Initial evidence for eliciting contrafreeloading in grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) via the opportunity for playful foraging – Smith et al., 2021 Abstract: Contrafreeloading is the choice to work for food rather than it be freely available. This study examines this aspect in parrots (n=4-5) and found that during the first experiment the subjects preferred contrafreeloading.Continue reading “The Degrees of Contrafreeloading (Parrots)”
Author Archives: K of Kyrene
Mob-Mentality
Collective rule-breaking – Krause et al. 2021 Abstract: This paper looks at how cognitive mechanisms involved with rule breaking at an individual level can be scaled upwards to understand how rule breaking then appears in social groups. Social Contagion (The spread of ideas, attitudes, or behaviour patterns in a group through imitation and conformity.) playsContinue reading “Mob-Mentality”
Characteristics of Venom
Development of simple standard assay procedures for the characterization of snake venoms – Theakston & Reid, 1983 Introduction:A WHO Coordination Meeting on Venoms and Antivenoms was held to examine the progress made so far in researching these substances. The standardization of assay methods used to identify the biological activity of venom and neutralizing capacity ofContinue reading “Characteristics of Venom”
Differences in Venom Extraction (Kraits, vipers, cobras)
A study of snake venom yield by different methods of venom extraction – Tare, Sutar & Renapurkar, 1986 Abstract: Various methods of venom extraction including application of manual pressure to the glands, electric stimulation, and vacuum method were used for the extraction of venom from snakes maintained in captivity and in an open farm. TheContinue reading “Differences in Venom Extraction (Kraits, vipers, cobras)”
Finding Fireflies
The occurrence and behaviours of North American fireflies on milkweed – Faust & Faust, 2014 Introduction: Fireflies are chemically protected by steroidal pyrenes called lucibufagins which have cardio-toxic properties are similar to components found in milkweed and other plants. It is still unknown exactly where the fireflies accumulate this chemical. Some fireflies known as theContinue reading “Finding Fireflies”
Animals in Space
Animal models, open science and space omics – Neff, 2021 Introduction:Observing life in space is critical to understanding how to best navigate space especially with longer and longer trips being desired. Space is an extreme environment that reduces the mechanical stress felt by the body because of reduced gravity which can affect organs and leadContinue reading “Animals in Space”
Processes underlying venom variation
Causes and Consequences of Snake Venom Variation – Casewell et al. 2020 Abstract: 1.8 million annual snake bite victims. This review describes how venom varies and its effects on snake bite victims. Snake venom and Snakebite: – Venom causes 138,000 deaths worldwide and an additional 500,000 additional cases of venom induced morbidity. It is listedContinue reading “Processes underlying venom variation”
Venom Glands heal like Wolverine
Physiological demands and signaling associated with snake venom production and storage illustrated by transcriptional analyses of venom glands – Perry et al 2020 Abstract:The physiology and regulation of the venom gland still needs clarification thus a time series gene expression analysis was conducted on rattlesnake venom glands in comparison to other non-venom tissues. Found thatContinue reading “Venom Glands heal like Wolverine”
Latent Inhibition
Latent Inhibition – Lubow, 1973 Introduction: Latent inhibition is defined as the decrement in learning performance which stems from the nonreinforced pre-exposure of a stimulus prior to conditioning with said stimulus, which slows the learning curve. Scope of Latent Inhibition Phenomenon: Distribution across species: this has been demonstrated in goldfish, goats, sheep, rabbits, dogs andContinue reading “Latent Inhibition”
Revised Habituation Characteristics
Habituation Revisited: An Updated and Revised Description of the Behavioural Characteristics of Habituation- Rankin et al., 2009 Introduction: Thompson & Spencer (1966) and Groves & Thompson (1970) first wrote an in-depth analysis on the definition of habituation. These two papers became classics and were revisited with some changes made to the content but mostly justContinue reading “Revised Habituation Characteristics”
Al3xandria 