The human capacity for language has long been considered unique to our species. However, recent studies have challenged this notion by revealing that chimpanzees possess a complex communication system that rivals that of humans in terms of its combinatorial potential. Researchers from the Max Planck Institutes for Evolutionary Anthropology and Cognitive and Brain Sciences, along with colleagues from the Cognitive Neuroscience Center Marc Jeannerod and Neuroscience Research Center in Lyon, France, have recorded thousands of vocalizations from wild chimpanzees in the Taï National Park in Ivory Coast.

Their findings reveal that chimpanzees employ four distinct methods to alter meanings when combining single calls into two-call combinations. These include compositional and non-compositional combinations, analogous to the key linguistic principles in human language. The study also highlights the versatility of these combinations, which are used in a wide range of contexts beyond mere predator alerts.

One of the most significant aspects of this research is that it suggests that chimpanzees’ complex communication system may be more similar to human language than previously thought. This has implications for our understanding of the origins of language and the evolutionary history of humans. The study’s authors propose that the capacity for complex combinatorial capacities was already present in the common ancestor of humans and great apes, challenging the views of the last century that communication in great apes is fixed and linked to emotional states.

This research opens up new avenues for investigation into the evolution of language and highlights the importance of studying the communicative capabilities of our closest living relatives. As Cédric Girard-Buttoz, first author on the study, notes, “Our findings suggest a highly generative vocal communication system, unprecedented in the animal kingdom… This changes the views of the last century which considered communication in the great apes to be fixed and linked to emotional states, and therefore unable to tell us anything about the evolution of language.”

Smart home technologies are increasingly used worldwide to monitor and control various aspects of daily life. However, a growing concern has emerged regarding the impact of these devices on domestic workers, who often find themselves under constant surveillance.

Researchers from King’s College London have conducted a study that reveals the unsettling truth about smart home devices being used to monitor domestic workers in China. The study, which involved interviews with 26 domestic workers and five recruitment agencies, highlights how employers are using these technologies to exert control over their employees, undermining their privacy and safety.

The researchers found that many domestic workers felt like they were under constant observation, with cameras and sensors installed in every room of the smart home. Some reported not being informed about the presence of cameras, while others discovered them hidden in bookshelves or disguised as other devices.

The constant feeling of being watched had a profound impact on the mental wellbeing of these domestic workers. Many felt uneasy, anxious, and even trapped in their own homes. The researchers concluded that this level of surveillance amounts to mental abuse, undermining trust and affecting workplace interactions.

Furthermore, the study revealed how smart home technologies exacerbate existing power imbalances between workers and employers. Employers can use these devices to monitor workers’ performance, track their movements, and even make decisions about their employment based on data collected from the devices.

The researchers highlighted that while many domestic workers recognized the need for safety, especially when caring for babies, the absence of clear communication from employers about the purpose of monitoring sparked distrust and discomfort. They recommended that domestic worker agencies integrate privacy education into training programmes for workers to understand their rights and establish transparent communication and contractual agreements regarding surveillance practices.

The study was conducted by researchers from King’s College London, along with collaborators from the University of St Andrews and the China Academy of Art, Hangzhou. The findings suggest that this issue is not unique to China but may be affecting migrant domestic workers worldwide.

In conclusion, the use of smart home technologies to monitor domestic workers raises significant concerns about their safety and privacy. The researchers’ recommendations provide a starting point for policymakers and agencies to address these challenges and ensure that domestic workers are protected from exploitation. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial that we prioritize human rights and dignity in the development and implementation of smart home devices.

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Unlocking Mental Well-being: Everyday Behaviors That Boost Happiness

Research from Curtin University has revealed that everyday actions like chatting with friends, spending time in nature, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities can significantly improve mental well-being. The study surveyed over 600 Western Australian adults and found that those who practiced these behaviors on a daily basis scored higher on a standard mental well-being scale than those who did so less frequently.

The research highlighted the importance of social connections, physical activity, spirituality, and helping others in maintaining good mental health. Participants who chatted with friends every day scored 10 points higher on average, while spending time in nature daily was associated with a five-point increase. Other behaviors linked to improved mental well-being included frequent catch-ups with friends, physical activity, practicing spirituality, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities like crosswords or learning a new language.

Lead author Professor Christina Pollard emphasized that these findings offer clear evidence of the power of simple, low-cost actions in promoting good mental health and well-being. “These aren’t expensive programs or clinical interventions,” she said. “They’re behaviors that are already part of many people’s lives and can be easily encouraged through public health messaging.”

The study also evaluated 15 behaviors promoted by the Act Belong Commit campaign and found that mental well-being increased consistently with the frequency of participation in these behaviors. Awareness of the campaign was high, with 86 per cent of participants recognizing it, and nearly all agreed that mental health should be prioritized alongside physical health.

Despite being conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when social interactions were limited, 93 per cent of respondents reported no psychological distress, and average mental well-being scores were comparable to international pre-pandemic norms. Professor Pollard noted that this research provides a strong case for long-term investment in population-wide mental health promotion campaigns that go beyond awareness and empower people to take meaningful action.

“This research confirms that when people are supported and encouraged to engage in mentally healthy behaviors, the benefits can be felt across the community,” she said. “It’s about prevention, not just treatment – helping people stay mentally well before they reach crisis point.”