Tay (Antonio J. Osuna Mascaró)
@biotay.bsky.social
Antonio J. Osuna Mascaró, Goffin Lab, Vienna, Austria
PhD^2 and Ninja Biologist.
Animal Behavior and Comparative Cognition.
Human perch for cockatoos.
Also here: twitter.com/BioTay
More about me here: https://osunamascaro.weebly.com/
PhD^2 and Ninja Biologist.
Animal Behavior and Comparative Cognition.
Human perch for cockatoos.
Also here: twitter.com/BioTay
More about me here: https://osunamascaro.weebly.com/
1/8 The effects of physical exercise on the mind depend on why we do it
It should be voluntary and stress-free
Meta-analysis of 361 studies (more than 3 million participants)
(paper) doi.org/10.1136/bjsp...
It should be voluntary and stress-free
Meta-analysis of 361 studies (more than 3 million participants)
(paper) doi.org/10.1136/bjsp...
February 17, 2026 at 7:24 PM
1/8 The effects of physical exercise on the mind depend on why we do it
It should be voluntary and stress-free
Meta-analysis of 361 studies (more than 3 million participants)
(paper) doi.org/10.1136/bjsp...
It should be voluntary and stress-free
Meta-analysis of 361 studies (more than 3 million participants)
(paper) doi.org/10.1136/bjsp...
8/9 The case of the Bengal tiger they studied (n 1) is interesting; its brain is asymmetrical. The left hemisphere has the expected characteristics of a feline (related to the expansion of hearing), but the right hemisphere does not. It is not known how this affects their cognition.
February 15, 2026 at 10:12 AM
8/9 The case of the Bengal tiger they studied (n 1) is interesting; its brain is asymmetrical. The left hemisphere has the expected characteristics of a feline (related to the expansion of hearing), but the right hemisphere does not. It is not known how this affects their cognition.
7/9 The case of hyenas is noteworthy. These animals are phylogenetically much closer to felines than to canines, but they behave like the latter. Despite their behavior, their brains resemble those of felines.
February 15, 2026 at 10:12 AM
7/9 The case of hyenas is noteworthy. These animals are phylogenetically much closer to felines than to canines, but they behave like the latter. Despite their behavior, their brains resemble those of felines.
6/9 These regions correlate with the dexterity of these species (raccoons, red pandas, bears, etc.) in relation to their front paws. In other words, the cortical representation of the front paws of these species is much larger than what it could be expected.
February 15, 2026 at 10:12 AM
6/9 These regions correlate with the dexterity of these species (raccoons, red pandas, bears, etc.) in relation to their front paws. In other words, the cortical representation of the front paws of these species is much larger than what it could be expected.
5/9 The Arctoidea group (raccoons, coatis, otters, bears, badgers, etc.) is particularly interesting. Their temporal region is simpler, which suggests poorer hearing and vision than canids and felids, but the somatosensory region of some species is greatly expanded.
February 15, 2026 at 10:12 AM
5/9 The Arctoidea group (raccoons, coatis, otters, bears, badgers, etc.) is particularly interesting. Their temporal region is simpler, which suggests poorer hearing and vision than canids and felids, but the somatosensory region of some species is greatly expanded.
4/9 Felids are more similar to each other than canids. They have cerebral sulci that point to an expansion of the senses, especially hearing (for accurate detection of prey) and facial touch (due to their whiskers).
February 15, 2026 at 10:12 AM
4/9 Felids are more similar to each other than canids. They have cerebral sulci that point to an expansion of the senses, especially hearing (for accurate detection of prey) and facial touch (due to their whiskers).
3/9 This pro-real sulcus is found in the frontal lobes and appears to give wolves, dogs, and dingoes social “superpowers.” It is not present in the foxes studied. This suggests that it may be the result of brain expansion dedicated to social cognition.
February 15, 2026 at 10:12 AM
3/9 This pro-real sulcus is found in the frontal lobes and appears to give wolves, dogs, and dingoes social “superpowers.” It is not present in the foxes studied. This suggests that it may be the result of brain expansion dedicated to social cognition.
2/9 Canids have the most brain grooves unique to their group. Their regions dedicated to vision and hearing stand out, but particularly interesting is an extra sulcus found in the most social species: the proreal sulcus.
February 15, 2026 at 10:12 AM
2/9 Canids have the most brain grooves unique to their group. Their regions dedicated to vision and hearing stand out, but particularly interesting is an extra sulcus found in the most social species: the proreal sulcus.
1/9 Comparison of carnivore brains beyond brain size
They compared the brains of 26 carnivore species (including canids, felids, and ursids, among others) using magnetic resonance imaging.
(paper) elifesciences.org/articles/100...
They compared the brains of 26 carnivore species (including canids, felids, and ursids, among others) using magnetic resonance imaging.
(paper) elifesciences.org/articles/100...
February 15, 2026 at 10:12 AM
1/9 Comparison of carnivore brains beyond brain size
They compared the brains of 26 carnivore species (including canids, felids, and ursids, among others) using magnetic resonance imaging.
(paper) elifesciences.org/articles/100...
They compared the brains of 26 carnivore species (including canids, felids, and ursids, among others) using magnetic resonance imaging.
(paper) elifesciences.org/articles/100...
3/3 The otters tested here (in practice, there were two otters) significantly outperformed the chimpanzees. The authors argue that this could be due to differences in foraging between the two species (their prey can escape in many ways).
February 14, 2026 at 5:12 PM
3/3 The otters tested here (in practice, there were two otters) significantly outperformed the chimpanzees. The authors argue that this could be due to differences in foraging between the two species (their prey can escape in many ways).
2/3 It requires anticipating that the reward can come out of either of two exits, and using both hands. Chimpanzees only pass it after extensive training (otherwise they only use one hand), and children only master it between the ages of 4 and 5.
(paper, 2016) www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
(paper, 2016) www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
February 14, 2026 at 5:12 PM
2/3 It requires anticipating that the reward can come out of either of two exits, and using both hands. Chimpanzees only pass it after extensive training (otherwise they only use one hand), and children only master it between the ages of 4 and 5.
(paper, 2016) www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
(paper, 2016) www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
1/3 It seems that otters outperform chimpanzees in a well-known anticipation task.
This test uses a Y-shaped tube and is renowned for demonstrating the ability to predict an uncertain future with mutually exclusive possibilities
(preprint) www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
by @sharinade.bsky.social
This test uses a Y-shaped tube and is renowned for demonstrating the ability to predict an uncertain future with mutually exclusive possibilities
(preprint) www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
by @sharinade.bsky.social
February 14, 2026 at 5:12 PM
1/3 It seems that otters outperform chimpanzees in a well-known anticipation task.
This test uses a Y-shaped tube and is renowned for demonstrating the ability to predict an uncertain future with mutually exclusive possibilities
(preprint) www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
by @sharinade.bsky.social
This test uses a Y-shaped tube and is renowned for demonstrating the ability to predict an uncertain future with mutually exclusive possibilities
(preprint) www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
by @sharinade.bsky.social
2/2 On the left, Alice Auersperg (@auersperga.bsky.social) with Veronika and her new fancy broom.
On the right is a photo of me with the ever-great Witgar Wiegele.
On the right is a photo of me with the ever-great Witgar Wiegele.
February 11, 2026 at 7:15 PM
2/2 On the left, Alice Auersperg (@auersperga.bsky.social) with Veronika and her new fancy broom.
On the right is a photo of me with the ever-great Witgar Wiegele.
On the right is a photo of me with the ever-great Witgar Wiegele.
1/2 Veronika in winter continues to leave us speechless.
Now there are no annoying horseflies or bites to scratch, but it's time to get rid of the winter coat, and there's nothing better than a good stick with sharp edges.
Now there are no annoying horseflies or bites to scratch, but it's time to get rid of the winter coat, and there's nothing better than a good stick with sharp edges.
February 11, 2026 at 7:15 PM
1/2 Veronika in winter continues to leave us speechless.
Now there are no annoying horseflies or bites to scratch, but it's time to get rid of the winter coat, and there's nothing better than a good stick with sharp edges.
Now there are no annoying horseflies or bites to scratch, but it's time to get rid of the winter coat, and there's nothing better than a good stick with sharp edges.
2/2 The authors call it the “Underview Effect,” similar to the “Overview” experienced by astronauts. Living underwater allows them to explore without having to worry about decompression. This way, they get to know the animals en the ecosystems they study in a truly personal way.
February 11, 2026 at 6:43 PM
2/2 The authors call it the “Underview Effect,” similar to the “Overview” experienced by astronauts. Living underwater allows them to explore without having to worry about decompression. This way, they get to know the animals en the ecosystems they study in a truly personal way.
1/2 Aquanauts experience changes in consciousness similar to astronauts
This occurs in those who live underwater for days without coming to the surface.
They change, becoming less self-centered and more connected to nature.
(paper) journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
This occurs in those who live underwater for days without coming to the surface.
They change, becoming less self-centered and more connected to nature.
(paper) journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
February 11, 2026 at 6:43 PM
1/2 Aquanauts experience changes in consciousness similar to astronauts
This occurs in those who live underwater for days without coming to the surface.
They change, becoming less self-centered and more connected to nature.
(paper) journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
This occurs in those who live underwater for days without coming to the surface.
They change, becoming less self-centered and more connected to nature.
(paper) journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
9/9 The challenge is that experimental designs become more difficult the further we move away from our own species. This experiment with Kanzi was very human-centric, Kanzi was a unique case.
Very creative designs will be required to explore this with other species.
Very creative designs will be required to explore this with other species.
February 6, 2026 at 9:27 AM
9/9 The challenge is that experimental designs become more difficult the further we move away from our own species. This experiment with Kanzi was very human-centric, Kanzi was a unique case.
Very creative designs will be required to explore this with other species.
Very creative designs will be required to explore this with other species.
5/9 It also fits with other observations, where young chimpanzees have been seen playing with imaginary objects.
(paper, 2020) link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Here is a beautiful example, told by T. Matsuzawa.
(video) www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lsG...
(paper, 2020) link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Here is a beautiful example, told by T. Matsuzawa.
(video) www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lsG...
February 6, 2026 at 9:27 AM
5/9 It also fits with other observations, where young chimpanzees have been seen playing with imaginary objects.
(paper, 2020) link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Here is a beautiful example, told by T. Matsuzawa.
(video) www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lsG...
(paper, 2020) link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Here is a beautiful example, told by T. Matsuzawa.
(video) www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lsG...
4/9 This fits with observations of young chimpanzees carrying sticks and behaving with them as if they were dolls. This behavior is more common in females and disappears when they become mothers for the first time.
(paper, 2010) www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
(paper, 2010) www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
February 6, 2026 at 9:26 AM
4/9 This fits with observations of young chimpanzees carrying sticks and behaving with them as if they were dolls. This behavior is more common in females and disappears when they become mothers for the first time.
(paper, 2010) www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
(paper, 2010) www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
3/9 Kanzi only received a reward when there was real juice, but the rest of the time he behaved as if the imaginary grapes and juice were real. Kanzi was able to overlap his imagination with reality, just like a human being.
(paper) www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
by @chriskrupenye.bsky.social
(paper) www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
by @chriskrupenye.bsky.social
February 6, 2026 at 9:26 AM
3/9 Kanzi only received a reward when there was real juice, but the rest of the time he behaved as if the imaginary grapes and juice were real. Kanzi was able to overlap his imagination with reality, just like a human being.
(paper) www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
by @chriskrupenye.bsky.social
(paper) www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
by @chriskrupenye.bsky.social
2/9 There were three experiments:
1. Imaginary juice was poured into two glasses, and one of them was emptied (imaginarily), then Kanzi was asked which glass still contained juice.
2. Real juice was used.
3. The juice experiment was repeated but with imaginary grapes.
1. Imaginary juice was poured into two glasses, and one of them was emptied (imaginarily), then Kanzi was asked which glass still contained juice.
2. Real juice was used.
3. The juice experiment was repeated but with imaginary grapes.
February 6, 2026 at 9:26 AM
2/9 There were three experiments:
1. Imaginary juice was poured into two glasses, and one of them was emptied (imaginarily), then Kanzi was asked which glass still contained juice.
2. Real juice was used.
3. The juice experiment was repeated but with imaginary grapes.
1. Imaginary juice was poured into two glasses, and one of them was emptied (imaginarily), then Kanzi was asked which glass still contained juice.
2. Real juice was used.
3. The juice experiment was repeated but with imaginary grapes.
1/9 Great apes can imagine just like us
This simple study tested Kanzi's ability to imagine and play along with the researchers, acting as if what he imagined were real.
I discuss it here at @eldiario.es (in Spanish)
www.eldiario.es/sociedad/bon... by @aberron.bsky.social
This simple study tested Kanzi's ability to imagine and play along with the researchers, acting as if what he imagined were real.
I discuss it here at @eldiario.es (in Spanish)
www.eldiario.es/sociedad/bon... by @aberron.bsky.social
February 6, 2026 at 9:25 AM
1/9 Great apes can imagine just like us
This simple study tested Kanzi's ability to imagine and play along with the researchers, acting as if what he imagined were real.
I discuss it here at @eldiario.es (in Spanish)
www.eldiario.es/sociedad/bon... by @aberron.bsky.social
This simple study tested Kanzi's ability to imagine and play along with the researchers, acting as if what he imagined were real.
I discuss it here at @eldiario.es (in Spanish)
www.eldiario.es/sociedad/bon... by @aberron.bsky.social
That's great! You can reach me by email here : )
January 25, 2026 at 5:18 PM
That's great! You can reach me by email here : )
Haha, I'm happy to have inspired you!
Cool lizards, I love them, and a beautiful place, Gail Valley! : )
In my hometown in southern Spain, the common ones are the also super cool Psammodromus algirus.
Cool lizards, I love them, and a beautiful place, Gail Valley! : )
In my hometown in southern Spain, the common ones are the also super cool Psammodromus algirus.
January 23, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Haha, I'm happy to have inspired you!
Cool lizards, I love them, and a beautiful place, Gail Valley! : )
In my hometown in southern Spain, the common ones are the also super cool Psammodromus algirus.
Cool lizards, I love them, and a beautiful place, Gail Valley! : )
In my hometown in southern Spain, the common ones are the also super cool Psammodromus algirus.
SPAR supermarkets are promoting a broom and stick set in Austria with Veronika.
It reads:
“Einstein among the cows: Spar sells Vroni's back scratcher set”
Vroni is the diminutive form of Veronika, of course.
Thanks to Özge Nasa for the tip!
It reads:
“Einstein among the cows: Spar sells Vroni's back scratcher set”
Vroni is the diminutive form of Veronika, of course.
Thanks to Özge Nasa for the tip!
January 22, 2026 at 2:56 PM
SPAR supermarkets are promoting a broom and stick set in Austria with Veronika.
It reads:
“Einstein among the cows: Spar sells Vroni's back scratcher set”
Vroni is the diminutive form of Veronika, of course.
Thanks to Özge Nasa for the tip!
It reads:
“Einstein among the cows: Spar sells Vroni's back scratcher set”
Vroni is the diminutive form of Veronika, of course.
Thanks to Özge Nasa for the tip!