Articles tagged with Animal Diseases
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered how the current H5N1 avian influenza virus gained new genes and greater virulence as it spread across North America. The researchers found that the virus could severely infect the brains of mammalian research models, a notable departure from previous related strains.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlights the rapid spread of avian influenza viruses worldwide, affecting wild bird populations and mammals. The authors warn that human infections with A(H5N1) can be severe and increase the risk of reassortment with mammalian viruses.
A gene-edited calf, named Ginger, has been born with reduced susceptibility to a major viral pathogen, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). If confirmed by follow-up research, this approach could offer long-term potential to reduce antimicrobial and antibiotic use in the cattle industry.
Researchers at the University of Missouri identified occludin protein as a mediator for cell-to-cell transmission of coronavirus. The study found that damaged occludin protein enables virus replication and spread to neighboring cells, worsening symptoms.
The study reveals that mammals diversified before the K-Pg extinction, driven by continental drifting and stability following the mass extinction. This led to the rich diversity of mammal lineages, including carnivores, primates, and hoofed animals.
Two contagious cancers, devil facial tumour 1 (DFT1) and 2 (DFT2), affecting Tasmanian devils have been tracked to understand their origins and evolution. Researchers found DFT2 is a faster-growing cancer with rapid mutations, posing a significant threat to the species.
A parasite identified as Philaster apodigitiformis has been found responsible for the massive die-off of long-spined sea urchins in the Caribbean Sea. The loss of these vital herbivores threatens coral reef health and balance, with devastating consequences for marine ecosystems.
Despite a parasite killing most males, female monarch butterflies still find mates about 1.5 times on average, suggesting high reproductive success throughout the year round. Uninfected females produce healthy male offspring, allowing the parasite to be transmitted in rare populations.
A new study found that despite awareness of COVID-19 risks, bushmeat consumption remained unchanged in rural communities along the Kenya-Tanzania border. Education levels played a critical role in understanding disease transmission. Increased food costs caused by regulations led to increased bushmeat consumption.
Researchers have identified a probiotic that can protect Caribbean corals from stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), a deadly and rapidly spreading affliction. The probiotic treatment has been shown to stop or slow the progression of the disease in infected coral fragments, offering an antibiotic-free alternative.
A recent study published in Journal of Animal Ecology has identified disease avoidance strategies in various animal species, including humans. The research provides insights into how emotions like disgust help protect against diseases and has implications for human health and conservation efforts.
A new study found that sunflower pollen's spiny structure reduces infection of a common bee parasite by 81-94% and increases the production of queen bumblebees. The research also suggests that other flowers in the sunflower family may have similar disease-fighting powers.
A new study published in Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases demonstrates that the serum of white-tailed deer blood is lethal to the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. The researchers hope this discovery may lead to new strategies for preventing and treating Lyme disease.
A study analyzed news reports on Brazilian deer species between 2011 and 2021, finding that news coverage gave different weights to threats compared to the IUCN Red List. News items properly identified main threats like poaching and habitat loss but underestimated livestock diseases and overestimated road kill.
Researchers used cumulative pressure mapping and machine learning to understand the impact of human pressures on six vector-borne diseases. They found that changes in land use can lead to abrupt shifts in infectious disease burdens and public health needs.
New research on malaria-infected bonobos shows that the infection harms them, too, with symptoms including fever and increased mortality risk. The study also finds that bonobos have a protective variant of an immune gene similar to one found in humans, suggesting a selective advantage for those individuals.
Researchers identified genetic variants associated with susceptibility to Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in white-tailed deer. The study found that deer with specific mutations are less susceptible to the disease, which has been on the rise in northern Illinois and neighboring states.
The US is not prepared to combat the spread of animal-borne diseases due to gaps among governmental agencies. A 'One Health' approach is needed to govern human-animal interactions effectively.
Researchers have developed a new synthetic skin, made of hydrogels, to study how mosquitoes transmit deadly diseases. The hydrogel system can mimic different blood vessel patterns, allowing for more consistent testing and analysis. This breakthrough may help identify ways to prevent the spread of disease.
A team of biostatisticians created a framework to evaluate the congruence and discordance of laboratory animals with specific human diseases. The tool removes bias from scientific interpretation of animal data for human conditions, revealing that some models mimic biological mechanisms well while others poorly.
A new study predicts global antimicrobial use in food-producing animals will increase by 8% by 2030 if stronger regulations are not implemented worldwide. The findings highlight the need for stricter controls on antimicrobial use, which has raised concerns over antimicrobial resistance.
A new, portable mosquito repellent device has been tested successfully in a four-week semi-field study, showing effectiveness in preventing multiple species of mosquitos from entering the testing site. The device uses transfluthrin as a spatial repellent and eliminates the need for applying topical repellents or insecticides.
A new study found that using two insecticides on bed nets can prevent malaria by killing off resistant mosquito variants. The trial showed a significant reduction in malaria cases among people sleeping under dual-ingredient net treated with one pyrethroid and another active ingredient.
Researchers found Toxoplasma gondii infection causing abortions and neonatal deaths in bighorn sheep. The parasite is believed to be spread by domestic and wild cats, raising concerns for conservation efforts.
A six-year study involving 146 patients found that antivenom reduced the risk of skin necrosis in those bitten by brown recluse spiders. Administration of the substance was safe with minimal adverse effects, particularly when given within 48 hours of the incident.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are testing Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool for Lyme disease, which shows promise in accurately identifying infected individuals. The new test could improve Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment outcomes for both humans and animals.
Research by Uppsala University and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences links atopic dermatitis in dogs to specific genome regions. The study identifies genes coinciding with human atopic eczema, including the filaggrin gene region.
New research reveals that bat virus relatives of MERS-CoV efficiently bind to bat ACE2 receptors as an entry point into cells. However, these viruses only weakly bind to human ACE2 cell receptors and are not known to cause disease outbreaks in people.
A new review paper aims to educate medical professionals on diagnosing and treating rat lungworm disease, which is expected to spread globally due to climate change. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in reducing the risk of complications such as long-term disability.
Researchers have detected five emerging tick-borne pathogens in Central Canada, including those causing Lyme disease and babesiosis. Climate change and habitat fragmentation contribute to the spread of these pathogens, highlighting the need for increased awareness and protection measures.
Scientists have created a way to track brain diseases like depression, Alzheimer's, and strokes using fluorescent mouse blood. The method allows for months-long study of blood flow in the brain, providing new insights into disease progression and development.
Researchers from OIST have sequenced the genome of pearl oysters, finding key differences between chromosome pairs that could impact immunity and pearl production. The study aims to identify resilient strains for aquaculture, addressing declining pearl production in Japan.
A new controlled-release device has been tested at UMass Amherst for its effectiveness in preventing tick bites. The device uses synthetic pyrethroids to create a spatial repellent that alters the behavior of ticks, making them less likely to climb and more likely to detach or fall off. The results show promising promise in reducing th...
A new analysis finds that intensified meat production can bring short-term rewards, such as decreased deforestation, but long-term risks, including the spread of zoonotic diseases like avian influenza. The study suggests that shifting to plant-rich options and supporting forest protections may be necessary to mitigate these risks.
Researchers have discovered that mutations in mitochondrial-related genes can trigger hyperinflammation, leading to diseases such as Crohn's disease and tuberculosis. The study found that these mutations lead to a new type of cell death called necroptosis, which causes an aggressive inflammatory immune response.
A new study has identified a specialized and distinctive type of microglia with enhanced antioxidant function in the ischemia/reperfusion injured brain, linked to stroke. The presence of Peroxiredoxin-1 protects against acute I/R injury, reducing microglial cell death and inflammatory responses.
Research from the University of Oxford and Yellowstone National Park found that wolves with black coats are more likely to survive canine distemper virus (CDV) outbreaks. This suggests that the gene for a black coat may provide protection against the virus, leading to its increased frequency in areas with CDV outbreaks.
The article highlights the need for a unified approach to prevent and respond to pandemics by adopting a One Health strategy. This involves targeted preparedness, drug and vaccine research, and worldwide cooperation on surveillance and stopping disease spread.
Researchers mapped the spread of pathogens in wild macaque populations near human settlements, finding that monkeys with high human interactions cause larger outbreaks. The study used computer simulations to predict disease transmission and identified key factors influencing outbreak size.
A new study proposes reducing toxic proteins in the blood as a potential therapy for Alzheimer's disease. By doing so, it aims to improve memory and learning capacity, as well as correct cognitive impairments. The next step is to test this treatment at a clinical level.
A new three-year project aims to strengthen biosurveillance of brucellosis in human and animal populations in Iraq. The team will use genomic sequencing to understand the disease's prevalence, risk factors, genetic diversity, and transmission, with a focus on the 'One Health' concept.
The University of California, Davis has received a $10 million grant to continue its work on managing and preventing mosquito- and tick-borne diseases. Researchers will focus on finding effective methods to stop these diseases while training the next generation of public-health scientists.
Chapman University biologist Patricia C. Lopes' research shows that our bodies can shift into defense mode before becoming sick, triggered by information from diseased individuals. This physiology change could have major impacts on disease spread and human care.
Research reveals that 32 species of animals, including prawns, crabs, and lizards, can act as carriers of the rat lungworm parasite, which can cause serious illness and death. The study aims to raise awareness about paratenic hosts and prevent infection by avoiding eating raw or infected animals.
A recent study found that isolating horses can lead to stress-related immunomodulations, weakening their immune systems. The researchers discovered that single housing caused these changes, regardless of the group composition, highlighting the importance of social interaction for horse health.
A Rutgers scientist has developed a highly sensitive DNA test that can detect Lyme disease in horses, a condition that can cause long-term complications. The test, called genomic hybrid capture assay, was tested on a sick horse and successfully identified the pathogen, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Georgetown University $12.5 million to establish a collaborative institute focused on viral emergence and education. The Verena Biology Integration Institute aims to advance cross-disciplinary research and train the next generation of researchers in this field.
A WVU researcher is studying corollary discharge circuits in fruit flies to better understand how the brain integrates sensory information and coordinate movement. The goal of this research is to shed light on human disease and human performance, with potential applications for improving fighter pilot safety.
A study found that brain fog-like impairment is a problem in many animal species due to infection and disease, including humans. Cognitive impairments have been observed in birds, bees, rats, and other species, with various causes such as parasite damage, immune response, and malnutrition.
Cognitive impairment can lead to population declines, particularly for species relying on learning and memory. Infections can impact cognitive abilities differently across animals, depending on their survival strategy and pathogen manifestation.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that male dogs are four to five times more likely than female dogs to be infected with the oro-nasal form of Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour. This unusual cancer is infectious and can spread between dogs through contact, commonly affecting genitals but also the nose and mouth.
A highly antibiotic-resistant strain of MRSA has emerged in livestock over the past 50 years, primarily due to widespread antibiotic use in pig farming. The CC398 strain has maintained its resistance and is capable of rapidly adapting to human hosts, posing a significant threat to public health.
A recent study found 13 genetic variants associated with disease in cats, more common than previously thought. However, these variants are declining in frequency in breeds regularly screened for the markers.
A UC Riverside genetic discovery found that mosquitoes lack the primary ecdysone transporter, allowing researchers to develop a mosquito-specific insecticide. This breakthrough could help control Zika, dengue, and other virus-carrying mosquitoes without harming beneficial insects.
Researchers found that zinc ion serves as a master-regulator of various processes in sperm to facilitate fertilization. Zinc helps maintain sperm in the non-capacitated state, preventing premature capacitation during artificial insemination.
Veterinarians at UC Davis have developed an AI model that can predict Leptospirosis in dogs with high accuracy, outperforming traditional testing methods. The model uses machine-learning algorithms to analyze historical data and provide timely predictions, which can be an online resource for veterinarians.
A recent study led by Georgetown University researchers found that city wildlife may not be a significant threat for future pandemics. Urban-adapted animals host roughly ten times as many diseases, but after adjusting for sampling bias, the risk of human-infective viruses is no greater than in rural areas.
Researchers have identified a new strain of the myxoma virus that has enabled it to leap from European rabbits to Iberian hares, causing lethal disease in both species. The study suggests that this viral adaptation may also improve the virus's ability to replicate in human cancer cells.
Research suggests that EMFs can cause Alzheimer's disease by building up calcium levels in brain cells. This increase leads to changes in the brain, which develop conditions for Alzheimer's. The study highlights the importance of reducing EMF exposure to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's.
Researchers have identified a genetic marker that predicts East Coast fever tolerance in cattle, paving the way for breeding programs and potentially reducing livestock losses by up to 100%. The discovery could also lead to more sustainable and cost-effective farming practices in Africa.