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Scientists push new paradigm of animal consciousness, saying even insects may be sentient (www.nbcnews.com)

submitted 2 months ago by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/news@lemmy.world

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Far more animals than previously thought likely have consciousness, top scientists say in a new declaration — including fish, lobsters and octopus.

Bees play by rolling wooden balls — apparently for fun. The cleaner wrasse fish appears to recognize its own visage in an underwater mirror. Octopuses seem to react to anesthetic drugs and will avoid settings where they likely experienced past pain.

All three of these discoveries came in the last five years — indications that the more scientists test animals, the more they find that many species may have inner lives and be sentient. A surprising range of creatures have shown evidence of conscious thought or experience, including insects, fish and some crustaceans.

That has prompted a group of top researchers on animal cognition to publish a new pronouncement that they hope will transform how scientists and society view — and care — for animals.

Nearly 40 researchers signed “The New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness,” which was first presented at a conference at New York University on Friday morning. It marks a pivotal moment, as a flood of research on animal cognition collides with debates over how various species ought to be treated.

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[-] chemicalwonka@discuss.tchncs.de 15 points 2 months ago

so it's time to stop masturbating with my dog in the room

[-] naevaTheRat@lemmy.dbzer0.com 23 points 2 months ago

They're conscious, not a prude.

[-] Gabu@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago

I could make a very crude joke, but I refuse. You win this time.

[-] beefbot@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 2 months ago

I mean your dog IS just waiting for some “food” to fall on the floor AAAAND I’ll show myself out

this post was submitted on 20 Apr 2024

435 points (96.4% liked)

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