New find suggests whales can love
December 11, 2006Researchers in New York have found that various types of whales possess the same emotion-producing brain cells as humans.
The find has led some to believe that whales are capable of feeling deep-rooted love for one another, the Independent reported.
Scientists Patrick Hof and Estel Van Der Gucht of the New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology made the discovery after studying the brains of the gentle giants for 15 years. Hof and Van Der Gucht said they found the existence of spindle cells -- which have previously only been found in humans and great apes.
The cells are believed to be responsible for producing feelings of love and attachment.
"I really wasn't expecting this," said Hof. "I stumbled on one by chance and I said, this looks like a spindle cell. Then I saw them everywhere, and I immediately realized that we had something big."
The spindle cells were found in several species of whale, including humpbacks and orcas.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
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