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Do embedded counseling services in veterinary education work? A new study says “yes.”

A groundbreaking study by University of Missouri researchers shows that embedded counseling services in veterinary programs lead to significant reductions in psychological distress among veterinary trainees. The study also highlights the critical role of mental health support in high-stress professional education, with implications for...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Veterinary Medical Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2025

Wild birds’ gut microbiome linked with its ornamentation and body condition

A new study has linked the diversity of a wild bird's gut microbiome with its ornamentation and body condition. Researchers found that a cardinal's gut microbiome can be predicted by its body condition, and the quality of its ornamentation, such as red plumage and beak. This discovery has important applications for conservation biology.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalOikos·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

Pups of powerful meerkat matriarchs pay a price for their mom’s status

A new study by Duke University researchers reveals that pups of dominant female meerkats, exposed to higher levels of testosterone in the womb, tend to carry more gut parasites and have weaker immune systems. Blocking a matriarch's testosterone improved the health of her pups, leading to stronger natural defenses against infection.

SourceDuke University·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2024

Buffalo besties: Feral female buffalo build friendships based on similar personality traits

A new study has discovered that close spatial proximity serves as an indicator of friendship in feral female buffalo, with individual personalities playing a key role. The research found that buffalo with similar social tension, vigilance, and general dominance traits tended to spend more time together.

New study sheds light on lily toxicity in cats; outpatient treatment may be viable option

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has revealed new insights into treating cats exposed to toxic lilies. The study found no significant difference in acute kidney injury prevalence between inpatient and outpatient groups, suggesting that outpatient management may be a viable option fo...

SourceAmerican Veterinary Medical Association·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2024

Microplastics detected in dolphin breath

Researchers detected microplastic particles in the breath of wild bottlenose dolphins, suggesting inhalation may be a key route of exposure. The study supports the idea that dolphins could be exposed to potentially harmful microplastics through this pathway.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 16, 2024

Workforce diversity is key to advancing One Health

A new article by Amélie Desvars-Larrive and Fariba Karimi emphasizes the need for diverse workforces in One Health to foster creativity, reduce groupthink, and improve scientific research. This diversity fosters a stronger One Health approach by bringing different perspectives and methods to tackle complex global health challenges.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 11, 2024

Cooler heads prevail: New research reveals best way to prevent dogs from overheating

Researchers found that teaching dogs to voluntarily dunk their heads in water is the most effective method for rapidly cooling them down after exercise. The study also highlighted the importance of constant access to water and shade for outdoor pets.

SourceAmerican Veterinary Medical Association·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 19, 2024

In world 1st, high-quality feline iPSCs generated without genetic footprint

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have successfully generated high-quality feline induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) without a genetic footprint. These cells exhibit properties similar to human iPSCs and can differentiate into various cell types, making them a promising tool for veterinary regenerative medicine research.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalRegenerative Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2024

Both cats and dogs often enjoy playing fetch with their owners

A study published in PLOS ONE found that 4 in 10 cat owners report their feline companions playing fetch, while 78% of dog owners say their canine friends engage in the behavior. The research also highlights differences in fetching behavior between breeds and demographic factors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateSep 4, 2024

Dairy nutrition is leading the sustainability charge

New nutrition strategies could slash methane emissions from dairy cows by a staggering 60%, according to a Journal of Dairy Science review. Diet reformulation, using feed additives like seaweed and 3-NOP, may be key to achieving this goal.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 13, 2024

Social rank may determine if animals live fast, die young

A Dartmouth study suggests that social rank determines whether animals prioritize short-term energy consumption over long-term health, with dominant monkeys consuming food quickly to maintain dominance, while lower-ranked monkeys invest time in washing their food to prevent tooth damage. The findings shed light on the disposable soma h...

SourceDartmouth College·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

New technique could help treat aggressive brain tumors

Researchers have developed a new technique called burst sine wave electroporation (B-SWE) that can disrupt the blood-brain barrier around brain tumors without causing significant damage to healthy tissue. This method shows promise for treating aggressive brain cancers like glioblastoma, which currently have limited treatment options.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateJul 17, 2024

Wild chimpanzees seek out medicinal plants to treat illness and injuries

Chimpanzees have been observed seeking out specific plants with medicinal properties to treat their ailments, and further pharmacological testing has confirmed the presence of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic compounds. These findings highlight the importance of studying animal behavior in discovering new medicines.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 20, 2024

AMS Science Preview: Hawaiian climates; chronic pain; lightning-caused wildfires

A new study establishes official climate divisions in Hawaii, improving climate research and forecasting. Chronic pain sufferers who spend time outdoors experience stronger weather-based effects, while lightning-initiated wildfires are responsible for more than half the acres burned in the contiguous United States.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateApr 26, 2024

Understanding cattle grazing personalities may foster sustainable rangelands

Researchers tracked 50 pregnant Angus and Hereford beef cows fitted with GPS collars to understand individual grazing patterns. They found consistent and distinct patterns across the two years, even when water sources changed, suggesting that recognizing personality types can benefit both animal health and environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024

Spent hemp biomass: A feed use that supports milk production in dairy cows

A new study published in the Journal of Dairy Science explores the use of spent hemp biomass as a feed ingredient for lactating dairy cows. The research shows that hemp biomass is safe and does not negatively affect milk production or animal health, despite being less palatable due to its characteristic smell. The study suggests potent...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2024

Socialization for success: Two recent studies expand our understanding of how early social housing helps dairy calves thrive

Recent studies in JDS Communications have found that paired housing can build behavior skills, shape calf personalities, and set up animals for success in the herd. Early socialization has been shown to boost competitive skills, increase time drinking from a bottle, and make calves bolder towards novel objects and unfamiliar calves.

SourceElsevier·JournalJDS Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2023

The sound of injustice: Inequitable urban noise impacts people, wildlife

A study by Colorado State University found that redlined communities experience higher maximum noise levels, detrimental effects on urban ecosystems, and increased human health risks like hearing loss and stress. The research highlights the need for equitable planning and noise mitigation to benefit both people and wildlife.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

Data gap in SARS-CoV-2 cases in animals

A recent study by the Complexity Science Hub found that at least two-thirds of animal COVID-19 deaths were not reported to official sources. The researchers compiled a comprehensive list of 35 animal species susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the need for improved data exchange and reporting.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalOne Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023