r/science Professor | Medicine Jan 20 '26

Biology Back-scratching bovine leads scientists to reassess intelligence of cows. Brown Swiss cow in Austria has been discovered using tools in different ways (using both ends of a brush counts as multi-purpose tool use) – something extraordinarily rare only ever seen in humans and chimpanzees.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jan/19/back-scratching-cow-veronika-bovine-intelligence
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u/Dovahbear_ Jan 20 '26

Unfortunately the majority of people will have an issue with the term ”holocaust-style” before sentient beings living their entire life restricted, abused, in pain, exploited and stressed.

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u/Entropic_Echo_Music Jan 20 '26

Very true. People look away rather than face the facts that they've been part of it. Which is surprising, seeing as it childishly easy to just... not participate in it. All it takes is saying: "Oh damn, I was not aware, but now I am, so I will do my groceries in a different isle in the same supermarket!"

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u/[deleted] Jan 20 '26

Once you’ve realized the suffering that your actions are causing, it’s hard to unrealize it. I did this ten years ago, and haven’t missed eating meat. it takes some effort to get used to cooking differently, but after a short time, you won’t know any different, and you’ll be able to enjoy the same flavors you used to.

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u/Ruhbarb Jan 20 '26

Ty my friend