Chimpanzees healing wounds

This reaction so far can only occur in stars, due to the immense pressure within a star and the temperature of the core. The pressure on earth is not large enough to allow nuclear fusion to occur and for it work, the temperature must be much greater than that of the core of a star, over 100 million degrees Celsius.(1) As no material can withstand contact with such immense temperatures, scientists at fusion laboratories utilise plasma, superheated matter,(2) and place it a circular magnetic field, and this allows extremely high temperatures to be produced, and perhaps one day allowing nuclear fusion.

However, the utilisation of nuclear fusion for a source of energy, commercially is still many decades away. Achieving it will still likely take 10-20 years as ITER will only start its experiments on nuclear fusion in 2025, and for it to be fully commercialised it will take many, many years. Thus, we cannot rely on these developments to reach net zero by 2050. As said by Jon Amos fusion ‘is a solution to power society in the second half of this century.’(1)

References

1.Major breakthrough on nuclear fusion energy. BBC News [Internet]. 2022 Feb 9 [cited 2022 Feb 19]; Available from: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60312633 2. What is Plasma? | MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center [Internet]. [cited 2022 Feb 19]. Available from: https://www. psfc.mit.edu/vision/what_is_plasma

An image of the reactor at JET. Cited from Kirk B. UK Scientists Make Huge Breakthrough in Nuclear Fusion Tech, Here’s Why it’s Historic [Internet]. autoevolution. 2022 [cited 2022 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/uk-scientists-make-huge-breakthrough-in-nuclear-fusion-tech-here-s-why-it-s-historic-182036.html

chimpanzees seen using insects to heal wounds

In Loango National Park, Gabon, a community of chimpanzees were seen using insects to treat their open wounds(1). Over a 15-month period, scientists conducted research at the Loango National Park, in which they observed 76 different open wounds on 22 chimpanzees. Within the investigation, chimpanzees were seen applying insect to the wounds in 19 different events(2). The insects were immobilised with their mouth and was placed in the wound. The research began due to an observation by Alessandra Mascaro.

A chimpanzee named Sia with an open wound on his foot was treated by her mother Suzee(2). The encounter was recorded on video and Mascarro said in a statement “… you can see that Suzee is first looking at the foot of her son and then it’s as if she is thinking, ‘What could I do?’ and then she looks up sees the insect and catches it for her son.’ (2)

Although animals have been seen using plants to treat their wounds, in which they ingest or apply it, notably elephants, bears, otters and parrots have been seen doing so.(2) This was so revolutionary for our knowledge of animals due to firstly, the use of insects. Most often in these cases of self-medication in animals, plants have been used, for example orangutans were observed using the plant Dracaena cantleyi. (2) Although the researchers are unable to identify the insect being used and the medicinal effects it has, this is notable as chimpanzees have recognised its effectiveness in treating their wounds.

Secondly, the application of the medicine to another animal is unusual. We often think of animals to only care for their survival however, this demonstrates otherwise. This is known as pro-social behaviour, in which they act in order to help others as well as themselves. (2)

The demonstration of this behaviour allows us to begin to realise the similarities between the human specie with chimpanzees. Jane Goodall highlights that, chimpanzees share 99% of their DNA with humans(3). They also have very similar structure brains to humans and have engaged

in human -like behaviour using tools, sharing emotions, and even engaging in conflict,most notably the Gombe Chimpanzee War.(2) This research reflects on how little we know about these creatures, our similarities and excites for the future in which we further delve into these fascinating animals.

1. #author.fullName}. Chimpanzees spotted apparently using insects to treat their wounds [Internet]. New Scientist. [cited 2022 Feb 19]. Available from: https://www. newscientist.com/article/2307387-chimpanzees-spotted-apparently-using-insects-to-treat-their-wounds/ 2. Chimpanzees use insects to treat wounds, help each other - study - The Jerusalem Post [Internet]. [cited 2022 Feb 19]. Available from: https://www.jpost.com/science/article-695932 3. 10 Ways Chimps and Humans are the Same [Internet]. [cited 2022 Feb 19]. Available from: https://janegoodall. ca/our-stories/10-ways/