Scientists successfully created a live-birth chimeric monkey with a high contribution of human embryonic stem cells, breaking the record for successful chimerism in nonhuman primates. The study showcases the potential for using ESCs to generate complex gene-modified models.
Paleontologists uncover the story of Ekgmowechashala, a mysterious primate that defied extinction, through fossil teeth and jaws found in Nebraska and China. The discovery resolves the debate over its classification and origin, revealing it was an immigrant species that evolved in Asia and migrated to North America via Beringia.
The study has shed light on how cats evolved into different species and how genetic changes relate to survival abilities like smell detection. It also revealed that cat genomes tend to have fewer complex genetic variations than other mammal groups, such as primates.
Researchers developed a closed-loop anesthesia delivery system that continuously monitors brain waves and adjusts anesthetic medication dosage to maintain optimal unconsciousness levels. The system was tested in rhesus macaques, achieving stable levels for up to 18 hours.
Researchers discovered signs of menopause in female chimpanzees in Uganda, surviving past reproductive ability. The study's findings provide insights into the evolution of this trait and may shed light on why it occurred in humans but not other long-lived primates.
Research by Hokkaido University's Masayo Soma found that Java sparrows show increased swelling in their eye rings when paired with a preferred mate. This change serves as a rapid indicator of mating readiness and plays a crucial role in communication between pair-bonded birds.
A study led by primatologist Gisela Kopp identified the Horn of Africa as the region of origin for ancient Egyptian mummified baboons. Genetic analysis and comparisons with historical records linked Punt to Adulis, suggesting two names for the same place used at different times.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a single nanoparticle vaccine that protects against SARS-CoV-1 and MERS coronaviruses in addition to SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers found young chimps produce sounds with varying functions similar to human infants, indicating a shared evolutionary foundation for language. This discovery challenges conventional beliefs about primate vocal production and highlights the need for further comparative studies.
A new resource has been developed to characterize over 3,000 human brain cell types, revealing features that distinguish humans from other primates. This atlas will aid in pinpointing cellular roots of neurological diseases and offer a deeper understanding of the human species.
A massive research consortium has created the largest human brain cell atlases to date, revealing over 3,000 different kinds of brain cells. This breakthrough study provides new insights into the cellular organization of the human brain and its modular, functional nature.
A new study found that delivering gene therapy to the cerebrospinal fluid directly corrects gene mutations causing CLN2 disease, showing potential therapeutic effects. In nonhuman primates, TPP-1 activity increased significantly after treatment, providing hope for families affected by this fatal childhood disorder.
Contrary to long-held assumptions, primate species with better color vision do not necessarily exhibit more colorful traits like red skin or fur. Instead, these traits may be used for social communication, such as signaling fertility or rank in the dominance hierarchy.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a new monoclonal antibody that successfully prevented organ rejection in primates undergoing kidney and islet transplantations. The findings suggest a safer alternative to existing immunosuppressive drugs, reducing side effects and improving graft survival rates.
A new study by WCS found that overhunting of fruit-eating mammals and birds can lead to a shift in forest composition, resulting in lower carbon storage. The loss of these species changes the ecosystem, making it more challenging for forests to sequester and store carbon.
Researchers found pronounced growth spurts in both body weight and length in bonobos, mirroring patterns seen in humans. The study's scale-corrected approach revealed similar hormone surges and corresponding growth curves in both species, highlighting a potential evolutionary connection.
A novel CRISPR-based gene-editing treatment, EBT-001, effectively removes SIV from the genomes of non-human primates without off-target effects. The study's findings support the development of a cure for HIV/AIDS in humans and pave the way for ongoing clinical trials.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that implanting a specific molecule in the brain can effectively reduce alcohol use among chronic heavy drinkers. The study showed a 90% reduction in drinking behavior in nonhuman primates, with the implanted virus permanently increasing dopamine levels and reducing cravings.
Scientists analyzed DNA from fecal samples to study the reproductive behavior of northern muriquis, an endangered primate species. They found that females tend to mate with males having diverse MHC genes, which may provide offspring protection against pathogens.
Researchers at Columbia University and the University of Texas uncovered the genomic regions responsible for skeletal changes in primates that led to upright walking. The study found genes associated with hip, knee, and back arthritis, offering insights into prevention and treatment.
A team of scientists mapped the cell-type taxonomy in the macaque cortex using Stereo-seq and snRNA-seq technology. They found distinct cortical and regional specificity in glutamatergic neurons, GABAergic neurons, and non-neuronal cells, with significant correlations between cell composition and brain region structure.
A new study found that larger group size and polygynous mating systems are linked to deeper male voices in primates. This sex difference is thought to influence mating success through attracting mates or intimidating competitors.
New research uses MRI and CT scans to study the anatomy of primate clitoris, revealing stark differences in morphology across species. The findings suggest that female genitalia have been chronically understudied, with significant diversity in clitoral structure and function.
A vaccine originally developed to prevent bacteria-caused diarrhea has been found to also help infant nonhuman primates grow faster, according to a new study. The researchers found that vaccinated baby monkeys were taller than the unvaccinated when measured from head to toe, with a significant improvement in growth rate.
A new PET radiotracer called <sup> 18 </sup> F-Cholestify has been developed to visualize metabolic cholesterol clearance in the brain. The tracer successfully visualized brain cholesterol metabolism in rats, non-human primates, and humans, showing promising results for studying neurodegenerative diseases.
A study by Durham University and the Jane Goodall Institute has found that gradual release of mandrills into the wild with post-release support improves their stress response and overall well-being. The research tested this assumption for the first time, providing evidence for a carefully planned release.
New research finds masturbation serves an adaptive function in primates, increasing reproductive success and aiding pathogen avoidance. The study, based on nearly 400 sources, reveals masturbation's evolutionary history and its co-evolution with multi-male mating systems.
The study reveals new insights into primate evolution, genetic diversity, and the uniqueness of humans. It also highlights the importance of preserving primate species due to high genetic diversity, which enables adaptation to changing environments.
A special issue of Science presents whole genome data from 233 primate species, providing a more complete understanding of primate genetic diversity. The study explores the association between genomic variation and variables like climate and sociality, shedding light on conservation efforts.
The study provides new insights into primate speciation, genomic diversity, and phenotypic adaptability through comparative genomic analyses of 50 primate genomes. Genomic rearrangements across lineages have identified thousands of candidate genes undergoing adaptive natural selection.
A new study reveals Asian colobines living in colder regions underwent genetic changes and alterations to their social structure, forming larger, more complex societies. These adaptations allowed them to cooperate and survive in environments with low oxygen levels and extreme temperatures.
Researchers analyzed the genomes of 233 nonhuman primate species, revealing key features of primate evolution, human disease, and biodiversity conservation. The study identified 4.3 million common missense mutations and developed phylogenies for primate species.
Researchers analyzed 800 primate genomes to identify disease-causing mutations and provide insights into primate evolution, biodiversity conservation, and human uniqueness. The study highlights the importance of primate genetics in understanding human diseases.
A new database reveals thousands of incidents of primates killed by vehicles on roads over the past 30 years, with most species not at risk but some Endangered and Critically Endangered primates involved. Conservationists urge effective mitigation measures to protect wildlife navigating fragmented habitats.
Scientists have developed a new method to genetically modify brain organoids, allowing for quick and effective analysis of gene function in early stages of brain development. This breakthrough enables comparative studies across primate species and simulates neurological diseases without animal experiments.
The CEBRA algorithm captures brain dynamics with high accuracy, allowing for the prediction of complex information such as visual stimuli and arm movements in primates. By analyzing brain signals alone, researchers can decode hidden structure in data, enabling new insights into how the brain processes information.
A study by the University of Barcelona found that individuals less integrated in groups and more afraid of new objects were best at solving challenges. Dromedaries and goats were among the most skilled animals, with success rates of 86% and 69%, respectively.
Large structural changes in human ancestors' genomes may have sparked smaller changes that set human brains apart from other primates. Researchers found that many enhancers, which regulate brain development, are located near these regions, suggesting a link between DNA folding and brain evolution.
Researchers tracked social grooming behavior in wild baboons using collars-mounted accelerometers, identifying and quantifying giving and receiving grooming with high accuracy. The study's findings have important implications for the study of social behavior in animals, particularly non-human primates.
Researchers have developed a glycine-based tripeptide that successfully treats nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in non-human primates and mice. The compound, DT-109, reverses fat buildup and prevents scarring by stimulating fatty acid degradation and antioxidant formation.
Researchers identified potential neurological biomarkers of long COVID-19 in nonhuman primates, which could aid in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. The study found elevated proteins associated with neurodegenerative disorders in the brain, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have identified a potential host-directed therapy targeting the immune system to bolster the body's ability to control TB infection. Blocking IDO enzyme helped nonhuman primates completely eliminate active TB infection, improving health metrics compared to antibiotics alone.
A new study has confirmed that chronic THC use can negatively impact male reproductive health, including testicular function and sperm quality. Discontinuing use of THC for at least four months can partially restore these effects, providing a critical window for family planning and conception.
Researchers used a monoclonal antibody to reduce circulating IgG levels, allowing for successful gene delivery to the liver and heart via systemic AAV-based gene therapy in mice and non-human primates. The strategy has potential to circumvent neutralizing antibody limitations and expand gene therapy accessibility.
Researchers discovered that great apes deliberately spin themselves to dizzy, mimicking human behaviors like whirling dervishes. This study suggests that humans may have inherited the need for altered states from their evolutionary ancestors.
Researchers found that bumblebee colonies adopt and prefer specific solution methods to a puzzle box problem, demonstrating the importance of social learning. The study suggests that bees with prior experience can teach others, leading to the spread of behavioral approaches within the colony.
A team at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a method to transplant pancreatic islets onto the omentum, a fatty tissue, and demonstrated its effectiveness in reversing type 1 diabetes in nonhuman primates. The approach normalizes blood glucose levels and restores insulin secretion.
A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that the brown lemur is responsible for regenerating large fruit trees in Madagascar's Ankarafantsika National Park. The study shows that lemur seed dispersal can lead to a 1.5% survival rate of seeds, contributing significantly to forest diversity.
In a study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B, researchers found that mandrill females pass on hygienic practices to their daughters, reducing parasite infection. This social transmission of hygiene has potential consequences for infectious disease dynamics in primate groups.
SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateFeb 8, 2023
Fossilized mammals reveal that early primates adapted to life in the high Arctic during a time of intense global warming, with limited biodiversity. Two new species, Ignacius dawsonae and Ignacius mckennai, were identified as close relatives of early primates, exhibiting distinct adaptations for their unusual environment.
Fossils of two near-primate species, Ignacius mckennai and I. dawsonae, dating back 52 million years have been discovered on Ellesmere Island in layers linked with the early Eocene epoch. The findings suggest that these Arctic-dwelling primates evolved more robust teeth and jaws to cope with tougher food sources during winter months.
Researchers discovered that baboons employ an efficient strategy to transition from quadrupedal to bipedal walking by 'crouching' their hindlimbs and 'sprinting' them forward under their torso. This process enables the animals to maintain a natural gait while standing upright, requiring minimal energy expenditure.
A new approach to gene therapy for inherited blindness uses lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA inside the eye, targeting light-sensitive cells and creating proteins that edit vision-harming gene mutations. The technology has shown promising results in animal studies, including mice and nonhuman primates.
The study successfully demonstrated hypothermia in a primate model using targeted neuronal manipulation. Monkeys showed increased heart rate, shivering, and locomotion to defend their body temperature, highlighting a complex thermoregulation mechanism.
Research reveals orangutans' complex repertoire of consonant-like calls, unlike African apes, providing clues about human language evolution. The study suggests that tree-dwelling apes may have developed greater control over their lips and tongue, leading to the emergence of consonants and ultimately, speech.
A recent study found metabolic perturbations in young nonhuman primates' liver and skeletal muscle after maternal obesity during pregnancy, even after a normal diet was introduced post-weaning. The study identified 58 altered metabolites in the liver and 46 in skeletal muscle, suggesting long-term health consequences.
Researchers observed a wild chimpanzee showing an object to its mother to share attention, a social behavior previously thought to be unique to humans. The study suggests that in certain social conditions, primates can engage in referential gestures to comment or remark on the world.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Andre Sousa investigates the differences and similarities of cells in the prefrontal cortex between humans and non-human primates. The researchers found five cell types unique to humans and differences in cell abundance across species.
A high-fat diet in pregnant monkeys alters the transcriptional landscape of fetal blood stem cells, leading to a hyperinflammatory response and suppressed B-cell development. The study's findings suggest that maternal obesity may influence fetal bone marrow and immune system development.
Researchers found lower calcium and phosphorus concentrations in female primates' bones after giving birth and breastfeeding. The study, which analyzed bone composition over time, shows that reproduction permanently alters the skeleton's dynamic nature.