Science links: The creature that doesn't age; how chimps mourn their dead

Chimpanzees.jpgView full sizeTwo new studies have shown that chimpanzees share many of the grief patterns of humans, and may remain with loved ones long after they have died.
Science links from around the web:
  • Immortality appears to be in the grasp of earthworms, according to Discover Magazine.  Researchers at the University of Nottingham in England have found the gene that allows the creatures to regenerate an astonishingly number of body parts.  The gene helps the earthworm -- over 20 percent stem cells -- constantly replace aging cells, suggesting it does not age.   
  • Was the universe born in a black hole?  A theoretical physicist at Indiana University has come up with a model for that birth, according to  According to the theory, the formation of a black hole could lead to matter falling from the black hole through a wormhole to a "white hole" in another universe, leading to a rapid expansion.
  • Mice may have the ability to synthesize morphine in their bodies, according to a report in Scientific American.  Scientists injected precursors of the drug into lab animals, then found trace amounts of morphine in their urine.  Researchers say it's unclear if mice can manufacture the drug without the injection, or what purpose morphine would serve if they could.
  • ScienceDaily reports that directors at a California research lab have found the body responds to "mirthful laughter" in the same way as moderate exercise.  A study of volunteers who were monitored while watching humorous videos and stressful videos at different times found repetitive laughter decreased stress, strengthened the immune system and had positive effects on blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Recent studies show that chimpanzees appear to share many of the grieving patterns commonly associated with humans confronting death.  Science reports on two observations of chimps grieving:  In one, a group of chimps kept watch over a sick member of their group.  When the chimp died, her daughter remained with her until zookeepers removed the body.  In another, researchers in Africa observed two mothers carrying the remains of their deceased children for weeks after they died, and continued to groom them as the bodies decayed.