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Organized when awake, chaotic when not

A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that traveling waves in rat brains are linked to information transfer in consciousness, but the amount of transfer entropy is higher during anesthesia than wakefulness. The study suggests that the awake brain selectively regulates information for reliable communication.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2026

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalNeuropharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Gene expression profiles in respiratory settings in rats under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

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.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2025

Integrating data from different experimental approaches into one model is challenging – this study presents a community-based, full-scale in silico model of the rat hippocampal CA1 region that integrates diverse experimental data from synapse to network

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2024

Researchers create human aortic aneurysm model to advance disease understanding, treatment testing

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

Mitochondrial activation in transplanted cells promotes regenerative therapy for heart healing

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Cognitive rescue in aging through prior training

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.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

Towards rapid tissue regeneration

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.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 27, 2023

Wilson’s disease: Bacterial agent opens new therapeutic options

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.

OCD on TV

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.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2022

Cooling away the pain: Pusan National University researchers develop bioresorbable, implantable device to block pain signals from peripheral nerves

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.

SourcePusan National University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2022

Sterile mice produce rat sperm

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Stress may be associated with fertility issues in women

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.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateMay 10, 2022

It’s all in the hiPS

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022

Promising treatment for Alexander disease moves from rat model to human clinical trials

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Glyscend Therapeutics announces initiation of phase 1 clinical trial on the heels of preclinical data presented at EASD 2021 on the metabolic benefits of its oral polymer-based duodenal exclusion therapy

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.

Treatment with gene therapy of a new rat model of Morquio A, a disease with severe skeletal dysplasia and cartilage deterioration

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.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

Mutated enzyme weakens connection between brain cells that help control movement

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.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·DateAug 17, 2021