New research shows that young male dolphins that practice adult-like reproductive behavior when playing together go on to father more offspring as adults. The findings provide rare evidence that play functions as practice and contributes to reproductive success in the wild.

Read more at my Animal Minds blog: The Purpose of Play for Young Male Dolphins.

A new study from researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides novel insights into a signaling pathway that regulates the developing myocardium during early heart development. The findings have implications for understanding congenital heart disease and myocardial regeneration.

Read the story at Pediatrics Nationwide: A Noncardiomyocyte Signaling Pathway in Early Heart Development.

Field observations of Arabian babblers show that the birds transport different caterpillar species to distinct substrates depending on how they need to process the caterpillar for eating. The findings, reported in the journal Animal Cognition, are among the few to describe flexible food processing methods in wild animals.

Read more at my Animal Minds blog: Birds’ Preparation Methods Vary with the Meal.

A new study shows that African elephants use specific combinations of vocalizations and gestures to greet each other during reunions. What’s more, they may deliberately change their communication methods depending on whether the other elephant is looking at them or not.

Read more at my Animal Minds blog: How Does an Elephant Say Hello?

Researchers observed a wild Sumatran orangutan applying the chewed-up leaves of a medicinal plant to a facial wound. It’s the first report of wound treatment with a biologically active plant in the wild. The behavior, which may have reduced pain and inflammation and supported wound healing, may have evolved in a common ancestor shared by humans and great apes.

Read more at my Animal Minds blog: Orangutan Treats His Wound with a Medicinal Plant.