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Spider Monkeys Invent Medicated Body Scratcher
Posted by timethief • 7/31/09 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: body-scratcher, plants, spider-monekys, tools
- According to a study published in the latest issue of the journal Primates, wild spider monkeys now have a new tool under their proverbial belt: a body scratcher that may release medicinal compounds.
The study is the first to report this spider monkey scratcher. Lead author Stacy Lindshield told Discovery News that two other instances of the use of objects as tools by the social monkeys have been documented.
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She and co-author Michelle Rodrigues collected observational data on wild spider monkeys at El Zota Biological Field Station in northeastern Costa Rica. They documented three instances where the monkeys used the scratcher tool.
Like a human slathering on scented ointment, the plants may then be providing soothing compounds. Since the monkeys aren't just scratching hard-to-reach spots, they could also be stimulating their own scent production glands, which are involved in nose-detecting communication.
Read the full article -> dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/31/spider-monkey-scratcher.html
Discussion Question:
I have a bamboo back scratcher.
What do you use for your body scratching?
User Comments
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My nails, I always have them long, they are very hard and I'm somewhat flexible and can reach the "un-scratchable" spots, jajaja.-
- I have nails that grow very quickly and they are strong too. However, I can't reach the middle of my back so when Beloved is not around I pull out the bamboo scratcher.
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My own two hands. If that doesn't work, my wife's. -
I also use the bamboo back scratcher. Interesting article. It looks like they know the benefits of herbal medicine.-
- I think it's interesting that they were able to select twigs and plants from plants that had medicinal properties. Humans have been making body scratchers since well, who knows how long? However, I've never heard of us making them from plants with medicinal properties.
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most recently i used my comb. it didn't work too well but it satisfied me enough so that i could go back to sleep.-
why was a comb by your bed?
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because i don't have a certain place to keep and it gets left in various random places. it should be noted i am an unorganized 18 year old
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That explains it! jajaja
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Oh i used comb for scratching too. it works most of the time.
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- In the winter I knit and then I use my knitting needles. They work very well but they aren't medicated. I'd like to know which of the local twigs I could use that may be medicinal.
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i will make a research on that when i get home a few hours from now and post the links here
i like herbal stuff. -
I duct tape brillo pads to my husband and pretend it's foreplay. Does that count?-
That's an itch all right, jajajajaja
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I don't think he enjoys it as much as I do.
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Men don't usually enjoy foreplay (or so I've heard, *rolls eyes*) but if he still does it to make you happy that's awesome
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He doesn't and that's sad. I had such huge plans for the handcuffs and super-glue.
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