Animal Models

Tiny worms, with help from Brown University researchers, may hold key to treating rare childhood disease

Supplemental prenatal progesterone reprogrammes gene linked to brain development in males

Toxic PCBs, sex-biased genes, and the developing brain

Researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute found that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) alter genes more in females than males, with a key gene called XIST playing a protective role. Folic acid also shows promise in mitigating harmful effects of PCB exposure, particularly in women.

New experimental drug may restore movement after stroke

Researchers discovered that strokes cause a chain reaction within the brain, leading to neuronal cell death. They found that blocking collagen production can prevent this damage and even restore motor function in paralyzed monkeys. The new drug KDS12025 reduces hydrogen peroxide levels and prevents the entire process from being triggered.

How does mitochondrial DNA affect your health?

Salk Institute researchers have developed a new biological platform for studying mitochondrial DNA in human physiology, adaptation, and therapeutic development. The platform allows scientists to investigate mitochondrial DNA variation in health and disease, enabling therapeutic innovation for mitochondrial disorders.

University of Cincinnati opens state-of-the-art zebrafish research facility to study infertility

The University of Cincinnati has opened a zebrafish research facility to investigate the effects of environmental contaminants on human fertility. The lab will use zebrafish as a model organism to understand molecular mechanisms behind reproductive biology and infertility.

Discovery about aging and cancer opens the door to better targeted treatments

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified a protein, ATF4, linked to increased metastasis and recurrence in lung cancer. The study reveals that older individuals' tumors are smaller and grow more slowly, yet more likely to have spread when detected.

An experimental model reproduces creeping fat associated with Crohn's disease and facilitates its study

A new experimental rat model reproduces creeping fat in Crohn's disease, characterized by mesocolic adipose tissue hyperplasia with macroscopic, histological, immunological, and molecular similarities to human disease. The model supports the hypothesis that intestinal microbiota contributes to remodelling of mesenteric adipose tissue.

Altered copper metabolism is a crucial factor in inflammatory bone diseases

Copper metabolism plays a crucial role in inflammatory bone diseases, with copper overload suppressing glycogen synthesis and increasing inflammatory activity. Researchers found that cuproptosis, a form of programmed cell death, can lead to bone weakening and osteoclast formation, providing a potential new therapeutic target.

How periodontitis-linked bacteria accelerate osteoporosis-like bone loss through the gut

Research reveals that salivary bacteria from gum disease alter gut metabolism, driving osteoclast activity and systemic bone loss. Microbial metabolites like indole-3-lactic acid inhibit osteoclast differentiation and activity.

Dopamine selects, astrocytes refine: a new mechanism for motor-learning circuit rewiring

A new study reveals that astrocytes actively participate in motor-learning circuit rewiring by eliminating synapses in the striatum. The research identifies MEGF10 as a key molecular mediator of this process, which is regulated by dopamine signaling and neural activity.

New research: No trace of DMT in the rat brain’s serotonin system

A new study by researchers from the University of Southern Denmark has found no evidence of naturally occurring DMT in the adult rat brain, even when its breakdown was inhibited. The study used highly sensitive methods to detect trace substances and examined whether administered DMT could be stored in serotonin neurons.

A non-invasive therapeutic strategy for improving bone healing in aged patients

Researchers identified ApoE as a systemic inhibitor of bone repair during aging, and showed that blocking its activity can restore bone regeneration and improve fracture healing. The study provides hope for therapies that actively restore regenerative capacity in older patients, reducing nonunion risk and improving recovery.

Metabolic clues emerge from new molecular map of Alzheimer’s

Rice University scientists create a detailed map of the Alzheimer's brain using hyperspectral Raman imaging and machine learning. The findings show that chemical changes are unevenly distributed across the brain and extend beyond amyloid plaques, revealing broader metabolic differences between healthy and diseased brains.

FAU study: Tiny worm offers clues to combat chemotherapy neurotoxicity

Researchers used Caenorhabditis elegans to model chemotherapy-induced neurological dysfunction and tested two compounds for improved recovery. Both sildenafil citrate and Resveramorph-3 significantly reduced seizure-like behaviors and duration, suggesting their potential as therapeutic candidates.

Blocking pain at the source: Hormone therapy rewires nerve signals in aging spines

Researchers found that hormone treatment reduces abnormal nerve invasion and improves chronic back pain by limiting nerve growth inside damaged spinal tissue. The study suggests that parathyroid hormone can reverse the process by activating natural signals.

Vaping zebrafish suggest E-cigarette exposure disrupts gut microbial networks and neurobehavior

A study published in Science of The Total Environment found that e-cigarette exposure alters gut microbiota composition and affects neurobehavior in zebrafish. The researchers observed disruptions in the gut microbiome, with reduced microbial network stability and altered community composition, suggesting potential health risks.

Steatotic liver disease precisely assessed using three-dimensional ultrafast vascular ultrasound

Steatotic liver disease can be precisely assessed using three-dimensional ultrafast vascular ultrasound. The technology visualizes subtle microvascular changes, enabling real-time monitoring of disease progression and therapeutic response.

Korea University researchers revive an abandoned depression drug target using structurally novel NK1 receptor inhibitors

Researchers from Korea University report a breakthrough in reviving an abandoned depression drug target by redesigning the molecular structure of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists. New compounds exhibiting antidepressant-like effects have been identified, reducing depressive-like behavior and brain inflammation in mice.

Neural progesterone receptors link ovulation and sexual receptivity in medaka

Researchers found a neuroendocrine mechanism linking ovarian status to brain signals controlling sexual receptivity in female teleosts. Progesterone analogs restored sexual behavior but not ovulation, suggesting a direct neural pathway for hormone reception.

Researchers discover how stomach cancer learns to grow on its own

Early gastric cancer cells become self-sufficient by producing WNT7B, creating a self-sustaining loop and activating WNT signaling internally. This mechanism is triggered by MAPK signaling activation and has been validated in genetically engineered mouse models and human patient-derived organoids.

A delicate balance between growth hormone and stem cells

Growth hormone directly controls behavior of stem cells in growth plate, stimulating growth but also depleting cartilage stem cells. This delicate balance is crucial for long-term bone development and may contribute to refining growth hormone treatments.

Moving past the mouse – genetic advances inspire new frontiers

Recent genetic advancements have created a biodiversity library, offering untapped opportunities for solving global challenges. Researchers are exploring unconventional models, such as electric eels, octopi, and bacteria, to develop new therapeutics and tackle environmental issues.

Drug toxicity predicted by differences between preclinical models and humans

A new AI model uses machine learning to predict drug toxicity in humans by identifying biological differences between cells, mice, and humans. The model improved predictive power over existing state-of-the-art models and demonstrated practicality in predicting market withdrawal due to toxicity.

Message from the oldest-living dogs to dogs and men: Gonad function fights frailty

A study by the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation's Center for Exceptional Longevity Studies found that retaining gonad function can significantly impact frailty mortality risk. Male dogs with shortest testis exposure had high mortality risks, while those with longest gonad exposure showed no consequence of increasing frailty.

Mapping the dynamic glycosylation landscape of rat serum proteins

Researchers mapped dynamic glycosylation patterns in rat serum proteins, revealing distinct cell-type-specific profiles. Female rats exhibited pronounced daily fluctuations in sugar structures, suggesting regulation by hormonal and circadian cycles.

Researchers find certain ecological experiments may be too human-centric

A recent study found that plasticine models, commonly used in ecological experiments, may not accurately capture real-world biotic interactions due to their reliance on visual cues. The research team deployed over 2,400 models across two habitats and found similar attack rates regardless of color, shape, or size.

The European project to reduce the number of animals used in experimentation, VICT3R, adds new partners and increases its budget to €30 million

The VICT3R project is expanding its consortium by adding new beneficiaries and organisations, increasing the project budget to €30 million. This expansion reinforces the mission to transform safety assessment in drug and chemical development, reducing reliance on laboratory animals.

Air pollution can contribute to obesity and diabetes

Long-term exposure to fine air pollutants like PM2.5 can impair metabolic health by disrupting the normal function of brown fat through complex epigenetic changes. The study identified two enzymes, HDAC9 and KDM2B, as key drivers of this process.

Fruit flies teach us how to appreciate flavor

Scientists at RIKEN Center for Brain Science found that fruit flies use separate circuits to compute pleasant and unpleasant odors, challenging the idea that 'good' is the opposite of 'bad'. The discovery may contribute to a better understanding of human brain's flavor appreciation mechanisms.

Scientists read mice’s ‘thoughts’ from their faces

Researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown used machine learning techniques to show that mice's facial movements reflect their hidden thoughts. This discovery could offer unprecedented insight into brain function and potential new research tools.

Zebrafish models offer fast and effective guidance for personalized therapies for kids with high-risk cancer

New research reveals that zebrafish models can help guide clinical decision-making in real-time for challenging pediatric cancer cases. The study shows that pre-clinical zebrafish models accurately predicted responses to 11 of 12 treatment regimens, providing robust and actionable treatment response data.

Psychedelics offer healing for concussion, traumatic brain injuries

A new review from the University of Victoria suggests that psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT may help treat concussions and traumatic brain injuries by increasing neuroplasticity and reducing inflammation. The compounds have shown promise in treating depression, anxiety, and other conditions in clinical research.

Kavli and NSF announce new grant awards to advance neurobiology in changing ecosystems

The Kavli Foundation and NSF have announced new grants to explore how nervous systems respond, resist, or recover from the challenges of a changing world. This research aims to uncover fundamental principles of neurobiology and reveal how animals adapt cognitively and behaviorally to a changing world.

Fishing for a drug: Study brings hope for treating a rare disease

Researchers from Weizmann Institute of Science and Sheba Medical Center identified two drugs with the potential to treat KLA, a rare genetic disorder affecting the lymphatic system. The study used transparent zebrafish embryos to decipher the disease mechanism and find effective treatments.

Retinitis pigmentosa mouse models reflect pathobiology of human RP59

Scientists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham created novel mouse models with mutations in the DHDDS gene to study retinitis pigmentosa (RP) 59, a genetic cause of blindness. The studies revealed that both T206A/K42E and K42E/K42E mouse models exhibited changes in retinal structure and function similar to human RP59 disease.

Does red meat alter gut bacteria to aggravate inflammatory bowel disease?

A new study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research found that red meat consumption causes an imbalance of bacteria in the intestinal microbiota, leading to exacerbated colonic inflammation. The diets resulted in a decrease in beneficial bacterial strains and an increase in pro-inflammatory cells.

Gut–immune–brain axis modulation of autism spectrum disorder using precision-selected probiotics

Researchers discovered a multi-faceted mechanism behind ASD, revealing the gut microbiota and host immune system's influence on disease progression. Precision-selected probiotics restored metabolic balance, reduced neuroinflammation, and ameliorated behavioral abnormalities in ASD mouse models.

High triglycerides drive life-threatening aortic aneurysms, study in mice finds

A study in mice found that high triglyceride levels directly cause abdominal aortic aneurysms, challenging the notion that they are merely biomarkers of vascular disease. Researchers identified specific proteins and lipoproteins as causal drivers of aneurysm development and growth.

Genetically engineered mouse model provides insights on genetic bone disorders

Researchers developed a genetically modified mouse model to study osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a rare genetic bone disorder. The study found that the Sp7 R342C mutation affects bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume fraction, and cortical porosity, leading to impaired bone remodeling.

Bentham Science publishes definitive guide on zebrafish in pharmacological research

The new handbook provides a practical approach to harnessing zebrafish as a model organism for biomedical research, covering drug efficacy evaluation and disease mechanisms. It offers step-by-step experimental protocols and theoretical grounding for researchers of all levels.

Assessing spontaneous behavioral changes in a mouse model of schizophrenia

Researchers used IntelliCage to assess spontaneous behavioral changes in a mouse model of schizophrenia, finding increased hyperactivity and exploratory behavior after treatment with MK-801. However, cognitive flexibility was impaired, suggesting schizophrenia-like behaviors.

Researchers discover that sound stress alone can prolong and intensify pain

Studies have shown that emotional or psychological stress enhances pain responses, but the effects of social pain transmission remain elusive. Researchers found that ultrasonic vocalizations emitted by mice in response to pain stimuli can induce emotional transmission and hyperalgesia in other mice.

Fish species evolved different hunting strategies using distinct visual cues

Researchers compared prey-capture behaviors in five fish species, revealing distinct strategies that differ from zebrafish. These differences suggest species-specific sensory inputs and motor control, shedding light on how brain circuits support behavior and evolution shapes those circuits.

Study: Why some lung cancer treatments stop working — and possible fixes

Researchers have identified a hidden molecular mechanism involving two proteins that allows tumors to resist treatment. A new gelatin-based nanoparticle has been developed to shut down both proteins simultaneously, showing promising results in early studies with mice.

Forging a novel therapeutic path for patients with Rett Syndrome using AI

Researchers at the Wyss Institute have identified vorinostat as a promising treatment for Rett Syndrome using an AI-driven drug discovery process and innovative disease modeling. The findings demonstrate disease-modifying abilities across multiple tissues, offering hope for a potentially curative treatment.

Study reveals mechanisms behind common mutation and prostate cancer

Researchers discovered two distinct ways mutation of the FOXA1 gene alters tumor formation and therapy resistance in prostate cancer in mouse models. The findings provide insight into how different classes of FOXA1 mutations operate, shedding light on the complex mechanisms driving prostate cancer progression.

The scent of death? Worms experience altered fertility and lifespan when exposed to dead counterparts

Roundworm C. elegans avoids deceased conspecifics due to olfactory cues from metabolites AMP and histidine, leading to reduced fitness and increased egg laying. The detection of these signals may be an evolutionarily maintained mechanism for detecting cellular death.

Could strawberry tree extract prevent and treat gastrointestinal disorders?

Research in rats suggests that Arbutus unedo extract can prevent changes in the colon's lining and reduce colonic lesions. The treatment also caused decreased expression of proteins promoting oxidative stress and inflammation.

Machine learning brings new insights to cell’s role in addiction, relapse

A team of researchers used machine learning to analyze changes in astrocyte cells' structure, shedding light on heroin addiction and relapse. The study, published in Science Advances, found that specific subpopulations of astroglia exhibit more pronounced morphological changes during drug use.

Chimpanzee stem cells offer new insights into early embryonic development

Scientists successfully grow chimpanzee naive-type pluripotent stem cells, revealing key mechanisms for self-renewal and differentiation. The study's findings shed light on the evolutionary conservation of these properties, offering a powerful tool for investigating early developmental processes.

University of Cincinnati Cancer Center presents research at AACR 2025

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center presented abstracts highlighting contrasting effects of a protein on head and neck, breast, and lung cancers. The study found increased levels of IL-9 in patients with head and neck cancer correlated with decreased survival, while elevated IL-9 was associated with smaller tumo...

Integrative approach reveals promising candidates for Alzheimer’s disease risk factors or targets for therapeutic intervention

A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers identifies 123 genes associated with increased AD risk in humans, including MTCH2, which shows promise as a potential therapeutic target. The team also found that reversing the alterations in these genes has a neuroprotective effect in living organisms.

Study: Experimental bird flu vaccine excels in animal models

A new vaccine platform developed at the University at Buffalo has demonstrated complete protection in mice against a deadly variant of bird flu. The vaccine, which combines key proteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, shows promise as a versatile and easy-to-produce vaccine that could be effective against evolving bird flu strains.

Alcohol makes male flies sexy

A study found that alcohol consumption boosts the production of sex pheromones in male fruit flies, increasing their attractiveness to females and mating success. This effect is mediated by three neural circuits that balance attraction and aversion to avoid intoxication.

From forces to bone: General formula unravelling the role of mechanical cues in bone remodelling

Researchers propose a general formula modeling bone adaptation as a function of key loading parameters. The formula provides insights into the relationship between mechanical signals and adaptive bone responses, offering guidance for optimizing exercise regimens and designing medical devices to promote bone health.

Gene therapy reverses symptoms of rare neurological disease in animal models

A recent study demonstrates gene therapy's potential to restore motor capacity in an ultra-rare disease, Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy with Subcortical Cysts (MLC), even after symptom onset. The treatment restored normal protein activity, normalizing physiological brain alterations and reversing motor impairments in treated mice.

New study sheds light on how bacteria ‘vaccinate’ themselves with genetic material from dormant viruses

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered how bacteria protect themselves from certain phage invaders by seizing genetic material from weakened, dormant phages and forming a biological 'memory' that their offspring inherit. This process allows the bacteria to recognize and fight off similar viruses in the future.

Small molecules, big role: snoRNAs in gene regulation

Researchers at ELTE have created an online database of snoRNAs in zebrafish, revealing 67 previously unknown snoRNAs and providing a comprehensive analysis of their expression during development and in adult tissues. The findings may help create better zebrafish disease models and aid understanding of complex human diseases.

The Open Brain Institute announces the dawn of a new frontier in neuroscience

The Open Brain Institute launches a groundbreaking platform to simulate and study digital brains, empowering researchers to explore brain complexity and diseases. With its virtual neuroscience laboratories, the OBI enables global collaboration and access to cutting-edge virtual labs.