Researchers found that head partitions reduced agonistic interactions and increased the use of feeding places among high-ranking animals. This led to a more relaxed feeding environment, improved sense of well-being, and increased nutritional status among goats.
A research team found that a fungus, Pneumocystis carinii, plays a more important role in pneumonia than previously thought. The fungus was detected in piglets of all ages and appeared to proliferate before bacterial pathogens, suggesting it may be a 'door opener' for secondary infections.
Researchers have discovered a rare fungus that produces compounds effective against both normal and resistant Staphylococcus aureus pathogens. The six most active compounds, including the previously unknown cyclo-(L-proline-L-methionine), boost the activity of other antimicrobial compounds.
The Asian bush mosquito is spreading its range in Austria, becoming a day-biting nuisance. The invasive species has adapted to various climates and can be found in isolated populations, posing a threat to the region.
Researchers found that female blue tits sing when faced with danger, singing patterns resembling those of males. The birds' vocalizations may serve as a warning signal or indicate stress and the ability to escape.
Researchers discover new function of STAT1 in activating natural killer cells to eliminate tumor cells. Without this newly identified function, NK cells are still effective in eliminating tumors.
Austrian researchers found that nematode species previously limited to Southern Europe have spread to the country, infecting dogs and potentially affecting people. Monitoring of mosquitoes and wild animals is crucial to slow the spread of parasites.
Research by Sebastian Vetter and colleagues found that personality traits of female wild boars impact their ability to raise offspring. Shy females, with more careful behavior and high maternal care, had greater success in rearing offspring in good mast years.
A novel therapeutic approach has been discovered using a breast cancer drug to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with FLT3 mutations. The compound blocks the production of the FLT3 gene and subsequently downregulates its activity, leading to the death of cancer cells.
Researchers found that dromedaries' genetic diversity is linked to their use as transportation animals. The animals' high genetic diversity was maintained due to regular gene flow from different populations.
Researchers have identified a hybrid form of the common house mosquito in eastern Austria that can transmit exotic diseases such as West Nile virus. The hybrid mosquitoes can act as bridge vectors, picking up pathogens from their original host birds and potentially transmitting them to other birds or humans.
Researchers found that polyandry in house mice does not enhance immune resistance against Salmonella infection. However, male mice showed surprising resistance to the disease, with lower bacterial loads compared to females.
Veronika Sexl will focus on finding new ways to inhibit the kinase-independent function of CDK6, a key enzyme in tumor development. The €2.5 million ERC grant aims to develop targeted cancer drugs.
Research shows that female poison frogs remember the exact location of where they laid their eggs, allowing them to transport only their own tadpoles. In contrast, males tend to transport both their own and unrelated tadpoles due to their territorial behavior.
Researchers found that NK cells produce VEGF-A to promote tumor growth when STAT5 is inhibited. This discovery challenges the use of STAT5 inhibitors in cancer treatment, which could have unintended consequences for patients.
A study by Lisa Wallis and Friederike Range found that older Border Collies perform slower in tasks requiring learning, logical reasoning, and cognitive flexibility. However, the dogs' long-term memory for touchscreen stimuli remained unaffected by age.
A recent study by Vetmeduni Vienna's Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer found that simulator-based training in large animal gynaecology is nearly as efficient as animal-based training. Students who trained four times on horses scored best with regard to a correct diagnosis, while those trained solely on the simulato...
Researchers have discovered that Bacillus cereus can form small colony variants in response to aminoglycoside antibiotics, making it resistant to these therapies. This alternative lifestyle allows the bacteria to survive harsh conditions and evade traditional diagnostic methods.
Researchers found that stroked calves gained weight faster, weighed more at 90 days, and had lower avoidance distances, indicating a stronger human-animal relationship. Disbudding without anesthesia disrupted this bond.
Researchers found that a specific COMT gene variant is associated with higher cortisol levels in stressed Japanese macaques, leading to more aggressive behavior. This study provides insight into the genetic basis of stress hormone production in non-human primates and its potential connections to human behavior.
A study by Friederike Range and colleagues found that dogs donated food to familiar partners more often than to unfamiliar ones. The researchers also discovered that the degree of familiarity among the dogs influenced this behavior, with prosocial behavior exhibited less frequently towards unfamiliar dogs.
Researchers analyzed canine cell lines to understand cancer development and metastasis, identifying key gene switches that could be targeted with novel therapeutics. The study provides a basis for further research into personalized medicine for dogs with cancer.
Researchers found pygmy slow lorises in Southeast Asia exhibit multiday torpor to conserve energy during food scarcity. This discovery highlights the possibility that hibernation may be used by further primate species beyond Madagascar.
Researchers have discovered a new strain of Candidatus Neoehrlichia in an Austrian red fox, sparking concerns about potential zoonotic transmission. The bacterium is genetically intermediate between two previously recognized forms and has been linked to flu-like symptoms in humans and pets.
Researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna tested over 100 raw milk cheeses purchased online and found that pathogenic bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes were present in two samples. Furthermore, more than half of the products lacked proper cooling, leading to increased bacterial growth during transport.
A recent study reveals that reptile pets can shuttle grasshopper allergy and asthma into homes. Researchers found that insects used as reptile food can cause allergic reactions, even after exposure has ceased. Experts recommend keeping reptile food outside of homes to prevent this issue.
Researchers analyzed 640 pregnancies in 142 mares to understand the impact of maternal lineage on gestation length and foal characteristics. The study found that certain maternal lineages produce more female foals, with young and older mares contributing to this trend. These findings have implications for horse breeding practices.
European minks face significant reproductive challenges due to habitat destruction and competition with American minks. Scientists have successfully developed a non-invasive method to analyze faecal samples, revealing that mating can occur more frequently than previously thought.
A team of researchers found that inhibiting the enzymatic activity of Tyk2 does not hinder its ability to activate natural killer cells. In fact, this inhibited form of Tyk2 still boosts NK cell maturation and activity, leading to strong suppression of cancer growth. This breakthrough suggests promising potential for new cancer therapies
Researchers found that dormice start hibernation early when beech trees produce few beechnuts, allowing them to survive during mild weather periods. This behavior changes the view on hibernation as a strategy to decrease energy expenditure.
The wild boar population in Europe has been constantly growing since the 1980s, primarily driven by climate change. Mild winters lead to a sharp increase in population growth, as thermoregulation becomes less of an issue, allowing for more energy available for reproduction and offspring survival.
Researchers found that riding a horse increases the body's stress hormones and heart rate compared to simulator-based training, indicating a more complex movement experience for riders. This suggests that simulators could be an excellent preparation for beginners but may not fully replace traditional horseback riding.
A study found that intestinal parasites, such as Giardia, were the most commonly found parasite in cats across Austria, with over 56% testing positive. The parasites can be transmitted through contact with infected cat faeces, and households with multiple cats are at higher risk.
Researchers investigated daily fluctuations in human buccal mucosa cells over a year, revealing significant daily rhythms in eleven fatty acids. The study suggests that the cellular changes may be linked to environmental conditions and could have implications for human health.
Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna have discovered a new case of koi sleepy disease in Austria, which is believed to originate from Asia. The virus causes symptoms such as sunken eyes and swollen gills in infected fish.
Researchers investigated how training affects dogs' ability to follow human gaze. They found that formal training and short-term training decrease dogs' gaze following performance. In contrast, aging does not significantly affect this ability.
A study by the University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna found that larger brain size confers a survival advantage to female guppies, but not males. The research, which released large- and small-brained guppies into semi-natural streams, revealed that large-brained fish are better at evading predators, leading to higher survival rates.
Researchers found phages in 49 out of 50 chicken samples that can transduce antimicrobial resistance genes to E. coli bacteria, highlighting the need for phage therapy and improved disinfection methods.
A transposable element has invaded a new species of fly, Drosophila simulans, through horizontal gene transfer. The P-element's rapid spread suggests that transposable elements can quickly adapt and evolve within species.
A team of scientists from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna developed a method to analyze horse tail hair to determine its ecological significance. By aligning hair segments to time using satellite information, they found that tail hair growth rates vary greatly between species and even within individuals.
A study found that early separation of cow and calf has long-term effects on social behavior, stress responses, and motivation in dairy cows. Animals raised with maternal contact showed improved heart rate regulation and higher activity during isolation.
A recent study by researchers at Vetmeduni Vienna found that stomach ulcers in cattle are primarily caused by stress, nutrition, and weather conditions. The bacterial diversity present in the stomachs of healthy and ulcerated animals was nearly identical, suggesting that bacteria play a minor role in the development of ulcers.
Researchers found that papain breaks down skin cell connections, leading to increased skin permeability and inflammation. The enzyme can still trigger allergic reactions even when its enzymatic function is blocked.
Archaeologists have discovered a unique complete camel skeleton unearthed in Tulln, Austria, dating back to the 17th century. DNA analysis reveals the animal was a hybrid of a dromedary and Bactrian camel. The find provides insight into the use of camels as exotic animals during the Ottoman era.
A recent study found that female mice are more attracted to the odor of healthy males than unhealthy males. However, they also choose to mate with unhealthy males, defying expectations and suggesting alternative factors at play in their mating behavior.
A study by the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna found Listeria monocytogenes in 2% of lavatory samples, highest at park facilities and mobile container lavatories. Shoes with deeper treads show higher prevalence rates.
Fruit flies exhibit homogenous gene expression pattern at optimal temperature of 18°C, unaffected by genetic variation. Canalization mechanism acts as buffer against environmental or genetic perturbations, stabilizing organismal growth.
The study found that Listeria monocytogenes adapts its metabolism specifically to the host genotype, correlating with the severity of symptoms in infected mice. Bacteria retain a 'memory effect' that reverts to a common metabolic fingerprint after laboratory cultivation.
Researchers found that dogs can discriminate between happy and angry human faces, even when only showing the eye region. Dogs trained to choose happy faces mastered the task faster than those trained to choose angry faces, suggesting they use stored memories to recognize emotions.
A study by University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna researchers has identified avian malaria in 15% of examined wild birds in Austria, showing that native bird populations are susceptible to the disease. Three different Plasmodium species were also found, with one new species still requiring analysis and classification.