Human-engineered cat gene is exclusively designed for human use.
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Get ready to be amazed! Our feline friends have been manipulating us all along, and scientists are finally figuring out why. Listen closely, kitty purrs aren't just a sign of affection; they're a clever communication tool!
First off, let's consider the different purring frequencies. You might have noticed your cat purring at different volumes and speeds. Well, it turns out they're doing this to get what they want! By purring louder and faster, cats can grab your attention and demand attention, food, or some quality lovin'!
Now, the question is, why do some cats purr louder than others? A groundbreaking study led by researchers at Kyoto University has shed light on this mystery by discovering the genetic basis for purring. They've stumbled upon the so-called "purring gene." Get this – they discovered that cats with a short version of this gene purr more intensely and frequently, making them super social butterflies! The long version, on the other hand, seems to be found in more independent cats who purr less often.
Our British friends at the University of Sussex led by Dr. Karen McComb became intrigued by the purpose behind the varying degrees of purring. They recruited cat owners from all over to record their furry friends' purrs in different situations, like when they were full and when they were hungry. The results were fascinating! When a cat wants something, it adds high-frequency demanding notes to its purring! It turns out that the average purring frequency is about 27 Hz, but when a cat is being demanding, it adds high-frequency sounds ranging from 220 to 520 Hz.
So, why do these high-pitched tones work? It's all about manipulating our innate need to care for offspring. Just like babies who cry at high frequencies, our feline friends are triggering our parental instincts with their demanding purrs!
One fun fact: cats living with single owners tend to use high frequencies more effectively in their demands. This makes sense since they need to rely on us more to get what they want!
Speaking of language, have you heard about the Swedish research team that won an Ig Nobel Prize for their extensive analysis of the various sounds cats make? They dissected the secrets of purring, meowing, and even hissing! Truly, our cats have an incredible ability to communicate with us – we just need to listen carefully!
Bonus: Did you know that the androgen receptor gene plays a significant role in purring? Studies have found that cats with shorter versions of this gene (15 to 18 repeats) purr more frequently and display increased vocalization towards humans, making them popular with their owners. In contrast, cats with longer versions tend to be less vocal. This fascinating discovery reveals a genetically-driven act of feline manipulation!
Science has uncovered that the variations in a cat's purr frequency can significantly impact health-and-wellness, particularly mental-health. For example, when a cat adds high-frequency demanding notes to its purring, it could be triggering our innate parental instincts, manipulating us for attention, food, or affection – a fascinating demonstration of feline communication. On the other hand, the Swedish research team's extensive analysis of the cat's sounds, including meowing and hissing, provides insights into the cat's ability to communicate, emphasizing the importance of listening carefully.
