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Stunning video shows a mouse giving ‘CPR’ to his unconscious buddy

Mouse to mouse resuscitation?

mouse performing CPR
via Science

A mouse attempts to revive an unconscious friend.

We do the animal kingdom an enormous disservice when we believe that specific characteristics are limited to our species. Throughout history, it’s been assumed that humans were the only creatures on Earth to exhibit empathy, rational thinking, consciousness, and the ability to use tools. But the more we learn about other species, the more those assumptions have fallen by the wayside.

A new study from the University of Southern California shows that when a mouse encounters another unconscious mouse, it will aid the mouse in a way that resembles human CPR. The researchers accidentally observed this behavior while studying why a mouse’s tongue protrudes under anesthesia.

“They start with sniffing, and then grooming, and then with a very intensive or physical interaction,” Li Zhang, a physiologist at USC and one of the study’s authors, told New Scientist. “They really open the mouth of this animal and pull out its tongue.” The mice were also found to lick the anesthetized mouse’s eyeballs and bite its mouth as part of the care behavior. In more than half of the interactions, the mouse pulled the tongue out of the unresponsive partner to clear the airway. “If we extended the observation window, maybe the success rate could be even higher,” team member Huizhong Tao told New Scientist.

Do mice give CPR?

- YouTubewww.youtube.com

The behavior looks a lot like CPR, but researchers are careful not to anthropomorphize or assume that the animal is behaving as a human would. Zhang says the behavior is more of an attempt to wake the unresponsive mouse up as if he were using smelling salts or a slap to bring them to consciousness. However, they believe that tongue repositioning is done to ensure the mouse’s airway is clear.

The study also found that mice familiar with the unresponsive mouse are more responsive to the animal. This could show that mice care more for those they are familiar with than those they have never met. “These findings add to the evidence that an impulse to help others in states of extreme distress is shared by many species,” neuroscientists William Sheeran and Zoe Donaldson wrote in a commentary accompanying the study.

The behaviors were driven by the release of oxytocin in the amygdala and hypothalamus regions of the brain. The hormone is associated with caring behaviors in various vertebrate species. James Burkett, a neuroscientist outside of the study research group, says that the release of oxytocin in the mouse’s brain is evidence of an “altruistic impulse” that appears to be born into mice.

The caring behavior exhibited by the mice has also been found in other species. Dolphins have been known to bring an ailing member of its pod to the surface for air when sick or injured. Elephants are known to support wounded or ailing relatives.

This study is another reminder that the line between human and animal intelligence and emotions is far blurrier than we think. The evidence continues to show that even species as small as mice—a species we call pests—have a natural impulse to help one another. The more we learn about the animal kingdom, the more we need to reconsider the uniqueness of many characteristics we call “human.”

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Four guys write a letter asking to walk their new neighbor's dog. The dog writes back.

"I am very friendly and full of beans."

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Photo credit: Canva, Stevieticks /Instagram

black lab (left. Handwritten letter (right)

If you've lived your whole life with a dog, a home has to feel pretty empty without one. Your heart has to feel like there's something missing as well. When Jack McCrossan, originally from Scotland, moved to Bristol, England with his three friends, they were bummed out to learn that their landlord didn't allow dogs.

So when they saw a beautiful black Sheprador (a German Sheppard Lab mix) in their neighbor's window, they knew that had to become buddies with her. They wrote the dog's owner, Sarah Tolman, a letter asking to arrange a play date with the dog. "If you ever need someone to walk him/her, we will gladly do so," they wrote.

"If you ever get bored (we know you never will, but we can dream), we are more than happy to look after him/her. If you want to come over and bring him/her to brighten our day, you are more than welcome. If you want to walk past our balcony windows so we can see him/her, please do," the letter continued.

"We hope this doesn't come too strong, but our landlord won't allow pets, and we've all grown up with animals. The adult life is a struggle without one," they wrote. "Yours sincerely, The boys from number 23," the letter concluded.

Soon after, the boys in 23 received a response from the dog herself, Stevie Ticks, accepting the offer. However, it may have been written by her human, Sarah Tolman. In the letter, Stevie shares a bit about herself, saying she's two years and four months old, was adopted in Cyprus, and that she's "very friendly and full of beans." (The boys shouldn't worry about a gassy hound, in England, "full of beans" means lively.)

"I love meeting new people and it would be great if we can be friends. I must warn you that the price of my friendship is 5 x ball throws a day and belly scratches whenever I demand them," the letter continued. A few days later, the boys got to meet Stevie.

"Meeting Stevie was great!" McCrossan told Buzzfeed. "She was definitely as energetic as described. We got to take her for a walk and she wouldn't stop running!"

Tolman thought the boys' letter was a fantastic gesture in an era where, quote often, neighbors are strangers. "In a day and age where people don't really know or speak to their neighbors, it was really nice for them to break down that barrier," she said. After the story went viral, she saw it as an opportunity for people to share their love of dogs with the world. "My mother and I are amazed at all the love we've received from around the world these past few days," Tolman wrote as Stevie. "If you have a doggo in your life, share that love with those around you."

A lot has changed since this story first warmed hearts around the globe. The boys have since moved away, but as of September 2024, Stevie is around 8 years old and still living her best life. Recently, she even made it to the doggie wall of fame at her local coffee shop.

In the years since this story first went viral, pet-sharing and neighbor dog borrowing have actually become more common, especially in cities where landlords restrict pets. Several platforms (like BorrowMyDoggy) and community groups now exist to pair dog owners with trusted neighbors who want occasional playtime, walks, or dog-sitting without having to own a pet. It’s a small but growing trend that reflects how deeply animal companionship is needed—even for people who can’t adopt a dog full-time. In many apartment buildings, these kinds of informal arrangements help reduce loneliness, build community, and give non-owners the emotional benefits of living with pets.

Just goes to show the power of a dog's love…even if that dog isn't your own.

This article originally appeared six years ago.

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4 tips to re-fluff and revitalize your old duvet to gloriously bring it back to life

Plus, tips on how to clean your duvet insert and cover.

duvet, duvet insert, duvet cover, duvets, what is a duvet
Photo credit: Canva

Tips for how to clean and refresh your duvet, including the duvet insert and duvet cover.

Sleeping in a freshly washed and made better is nothing short of heaven. And if you sleep with a duvet, it can be hard to keep it feeling fresh.

A duvet "is the French word for down ( a layer of fine feathers that rests under the exterior feathers of geese and ducks), reflecting the traditional fill of this bedding item that originated in Europe", according to the Sleep Foundation. These days, a duvet is typically two parts: an insert (which can be filled with down, cotton or synthetic material) and a cover that the insert is placed into.

Over time, your duvet insert can also become lumpy and flat. Giving it a good cleaning and re-fluff can bring it back to life.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

How do you clean a duvet?

Washing your duvet regularly prevents allergen buildup and maintains the freshness of your bedding.

"For most families, a duvet should be washed at least annually; however, as a general rule, washes that occur every 3-4 months are recommended for those who use their duvet year round, have allergies or experience any stains/odors in their duvet," Isabella Flores, a Professional Organizer & Cleaning Expert at Sparkly Maid San Diego, tells Upworthy.

She explains that when choosing what type of duvet material to purchase, you will want to consider how often you plan on washing it.

"Duvets made from synthetic materials such as polyester/microfiber can be washed more frequently than those made from down/feather, as they do not lose their loft and retain their warmth with repeated washing," she adds.

And you should clean your duvet cover much more frequently.

"A duvet cover should be cleaned every week or so," Olivia Parks, Owner + Lead Organizer at Nola Organizers, tells Upworthy. "Even though the cover protects the insert, the insert still collects body odor, sweat, body oils from lotions or other body products, crumbs if you eat in your bed, dog hair or cat hair, and more."

duvet, duvet cover, what is a duvet cover, duvet bedding, bed with duvet A bed with a duvet cover.Photo credit: Canva

How often should a duvet be replaced?

Your duvet can last a long time, but it also depends on the material it's made out of.

"Quality down duvets last 15-20 years, while synthetic fills max out at 5-7 years before the fibers break down and lose loft permanently," Matt O'Connor, Co-founder and CEO at NoScrubs.com Laundry Delivery, tells Upworthy. "Material absolutely matters because down is a three-dimensional structure that rebounds, while polyester is essentially crimped plastic that eventually fatigues and compresses. Replace when you notice cold spots (filling has migrated), when the fabric starts showing wear on the corners, or when fluffing no longer restores volume overnight."

He adds that one way to tell if it's time to replace your duvet is to stick it in sunlight and look for dust puffing out when you pat it.

"That's fragmented fill material, not just dust, meaning the internal structure is degrading," says O'Connor. "Most people replace too early because they don't know maintenance tricks, but once you see structural breakdown, no amount of washing fixes it."

duvet, duvet insert, duvet cover, what is a duvet insert, what is a duvet cover A duvet with a duvet insert and cover.Photo credit: Canva

4 tips to refresh your duvet

Make your duvet cover feel brand new with these helpful tips:

Tip #1: Wash and dry it properly

It's important to wash your duvet on the right setting.

"To re-fluff and restore loft, wash your duvet on a gentle cycle in cold water with a small amount of mild detergent and dry on low heat," says Flores. "Adding 2-3 wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer will assist in breaking down clumps and restoring loft, allowing your duvet to become plush once again. Make sure it dries completely to avoid developing mold and mildew."

Tip #2: Fluff and massage your duvet

There are a few proper ways to fluff and shape your duvet.

"Place your duvet flat on a bed/table and manually manipulate any lumps, separating and redistributing the filling by massaging with your hands," Flores explains. "For particularly stubborn areas, use a lightly pressed rolling pin covered in a towel and roll to help break apart and redistribute the filling. Manual fluffing can help restore an even distribution of the filling and improve the overall comfort of your duvet."

Tip #3: Stick it in the freezer

Another way to refresh your duvet is to put it in the freezer.

"Put your duvet in a large garbage bag, seal it, and freeze for 24 hours, then immediately bring it into a warm room and vigorously shake it while still cold," says O'Connor. "The temperature shock causes the fill fibers to contract then rapidly expand, breaking static bonds and clumping."

Tip #4: Give it some fresh air

Finally, prevent it from becoming musty with some exposure to fresh air.

"Hang your duvet outside during a breezy, dry day to allow the wind and sun to naturally dissipate remaining odors, restore the duvet's freshness and encourage the filling to regain its original loft," shares Flores. "If the weather prohibits hanging the duvet outdoors, hang it indoors near a window with an open window or turn on a fan to circulate air."

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Forensics student reveals the two types of women predators target based on how they walk

It's chilling that they all have the same "type."

predators, forensics, crime, women, awareness
via Екатерина Шумских/Pexels, Vladimir Konoplev/Pexels and Teona Swift/Pexels

Three women walking down city streets.

A forensics student named Alexandria recently shared vital information on TikTok that all women should know. She detailed the specific signs male predators are looking for when they choose a victim.

Her video is based on a 2013 study entitled “Psychopathy and Victim Selection: The Use of Gait as a Cue to Vulnerability.” For the study, researchers interviewed violent criminals in prison and asked them the type of women they’d be most likely to victimize.

The study found that the criminals all agreed that how the woman walked was a deciding factor.

“What the selected women all had in common was the way that they walked and how they generally held themselves in public,” Alexandria says in the video she later deleted but has been shared broadly across the platform.

@_alf_90_

How to walk for your safety! #women #safety #tips #walking #kidnapping #murder #attacks #fyp

“The selected women all had a similar ‘awkwardness’ to the way that they walked and carried themselves,” she continued. “The first part of the woman had a gait that was a little bit too small for their body, which resulted in smaller steps, slower speed and their arms more typically to their sides, or crossed, as well as their heads being down and not really taking in their general surroundings, which indicated three different things to these potential attackers.”

The woman’s body language signaled to attackers that she was fearful and anxious and because her head was down, she'd be easier to surprise. Alex then described the second type of woman the criminals said they’d target.

“On the other hand, the other part of the women that were selected had a gait that seemed a bit too big for their body and their arms tended to flail to the sides and seemed just overly awkward,” Alexandria continued.

The woman with the bigger gait signaled to potential attackers that she may be clumsy and won’t put up a good fight. “Because their arms were out and flailing to the side, it left the lower body open to, again, come around and grab them,” she said.

women, walking, predators, crime, body language Women walking down a street.Image via Canva Photos.

The video was helpful because Alexandria also discussed the types of women the attackers wouldn’t pursue. Alex says these women “walked with a gait that tended to be more natural to their body.” She adds they moved at the same pace as those in the immediate area, with their shoulders back and chins up and asserting a general sense of confidence.

“Essentially, the women that were not selected gave off an energy that said, ‘Don’t mess with me. I will put up a good fight.’ And that’s why they weren’t selected,” Alex said. “I know that it sounds silly, but something as simple as the way you walk or the way that you carry yourself in public could determine the likelihood that you become a target of a predator.”

According to the Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense Training, detecting vulnerability is the biggest factor in who predators choose to victimize. Confusion, isolation, appearing insecure, unaware, unassertive, or distracted all play a part in who predators target, but being aware of these factors can increase safety considerably. They also note that access plays a part in being targeted, stating that, "Attackers tend to target people positioned near entrances, exits, or secluded areas where they can quickly grab and escape without arousing suspicion."

woman, crime, predator, safety, awareness Woman aware of her surroundings in a parking garage. Image via Canva Photos.

Alexandria concluded her video by sharing an acronym that can help prevent women from being victimized while in public: STAAR.

S(tride): Walk with a natural stride to your body with steps that are not too far apart or short.

T(all): Stand tall. Keep your shoulders back and your chin up. Assert a natural confidence and dominance to those around you.

A(rms): Swing your arms naturally by your sides, avoiding keeping them too close to your body or flailing out of your natural range of motion.

A(wareness): Stay aware of your surroundings. Take notice if something feels or looks off.

R(elax): Stay cool, calm, and collected and don’t indicate to a potential attacker that you feel or see something is wrong.


This article originally appeared last year. It has been updated.

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Mom's warning about the impact of 'grumpy' dads on Christmas strikes a chord with other parents

"Kids will remember which parent made the holidays magical, which parent was complaining."

christmas, dads on christmas, invisible load, mental load, moms, motherhood, fatherhood
Photo credit: Canva

A family trying to enjoy Christmas dinner while dad is unamused.

There’s only so long that parents get to create holiday magic for their kids, and, historically, that burden has fallen mainly on only one parent’s shoulders. Many of us have memories of mom going out of her way to arrange decorations, gifts, outings, and Santa visits, while dad reluctantly went along with it all.

Paige Connell, aka @sheisapaigeturner on TikTok, who often shares opinions about invisible mental load, said she grew up with a dad like that. She still remembers how it felt to see her father so perturbed every December. In her TikTok video, Connell recalled that one Christmas morning, her dad received a package of golf balls her mom had bought him as a gift from the kids. Instead of showing any gratitude, her father turned to her mom and complained, “These are wrong.”

@sheisapaigeturner Kids will always remember which parent helped make the holidays magical. They also remember when someone steals that magic. ##holidaymagic##christmasgifts##christmaspictures##familytradition##happyholidays ♬ original sound - Paige

That unpleasant moment became a core Christmas memory for Connell, and she noted that, unfortunately, it’s a dynamic that’s still “normalized in society,” where men do family things “begrudgingly.”

“Like they’ll go to the pumpkin patch, but they’re probably gonna complain and seem like they’re not having fun. Or they’ll do the family photos for the Christmas card, but they’re not happy to be there, and they’re grouchier than the kids.”

However, as Connell demonstrated, this energy is something kids pick up on…and remember.

“Kids will remember which parent made the holidays magical, which parent was complaining, which parent didn’t want to be at the pumpkin patch,” she warned.

Down in the comments, folks shared their own not-so-cherished memories of grinchy or aloof dads.

“I will literally never forget the Christmas I found out that all the gifts I thought my dad was giving my mom were actually gifts she had bought herself so my brother and I wouldn’t know he didn’t get her anything,” one person wrote.

Another lamented, “ My parents divorced when I was 6, but I remember after every gift me and my sisters opened at Christmas, my dad would look at my mom and say ‘wowwww how much did that cost me?’”

@nativeamerican_tiktok “ The Moon and its magic spell”( Little Pine Cone ). I am a storyteller and I created this story for my daughter Luna🌜. Enjoy it and if you love my story, please share to support my art 🙏🏻💫 #storyteller #native #fyp #magic #moon #christmas #foryou ♬ suono originale - Chinook

A growing body of psychological research shows that persistent negative emotional tone in parenting (whether from one parent or both) can have lasting effects on kids. For example, one study found that parents with consistent verbal negativity tend to have children who deal with more emotional distress and have more trouble regulating emotions.

Even when negativity is expressed indirectly through frequent complaints, negative mood, or a general lack of emotional warmth, children may pick up on it as a loss of emotional safety.

Of course, the cultural script about fatherhood continues to change. More and more dads today take real pride in making holidays magical. Some plan elaborate light displays, wrap gifts, bake cookies, schedule festive outings, or help invent family traditions that kids cherish. Thankfully, these men recognize that joy is a shared responsibility, and they want to be remembered as a parent who showed up equally.

As the holidays get nearer, hopefully this can serve as a gentle reminder for those with little ones just how much it means to be an active participant in Christmas cheer…or not.

- YouTube youtube.com

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Guy's brutally honest breakup text goes viral and reminds everyone that 'ghosting' isn't cool

This is the ideal example of how to let someone down easy.

breakup, heartbreak, relationships, breakups, texts, ghosting
via Shuttershock

Ghosting just isn't okay.

All too often, people leave a date with no idea how the other person feels about them. And if you're not into the other person, it can be stressful trying to gauge how they feel about the situation and ultimately what you should do moving forward.

Should you go ahead and have another date to see if something blossoms? Will it come across as presumptuous to let them down? If they're not into you either, will they make you feel stupid for laying out the reasons you don't want to go out again? Or is it leading someone on to stay mum about the lack of connection?

couple, date, dating, connection, communication Is the lack of connection mutual?Canva Photos.

While there's no easy way to navigate letting a date down, avoiding these awkward conversations oftentimes results in the awful trend of ghosting, which leaves one person completely in the emotional lurch.

Ghosting may sound harmless at first, but it's actually a harmful (and totally lame) way to treat another person. It's especially gross when you consider that this other person is someone you invested time in and who invested time in you. Even if there was no spark or connection on one end, ghosting is essentially like throwing the other person away and acting like they don't matter. There are many reasons why someone might ghost, but when you poke at them enough, they really don't hold any water. In an article for Psychology Today, Janneke M. Schokkenbroek, Ph.D., gives several reasons for why people ghost. Number one? Convenience.

ghosting, gif, dating, dates, connection, ghosted No, you didn't. Giphy

Sure, it may be "convenient" to walk away from a situation and pretend it no longer exists, but this bit of convenience can be extremely damaging for the person on the receiving end. In fact, a lot of research has come out in the last several years outlining the harmful affects of ghosting on the mental health of both parties. Some psychologists note that ghosting is a symptom of avoidant attachment, and stress that learning attachment theory can keep heartbroken hopefuls who've been ghosted from internalizing their experience. Still, ghosting hurts no matter how you slice it, and it's just not a healthy thing to do to someone.

Unfortunately, ghosting remains extremely common. It's so common that it's rare to see healthy emotional rejection modeled online. But in 2019, Reddit user karmabandido's shared a breakup text he sent to his date that quickly went viral for its honest clarity.

text, honesty, ghosting, dating, relationships A masterclass is classy dating.Via Reddit

This is an ideal example of how to let someone down easy. He was polite, respectful, and transparent about his feelings, wants, and needs. He didn't ghost her—but he also didn't mince words about the lack of connection.

In return, she was able to reveal that she felt the same way and they were able to avoid further awkward interactions without negging or having to resort to ghosting.

dating, dating app, online dating, ghosting, ghosted Woman looking at smartphone.Canva Photos.

Bottom line: ghosting isn't nice and it isn't cool. Instead, be honest, open, and respectful because it treats other people with the dignity they deserve. It may be uncomfortable, but kindly and clearly saying how you feel is the right thing to do, people appreciate it, and it goes a long way.

This article was originally published six years ago. It has been updated.

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