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Who is the most studied species of monkey that was sent into space?

2024-11-10 20:42:40, Blog CNA

The 43 monkeys of the species known as the rhesus macaque, which accidentally escaped from a South Carolina lab this week, are among the most studied animals on the planet. Centuries of research into this species has provided an insight into humanity, revealing strengths and weaknesses in humans through their behaviors, the study of organs and the genetic code.

This type of monkey has been sent into space by rocket. They have even been stars of a TV show.

Animal rights organizations point out that this type of monkey has been subjected to studies on vaccines, organ transplants and the impact of separation of the baby from the mother. At the same time, many scientists emphasize the importance of studies done with this monkey species to fight AIDS, polio and COVID-19.

In 2003, the lack of this type of monkey threatened to slow down the continuation of scientific studies. Scientists paid up to $10,000 for a monkey of this type to continue research.

"Every major American university that conducts scientific research likely has a few rhesus macaques at the center of its medical school," according to the book Macachiavellian Intelligence: How Rhesus Macaques and Humans Have Conquered the World in 2007.

"The US military and NASA also conduct research with monkeys of this type," wrote the book's author, Dario Maestripieri, a scientist at the University of Chicago.

"For years, the military and NASA trained monkeys on computer games to see if they could learn to fly planes and launch missiles."

Research began in the 1890s

People have used the rhesus macaque species for scientific research since the late 1800s, when the theory of evolution began to gain more acceptance, according to a 2022 research paper from the journal eLife.

The first study on this type of monkey was published in 1893 describing the "anatomy of advanced pregnancy," according to eLife.

By 1925, the Carnegie Institute of Science had established a large group of monkeys to study embryology and fertility for this human-like species.

One reason for the increased popularity of this species was their high number.

"Another reason is that 'rhesus macaques' are a very strong species," says Eve Cooper, author of the study that was published in the journal 'eLife' and professor of biology at the University of Colorado in Boulder. "They can live and reproduce in conditions that are not difficult to maintain"

NASA and the polio vaccine

In the 1950s, the kidneys of this type of monkey were used to make the polio vaccine, Salk. NASA also used animals during the space race, as noted in a short history of monkeys in space on the agency's website.

For example, a female rhesus macaque monkey named 'Miss Sam', in 1960 was placed on the space shuttle 'Mercury' which reached a speed of 1,900 kilometers per hour and a height of 14.5 kilometers. 'Miss Sam' returned to earth in good health.

"She returned to her training colony where she lived until her death," NASA writes.

Mapping the genetic code

In 2007, scientists discovered that the DNA of the rhesus macaque species was about 93% similar to that of humans.

By comparison, humans and chimpanzees evolved separately from a common ancestor about 6 million years ago, but their genetic code is about 99% similar.

The mapping of the human genetic code in 2001 boosted efforts to similarly decipher the DNA of other animals.

"They are very smart"

For those who have studied the behavior of the rhesus macaque species, the conclusion is equally interesting.

"They have some striking similarities to humans in terms of their social intelligence," says Dario Maestripieri, a professor at the University of Chicago who wrote a book on the monkey species.

For example, they are very family-oriented, supporting family members when fights break out, he told the Associated Press news agency on Friday. "They also recruit allies when attacked."

"They are very political," Maestripieri professed. "They spend most of their daily lives weaving political alliances with each other."

Mr. Maestripieri was a consultant for a TV show in India called "Monkey Thieves".

"They started tracking large groups of the 'rhesus macaque' species and naming them," said Professor Maestripieri. "It was a beautiful thing because these monkeys sometimes behave like people. So it's fascinating to follow their stories."/ VOA