Few weeks ago I became an admirer of the star-nosed mole because of the book called Sentient by Jackie Higgins. Strange-looking creature shows surprising insights about nerves, brains and extreme adaptation. Here are some highlights: They eat faster than any other mammal on Earth. / Their star is the most sensitive known touch organ in any mammal. / / From a neurological perspective, their sense of touch mirrors our sense of sight. / They can smell underwater.