Science a GoGo's Home Page Forums General Discussion General Science Discussion Forum Chimpanzee Brains

A Chimpanzee signing off random groups of numbers, flashing upon a computer screen, starting from 1 to 8 in order.

http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2013/0214_primate_cognition.shtml

Not quite perfect, but very very fast, and way better than any human.

"These discoveries and many others have contributed to a building movement to stop using chimpanzees as research subjects, or to at least put new ethical guidelines in place for the animals’ participation, said Barnard, who also serves as an associate professor of medicine at George Washington University."

That would, of course, be good for chimps. It would also mark a step forward in the humanity of human society; but does it really take human-like abilities in another species to stir compassion for it?

Unfortunately, even the recognition of human-like abilities comes a poor second to making money.

At risk of being suspected of "advertising" I call attention to one positive effort.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Hadwen_Trust