Articles tagged with Rat Models
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.
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.
A recent rat study found that an individual's genes can shape their own gut microbiome as well as the microbiomes of those they live with. The research identified three new gene-microbe links and demonstrates how genetic influences can ripple through social groups via shared microbes
Researchers found oxytocin release in the orbitofrontal cortex is linked to empathetic responses and stabilizes reciprocal cooperation in rats. Oxytocin-deficient rats exhibited increased 'free-riding' behavior, suggesting a key internal mechanism in cooperative behavior.
Researchers found that repeated tickling increases oxytocin receptor expression in a rat brain region, mediating social bond formation across species. Pleasant tactile stimulation drives affinity-like behavior, indicating the formation of social bonds.
Researchers found that rats with shorter second digits exhibit stronger sexual behavior, including a preference for female scent and frequent ejaculations. This study reveals the impact of fetal hormone exposure on brain development and highlights the link between body and mind.
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.
Researchers developed a novel rat model that closely replicates human COPD-associated cor pulmonale, exhibiting chronic lung inflammation, pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The model provides insights into the underlying mechanisms of disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers found that females developed ascites later and were more susceptible to carbon tetrachloride toxicity than males. The study highlights the need for gender parity in preclinical studies and suggests that sex hormones may play a protective role against disease progression.
Researchers used a rat model to explore electroacupuncture's effectiveness in reducing neuropathic pain, promoting urinary function and decreasing neuroinflammation. The study suggests electroacupuncture as a promising treatment strategy for bladder pain syndrome.
Researchers analyzed gene expression profiles in rats undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, finding reduced inflammation and increased immune suppression with spontaneous breathing. The study suggests weaning off ventilator support during VV-ECMO may be beneficial for clinical practice.
A new study found that gene therapy delandistrogene moxeparvovec significantly extended the median survival of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) rats to >25 months. Additionally, the treatment elicited statistically significant improvements in cardiac parameters and mobility.
A full-scale in silico model of the rat hippocampal CA1 region has been developed, integrating diverse experimental data from synapse to network. This community-based approach overcomes challenges in integrating data from different experimental approaches.
Researchers created a virtual rodent with an artificial brain that can move like a real rodent, simulating complex behaviors using biomechanical data from real rats. The model uses deep reinforcement learning and AI to predict neural activity across behaviors.
Scientists have developed a functional model of thoracic aortic aneurysm using human cells in laboratory rats, offering new avenues for drug development and effective screening. The model successfully mimics dilation of the human aorta and has potential applications for treating this potentially fatal condition.
Researchers discovered that rats without prior knowledge of numbers can develop a sense of numbers when trained with sounds representing two or three numbers. The study found that the brain has a specific area for dealing with numbers, which is separate from the processing of magnitude.
Research reveals that FoxO6 upregulates ApoC3, leading to increased lipid accumulation and liver damage in aged rats on a high-fat diet. The study suggests that targeting this pathway may offer therapeutic strategies against hepatic steatosis.
Researchers developed a custom-built, low-cost mesoscope that can adapt to different neuroimaging experiments in live mice and rats. The system offers excellent spatial and temporal resolutions, achieved through its reversible tandem lens configuration, which enables flexible experimentation.
The lack of standardized controls in lifespan studies leads to misleading outcomes and makes it difficult to compare results. Researchers propose solutions for quality control by checking inter- and intra-study consistency of lifespan data.
A study by researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that chronic cocaine use alters the functional networks in the brain, including the default mode network and salience network. This disruption can make it harder for individuals to focus, control impulses, or feel motivated without the drug.
The study investigates how different genes related to autism spectrum disorders affect the brain's neural circuits, resulting in heightened sensitivity to sounds. The researchers aim to identify a potential biomarker for sensory hypersensitivity and develop treatments using optogenetics and minocycline.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a technique to promote cardiac regeneration by activating mitochondrial function in transplanted cells. The study found that activated mitochondria improved cardiac function and suppressed myocardial fibrosis, suggesting a new approach for treating severe heart failure.
The study reveals that the superior colliculus is vital in the transition from seeing individual flashes to smooth motion, and may be a key component in creating the continuity illusion. Different methods of measuring the Flicker Fusion Frequency threshold suggest other parts of the brain also play a role in this process.
The Caatinga's ecosystem is projected to lose up to 87% of its mammal species and 70% of plant assemblages due to climate change. This will result in a loss of ecological functions, such as seed dispersal, and make the ecosystem less resilient.
Researchers successfully created a rat-derived lung in mouse model using reverse-blastocyst complementation and tetraploid-based organ complementation. The study identified crucial factors required for functional lung formation, including fibroblast growth factor 10 (Fgf10) and its interaction with Fgfr2b.
Researchers found that 1,5-AF activated AMPK, leading to upregulation of the PGC-1α/BDNF pathway and alleviating aging-related decline in motor cognitive function. The study suggests that 1,5-AF can induce endogenous neurovascular protection, potentially preventing aging-associated brain diseases.
A new study reveals that red blood cells can protect against myocardial infarction when exposed to oxygen deficiency, and this effect is enhanced by a nitrate-rich diet. The research provides hope for patients at risk of heart disease.
A new study published in Aging (Albany NY) suggests that prior training can rescue cognitive decline in aging by improving task performance and strengthening memory processes. The research, conducted on rats, found that prior training enhanced short-term and intermediate memory, while also enabling encoding-boosted long-term memory.
Researchers at DTU Health Tech created a multi-levelled scaffold that enables near-perfect bone healing in just eight weeks, without using growth factors or endocrine factors and cells. The scaffold combines essential bone minerals with mechanical properties matching human bone compressive strength.
Researchers found that a mutated PDE3A gene prevents kidney damage despite severe hypertension. The study suggests that this mutation could be used therapeutically to prevent chronic kidney disease.
Researchers found that rats, like humans, tend to overestimate the likelihood of two events occurring together. This study suggests a shared cognitive mechanism between humans and animals, which could have implications for understanding psychopathological conditions.
A bacterial molecule, ARBM101, has been found to efficiently lower liver copper levels in a rat model, offering a promising new therapeutic option for Wilson's disease. The treatment approach involves weekly applications followed by month-long breaks, significantly shortening the therapy period.
Researchers create 'Lego-like' BIND interface to assemble stretchable devices with excellent mechanical and electrical performance. The interface allows for easy connection of modules, enabling the development of highly functional wearable devices or soft robots.
Researchers found that rats adopt a non-greedy strategy to balance speed and accuracy, sacrificing immediate rewards for improved learning outcomes. The study suggests that slower reaction times lead to faster learning and higher rewards in both experimental and simulated environments.
Researchers developed an injectable biomimetic hydrogel composite loaded with stem cells that promotes regenerative healing in animal models of Crohn's perianal fistulas. The treatment reduced fistula size by six-fold compared to surgery, offering a potential new paradigm for treating this condition.
A new biopsy procedure is developed with a multispectral confocal endomicroscope to aid in lung tissue imaging. The system allows for simultaneous imaging of multiple fluorescent dyes, enabling unique identification and spectral unmixing.
A high-quality Nile rat genome sequence has been assembled, expanding its potential as a model organism for studying type 2 diabetes and disorders associated with disrupted circadian rhythms. The genome's long contigs and completeness make it suitable for investigating the genetic factors contributing to disease, including epigenetics.
A new study published in GigaScience has made available an enormous amount of behavioral data from an animal model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), comprising over 2 years of continuous recording. The data set, which is the culmination of a 15-year study, provides insights into the mechanisms of OCD and potential treatments.
A rat study found that excessive blue light exposure is associated with earlier puberty onset, reduced melatonin levels, and increased reproductive hormones. This suggests a potential risk for childhood development and future fertility.
Scientists have developed a soft, bioresorbable device that cools peripheral nerves to reduce pain. The device was tested in rat models and found to be effective, reversible, and non-addictive, with potential applications for treating neuropathic pain after surgery.
A team of researchers from McGill University has discovered a way to control the stickiness of adhesive bandages using ultrasound waves and bubbles. This breakthrough could lead to new advances in medical adhesives, especially in cases where adhesives are difficult to apply.
Researchers generated rat sperm cells inside sterile mice using blastocyst complementation, achieving a proof-of-principle for producing gametes from one animal species in another. This breakthrough may speed up the production of transgenic rats for biomedical research and potentially support animal species conservation efforts.
A new gene therapy approach using the neuroprotective protein SynCav1 has shown promising results in slowing down ALS disease progression and increasing life span in rodent models. The treatment preserved spinal cord motor neurons and extended longevity in mice, with similar effects observed in a rat model of ALS.
Studies in rats have found that T-cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to preeclampsia complications. Researchers are exploring ways to dampen this response to reduce the risk of premature birth or worse outcomes for mother and child.
Researchers discovered that blocking certain acetylcholine receptors in the lateral habenula balances reward and aversion, making it harder to resist seeking cocaine. This finding identifies a new role for these receptors as a potential target for treating cocaine use disorder.
A recent study published in Endocrinology found that exposure to a scream sound may lead to diminished ovarian reserve and decreased fertility in female rats. The researchers discovered that the scream sound reduced estrogen and Anti-Mullerian hormone levels, as well as the number and quality of eggs, resulting in smaller litters.
A new sensor technology allows for real-time monitoring of lactate levels in the brain, providing insights into energy metabolism and potential applications in cancer detection. The sensors corrected for hemodynamic artifacts using MRI-informed corrections enable accurate cell-specific lactate level recordings.
A team of researchers from Osaka University and Kyoto University developed a stem cell-based biomaterial, hiPS-Cart, to treat IVD degeneration and prevent further deterioration. The biomaterial was able to survive and maintain its functionality in lab rats with NP removal, reversing IVF and vertebral bone degeneration.
Researchers study how brain regions work together to train and perform new skills in laboratory rats. The rats develop unique 'dances' that are essential for performing the task, but these are lost when disrupting connections between brain areas.
Researchers have genetically engineered a rat model of Down syndrome to test new therapies and explore the condition's unique genetics. The rats exhibit cognitive impairments, anxiety, and hyperactivity similar to humans with Down syndrome, providing a valuable tool for medical research.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that a medium-chain fatty acid called octanoic acid can reduce further injury and improve heart function after a heart attack. This discovery could lead to the development of a new therapy to treat heart attacks, targeting the interplay between energy metabolism and epigenetics.
Research reveals that captive animals on soft food diets may experience weaker skulls and reduced bite effectiveness when released back into the wild. The study found that rats fed softer diets had weaker skulls, but those switched from hard to soft food as juveniles also showed signs of weakened bone growth.
A new study provides preliminary data for a human clinical trial of a treatment that targets the root cause of Alexander disease. The treatment has shown promising results in halting the progression of the disease and even reversing some symptoms in rat models, which better represent the human condition.
Glyscend Therapeutics has initiated a phase 1 clinical trial in Australia investigating an oral polymer therapy that improves glucose homeostasis with weight loss in nonclinical models. The therapy targets mechanisms underlying bariatric surgery and aims to replicate its benefits without the need for surgery.
A new gene delivery system promotes healing in rat models by preventing inflammation and bone degradation after tooth replantation. The study found that teeth treated with the system showed significantly greater dental root thickness and fewer osteoclasts, leading to improved success rates.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona develop gene therapy that fully corrects severe whole-body alterations in Morquio A disease, a rare condition caused by GALNS enzyme deficiency. The therapy, administered via intravenous viral vector, prevents bone malformations and life-threatening complications.
Researchers found a mutation in ELOVL4 enzyme impairs communication between neurons, leading to impaired motor control and coordination. The study provides new insights into the essential role of ELOVL4 in motor function and synaptic plasticity, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for patients with spinocerebellar ataxia.
Northwestern University engineers created the first full 3D simulation of a rat's complete whisker system, providing rare insight into how rats actively sense their natural environments. The model incorporates 60 individual whiskers and simulates rats in various environments, revealing unique patterns of data.
Researchers have developed a new tool to address disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) by targeting blood clots with nanogel spheres loaded with tissue-type plasminogen activator. In vivo studies show promising results in rat models and in vitro tests using DIC patient blood plasma.
A light-weight, wirelessly controlled brain stimulator has been developed to treat cerebral infarction using wearable wireless ultrasound devices. The device significantly improved motor functions in a rat stroke model, paving the way for non-invasive neurorehabilitation therapy.