德国动物学家发现大象鼻尖的胡须具有高度敏感的触觉感知能力，这一发现不仅解释了大象鼻子的灵巧性，还可能推动机器人和神经科学的发展。
Zoologists in Germany have uncovered a previously unknown sensory faculty in elephants. It explains why the giant beasts' trunks are so dexterous. The scientists found that the whiskers at the tip of the trunk are sensitive enough to detect the smallest, most delicate objects. The scientists are from the Haptic Intelligence Department at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems. They say the incredible sensitivity of the whiskers compensates for the elephant's poor eyesight. The whiskers are essential for navigating, locating food, and social communication. The researchers say the whiskers are "smart" and give the elephant an added sense of intelligence.
Scientists believe the insights from their research will assist in advancing robotics and neuroscience. Study co-author Dr Andrew Schulz said: "Each whisker on elephants' trunks acts as a tactile sensory organ." This allows an elephant to pick up something as delicate as a potato chip without breaking it. The research could help increase dexterity in robots. Dr Lena Kaufmann is excited about how the research could advance neuroscience. She said her findings "contribute to our understanding of the tactile perception of these fascinating animals". She says the study will increase our understanding of "neuronal computation" — how the brain's neurons process information to think, feel, and act.