Articles tagged with Animal Models
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.
The NIH Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity in Humans Program aims to develop a comprehensive map of molecular changes triggered by physical activity. Researchers will collect samples from diverse populations and analyze them to identify targeted exercise recommendations for better health outcomes.
A Stanford study used laser light to track parrotlets flying through aerosol particles, revealing that bird-generated vortices break up suddenly and violently close to the bird. The results challenge commonly used models of lift in flight research, highlighting the need for new designs.
Repeated binge drinking during adolescence can alter gene expression in the brains of future generations, impacting neurological health. The study found 159 gene changes in offspring of binge-drinking mothers, 93 in offspring of binge-drinking fathers, and 244 in offspring of both parents.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a method called Knockout Sudoku, which quickly and affordably creates whole-genome knockout collections. This allows for the exploration of genetics outside of model organisms, making it a powerful tool for advancing genetic research.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified a new therapeutic target for obesity and type 2 diabetes, IP6K1. The protein promotes fat accumulation by slowing down the breakdown of fat and enhancing weight gain in animal models.
Researchers propose that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) results from disrupted context processing, which affects the brain's ability to recognize and respond to stimuli. This disruption can lead to symptoms such as hypervigilance, sleeplessness, and intrusive thoughts.
Biomedical researchers need to replicate results in multiple animal models and report negative data to ensure reproducibility. Experts propose strategies such as holding public discussions, developing accountability metrics, and improving methods reporting.
A new study found that current climate models may be too simplistic in their predictions, as the spatial distribution of shade plays a crucial role in an animal's ability to regulate its body temperature. The research uses lizards as test subjects and found that smaller patches of shade allowed for more efficient thermoregulation.
Animal models can help researchers understand genetic and environmental factors contributing to human diseases, which could inform precision medicine approaches. The large amounts of data generated by these models can be used to develop more targeted therapies, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
Scientists have developed a specific mechanistic explanation of beta waves, suggesting that excitatory synaptic stimulation from the thalamus drives pyramidal neurons to produce these waves. The theory is supported by computer models and measurements in animal models.
Scientists at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered a unifying cellular mechanism underlying Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare congenital disorder. Loss-of-function mutations in genes TCOF1, POLR1C, and POLR1D cause the condition, which affects craniofacial development and survival of progenitor neural crest cells.
Researchers found that folates can stimulate stem cell proliferation independently of their role as vitamins, using an in vitro culture and animal model system. The discovery provides evidence for a new pathway involving bacterial folate, which may have implications for human health.
Researchers have discovered three new compounds that inhibit insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP), showing promise in improving cognitive functions in animal models. The inhibitors block human IRAP at low concentrations with rapid reversibility.
A new study finds that bipolar patients' blood is toxic to brain cells and affects neuron connectivity. The more episodes a patient has, the more cellular components are produced that impair the brain's ability to deal with environmental changes.
Scientists at McGill University have identified novel gene mutations that cause hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a debilitating disease characterized by weakness or spasticity in the lower limbs. The discovery will aid in the development of treatments for HSP, with researchers predicting improved diagnosis and treatment options.
Researchers developed a new long-acting formulation of raltegravir for pre-exposure prophylaxis, showing significant protection against multiple strains of HIV in animal models. The study found that the injectable provided strong suppression of viral load and could potentially improve adherence to medication regimens.
Researchers at Ohio State University have engineered new calcium receptors to enhance or preserve heart function in mice without harmful effects. The study shows improved cardiovascular performance and reduced mortality compared to control groups.
The article presents findings from the first reported autopsy of a patient with MERS coronavirus infection, revealing diffuse damage to lungs and identification of anti-MERS-CoV antibodies in specific cells. These results contradict previous assumptions and suggest that lung targeting is crucial for infectious control strategies.
Researchers at MIT and Bristol University found that mixotrophic organisms can increase the average size of plankton by up to 35%, leading to a greater flux of sinking organic carbon particles. This could enhance the ocean's ability to sequester carbon dioxide, potentially mitigating climate change.
A University of Exeter study found humans have limited ability to avoid becoming obese, especially in winter. The research suggests that the urge to maintain body fat is stronger in winter when food is scarce.
A new model has been developed to track animal movements using solar geolocators, providing more precise locations and behavioral data for migratory species. The FLightR R package enables accurate estimates of migration routes with increased precision than traditional methods.
Researchers at Scripps Florida Institute have been awarded $6 million to develop an innovative HIV/AIDS vaccine that has shown promise in animal models. The approach works by blocking key sites on the virus's surface, preventing it from attaching and invading human immune cells.
A team of researchers at the University of Kansas has identified a potential neuroprotective mechanism for Alzheimer's disease, focusing on the ApoE2 gene. The study suggests that ApoE2 carriers may be resistant to Alzheimer's disease due to enhanced brain energy metabolism.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that rodents behave like a self-organizing system when huddling together to regulate their temperature. This allows the group to better adapt to changing temperatures, with individual behaviors improving the ability of the whole group to regulate its temperature.
SLU researchers suggest approach to fight common virus in immunosuppressed patients by targeting Type 1 interferon pathway. The study found that disrupting the STAT2 gene in Syrian hamsters resulted in 100-1,000 times more virus replication compared to wild-type control animals.
Animal models are still crucial for medical research, according to experts, as they have led to tremendous progress in treating human and animal diseases. The authors argue that alternative methods, such as in vitro research, are not yet ready to replace animal models entirely.
Researchers Ache and Dürr develop a computational model of a descending mechanosensory pathway involved in active tactile sensing, capturing key properties of diverse neurons. The model is validated against real neuron coding properties and provides a common framework for modeling diverse neuron types.
Scientists at UC San Diego discovered that freshwater planarians are comparably sensitive to tested chemicals as zebrafish larvae and nematodes, but offer unique advantages such as studying genetically identical adult and developing animals. This could reduce the use of laboratory mammals in toxicology tests.
A recent study by University of Warwick researchers found that animals capable of mentally simulating environments require a primitive sense of self. This suggests that self-awareness is likely common among animals and not exclusive to humans.
The Genetics Society of America has awarded travel grants to 15 undergraduate students to present their research findings at the 20th International C. elegans Meeting. Recipients include students from institutions such as Pennsylvania State University, Washington State University, and Rutgers University.
Researchers used modern carnivore models to infer prehistoric diets, finding a strong signal driven by ancestry and skull size. They successfully distinguished between hypercarnivores and generalists using biomechanical attributes, shedding light on extinct species like Thinocyon velox and Oodectes herpestoides.
A novel in vitro live-cell platform allows direct visualization of endothelial cell injury patterns after clot removal. Researchers validated their findings with in vivo testing, offering significant promise for future device design and improving post-stroke recovery outcomes.
Researchers at Neuromed Institute discovered a molecular mechanism causing ADHD symptoms, linked to PI3K gamma enzyme dysregulation and hyperactivation of Locus Ceruleus brain area. This finding offers a new understanding of the disease, paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches.
A $2.3 million network will investigate molecular mechanisms of rare diseases in yeast, worms, flies, fish, mice and humans. The goal is to understand disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic pathways for treatment.
The Genetics Society of America has awarded seven researchers with poster prizes for their outstanding contributions to yeast genetics research. The winners were selected from nearly 400 research posters presented at the 2014 Yeast Genetics Meeting, which took place in Seattle, WA.
GeroScopeTM is a system that evaluates age-related changes in human tissue and predicts the efficacy of drugs with known molecular targets. The technology will be presented at the FEBS-EMBO 2014 Conference, allowing delegates to learn about its functionality.
Comprehensive maps of epigenetic marks reveal patterns for safe restoration and provide a framework for testing disease models and drug candidates. These findings hold promise for diagnosing and treating diseases caused by gene expression deregulation, including cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Researchers propose 'One Health' model to guide sustainable growth of aquaculture industry, addressing animal health and environmental impacts. The model connects experts from various fields to develop sustainable operations ensuring adequate human nutrition and healthy environments.
A recent study used 7.0T magnetic resonance spectroscopy to analyze biochemical metabolism in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease rats. The findings revealed reduced N-acetylaspartate and elevated creatine and choline wave crests, indicating neuronal damage and inflammation.
Researchers used a 3D printer to recreate the snake's UFO-like cross-section and found that it generates sufficient lift at most angles. However, they also discovered a massive spike in lift when tilting the model at 35 degrees and an unexpected vortex sucking the rod down.
Researchers found that antioxidant extracts from spearmint and rosemary reduce deficits in mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests these herbal compounds might have beneficial effects on altering age-associated cognitive decline.
A new compound has been found to inhibit cognitive impairment in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, showing a 60% improvement in learning and memory. The research uses the Endothelin system to target potential treatments for AD.