Researchers successfully produced mice with novel and sustainable karyotypes, mimicking evolutionary changes on a million-year scale. Chromosome-level engineering enables insight into how rearrangements influence evolution and potentially correct misaligned chromosomes.
A new study found that human laryngeal anatomy simplification allowed for stable vocal folds and harmonic-rich sounds characteristic of human speech. This evolutionary adaptation enabled humans to produce a wide range of sounds, distinct from nonhuman primates.
Researchers found that human larynx evolution led to stable voices and controlled pitch without adding new structures. This simplification allowed for the development of complex vocal information, enabling humans to communicate effectively.
Areas managed by Indigenous peoples have significantly more primate biodiversity than nearby regions. Lorises, tarsiers, monkeys, and apes are less likely to be classified as vulnerable or endangered when their territories overlap with Indigenous lands.
Researchers have developed a new way to deliver vaccines through mucosal tissues in the nose, generating strong immune responses in mice and non-human primates. The technology bypasses traditional barriers to delivery by engineering antigens to bind onto albumin, allowing them to effectively target immune tissues.
A new study based in Africa reveals hidden selection against interspecies breeding in wild baboon species. The findings highlight the crucial role of other living primates as models for understanding human evolution, particularly for phenomena that are impossible to study in our lineage alone.
Researchers at the University of Malaga study the global risk of yellow fever transmission to humans, finding high zoonotic potential in southeastern Brazil and western Amazon basin. The team proposes prioritizing vaccination efforts in regions with favorable conditions for virus presence and mosquito vectors.
Researchers aim to develop a gene therapy that could suppress HIV replication and eliminate the need for life-long antiretroviral therapy. The study uses an AAV vector to produce leronlimab, a monoclonal antibody blocking HIV entry into immune cells.
Researchers highlight the importance of linking carbon conservation with threatened forest primates, which could enhance climate action and biodiversity protection. The study found that 15.5 gigatonnes of irrecoverable carbon are stored in areas with high primate species richness, equivalent to 40% of current annual fossil fuel emissions.
A new nanoparticle-based vaccine has demonstrated broad immune responses in non-human primates against a spectrum of SARS-like betacoronaviruses. The vaccine targets the 'conserved' part of the viral spike, which does not change between variants or animal strains.
Researchers found that primates and non-primates have distinct axonal origins, with axons emerging from dendrites more common in non-primates. This difference may influence neocortical information processing, but the exact function of axon-carrying dendrites remains unknown.
Researchers found five sites on the oxytocin and vasotocin receptors where modern humans are unique compared to archaic humans and non-human primates, affecting social behaviors such as autism and aggression. These variants are highly functional and active in brain regions involved in social cognition.
Researchers developed a tool to analyze facial movements in common marmosets, finding they have more facial expressions than previously thought. The study suggests that facial expressions may be more ancient and prevalent among social animals.
A new study reveals that wild chimpanzees produce hundreds of diverse vocal sequences, combining up to ten call types, and exhibit structured communication patterns. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that non-human primates lack complex vocal communication systems.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered chimpanzees experiencing nocturnal erections, a phenomenon previously only observed in humans. Eight out of twelve male chimps demonstrated this behavior, with half also masturbating and consuming ejaculate, suggesting potential health benefits.
Studies in fruit flies reveal coordinated movements of heads and bodies to stabilize vision and improve flight performance. Similar synchronization is observed in other animals, including primates, suggesting evolutionary benefits for energy efficiency and performance.
A study found that large mammals and birds essential for seed dispersal in the Atlantic Rainforest are disappearing due to deforestation. In contrast, smaller animals have lower interaction levels with plants.
A new study found that primate ecotourism is causing stress-related behaviors in monkeys, including self-scratching, increased aggression, and reduced feeding. The researchers propose guidelines for tourists and guides to minimize the impact of motorboat approach speeds on primates.
Scientists at MIT's Picower Institute mapped thousands of inputs to the anterior cingulate cortex and lateral posterior thalamus, finding that both regions receive input from non-sensory areas. The study provides a detailed roadmap for understanding selective attention in mice.
Researchers found that rhesus macaques with more grooming partners had larger brain areas for social decision-making and empathy, specifically the mid–superior temporal sulcus (STS) and ventral-dysgranular insula. The study suggests that social connections influence brain structure in nonhuman primates, with possible implications for h...
Researchers found that mutation frequencies in mitochondrial DNA of developing egg cells are lower and increase less with age compared to non-reproductive cells. This suggests a protective mechanism may keep reproductive cells relatively stable, potentially related to human propensity to reproduce at later ages.
A new study supports the idea that humans inherited our love of alcohol from primate ancestors, who consumed fermented fruit with high alcohol content. Monkeys eat and digest alcohol-rich fruits, using it as a source of calories, shedding light on human affinity for booze.
Research found that adult howler monkey play increases when faced with competition over fruit, a valuable resource. This playful behavior helps regulate relationships within the social group and avoid conflict, unlike collective grooming used by some other primates.
A novel surgical approach and synthetic viral vector Anc80L65 successfully delivered genetic cargo to the inner ear of nonhuman primates, paving the way for a potential treatment for hearing loss and vestibular disorders. The study's findings suggest that this method could be translated to humans.
Researchers studied Indriidae lemurs to understand the impact of climate, body size, and color vision on hair evolution, providing a unique window into human hair evolution. The study fills gaps in our understanding of human evolutionary story by comparing non-human primate hair patterns.
Researchers discovered that Goffin's cockatoos can coordinate complex tools to solve problems, a cognitive ability previously thought exclusive to primates. This finding sheds light on the evolution of tool use in animals and has implications for understanding human technological skills.
A study found that humans have evolved less sensitive noses compared to other primates, with genetic variations affecting scent perception. Researchers screened the genomes of over 1,000 Han Chinese people and an ethnically diverse population to identify novel genetic variants associated with odor detection.
Researchers discovered that a hormone called FGF21 suppresses alcohol consumption in primates by altering neural transmission in the brain. This finding provides a mechanism for a liver-to-brain endocrine feedback loop to protect the liver from damage and may lead to potential treatment options for alcohol use disorder.
A new study published in Fertility & Sterility found that chronic marijuana use negatively impacts male reproductive health, leading to decreased testicular size and lowered testosterone levels. The Oregon Health & Science University study used nonhuman primates to assess the effects of daily THC consumption on reproductive function.
UAB surgeons successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a brain-dead human recipient, testing safety and feasibility in a novel human preclinical model. The experiment showed that the xenograft perfused normally and maintained vascular integrity, paving the way for potential treatment of thousands with organ failu...
Researchers identified MIR3607 as a key regulator of the human cerebral cortex's large size, found in primates and carnivores but not mice. The microRNA promotes neural stem cell proliferation and expansion, contributing to brain evolution.
The 2020 wildfires in Brazil's Pantanal wetland resulted in the deaths of an estimated 16.9 million vertebrates, including lizards, birds, and primates. The study estimates that between 13.2 million and 18.8 million small vertebrates and 691,000 to 1.2 million medium-to-large vertebrates were killed.
A University of Otago study finds caries in wild primates occur at low frequencies but vary among groups, with distinct tooth patterns compared to fossil humans. The research provides a new perspective on human evolution and living primate behaviour.
A novel mRNA-based HIV vaccine has been shown to be safe and elicit desired immune responses in mice and non-human primates. The vaccine prompted a 79% lower per-exposure risk of infection by simian-human immunodeficiency virus compared to unvaccinated animals.
African and Asian primates evolved stronger resistance to cobras' venoms, while Madagascan Lemurs and Central and South American monkeys lacked this defense due to reduced eyesight
A new mRNA vaccine, CV2CoV, has demonstrated a ten-fold higher antibody response and significantly improved protective efficacy against COVID-19 compared to the original CVnCoV. The second-generation vaccine induced antigen-specific memory B cell responses and T cell responses in non-human primates.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed formulas to calculate primate body size based on tooth root surface area. This discovery can be applied to partial and incomplete fossils, allowing scientists to determine the diet of ancient primates.
A study on a critically endangered primate species has discovered categorical rhythms in its songs, similar to those found in human music. The researchers recorded indri songs over a period of twelve years and found both 1:1 and 1:2 rhythmic categories, as well as ritardando effects.
A new study shows that boosting nonhuman primates with the Moderna vaccine six months after their primary series increases neutralizing activity against viral variants of concern. The boost sustained antibody responses for at least eight weeks, suggesting significant B cell memory induced by primary vaccination.
A recent study suggests that primates and marsupials were among the few tree-dwelling mammals that survived an asteroid impact 66 million years ago. The researchers used computer models and fossil records to find that most surviving mammals did not rely on trees, but some arboreal species may have been versatile enough to adapt.
A new study suggests that ground-dwelling and semi-arboreal mammals were better able to survive the mass extinction event, while tree-dwelling mammals were more likely to perish. Early primates may have maintained their arboreal habits through forested refugia or behavioral flexibility.
A new study suggests that tree-dwelling mammals, including primates and their ancestors, survived the asteroid strike that devastated Earth's forests 66 million years ago. The research found that ground-dwelling mammals had a selective advantage over arboreal counterparts, but some tree-dwellers managed to survive.
A study by Arizona State University researchers reveals that the coordination between facial growth and chewing muscle mechanics determines when adult molars emerge. The study found that human molars come in at a later age due to slow jaw growth and short faces, which creates a mechanically safe space for molar emergence.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that Asian elephants successfully cooperated in 80% of trials, using strategies like fighting back or moving sides to prevent cheating. However, cooperation quickly broke down when one partner could monopolize the reward, revealing a complex dynamic in their social behavior.
A Duke University-led study finds that if endangered primates disappear, up to 250 parasites could go extinct, including those with no other suitable hosts. This potential extinction cascade could have significant consequences for biodiversity and human health.
Researchers found that primate mothers across 50 species carried their infant corpses for months, suggesting an awareness of death. Younger mothers and those with strong maternal bonds were more likely to exhibit this behavior.
Researchers at University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory found that primate neurons receive two to five times fewer excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections than similar mouse neurons. The study suggests that metabolic costs may drive larger neural networks to be sparser, as seen in primates versus mouse neurons.
A study published in Scientific Reports discovered dental caries in prehistoric primates, indicating a high fruit diet or sugar-rich foods. The prevalence of caries fluctuated over time, suggesting changes in the primates' diet between sugary and non-sugary foods.
A novel gene-based COVID-19 vaccine leveraging an adeno-associated viral vector platform was highly effective in eliciting neutralizing antibody responses and cellular immunity from a single dose. The vaccine provided near-complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in nonhuman primates for at least 11 months.
Researchers discovered that black howler monkeys use cognitive maps similar to humans, following well-trodden routes and linking them to take short-cuts. The primates can also supplement their mental maps with knowledge of direction and distance between locations.
The Southwest National Primate Research Center and Texas Biomedical Research Institute have received continued full accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) for their exceptional animal care. The institution houses over 2,500 nonhuman primates, including pathogen-free rhesus...
Researchers identified a genetic mutation in nonhuman primates that closely resembles Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, a rare and progressive disorder affecting the central nervous system. The discovery was made possible by a massive genomic database built at OHSU's Oregon National Primate Research Center.
Researchers studied how dominant and tolerant primate species communicate vocally. They found that more tolerant species use communication to achieve goals, while despotic species rely on aggression. The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, provides insights into the evolution of vocal communication in primates.
Researchers discovered that mRNA-1273 vaccine-induced antibodies are a correlate of protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in non-human primates. The study found that these antibodies, particularly in the lower airways, offer protection against severe disease by reducing viral replication.
Researchers from the University of Otago debunked a long-held belief about Paranthropus' eating habits, finding no evidence to support regular consumption of hard foods. Instead, they found similar tooth fracture patterns in fossil humans and living primates that eat soft fruits or leaves.
Researchers observed an egalitarian community among female vampire bats, with no specific quality predicting dominance. The study found that adult females had an equal opportunity to rank high or low in a dominance scale, and young males were subordinate to adults.
Researchers develop a novel technique to identify specific neural pathways involved in high-order executive functions, including working memory and decision-making. The study reveals that these functions are controlled by different neural pathways linking specific brain areas.
In a behavioral study on common marmosets, researchers found that the infantile development of vocalizations includes an extended flexible phase, without which language development in humans would not be possible. This phase is critical for human language development, influenced by social interactions with parents.
A recent study found that life expectancy and lifespan equality in humans and non-human primates are not driven by aging rate, but by early life mortality rates. The researchers analyzed data from nine human populations and 30 non-human primate groups, revealing a strong relationship between early-life deaths and population aging.
Researchers found that human life expectancy increase is not due to slowing aging but rather improved survival rates among children and young adults, supporting the 'invariant rate of ageing' hypothesis which suggests a relatively fixed rate of ageing across species.