MIT researchers have employed artificial intelligence to analyze sperm whale communication, discovering recurring vocalization patterns.

The study, supported by Project CETI and Dalio Philanthropies, identified 156 unique 'codas', akin to elements of an alphabet in whale speech.

Lead researcher Pratyusha Sharma believes this work could help decode the communication of 'alien civilizations' and points to a trend in using AI to understand various animal languages.

The findings have implications for conservation, potentially aiding in the protection of sperm whales by increasing public interest and understanding.

The research signifies a step towards possibly communicating with whales directly and contributes to broader insights into animal social and mating behaviors.