Articles tagged with Animal Models
Researchers have developed a new technique to visualize fat distribution in lab mice using X-ray computed tomography (CT), allowing for non-invasive and longitudinal studies. This method provides detailed images of fat volumes within the mouse, enabling researchers to study adipose content at high levels.
A PET imaging agent has been shown to reverse neurotoxicity and improve motor skills and memory in animal models of Parkinson's disease. The compound works as a scavenger of peroxynitrite, reducing neuronal death and promoting revival of neuronal function.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute created compounds that dramatically alter the biological clock, resulting in weight loss and improved metabolic markers in diet-induced obese mice. The study suggests potential effectiveness in treating obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and sleep disorders.
Researchers present new information on neural diseases and kidney stones using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster model. Studies reveal links between cellular changes and behaviors in flies with human counterparts such as ataxia-telangiectasia and Rett Syndrome.
The study aims to investigate the pathobiology of acute lung injury (ALI) and develop novel therapeutic approaches. Researchers will focus on the role of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in lung cell signaling and inflammation.
Young house spiders exhibit perfect angles and regular patterns in their webs, but as they age, their webs deteriorate. The research suggests that degeneration of the central nervous system may be behind this decline, providing a model for understanding aging mechanisms in humans.
A newly developed compound, SR1001, has been shown to effectively suppress the severity of multiple sclerosis in animal models with minimal side effects. The discovery holds promise for treating other autoimmune diseases and targets a specific cell type involved in autoimmunity.
A consortium of scientists has been awarded $7.5 million to develop novel compounds that could become treatments for nicotine addiction and possibly other drug addictions.
A synthetic derivative of turmeric has been found to be highly neuroprotective against ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury in animal models. The compound, CNB-001, improved behavioral and molecular deficits in both conditions, offering potential clinical promise for current treatment-limited diseases.
Researchers aim to establish dosing and safety guidelines for transplanting human umbilical cord blood cells into animal models of Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to gain FDA approval for clinical trials with patients suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
The Lancet Editorial highlights the poor record of Alzheimer's drug trials, citing issues with inaccurate animal models and poor methodology. The best time to treat Alzheimer's may be before memory loss occurs, but this is challenging to model in animals.
A PLOS Medicine article highlights controversies surrounding animal experiments and their translation to human clinical trials. The study suggests that selective reporting in medical journals may create a false impression of treatment efficacy, leading to overstatement of benefits.
Neuroscientist David Anderson explains how studying model organisms like mice and fruit flies can improve understanding of the neural basis of emotion. He also discusses the limitations of human brain studies and the potential of new technologies to experimentally manipulate brain circuitry.
Minocycline has been shown to have a neuroprotective effect on neurons by reducing apoptosis and ameliorating behavioral deficits in animal models after a stroke. This study suggests that minocycline could be a new treatment option for acute ischemic stroke, offering hope for patients who currently have limited treatment options.
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital discovered that mice with thick blood formed larger but more stable plaques, reducing the risk of vascular obstruction. However, long-term use of anticoagulants reversed these advantages, highlighting the need for caution when prescribing these medications.
A Tel Aviv University researcher has found that an injection of cortisol shortly after a traumatic event may prevent the onset of PTSD. Cortisol levels are believed to be linked to the individual's ability to forget memories of the traumatic event.
The use of multiple model organisms is expanding due to decreasing genome sequencing costs and advancing gene expression manipulation techniques. Emerging model organisms, such as planarians and snapdragons, are being introduced to the laboratory, enabling comparison and refinement of existing models.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center created an animal model to study the effects of chronic stress on behavior, physiology, and reproduction. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a key neurohormone involved in stress response, and its increased expression is linked to anxiety, depression, and infertility.
The review discusses how mouse genetics research has contributed to a better understanding of human health and disease. Researchers predict that creating 'humanized' mice will provide new experimental systems for testing novel therapeutics.
A new study of extinct reptiles called kuehneosaurs shows that these early flyers used extraordinary extensions of their ribs to form large gliding surfaces on the side of the body. The research, published in Palaeontology, found that one species was more suited to parachuting than flying.
Researchers have developed a simple model to study injured brain tissue, enabling the induction of regeneration of axons. The fruit fly model has shown that activation of the JNK signaling pathway promotes nerve bundle repair.
Studies with non-human primates have significantly contributed to understanding the human brain, particularly in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The unique similarities between human and monkey brains enable researchers to study complex behaviors and develop new treatments.
Researchers used a neutral model to predict fish diversity in the Mississippi-Missouri River System, demonstrating its potential for analyzing complex systems. The approach, which assumes functional equivalence among species, provides new insights into biodiversity patterns and their relationship with environmental change.
Researchers at the University of Iowa and Missouri have developed pig and ferret models of cystic fibrosis through genetic manipulation. The studies used adeno-associated virus vectors to disrupt or introduce mutations into the CFTR gene, resulting in animals that may lead to the development of a good animal model for the disease.
Researchers design a mathematical model to describe circumstances where generalists can endure and even thrive in what is typically expected to be a specialist-only society. The study's findings suggest that having individuals with diverse skills can safeguard against the possibility that specialists don't complement each other.
A team of biologists has developed a model mapping the control circuit governing a whole free-living organism, allowing for accurate prediction of cell dynamics and adaptation to environmental stresses. The study, based on Halobacterium salinarum, provides insights into how cells make stable decisions in response to their environments.
NCCAM has added three new Centers of Excellence for Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), focusing on the biological effects of plant-derived compounds on various health conditions. The centers will investigate mechanisms and effects of compounds like curcumin, resveratrol, and grape polyphenols in preventing or tre...
A new model of early evolution directly connects population fitness to protein properties, resolving a key molecular evolution mystery. The study finds that survival depends on the stability of the least stable proteins, leading to an uneven distribution of fold and gene family sizes.
A new computer model developed at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT has been shown to perform as well as humans on rapid visual categorization tasks, even making similar errors. The model follows the organization of the brain's visual system and can help neuroscientists explore brain mechanisms involved in human visual p...
Evo-devo researchers are urging scientists to select new model organisms based on their ability to shed light on specific evolutionary themes, rather than just phylogenetic position. The current choice of model organisms has been criticized for being too narrow and not representative of the diversity of life on Earth.
Researchers found that St. John's Wort increased bladder contraction intervals in rats with bladder inflammation, reducing bladder hyperactivity and associated pain. The study suggests that the herbal supplement may be a viable treatment option for women suffering from interstitial cystitis, affecting 700,000 Americans.
Researchers at Boston Biomedical utilize bioinformatics to study the kinome of Dictyostelium, a model organism revealing unique enzymes involved in cell biology. The study identifies 46 conserved kinases across all organisms, providing insights into fundamental cellular processes.
The study provides a nearly complete parts list of all the machines in yeast, including 257 previously unknown machines and new components of existing ones. It also reveals how cells dynamically assemble and disassemble machines to respond to environmental challenges.
The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare has cleared Ohio State's spinal cord injury training program for its humane care and use of animals in research. The university had searched for alternatives to using animals in the project, but no problems were found with animal treatment.
The sequencing of Dictyostelium's genome has clarified its relationship to humans, revealing nearly twice as many protein coding genes as fungi. This increase in gene function information makes it a more effective model for discovering targets for drugs against human diseases.
Researchers found that high levels of oxygen can exacerbate lung inflammation in mice by triggering the release of adenosine, a molecule that protects against tissue damage. The study suggests that adenosine substitutes may be useful in preventing lung damage in patients with acute lung inflammation.
The NIH is providing $32.8 million to enhance its Biomedical Informatics Research Network (BIRN), a consortium of universities and research groups focused on utilizing information technology innovations to advance biomedical science. BIRN aims to create an environment encouraging collaborative research, facilitating sharing, analysis, ...
A study challenges the common perception that spiders cause many diseases, including skin ulcers and flesh-eating skin disease. In reality, spider bites are rare and generally harmless, while other causes of these conditions are more likely.
A new study suggests a dynamic business plan approach to conservation, prioritizing opportune land acquisitions and leveraging market dynamics to safeguard habitats. The authors aim to improve the effectiveness of protected area networks in addressing the rapid decline of highly threatened vertebrates.
Researchers at UNC have developed a high-throughput technique to rapidly analyze gene functions, resolving two bottlenecks in the process. This method has the potential to accelerate the development of new drugs by quickly identifying and testing candidate genes.
Researchers developed a new fluid mechanical model system that simulates the active nature of the arterial system, providing insights into why stenting in forked regions has low success rates. The study suggests stenting only the main branch for optimal healing and maintenance of open vasculature.
The team developed a genome-scale computational model of gene regulation in E. coli, uncovering surprising new details about how the cell responds to oxygen deprivation. The model includes 1,010 genes, including 104 regulatory genes, which regulate the expression of 479 genes involved in metabolism.
Researchers at Ohio State University have created the first DNA gene chip for horses, containing over 3,200 expressed horse genes, allowing for rapid scanning of individual horse genes. This breakthrough could lead to better accuracy in studying human disease and developing new treatments.
Molecular signals play a critical role in separating the lymphatic system from the circulatory system during fetal development. The study sheds light on the mechanisms behind this separation and its potential therapeutic applications, including influencing blood vessel growth and tumor treatment.
Scientists have developed a new, non-invasive method to study neurochemistry and behavior in animal models of neurological and psychiatric diseases. The microPET technique allows researchers to measure dopamine receptor levels in living animals, providing insights into disease progression.
A new model predicts that an animal's body size determines how often it encounters food in its environment. The researchers found that larger animals have bigger home ranges due to their ability to perceive and average over different scales of resource availability.
Researchers have successfully treated metastatic disease using a modified herpesvirus, providing a promising treatment option for patients with advanced cancer. The therapy has shown promise in early trials, demonstrating its potential as a novel approach to combatting this devastating disease.
Researchers use SAGE to study fruitfly genome, identifying genes responsive to JNK signal that help skin form properly and understand its effects on a whole organism
Ecologists developed a new mathematical model that uses just a few factors to capture the essentials of predator-prey battles, predicting population cycles and dynamics. The model was tested in a laboratory microcosm with single-celled algae and microscopic animals, showing results consistent with predictions.
Scientists at NIH and Whitehead Institute have grown malaria parasites in fruit flies, creating a model for studying parasite development in insects. The new model has identified a part of the insect immune system that naturally attacks malaria parasites.
Researchers suggest that early life forms could have emerged from heterogeneous lipid assemblies, with information stored in composition rather than sequence. This model offers a solution to the long-standing question of how lipid assemblies could carry and propagate information.
Scientists have discovered a gene in yeast that plays a key role in regulating the aging process. The SIR2 gene helps slow down aging by silencing certain genes, and its activation can extend the life span of yeast cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-aging therapies.
Scientists developed a theoretical model of food web organization based on two simple rules, revealing deep similarities between diverse ecosystems. The 'niche model' accurately predicts 12 characteristics of food webs, surpassing the cascade model's predictions.
Scientists create mouse model to track immature T cells' transformation into specialized killer T cells capable of destroying infected or cancerous cells. The research aims to understand how the immune system thwarts T cell functionality in diseases like HIV and cancer.
A mathematical model of H.pylori bacteria and their human hosts reveals the key role played by adherent bacteria in colonization, as well as the dynamic relationship between host response and bacterial persistence. The model sheds light on the complex interactions between the bacteria and human immune system.
Climate models project a 23-30% decline in mountain snowpack by 2025, and up to 61% by 2095. This could drastically alter hydrology and water resource management in the region.
A team of scientists has created a detailed model of the structure of a protein in photosynthetic bacteria, which can help explain how certain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Mad Cow Disease occur. The model shows how nature uses irregular forms to create complex structures that are effective at absorbing sunlight.
Scientists at Boston University report a new model of ventilator assisted lung function that incorporates 'noise' to improve gas exchange in patients with lung injury. The approach may also minimize additional trauma by enhancing the avalanche-like opening of airways and alveoli during inhalation.
David Meyer presents evidence that ancient crinoid Uintacrinus could float using a new model. The model explains the organism's ability to support its weight and collect food particles at the sea surface.
The Stanford research group synthesized a compound that replicates the chemical wizardry of cytochrome c oxidase, a vital biochemical process found in all oxygen-using organisms. The model converts oxygen molecules into water, releasing energy to charge biological batteries and generate heat.