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Will a macaque eat a grape sitting on a pile of poo? A study on germaphobia

Oct 23, 2026 · Jonathan Lambert

Originally published by NPR News Read the original

Will a macaque eat a grape sitting on a pile of poo? A study on germaphobia
One of the macaques at a Texas sanctuary, where researchers ran tests to see if the monkeys became germaphobes after experiencing a viral outbreak.
One of the macaques at a Texas sanctuary, where researchers ran tests to see if the monkeys became germaphobes after experiencing a viral outbreak.

When an outbreak strikes, humans try to avoid germs. (Remember wiping off groceries at the start of the pandemic?) What about ... monkeys?

(Image credit: Stephan Kaufhold)

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