Friday, March 21, 2014

What Can Crows and Ravens Teach People About Resisting Temptation?

Great article about what humans have found out about What Can Crows and Ravens Teach People About Resisting Temptation?.
Each bird was given one bit of food and after a delay that lasted between two seconds and ten minutes, they could trade up: either for a snack they liked better or for more of the original snack. In a second type of test, four food items were visible to the birds but out of reach. The experimenter provided the birds with each bit of food in order, with a fixed delay between each item. If the birds were willing to wait, they could wind up with all four bits of food, but if they ate anything before it was all dispensed, they'd miss out on what was left over.

In this video, a crow named Resa participates in two trials in the 40s delay condition. First, she eats the initial item, so the trial is ended. In the second trial she waits the 40 seconds to exchange bread for corn. Watching her struggle with the impulse to just gobble up the bread is absolutely charming.

Impressively, the birds were willing to avoid eating the original snack, but only if they could trade for something they liked better. If given sausage, they wouldn't trade for beans, but if given beans, they'd happily resist temptation to wait out the sausage.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Cola Flavored Soy Milk

Humans are resourceful creatures. Some cannot digest the milk of cows and must consume a noxious brew made from beans. Luckily scientists have created Cola Flavored Soy Milk which allows this liquid to be consumed with happiness.