Things I Like - Sciences

From Discover

Wow. Now YouTube is a scientific research tool. Someone e-mailed the neuroscientist Aniruddh Patel a video of Snowball, the dancing cockatoo. Patel, who had theorized back in 2006 that the part of the brain used for vocal learning is also used for the development of synchronized movements to music, decided to do some tests.

First, she worked with Snowball’s owner to film the cockatoo’s movements when music at different speeds was played. The cockatoo adjusted its head bobs and foot stomps to match the beat of the music. Next, Patel and her department combed YouTube for similar videos, analyzing more than 5,000 over the course of a month. They found 33 videos that depicted true cases of animals moving to a musical beat. In all 33 cases, the animals dancing also had the ability to mimic sound, thereby supporting Patel’s theory.

Interesting stuff, and the video is pretty funny. But it makes me wonder, what’s next – a study of YouTube clips to find evidence of alien life? I suggest they pay close attention to the ‘Guru’ channel. It would make me feel so much better about humanity to learn that some of the people posting those videos are actually aliens.