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Study Finds Norway Lobsters Feel Pain, Urges Ban on Boiling

4/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The University of Gothenburg study indicates Norway lobsters can feel pain like humans.
This finding supports calls for a ban on boiling lobsters alive, already illegal in several countries.
The study shows aspirin and lidocaine reduce lobsters' reactions to harmful stimuli, suggesting they experience pain rather than reflexes.
Some scientists advocate a ban despite practical limits on smaller crustaceans.

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Story summary

The University of Gothenburg study indicates Norway lobsters can feel pain like humans.
This finding supports calls for a ban on boiling lobsters alive, already illegal in several countries.
The study shows aspirin and lidocaine reduce lobsters' reactions to harmful stimuli, suggesting they experience pain rather than reflexes.
Some scientists advocate a ban despite practical limits on smaller crustaceans.