EXCITING new research from the animal world demonstrates that medical care is not just the province of humans.
Scientists monitoring chimpanzee communities in Uganda noticed that they were helping each other with wound care and hygiene.
Techniques included direct wound licking, which removes dirt and potentially applies antimicrobial compounds in saliva; finger licking followed by wound pressing; and chewing leaves and bark and applying the mass to wounds.
Interestingly, the plants they used are known for their bioactive properties and are also used by humans in traditional medicine.
"We also documented hygiene behaviours, including the cleaning of genitals with leaves after mating and wiping the anus with leaves after defecation - practices that may help prevent infections," said researcher Dr Elodie Freymann of the University of Oxford.
Of note, chimps helped both related and unrelated community members, despite the potential risk from being exposed to pathogens.
A major source of injury is snares set by humans, and researchers also witnessed chimps helping others to remove the traps.
Scientists believe these findings could help with understanding the cognitive and social foundations of human healthcare.
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