Dik-diks are basically tiny African deer whose name comes from the chirping sounds they make. And if that's not adorable enough, then just wait until learn that they mark their territory with their tears (okay technically it's a secretion from the preobital gland but still).
So here are some completely unsolicited dik-dik picks, courtesy of the UnsolicitedDiks Twitter page.
Top image via Sharp Photography / Wikimedia Commons Read the rest
I've always understood Australia to be a nightmare hellscape full of crazy killer creatures. But that's only because I hadn't heard about the quokka. This teddy bear-sized marsupial lives on the islands off the mainland of Australia, and they're just — I mean — look at this thing!
It's basically a non-cannibalistic Ewok, and apparently they're known for being friendly as hell (also exceptionally horny), earning them the distinction of the "happiest animal in the world." Though it's illegal to touch one, they're allegedly super-down with selfies, too.
I would brave any Australian beast just to be best friends with one of these lil' fellas.
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Try not to die of cuteness from watching these four fluffy puppos strutting to "Stayin' Alive" on an airport autowalk. I don't know the full story here but this is quality content that needs to be shared far and wide. Read the rest
Look at this cute kitty getting a little taste of ice cream on a spoon from her human. Not an every day thing, but it's okay as a fancy once-in-a-while. Read the rest
The sound this tiny little 4-week-old “pound puppy” makes when he's smacking his toof-less gums around that soaked kibble? It gives me all the squees in the world. Look at that little dude just go. Read the rest
Ever wondered why that cute cat Lil Bub is so cute? These scientists discovered a rare genetic disorder that basically gives the beast 'kawaii.'
Inforum:
First, they compared her genome with that of a reference cat, then they focused on genes that control bodily functions. Finally, they asked a colleague who specializes in bone disorders which of those are known to cause osteopetrosis.
That led them to a mutation in a gene called RANK/TNFRSF11A, which has been found in about 15 humans and one mouse - all of whom, the researchers said, share physical similarities with Lil Bub. In X-rays, their bones look deformed and bright white, with little to no marrow cavity. The mouse, like Lil Bub, also was missing teeth, because they can't erupt through bone that hardens too quickly. (Bub can eat just fine, and she runs and jumps thanks to a pulsed electromagnetic field therapy.)
What it all adds up to, the researchers said, is a new case study for an extremely rare disorder - another example of how it can manifest itself and progress. Which means that Lil Bub, viral internet cat, could help doctors better treat human patients whose osteopetrosis stems from the same gene mutation.
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On the Instagram run from her perspective, Princess Pickles The Frenchie “shared” this adorable video of her first encounter with sand:
Pickles' Instagram is full of more adorable videos and photos:
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