#geophagy

[nuadox]

Study finds Gibraltar macaques eat soil to cope with tourist junk food effects

- By Nuadox Crew -

Macaques in Gibraltar have begun eating soil (geophagy) to counter digestive problems caused by junk food from tourists.

Researchers found that monkeys with more human contact consume more snacks—and more dirt, especially during peak tourist seasons.

The soil likely helps soothe their stomachs, restore gut bacteria, and reduce irritation from sugary, fatty, and dairy-rich foods.

The behavior appears to be socially learned, with different groups developing preferences for specific types of soil, suggesting a new, human-driven animal tradition.

Header image: A Gibraltar macaque with a tube of Pringles. Credit: Martin Nicourt / Gibraltar Macaques Project

Read more at University of Cambridge

Scientific paper: J. Frater et al, Geophagy in Gibraltar Barbary macaques is a primate tradition anthropogenically induced, Scientific Reports (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-44607-0

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[onpyre]

alex g by chris shonting from the pitchfork article

[masha-ru]

Clay gelato is getting ready for tomorrow. Saturday 19 of May 21:00-22:00 Van Hallstraat 222 SPOONERIST SESSION #1 GELATO TASTING & ARTIST TALK BY Masha Ru, visual artist, researcher in the field of geophagy Limited space, please reserve your place: [email protected] Masha Ru researches the phenomenon of geophagy, the act of eating soil-like substances such as clay and chalk. Together Ola Lanko and Masha Ru have created three clay-based gelato flavours. During the event you will have the opportunity to taste the flavours and engage in a conversation about ancient and contemporary food habits. LUDO & HEDO (@ludoandhedo) SPOONERIST SESSIONS: At Ludo & Hedo we take gelato a few steps further. We experiment with multi-sensorial experiences and use gelato as a way to question conventions and explore the social and political dimension of food. During our new Spoonerist series we want to share our findings and engage in an open conversation with anyone who is interested. The name of the series derives from “spoonerism”, an error in speech with an often humorous effect. In a similar vain, we aim to shake up the regular order of things and shift people’s perceptions. THE EVENTS ARE FREE OF CHARGE Eating clay is not recommended by food authority and reminds at your own risk. Currently Masha Ru is a resident at The Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS). Her ongoing project is made possible by NIAS, the Society of Arts-KNAW and Amsterdam Fund for the Arts (AFK). #free #amsterdam #gelato #art #research #clay #spoonerist #spooneristsessions #ludoandhedo #olalanko #masharu #collaboration #icecream #geophagy #experiment #inspiration #westerpark #food (at Ludo and Hedo)

[onpyre]

yellowjackets has everything. it even has dirt eating 😌

[onpyre]

There was an old woman who lived in a shack in the woods near where I grew up. She ate a teaspoon of dirt a day. She said it kept the sorrows away.

- Notes, 22, “Women Who Run With the Wolves” by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D.

[onpyre]

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה, יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ, מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַמּוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶץ

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech haolam, hamotzi lechem min haaretz.

We praise You, Adonai our G!d, Sovereign of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.

[altrbody]

Catalogue - MUSEUM OF EDIBLE EARTH

Museum of Edible Earth

[masha-ru]

Today we had a very insightful conversation with a physicist Ivan Vahhi regarding possible radiation in clay, in particular clays for oral use, such as blue Cambrian clay. On the background the red dosimeter is measuring radiation level in the room. Earlier this month an atomic explosion took place about 70 km away from Arkhangelsk. This has been a starting point for our conversation, along with the radiation measurements. Ivan doesn’t find eating clay dangerous even despite of the radiation. At the same time he is suggesting to introduce diversity into the working process, and to mix working with clay for instance with making paintings or other activities. #eatingclay #eatingearth #eartheating #geophagy #claylove #loveclay #iloveclay #clay #earth #глина #земля #почва #cambrianclay #cambrianblueclay #blueclay #кембрийскаяглина #голубаяглина #radiation #dosimeter #arkhangelsk #russia #research #artisticresearch #art #design #socialdesign #радиация #архангельск #рксб104 #meeu (at Arkhangelsk, Russia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1zSRJhI6tu/?igshid=1fj2ff69hnu2s