suspect they may be unwell. Image credit: mrmohock, Shutterstock Conclusion While the occasional cough should be expected from your dog, there is nothing normal about a cough that doesn’t seem to cease. Hopefully, one of the causes outlined here will help you determine why your Pomeranian is coughing so much, so you can figure out how to address the problem. With any luck, your dog will be free of their cough in no time. Sources Kennel Cough in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment | PetMD Dog Flu (Canine Influenza) in Dogs | PetMD Pomeranian | Central Texas Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-info/tracheal-collapse#:~:text=Tracheal%20collapse%20is%20a%20progressive,are%20middle%2Daged%20or%20older. https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/reverse-sneezing-in-dogs https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/patent-ductus-arteriosus-in-dogs https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders-of-dogs/heartworm-disease-in-dogs Featured Image Credit: Sergey Lavrentev, Shutterstock The post Why Is My Pomeranian Coughing So Much? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons appeared first on Pet Keen.

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