A year and a half ago, neuroscientist Kamilla Souza got the call she'd been waiting for: A baby humpback whale had died just offshore. She wanted its brain. That's because scientists know little about the brains of whales and dolphins off the Central and South American coasts. Studying them, like Kamilla is doing, can teach scientists about the inner workings of these animals — about their behavior and how they're adapted to living underwater. So, she has to race against time to save the brains. The heat in this area of Brazil accelerates decomposition. Minutes matter. This episode was reported by Ari Daniel. Read more of Ari's reporting.Curious about other biology research happening around the world? Let us know by emailing [email protected]!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
What is the purpose of studying whale brains?
Yes.
I think about the brain.
You think about the brain. It's something she's been fascinated by ever since she was little. And here's why she thinks brains are so important to study.
See, I knew it. I knew I could trust you. We're there now.
True to my word. Camila says there's actually very little known about the brains of whales and dolphins living in the waters off Central and South America. But mapping how those brains are wired up can teach scientists about the inner workings of these animals, about their behavior, and how they're adapted to living underwater.
Plus, dolphins have Alzheimer's, encephalitis, meningitis. So it's an opportunity to understand diseases that can also affect humans. Really? Alzheimer's? That's fascinating.
It's still early days of confirming the disease, Regina. But yes, there have been signs of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's in certain dolphins. So for all these reasons, Camila's intent on gathering and studying the brains of cetaceans.
Cetaceans. Cetaceans? Is that a word for whales and dolphins that I don't know?
Yes, yes.
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