A single-dose Ebola vaccine given to primates through their noses and lungs protected them against infection for at least 21 weeks. The vaccine's effectiveness could help prevent the spread of Ebola and other diseases through unintentional pricks.
Research on tool use by primates suggests that ecological opportunity, rather than necessity, is the main driver behind their use of tools. The study found that tool use was not influenced by food scarcity, but rather by calorie-rich and hard-to-reach resources.
A non-injectable vaccine has been shown to provide long-term protection for non-human primates against the Ebola virus. The breathable vaccine overcomes logistical obstacles of storing and administering injectable vaccines in affected areas.
A nasal vaccine in development has been shown to provide long-term protection for non-human primates against the deadly Ebola virus. The vaccine platform has significant global implications in controlling future outbreaks, which could have a fatality rate as low as 25-90%.
A long-term study of wild brown mouse lemurs found they can live at least eight years, twice as long as previously estimated, with no physical signs of aging. The research also revealed no difference in testosterone levels between male and female mouse lemurs, challenging previous assumptions about the role of testosterone in aging.
A novel RNAi-based therapy has shown promising results in treating anemia by stimulating the liver to produce erythropoietin (EPO). The treatment targets the EGLN1 gene, leading to increased EPO and hemoglobin levels. This breakthrough could provide a safer alternative to current recombinant human EPO treatments.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens shows that an irradiation plus transplantation combination approach can treat or even possibly cure HIV/AIDS in nonhuman primates. The treatment eliminated most of the animals' CD4-T cells, allowing their own virus-free hematopoietic stem cells to regenerate blood and immune cells.
Research suggests that humans' sense of fairness evolved to prioritize long-term cooperation, with a preference for equal outcomes and stable relationships. This evolution is rooted in our ability to think about the future and exercise self-control, allowing us to make sacrifices for the benefit of others.
A new study on monk parakeets reveals a sophisticated social structure with layers of relationships and complex interactions. The research found that parrots form strong pair bonds and have a dominance hierarchy, requiring significant cognitive skills to manage the process.
The gibbon genome sequencing project provides new insights into chromosomal rearrangements, evolutionary history, and genetic factors in human health. The study sheds light on the complex evolution of gibbons and their role in understanding human diseases.
Researchers found that wolves experience yawn contagion, with stronger social bonds increasing frequency, and females reacting faster than males to close associates' yawns. The results suggest a common ancestral trait of contagious yawning among mammals, revealing an emotional connection between individuals.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a treatment effective against the lethal Marburg virus, which has a mortality rate of up to 90%. The treatment protected nonhuman primates from the virus when started three days after infection, showing promise for post-exposure treatment.
Scientists from the Salk Institute discovered a protein that promotes nerve regeneration by disrupting a pair of proteins that inhibit growth. The finding could lead to therapies for thousands of Americans with severe spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
The Duke Lemur Center has made nearly 50 years of life history data for endangered primates available online. The database contains detailed records of over 3600 animals representing 27 species, including birth and death dates, breeding habits, and health information.
A new study by Liza Shapiro at the University of Texas at Austin contradicts earlier claims that quadrupedal humans are a product of backward evolution. The research, published in PLOS One, shows that people with Uner Tan Syndrome (UTS) walk on all fours but use lateral sequences, not diagonal patterns characteristic of nonhuman primates.
A new study found that about half of the variation in chimpanzee intelligence can be attributed to genetic factors, shedding light on the cognitive abilities of primates. The research suggests that differences in cognition may have arisen around 5 million years ago in the common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees.
A CNIO team updates the number of human protein-coding genes to 19,000, with almost all having ancestors prior to primate evolution. The study suggests that differences between humans and primates are small, and complexity lies in gene regulation and non-coding regions.
A study suggests that early humans who relied on an insect diet during lean seasons may have developed bigger brains and higher-level cognitive functions. Capuchin monkeys' foraging patterns for insects reveal a link between seasonal food scarcity and sensorimotor skills, including tool use and problem-solving.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a human monoclonal antibody, m102.4, that protects nonhuman primates from Nipah virus disease even five days after infection. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a therapeutic treatment for people infected with the deadly virus.
Researchers have developed a new monkey model for AIDS using pigtailed macaques, which can cause full-blown AIDS in primates. The model allows for the study of HIV-1's interaction with host antiviral defenses and has the potential to improve prevention and treatment research.
Researchers found chimpanzees cooperated 3,565 times over 94 sessions, increasing success rate and efficiency as they learned the need for a partner. The study demonstrates that chimpanzees are more cooperative than previously thought.
Researchers propose that human language evolved by integrating finite-state components from birdsong and primate communication systems. This 'integration hypothesis' suggests that the melodic part of human language comes from birdsong and the pragmatic parts from primates, with these elements combining around 100,000 years ago.
Researchers at McGill University discovered a tiny molecule, miR-1202, that regulates glutamate receptors and is lower in the brains of depressed individuals. The study found that this microRNA increases with antidepressant treatment, suggesting it could be a potential target for developing new treatments.
Researchers at KU Leuven have discovered a causal link between brain activity in the ventral tegmental area and choice behavior in primates. By stimulating this area with electrical pulses, macaques were able to change their preference for images, highlighting the importance of dopamine in regulating learning and reinforcement.
Researchers successfully restored damaged heart muscles in monkeys using human embryonic stem cells, suggesting a promising approach for human treatment. The therapy regenerated 40% of the damaged heart tissue and improved cardiac function in some treated animals, but also raised concerns about arrhythmias.
Researchers found that ravens can deduce the rank relations of individuals in their own group as well as neighboring groups. They exhibited stress-related behaviors when encountering unexpected dominance reversals. This cognitive ability is similar to that of primates and suggests a complex social intelligence.
Researchers discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria use combinatorial communication to achieve an effect different from the sum of individual signals, a method previously thought to be unique to humans and some primates. This finding has serious implications for our understanding of language origins.
Researchers successfully transplanted human neural stem cells into nonhuman primate brains and observed their long-term survival and differentiation into neurons. The study holds promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Researchers discovered that Homo's teeth decreased in size as its brain size increased over 2.5 million years, defying evolutionary expectations. The study attributes this phenomenon to a shift towards a higher animal-based diet, which provided essential nutrients for brain development and social advancements.
A 25-year study of 76 rhesus monkeys found that those with calorie-restricted diets experienced a significant reduction in mortality and age-associated diseases. The study contradicts an earlier report on monkeys, which suggested no differences in survival rates between caloric restriction and control groups.
Correlation discovered between molecular evolutionary rates and testes weights, suggesting sperm competition fuels genetic variation. Testis size may be key factor in determining genome evolution rates among primate species.
Researchers have identified a fovea-like region in dogs' retina with high cone density, similar to that of humans, and found it susceptible to genetic blinding diseases. This discovery has promising implications for translational research into human foveal and macular degenerative diseases.
Researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of a small-molecule drug, BCX4430, in protecting nonhuman primates from the lethal Marburg virus. The drug protected cynomolgous macaques and guinea pigs from infection when administered by injection or inhalation.
A team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison identified a new species of tapeworm in Mahal, an orangutan that died at age 5 due to a rare infection. The tapeworm, belonging to the Versteria genus, was found to be in its larval stage and infected nearly every organ in Mahal's body.
Researchers have found that daily exposure to very low concentrations of Bisphenol A (BPA) during pregnancy can cause fetal abnormalities in primates. The study, which used rhesus monkeys as a model, found significant adverse effects on mammary glands, ovaries, brain, uterus, lung, and heart tissues.
Researchers achieved precise gene modification in monkeys using CRISPR/Cas9 system, enabling simultaneous disruption of two target genes without off-target mutations. This breakthrough generates invaluable human disease models, advancing therapeutic strategies in biomedical research.
Researchers compared ventrolateral frontal cortex connectivity in humans and monkeys, finding many similarities in language and complex thought processes. The study suggests that some uniquely human traits may rely on an evolutionarily conserved neural apparatus.
A research team led by Mathew Diamond found that rats have a 'working memory' system, conceptually similar to humans', which enables them to recognize and interact with environmental stimuli.
Researchers found that chimpanzees can use gestures to coordinate actions in pursuit of a specific goal, such as finding hidden food. The study highlights the primates' ability to remember and communicate about their environment through directional gestures.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that primates, including humans, expend only half the daily energy needed by other mammals. This slow metabolism accounts for their prolonged childhoods, infrequent reproduction, and extended lifespans.
A new study compares the relative rate of molecular evolution between humans and chimps with that of their lice. The researchers found that the lice are winning the molecular evolutionary race, with almost 15 times more changes in gene sequence.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that hippocampal volume loss in depression is caused by a reduction in glial cells, not neurons. The research uses female nonhuman primates to clarify the cellular basis of volumetric changes in the brain.
Researchers compared optogenetics and electrical stimulation in nonhuman primates, finding that both techniques increased accuracy in visual decision-making. Optogenetics showed advantages in precision and simultaneous recording of neural activity.
Researchers from UEA compiled a comprehensive review of primate eating habits, finding that smaller primates eat more insects while larger ones consume more leaves. The study also reveals that some monkeys can easily meet their 'five a day' fruit intake within an hour.
A recent study found that random fluctuations in brain cell activity may influence our choices when faced with equal options. The research suggests that the orbitofrontal cortex plays a key role in decision-making and that neuronal signals can be biased by random noise, leading to close calls.
A CU-Boulder-led team has discovered that ring-tailed lemurs in Madagascar consistently sleep in limestone chambers for their nightly rest. The behavior provides safety from predators, access to water and nutrients, and refuge from human activities.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed an approach to increase beneficial HDL cholesterol levels in non-human primates by targeting shared nucleotide sequences that inhibit microRNAs. This strategy showed a nearly 40% increase in HDL levels, outperforming current therapies.
The study found that primate faces with more complex patterns are associated with larger group sizes and more closely related species in the same habitat. Facial complexity is linked to social communication among members of the same species, aiding identification and recognition.
Researchers found that rhesus macaque monkeys have specialized nerve cells in their brains that respond to images of snakes. This suggests that primates may have evolved to detect and avoid snakes due to the presence of venomous snakes during their ancestors' time.
A study by Michigan State University neuroscientist Sharleen Sakai found a correlation between the size of carnivores' frontal cortices and their social nature. The coatimundi, a highly social animal, had the largest frontal cortex, while raccoons had the smallest.
A new intravaginal ring has demonstrated a 100% success rate in protecting primates from HIV, offering hope for women in developing nations. The device utilizes a smaller dose of the anti-retroviral drug tenofovir, delivered through a unique polymer construction that increases drug release.
Researchers used iPSCs from nonhuman primates to develop neural cells depleted by Parkinson's disease, eliciting only a minimal immune response. This breakthrough suggests autologous transplantation could be a viable option for humans, offering promise as a treatment for the disease.
Researchers found that non-human primate vocalizations promoted object categorization in 3- and 4-month-old infants, similar to the effects of human speech. By six months, however, this effect disappeared, suggesting a specific link to human language has been established.
Researchers will investigate the neural mechanisms behind empathy, compassion, and cooperation to define their evolutionary development. The project aims to determine if these traits are unique to humans or present in nonhuman primates.
Scientists successfully treated the Ebola virus in infected animals following onset of disease symptoms, demonstrating promise for developing therapies against the virus. The experimental treatment, known as MB-003, protected 43% of infected non-human primates.
Researchers found that reciprocity is a significant factor in food sharing, similar across humans, monkeys, and apes. Humans tend to exchange food for food, while primates barter for services like grooming or coalition support.
Research on Malagasy black-and-white ruffed lemurs found that communal nesting and creches significantly improve infant survival rates. Female lemurs can spend less time at their nests, increasing opportunities to feed elsewhere.
The study reveals that male infanticide is the key driver of monogamy in humans and other primates. By caring for young, fathers can protect infants from rival males and share childcare burdens. This leads to a reduction in infant dependency and allows females to reproduce more quickly.
A study comparing mortality and fertility patterns among wild apes and monkeys to humans shows that human females are unique in living beyond their childbearing years. Half of women experience menopause by age 50, and fertility declines earlier than the rest of the body.
Researchers found that chimpanzees and orangutans can recall tool-finding events from three years earlier and singular events from two weeks prior. The primates were able to distinguish between similar past events, suggesting they bind different elements of events together.