In a recent research conducted in Japan, scientists have uncovered a significant breakthrough in the field of primate studies. Their findings indicate that millimetre-wave radar technology has the potential to precisely measure the heart rates of these animals.
This discovery holds great promise as it could lead to the development of a less intrusive method for monitoring the heart rates of both wild and captive primates, making it easier to detect potential heart conditions.
The monitoring of a primate’s heart rate plays a crucial role in assessing their overall health, as it serves as a vital indicator of their well-being. Given that heart disease is a leading cause of mortality among captive primates, effective heart rate monitoring is essential for early symptom detection by veterinarians.
Additionally, the monitoring of heart rates plays a significant role in cognitive studies of these animals, allowing scientists to observe how psychological stimuli can impact the heart rates of chimpanzees.
Currently, existing methods for monitoring primate heart rates involve attaching a wireless device to the subject for remote monitoring and transmission of heart rate data. However, this method has its limitations as it requires anesthesia and may cause stress to the primate and its group.
Another technique involves observing the animals through a video feed and estimating their heart rate based on the observations. Unfortunately, this method has proven to be inaccurate due to lighting conditions and the animals’ movements.
The potential use of millimetre-wave radar technology could offer a less intrusive and more accurate means of measuring the heart rates of primates.
The proposed approach involves directing high-frequency electromagnetic pulses at the animal’s chest and capturing the resulting echoes. These echoes can then be utilized to estimate the primate’s heart rate through the use of a specialized algorithm.
To validate the accuracy of the new method, scientists conducted tests on two adult chimpanzees at Kumamoto Sanctuary and compared the results to measurements obtained using traditional electrocardiography (ECG). Remarkably, the heart rate measurements from the millimetre-wave method closely matched those from the ECG.
Dr. Takuya Matsumoto, the lead researcher of the study, stated, “Despite the muscular bodies of chimpanzees, which initially raised uncertainties about measuring their heart rate in a similar manner to humans, the results of this study demonstrated the feasibility of non-contact heart rate measurements through the analysis of subtle body surface movements.”
This groundbreaking discovery has the potential to expand the application of such techniques in studies of animal psychology and wild primatology.
The full study can be accessed in the American Journal of Primatology.
The use of millimetre-wave radar technology has the potential to revolutionize the monitoring of primate heart rates, offering a less invasive and more accurate method for researchers. This innovative approach opens up new possibilities for studying animal psychology and wild primatology, further contributing to our understanding of these fascinating creatures.