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Another Human-Dolphin Parallel

The list of similarities between dolphins and humans grows longer. Research discussed earlier at the AAAS Annual Meeting focused on the large brain size in both mammals--and dolphin research that may yield new insights into human conditions such as Type II diabetes, cervical cancer and exposure to toxins.

Now a Sunday symposium at the meeting, focused on dolphin intelligence, will include research that shows that dolphins have self-awareness, as measured by their ability to a recognize themselves in a mirror.

In a new episode of Science Update, the prize-winning AAAS 60-second radio show, host Bob Hirshon talks with Diana Reiss, a psychologist at Hunter College at the City University of New York. So far, she says, apes, elephants, and magpies are among other animals to pass the self-awareness test.

Take a minute and listen to Science Update.