Parrots Display Human-Like Skill in Mimicking Pointless Actions

# **Macaws and the Science of Imitation: Why These Birds Mimic Pointless Gestures**

Macaws are celebrated for their intellect, striking colors, and extraordinary capacity to replicate sounds and actions. While considerable research has examined their talent for imitating intentional actions, a recent investigation has uncovered an even more fascinating aspect—macaws also mimic pointless gestures. This phenomenon, termed automatic imitation, may shed light on social connection and cognitive development in avian species.

## **Grasping Imitation in Animals**

Imitation among animals is typically divided into two categories:

1. **Transitive Actions** – Actions characterized by a distinct objective, such as utilizing a tool or grasping an item.
2. **Intransitive Actions** – Movements lacking a specific goal, such as waving a hand or extending wings.

Though many species have been seen emulating transitive actions, there has been limited research into their ability to replicate intransitive actions. Nevertheless, recent findings indicate that imitating trivial movements might facilitate socialization and group cohesion.

## **The Study: Evaluating Macaws’ Imitative Skills**

A research team, spearheaded by zoologist Esha Haldar from the Comparative Cognition Research group, carried out an experiment with blue-throated macaws at the Loro Parque Fundación in Tenerife. These birds, categorized as critically endangered, were conditioned to execute two intransitive actions:

– **Raising a leg**
– **Extending their wings**

Following training, the researchers introduced a scenario: two adjacent macaws received differing instructions. The aim was to determine whether the birds would adhere to their training or imitate the neighboring macaw.

### **Findings: Macaws Follow Their Peers**

The outcomes were striking. The macaws displayed a higher tendency to replicate the actions of the adjacent bird, even if it contradicted their training. This indicates that macaws might have **mirror neurons**—specialized brain cells that activate both during the performance of an action and when observing someone else executing it. These neurons are thought to be pivotal in human imitation and learning.

## **Why Do Macaws Imitate Unmeaningful Actions?**

Parrots are exceptionally social animals with large brains in relation to their body size. Their capacity to mimic sounds and behaviors is well-established, but why would they copy actions devoid of purpose?

One theory is that automatic imitation enhances social bonds. In human communication, mirroring body language can foster a sense of connection and trust. This may similarly apply to macaws, aiding them in preserving unity within their flocks.

## **The Experiment: Investigating Automatic Imitation**

To delve deeper, the researchers divided the macaws into two cohorts:

– **Compatible Group** – These birds received rewards for mimicking the actions of the neighboring macaw.
– **Incompatible Group** – These birds were rewarded only when they executed the opposite action of the adjacent bird.

The findings indicated that macaws in the compatible group had no difficulty imitating their peers. Conversely, those in the incompatible group faced challenges—they frequently mimicked the other bird before recognizing they needed to perform the opposite action. When the researchers eliminated specific hand signals and employed a general command instead, the incompatible group required even more time to adapt.

## **What This Implies for Animal Cognition**

The results imply that macaws, similar to humans, may be inherently inclined toward imitation—even when the actions they replicate lack immediate advantages. This could suggest that imitation serves a more profound purpose in social learning and group dynamics.

While it is still uncertain if macaws possess the same mirror neurons as humans, their inclination to mimic pointless gestures offers significant insights into the evolution of learning and social behavior in animals.

## **Conclusion**

Macaws’ capability to imitate intransitive actions underscores their intricate cognitive skills and social tendencies. This research not only enhances our comprehension of avian intelligence but also provokes new inquiries regarding the function of imitation in animal communities. As scientists persist in examining these intriguing birds, we may discover even more about the ways animals learn, interact, and bond with one another.

For further information, you can access the full study published in *iScience* (2025). DOI:

Senator Cautions That DeepSeek Represents a Larger Risk Than TikTok as Demands for a Comprehensive Government Ban Grow

# **US Legislators Advocate for DeepSeek Prohibition on Government Devices Due to National Security Issues**

## **Overview**
A cross-party coalition of US legislators is advocating for an urgent prohibition on the Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek from being used on government devices, highlighting potential national security threats. There are concerns that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) may have incorporated a backdoor within DeepSeek, which could permit unauthorized access to sensitive American information. Should the proposed bill be approved, the restriction could be implemented within 60 days.

## **DeepSeek’s Ascendancy**
DeepSeek attracted worldwide attention upon its debut last month, rapidly becoming popular thanks to its open-source framework and sophisticated reasoning skills. Experts suggest that DeepSeek competes with the leading reasoning models from OpenAI, despite being developed at a significantly lower cost. The chatbot’s free access led to a spike in downloads, earning it the title of the most-installed app in the United States.

Nevertheless, as the usage of DeepSeek expanded, security experts began examining its background and hazards. A recent probe uncovered potential hidden code that may send user login information to China Mobile, a state-controlled telecommunications provider in China. This finding has heightened concerns that the chatbot could serve as an espionage instrument.

## **Security Issues and Legislative Actions**
China Mobile has already been barred by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from operating within the United States due to security issues. The link between DeepSeek and China Mobile has alarmed legislators and prompted immediate steps.

US Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) presented the “No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act” to prohibit the chatbot’s use on federal devices. In a press statement, Gottheimer labeled the situation as a “five-alarm national security emergency” and demanded a prompt investigation into DeepSeek’s operations.

“We possess deeply concerning evidence that they are exploiting DeepSeek to pilfer sensitive data from US citizens,” Gottheimer asserted. “We cannot afford to let the CCP compromise the devices of our government officials and threaten our national security.”

## **International and National Limitations on DeepSeek**
The United States is not the only nation expressing worries regarding DeepSeek. Multiple countries have already restricted or banned its use on government devices, including:

– **Australia**
– **Italy**
– **South Korea**
– **Taiwan**

Moreover, various US federal entities have acted independently to curtail DeepSeek’s usage. Both the **US Navy** and **NASA** have forbidden federal employees from utilizing the chatbot on government-issued devices. Recently, **Texas became the first US state** to implement a ban on DeepSeek, along with other Chinese applications like RedNote, an alternative to TikTok.

## **Similarities to TikTok and AI Security Apprehensions**
The movement to prohibit DeepSeek arises amidst continuing national security concerns regarding Chinese technology. TikTok has been banned on US government devices since 2022, and former President Donald Trump is currently working on a deal to maintain the app’s operation in the United States.

Senator John Curtis (R-Utah) recently characterized DeepSeek as “TikTok on steroids.” In a Senate session, Curtis probed Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for Commerce Secretary, about the risks associated with DeepSeek. Lutnick proposed that the rapid evolution and low cost of DeepSeek might result from intellectual property theft, mirroring worries expressed by OpenAI that DeepSeek may have inappropriately utilized its data.

## **Prospects for AI Regulation in the US**
As lawmakers concentrate on addressing the security threats posed by DeepSeek, there is also escalating concern regarding the wider implications of AI regulation. The US AI Safety Institute (AISI), established under President Joe Biden, plays a crucial role in guaranteeing the security and dependability of AI models. However, Trump recently annulled Biden’s AI safety policies, casting uncertainty on the future of AI oversight.

Samuel Hammond, chief economist at the Foundation for American Innovation, has urged legislators to fortify AISI’s position. In a written statement to the US House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Hammond suggested that AISI be reorganized to conduct voluntary assessments of AI models—both open-source and proprietary—to certify their safety.

“With such minimal distinction between China and America’s frontier AI capabilities on a technical front, America’s superiority in AI is solely as strong as our supremacy in computing infrastructure,” Hammond cautioned.

## **Final Thoughts**
The discussion surrounding DeepSeek underscores the escalating friction between technological advancement and national security. While AI innovations present significant advantages, they also pose new threats, particularly when developed by foreign adversaries. As lawmakers advocate for a prohibition on DeepSeek, the wider conversation regarding AI regulation and security is expected to continue influencing US policy in the forthcoming months.

With bipartisan endorsement, the suggested legislation to ban DeepSeek from government devices is poised for swift approval. However, the challenge lies in reconciling AI development with national security, ensuring that the US