Animal Kingdom Surprises: From Giant Hopping Kangaroos to Canny Cattle

Recent discoveries in the animal kingdom have left scientists and the public alike in awe. From the revelation that giant kangaroos may have hopped despite their massive size, to the finding that some people have a genetic advantage that helps them stay sharp for life, the natural world is full of surprises.

One of the most astonishing discoveries comes from the field of paleontology. Researchers have long believed that giant kangaroos, which roamed Australia thousands of years ago, were too large to hop. However, a new analysis of bones suggests that even the largest of these kangaroos, the Procoptodon goliah, may have been able to hop despite weighing up to 250 kilograms. According to Megan Jones at the University of Manchester, UK, "Sthenurines are what most people are talking about when they talk about giant kangaroos. They're the really weird ones." (Source 1)

Meanwhile, in the field of genetics, researchers have identified a distinct genetic edge that helps some people stay sharp for life. A new study reveals that super agers over 80 have a lower likelihood of carrying the gene most associated with Alzheimer's risk, even when compared with other healthy seniors. Additionally, researchers found higher levels of a protective gene variant in this group. Together, the findings help explain why some people age with remarkably youthful minds. (Source 2)

But it's not just genetics that can help keep our minds sharp. Research suggests that consistent aerobic exercise can help keep our brains biologically younger. Adults who exercised regularly for a year showed brains that appeared nearly a year younger than those who didn't change their habits. The study focused on midlife, a critical window when prevention may offer long-term benefits. Even small shifts in brain age could add up over decades. (Source 3)

In other news, a stunning photo of a crocodile has won the British Ecological Society's annual Capturing Ecology photography competition. The photo, taken by Zeke Rowe in Panama's Coiba National Park, shows a biting fly landing on the crocodile's nose, highlighting the fascinating interactions between species in the natural world. (Source 4)

And finally, a pet cow named Veronika has made headlines for learning to use tools to scratch herself. According to a study published in Current Biology, Veronika uses sticks and brooms to scratch hard-to-reach areas, marking the first recorded example of flexible tool use in cattle. (Source 5)

These discoveries not only highlight the fascinating diversity of the natural world but also underscore the importance of continued research and exploration. From the ancient giant kangaroos to the canny cattle of today, the animal kingdom is full of surprises waiting to be uncovered.

Sources:
1. Jones, M. (2023). Ancient giant kangaroos could have hopped despite their huge size. New Scientist.
2. (2023). The genetic advantage that helps some people stay sharp for life. New Scientist.
3. (2023). MRI scans show exercise can make the brain look younger. New Scientist.
4. Rowe, Z. (2023). Piercing crocodile close-up wins ecology photo competition. British Ecological Society.
5. Osuna-Mascaró, A. J., & Auersperg, A. M. I. (2026). Canny cattle: at least one cow knows how to use tools. Current Biology.