The behavioural cue of ‘flexible self-protection’ is a way to establish whether an animal feels pain, scientists say

Crickets that received the hot probe “overwhelmingly” directed their attention to the affected antenna – they groomed it more frequently, and tended to it over a longer period of time, he says. “They weren’t just agitated and flustered. They were directing their attention to the actual antennae that was hit with this hot probe.”

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[–] Sanctus@anarchist.nexus 108 points 1 week ago (24 children)

Pain is probably one of the original sensations. I doubt you could find any creature on Earth that doesn't feel it. It is extremely useful for staying alive. I bet we will find out plants even feel some form of pain if we haven't already.

[–] CarpalTunnelButt@sh.itjust.works 4 points 6 days ago (2 children)

I've seen videos of single cell organisms, and even they look like they feel pain when stabbed or eaten.

[–] Sanctus@anarchist.nexus 6 points 6 days ago (1 children)

On the contrary I've seen one where one cell passes straight through another cell, making a hole. The cell that was passed through did not react at all and kept about its business afterwards, even regaining shape. Wild.

[–] CarpalTunnelButt@sh.itjust.works 2 points 6 days ago

Crazy, I think I've seen that one too !

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