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University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna


Sisters act together

Researchers studied the dispersal behavior of female and male cichlids in Lake Tanganyika. Females dispersed significantly longer distances than males, likely to avoid inbreeding and resource competition. Kin-shoaling also emerged as a key phenomenon, with small females tending to shoal with female siblings.

A lot or a little

Researchers found that wolves can discriminate between different food quantities, but dogs struggled with this task, suggesting a loss of numerical competence through domestication. The study's findings have implications for our understanding of canine cognition and the effects of domestication on animal behavior.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateDec 16, 2014

An unexpected bonus

Researchers found that blocking STAT3 increases killing activity against melanoma and leukemia cells in Natural Killer (NK) cells. This increase in effectiveness also reduces metastasis of melanoma cells. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment by boosting NK cell function.

Piglet health

Scientists investigated how piglet immune systems respond to Cystoisospora suis, finding gamma delta T cells and cytotoxic T-cells play key roles. The study also revealed the importance of maternal antibodies in preventing disease severity.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalParasite Immunology·DateSep 12, 2014

Three parents and a baby

A study finds that the 'Three-Parent Baby' method, which involves combining a healthy egg cell with a defective one, may pose health risks to offspring if mitochondria from different mothers are present. Researchers propose a solution by analyzing and aligning mitochondrial DNA haplotypes before transfer.

Breaking down barriers

Researchers at Vetmeduni Vienna warn of the impact of fencing and railway development on migratory ungulates in Mongolia's Gobi-Steppe Ecosystem. The authors advocate for structural modifications to fences, removal of unnecessary barriers, and re-routing of railway lines to minimize negative effects on ecosystem integrity.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalConservation Biology·DateJun 3, 2014

The protective milk shot

Researchers discovered that pigs from infected mothers suffer less from the infection than those from non-infected mothers. The study found that maternal antibodies in the sow's milk protect piglets from infections in the first few weeks of life, leading to fewer cases of severe diarrhoea and faster recovery.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalVeterinary Parasitology·DateMay 23, 2014

Life on cheese

Scientists investigate Vorarlberger Bergkäse, a regional Austrian cheese, to understand its unique microbiome. The study reveals the presence of halophilic microbe Halomonas on young rinds, which plays an unknown role in cheese-making.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateMay 9, 2014

The taming of the shrew

Researchers have discovered that the bicolored shrew acts as a 'pathogen reservoir' for the Borna virus, transmitting it to horses. The virus is not directly contagious and requires an intermediate host to spread, highlighting the importance of keeping shrews away from stables to prevent transmission.

Dog watch

Researchers found that dogs' attentiveness peaks in mid-adulthood and decreases with age, with adolescent dogs exhibiting the steepest learning curve. This study provides insights into canine cognitive development and its potential applications in understanding human psychological diseases such as ADHD and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateApr 1, 2014

A healthy balance

Scientists at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna have created a model to investigate the role of STAT1 in various disease conditions. The genetically modified mice can produce an exact dose of protein, enabling researchers to examine the origins and course of many diseases.

Choose your love

Researchers found that females who mated with preferred males produced more offspring and were better able to cope with infection from Salmonella compared to offspring sired by non-preferred males. The fitness benefits were due to tolerance to infection rather than immune resistance.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 23, 2014

Here comes the sun

Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, found that vitamin D deficiency stifferens blood vessels, leading to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The study used genetically modified mice to explore the effects of vitamin D deficiency on blood vessel flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalMolecular Endocrinology·DateJan 17, 2014

Under pressure

A recent study found that guide dogs experience the most tension on their chest when wearing a harness, with pressure equivalent to up to 10% of their weight. Flexible harnesses are recommended to minimize stress and promote healthy exercise for guide dogs.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalThe Veterinary Journal·DateJan 2, 2014

Measuring up

Researchers found that tree sparrows can identify parasitic eggs by color and shape, ejecting 81% of non-native objects. The birds' ability to recognize foreign eggs is linked to motivation and nest sanitation, with some species being more careful during incubation.

Scent marking

A study found that scent marking increases males' mating and reproductive success, as females prefer to mate with males who deposit more conspicuous scent marks. However, surprisingly, female mice tend to socialize with lower-marking males, suggesting a complex relationship between scent marking and social behavior.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateOct 31, 2013

Passing the Gac

Scientists have identified a novel transposon in listeria bacteria responsible for tolerance to benzalkonium chloride. The discovery highlights the importance of thorough disinfection in food-processing facilities to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria.

Fat and fit

Researchers found that fatter dormice increase metabolic rate more frequently and spend more time at normal body temperature during hibernation, minimizing negative effects. This strategy enables dormice to maximize total hibernation time while maximizing survival chances.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateOct 22, 2013

Misinterpretation of study

A study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior found that cats from multi-cat households do not exhibit higher stress levels than those from single-cat households. The researchers discovered that a cat's personality, as classified by its owner, plays a significant role in determining its stress response to stroking.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateOct 16, 2013

Making the most of what you have

The study reveals that the nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) protease of classical swine fever virus is capable of self-cleavage, generating two smaller proteins with distinct activities. This discovery sheds light on the complex regulation of viral replication and has significant implications for understanding persistent infections.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Virology·DateOct 8, 2013

Genes against parasites

Researchers discovered that the Baoulé breed of cattle has a natural tolerance to a deadly parasite, and developed a method to detect different types of trypanosomes. The study aims to preserve the genetic background of the Baoulé breed to develop more resilient cattle breeds.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 27, 2013