They really do go bananas.
New research shows that monkeys and other wild creatures could be getting drunk on fermented fruits of the jungle — and their tipsy state might explain erratic behavior. Scientists have found that the organic compound ethanol — a naturally present yeast in many fruits and nectar that wildlife “likely” have easy access to — can give beasts a a serious buzz when it ferments, according to the study, published in the journal“We’re moving away from this anthropocentric view that ethanol is just something that humans use,” said senior author Kimberley Hockings.
“It’s much more abundant in the natural world than we previously thought, and most animals that eat sugary fruits are going to be exposed to some level of ethanol,” she explained.Noah's Ark possibly marked on world's oldest map from 3,000 years ago: scientistsResearchers are now taking in the possibility of animals getting drunk off fermented fruits, but not for the reasons we humans get sauced.The data showed that the tree treats contain up to 10.2 alcohol by volume in some cases — just under the average for wine, according to, along with chipmunk-like treeshrews have “adapted to efficiently metabolize ethanol,” according to researchers, who also noted “anecdotal accounts of wasps getting drunk.” However, researcher Matthew Carrigan says animals aren’t trying to recreate “Animal House” for the sake of partying. “From an ecological perspective, it is not advantageous to be inebriated as you’re climbing around in the trees or surrounded by predators at night — that’s a recipe for not having your genes passed on,” he said. “It’s the opposite of humans who want to get intoxicated but don’t really want the calories — from the non-human perspective, the animals want the calories but not the inebriation.” More than being a good source of calories, it may also be easy for them to seek out, thanks to the pungent odor that accompanies fermentation.New research shows that animals may be drawn to fermenting fruits and ethanol containing substances with the accidental kickback of intoxication.Using the example of fruit flies laying their eggs in ethanol-based substances, researchers added that there may also be medicinal purposes such as protection from parasites, too. Further research is also needed to determine if wildlife intentionally seeks out ethanol in a full understanding of its potential boozy side effects, researcher and behavioral scientist Anna Bowland said. “On the cognitive side, ideas have been put forward that ethanol can trigger the endorphin and dopamine system, which leads to feelings of relaxation that could have benefits in terms of sociality,” she added.NY mom's haunting final post revealed before jumping off Niagara Falls with 2 kids LA erupts into chaos following Dodgers' World Series victory as 'hostile' mob burns bus, looters raid Nike store Rihanna twins with sons RZA and Riot Rose in Savage x Fenty onesies: ‘One of those families that match for the holidays’Halloween’s most overlooked danger has nothing to do with strangers — how to keep kids safe Why Banza's high-protein chickpea pasta is all the rage and loved by Serena Williams, Tom Brady, more A deal to get you charged up! The No. 1 bestselling DeWalt 20V Max Battery 2-Pack is 49% off today on AmazonHow to choose the right mobility scooter — Shop top models for safety, speed, travel, and moreResearchers are now taking in the possibility of animals getting drunk off fermented fruits, but not for the reasons we humans get sauced.New research shows that animals may be drawn to fermenting fruits and ethanol containing substances with the accidental kickback of intoxication.
Science Alcohol Animals Animals Acting Like People Ethanol Fruit Research
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How farm animals survived Milton: ‘Animals are smarter than us’The safest thing for most farm animals during a hurricane is to leave them outside rather than in a barn.
Read more »
Why The U.S. Is Giving Away $145 Million To Help Animals And Improve RoadsNoel Fletcher is a policy reporter in Washington, D.C. covering renewable energy and wildlife. She has an extensive news background reporting on governments and businesses at state, national and international levels. She launched her news career in California and moved to Hong Kong.
Read more »
‘Drunk’ animals might be more commonLaura is a science news writer, covering a wide variety of subjects, but she is particularly fascinated by all things aquatic, paleontology, nanotechnology, and exploring how science influences daily life. Laura is a proud former resident of the New Jersey shore, a competitive swimmer, and a fierce defender of the Oxford comma.
Read more »
SeaWorld San Antonio names two new aquatic animalsSeaWorld San Antonio welcomed two adorable animals to their aquatic kingdom this past summer.
Read more »
Animals Are Consuming More Alcohol Than We RealizedIn a paper published today, scientists argue that plenty of animals are regularly consuming and using alcohol, though many questions about the practice still remain.
Read more »
Why do animals eat their own poop—and other animals’ too?This natural survival strategy, known as coprophagy, reveals how wildlife makes the most of every available resource.
Read more »