Kyoto University Discovers Chimps' Social Urination Phenomenon

KYOTO, Jan 22 (News On Japan) - Kyoto University has made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying the occurrence of the so-called "urination mimicry" phenomenon in chimpanzees for the first time globally.

One chimpanzee begins urinating, followed shortly by another nearby individual mimicking the act.

A study involving 20 chimpanzees revealed that individuals near a urinating chimpanzee are more likely to urinate shortly afterward.

Professor Shinya Yamamoto from Kyoto University's Institute for the Future of Human Society commented:

"Urination is observed in various animals, enabling comparative studies. This finding offers an intriguing perspective on the evolution of sociality in animals and humans."

Source: TBS

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From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

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