Researchers have discovered that cattle are capable of tool use and that babies' gut microbiomes are significantly altered by attending nursery. The findings, detailed in the Nature Briefing Podcast released January 23, 2026, shed light on animal cognition and the factors influencing early childhood microbial development.

The study on cattle, published in Science, documented the first observed instance of tool use in this species. An Austrian cow was observed utilizing a tool to groom itself, demonstrating a level of cognitive ability previously unconfirmed in cattle. Scientists suggest this behavior indicates a higher level of problem-solving skills than previously attributed to these animals. This discovery challenges existing assumptions about the cognitive capabilities of livestock and raises questions about the potential for tool use in other domesticated animals.

Separately, research highlighted in Nature revealed that sending babies to nursery school has a profound impact on their gut microbiome composition. The study found that the microbial diversity and specific bacterial strains present in infants' guts were significantly different in those attending nursery compared to those cared for at home. Researchers believe that increased exposure to other children and shared environments in nursery settings leads to a reshaped microbiome.

The implications of these microbiome shifts are still being investigated, but scientists suggest that early microbiome development plays a crucial role in long-term health, including immune system function and susceptibility to allergies and other conditions. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of nursery attendance on infant microbiome development and overall health outcomes. The study authors emphasize the importance of understanding these early microbial influences to potentially develop interventions that support healthy microbiome development in young children, regardless of their care environment.