Talking to Whales

Free diving amateur scientists are pursuing a project that could shatter mankind's view of itself as the pinnacle of evolution - the ability to speak to sperm whales in their own language. Yes, conversing with Moby Dick:

Sperm whales’ brains are the largest ever known, around six times the size of humans’. They have an oversize neocortex and a profusion of highly developed neurons called spindle cells that, in humans, govern things like emotional suffering, compassion and speech.

“We finally have the technology and methods to significantly increase our understanding of one of the planet’s most intelligent animals,” said Mr. Schnöller. “We can’t just sit here and do nothing. You’ve got to get in the water!”

Read the story and experience virtual reality diving with dolphins and whales here: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/04/16/opin...