Articles tagged with Animal Models
Researchers at West Virginia University aim to understand zinc's role in neuronal communication, using animal models and sensors to track activity. They hope to uncover the inner workings of the auditory cortex and develop new treatments for conditions like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that mitochondrial calcium transporters duplicated around one billion years ago, giving rise to two subtypes. Only one subtype is present in animals, while most fungi conserve the other, making chytrids a suitable model organism for research.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered a novel mechanism to regulate ATXN1 levels, reducing protein accumulation and improving SCA1 symptoms. Gene therapy targeting the cerebellum showed promising results by lowering ATXN1 levels and enhancing motor coordination in animal models.
A new imaging technique, DEEP-Clear, developed by MDI Biological Laboratory scientist Prayag Murawala enables unprecedented insight into subcellular structures and tissues. The method expands the range of animal models that can be studied, processes that can be explored, and biological questions that can be addressed.
Researchers developed a novel dietary silicon-based antioxidant agent that suppressed the development and progression of kidney failure and Parkinson's disease in rodents. The agent enabled the continuous production of an OH-eliminating molecule, significantly lowering oxidative stress and inflammation.
VIDO-InterVac will receive $12 million in federal funding to construct a pilot-scale vaccine manufacturing facility and $11.3 million for continued operational funding, enabling the development of a human vaccine for COVID-19.
The PETA International Science Consortium Ltd. has contributed to the development of EpiAlveolar, a human cell-based alveolar model that can simulate the effects of inhaling different substances on the human lung. This breakthrough technology allows for the testing of chemicals and other respirable materials without animal testing.
A new study introduces Memote, a community-maintained tool to assess and improve metabolic models. It addresses issues such as annotations, conceptual integrity, and experimental validation, promoting openness and collaboration among researchers.
Researchers found that reelin promotes synaptic plasticity and reduces Tau phosphorylation in animal models with tauopathy, potentially reducing neurodegenerative effects. This discovery opens a new perspective for designing future therapeutic targets to combat Alzheimer's and other tauopathies.
The MDI Biological Laboratory will use the African turquoise killifish, a vertebrate with a short lifespan of four to six months, to study aging and its relation to regeneration. This model shares symptoms of aging with humans, including loss of muscle mass and decline in immune function.
Researchers developed molecular factories by combining natural vesicles with synthetic organelles, demonstrating no toxicity in animal models. These factories can produce complex structures and assembled molecules, paving the way for artificial cells in laboratory or living organisms.
Research finds gut protein Smad7 mobilizes immune cells, triggering inflammation in the central nervous system of MS patients. Analyzing intestinal tissue samples from MS patients confirms results, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for this debilitating disease.
Researchers have found that dietary supplements can improve the clean-up process in cells called mitophagy, which breaks down defective mitochondria, thereby delaying aging processes in animal models with Werner Syndrome. This study provides promising results for potential treatments and understanding of the mechanisms of aging.
Scientists at Okayama University created a human stem cell-based model of myocardial infarction, allowing for the evaluation of tissue damage and inflammation. This new model offers a more accurate representation of human heart conditions, enabling the development of more effective preventive and therapeutic medicines.
Research reveals connections between soy sourcing and habitat loss for giant anteater species, highlighting the impact of global agricultural trade on biodiversity. The study examined soy production and exportation from Brazil between 2000-2010 and found significant links between consumption patterns and biodiversity loss.
Researchers at McGill University have identified improved avenues for training plastic surgeons in microsurgery. By adopting non-biological simulators, they found a 48% decrease in the number of animals needed for training and a 50% reduction in costs. This shift also reduces animal use, death, and improves performance on animal models.
A study published in PLOS Biology has identified conserved proteins and pathways in four major animal models and humans, revealing unique sets of proteins mutated in human disease states. This discovery allows researchers to select the most appropriate model systems for studying cardiac development and investigating diseases.
A new study led by WVU researcher Jennifer Franko explores the role of short-chain fatty acids in altering sex-specific immune responses. The study aims to determine if SCFAs influence immune activation differently in males and females, with potential implications for vaccine efficacy and autoimmune disorder prevention.
Researchers have created an animal model for a devastating autoimmune brain disease, offering new hope for diagnosis and treatment. The model allows for the specific blocking of the immune system's attack on the NMDA receptor, paving the way for targeted therapeutic strategies.
The study reveals substantial differences between male and female roundworms, with sex-specific behaviors linked to distinct synapse strengths. The findings mark a major milestone in connectomics, the effort to map neural connections, and may provide insights into neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and autism.
A team of scientists from Kiel University and Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology applied the neutral metaorganism theory to various model organisms. The study found that the predicted microbial community compositions matched experimental data for many organisms, suggesting a possible lesser role for selection in shaping micr...
A recent study published in Nature Communications proposes that a significant rise in oxygen levels during the Cambrian period was triggered by extraordinary changes in global plate tectonics. This increase in oxygen led to a surge in photosynthesis and oxygen production, allowing a diverse range of animal life to thrive.
Researchers at MIT have demonstrated that artificial neural networks can be used to drive specific brain neurons, showing a strong activation pattern. The study suggests that these models could be used to control brain states in animals and establish their usefulness, paving the way for further research.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed a new method to identify compounds that prevent aging by analyzing the transcriptome of human cells. This approach identified several candidate substances, including Hsp90 inhibitors, which have been shown to extend lifespan and improve health in C. elegans.
The US FDA has approved the use of a rhesus macaque model to support the development of remdesivir, an investigational antiviral agent for treating Ebola virus infections. The study provides a framework for developing Ebola therapeutics under animal rule.
Researchers have developed a human-on-a-chip model that can mimic the effects of chronic drug exposure, overcoming limitations of previous organ-on-a-chip systems. This breakthrough technology allows for realistic replication of system responses to compounds, enabling more accurate prediction of toxicity and efficacy.
A recent study by Osaka University found that increased expression of Rubicon in tissues from aged animals contributed to reduced levels of autophagy. This reduction in autophagy may lead to progression of aging and diseases. Suppression of Rubicon led to improved age-related factors and increased lifespan in worm and fly models.
Researchers have developed gene-edited zebrafish models using CRISPR/Cas9, enabling precise point mutations to replicate human disease-associated genetic variants. This advancement improves the efficiency of disease modeling and opens new doors for understanding genetic disorders.
Researchers analyzed over 500,000 mouse decisions to identify a brain region supporting a decision-making strategy similar to nonhuman primates. This discovery paves the way for manipulating this circuit using advanced techniques.
Researchers advocate for a systems biology approach to better understand Parkinson's disease, emphasizing the need for modern, human-based technologies to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers identified a gene mutation causing abnormal lymphatic circulation and restored normal vessel architecture using signal inhibitors. The study may lead to a new therapy for patients with central conducting lymphatic anomaly, a complex condition affecting immune function and fat transport.
A study found significant improvement in cone function and no abnormalities in treated eyes for up to six years. The treatment used an AAV5 vector delivered a CNGA3 gene therapy, offering hope for treating genetic blindness.
A comparative study found that rats use a different approach to solve visual discrimination tasks compared to shrews, monkeys, and humans. Researchers suggest that this difference may indicate distinct brain function in rats.
A systematic review of animal studies found that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) have a positive effect on obesity treatment in terms of body weight and related comorbidities. However, the authors caution that further well-designed human studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand the mechanism of action.
Scientists in South America are adopting human-specific approaches for biomedical research, utilizing in vitro technologies like iPSCs and organs-on-a-chip. This shift aims to replace animal models, improving health research and developing tailor-made treatments.
Researchers used fruit flies to test the effects of TBX2 genetic variants in patients with congenital heart defects and skeletal abnormalities. The study found that the variants moderately affected eye development, retinal function, and lifespan in flies, suggesting their pathogenic potential.
Scientists found that a specific region of the Ataxin-2 protein helps form long-term memories but drives neurodegeneration in ALS. Flies with altered Ataxin-2 protein showed resistance to neurodegeneration and normal short-term memory, highlighting the importance of this protein region.
Scientists developed a predictive model to assess wind farm construction noise impact on harbor porpoise population. The DEPONS model evaluates disturbance effects on animal movements and foraging behaviors.
Researchers found that marmosets infected with the Zika virus during pregnancy experienced spontaneous abortion and neurological abnormalities in their fetuses. This study suggests that marmosets may be a relevant model for understanding the effects of Zika on fetal health.
Researchers have developed a new animal model using cynomolgus macaques to study the progression and interactions of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever with the immune system. The study aims to develop treatments and vaccines for the disease, which is fatal in nearly one in three cases.
The use of animal models in type 2 diabetes research is limited by interspecies differences and has proven inadequate to impact disease course, outcomes, and spread. Human-relevant research methods are increasingly being used, including imaging techniques, biological testing, and innovative approaches.
Researchers discovered the role of adenosine 2A receptor in preventing NAFLD, showing disrupted receptors lead to increased inflammation and fat deposition. The study validates this receptor as a potential therapeutic target for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Researchers used 3D digital models to reconstruct Cloudina fossils, finding they were detritus and not the architects of early animal reefs. The study suggests reef building likely emerged around 20 million years later than initially thought.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new stem-cell based treatment for stroke that reduces brain damage and accelerates the brain's natural healing tendencies. In preclinical studies, the treatment showed a 35% decrease in brain atrophy rates and a 50% reduction in brain tissue loss.
Scientists propose a nuanced model for extinction that incorporates body size and metabolic scaling, revealing why animal species tend to evolve toward larger body sizes. The model predicts an energetically ideal mammal size 2.5 times that of an African elephant, making it more stable against extinction by starvation.
A model plant study reveals a previously unknown pathway for genetic material exchange in germ cells, crucial for understanding Fanconi anemia disease. The study identifies the key protein FANCD2's important function in meiotic crossover formation.
Researchers found that mantis shrimp engage in predictable sparring matches to assess their rivals' abilities before deciding whether to fight or retreat. Heavyweight winners typically emerge victorious, but fights often follow a similar course, with both opponents trading blows and rarely de-escalating.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a novel RNA nanotechnology to decorate exosomes for effective cancer therapy. The technology uses antibody-like RNA nanoparticles to deliver siRNA specifically to cancer cells, overcoming the challenge of delivering therapeutics directly to tumor cells.
A recent study published in the journal Genetics found that genetic differences can greatly impact how individuals respond to different diets. The researchers used four groups of animal models with unique genetic traits to test the effectiveness of various diets, including American-style, Mediterranean, Japanese, and ketogenic diets.
Researchers identified a reversible 'master switch' that regulates developmental genes in fruit flies, providing a conceptually simple explanation for how different cell types are formed. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of cancer mutations and the development of new therapeutic strategies.
The NIH has awarded Jackson Laboratory for its innovative software to improve data sharing in heart disease research. Researchers will now have access to genomic data shared by humans and animal models, enabling them to fast-track their studies.
Scientists found that H7N9 avian flu viruses can spread among ferrets via respiratory droplets and are minimally responsive to commonly used antiviral drugs. The study also shows that these viruses have a high potential for pandemic due to their efficient replication in human airway cells and the lungs of animal models.
The Joslin Diabetes Center has been awarded $8.2 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in continued support for its Diabetes Research Center program. The funding will enable researchers to advance treatments and potentially find a cure for diabetes.
A research team has developed a universal model that accurately estimates the maximum speed of any animal, regardless of size or species. The model, which uses only an animal's weight and medium of movement, was tested on extinct dinosaur species and found to match complex simulations.
Gulf War veterans experience long-term side effects of their service due to exposure to chemicals like pyridostigmine bromide, DEET, and permethrin. Animal models demonstrate how these chemicals cause brain dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress, leading to symptoms such as cognitive decline, memory problems, and chronic fatigue.
Scientists developed an organ-on-a-chip model that mimics human retinal cells and vascular endothelial cells. The model replicates neovascularization in wet-type age-related macular degeneration, offering a potential alternative to animal models for disease modeling and drug screening.
MARRVEL, a big data search engine, enables researchers to efficiently access human genome variants and phenotypes from multiple databases. The tool provides a concise summary of the most relevant information, facilitating analysis and discovery.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have engineered a cancer stem cell vaccine that expresses pro-inflammatory protein IL-15 and its receptor to stimulate T cell production. This results in enhanced immune responses against tumors with reduced side effects, offering potential new immunotherapy treatments.
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine discovered that OTUD6B gene mutations cause a spectrum of physical and intellectual deficits. The study found 12 individuals carrying mutations in OTUD6B with similar clinical characteristics, including severe intellectual disability and cardiovascular problems.
A synthesized steroid called squalamine has been shown to prevent the buildup of a lethal protein implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. In an animal model, squalamine reduced the toxicity of alpha-synuclein clumps and protected healthy human neuronal cells from damage.