Articles tagged with Animal Health
A recent perspective paper cautions about uncertainties in scientific evidence linking red and processed meat to increased cancer risk. The review discusses differences between animal studies and human data, suggesting that other foods may protect the gut from potential adverse effects of meat.
Researchers found that state regulatory agencies struggle to address public health concerns from industrial food animal production due to narrow regulations, a lack of public health expertise, and limited resources. The study suggests that strengthening regulations and providing complementary expertise can help protect public health.
A new research project led by Dr. Colin E. Bishop is developing a one-shot, non-surgical method for sterilizing companion animals, with the goal of reducing pet overpopulation in shelters. The treatment involves destroying GnRH cells in the hypothalamus to induce permanent sterility.
A study by University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio found that baby marmoset monkeys who started eating solid food earlier were more likely to become obese by age one. The research also showed metabolic damage such as insulin resistance and poor blood sugar control, setting the stage for future obesity.
A compact wireless sensor recorded and transmitted brain activity data wirelessly for over a year in animal tests, representing a major step toward cord-free control of advanced prosthetics. The device has the potential to revolutionize rehabilitation options for people with physical disabilities.
Researchers aim to identify genetic markers for improved dairy cow fertility, focusing on cyclicity and pregnancy timing. The study will involve collecting DNA from cows in five states and analyzing variables such as time from calving to conception.
Efforts to reduce lead pollution have been largely successful, but the problem persists due to new industrial inputs and consumer product contamination. Blood lead levels remain high, with no known threshold for toxicity, posing ongoing health risks to people and animals worldwide.
A new study finds that state and local health departments often lack involvement in addressing health concerns related to industrial food animal production sites. Community members surveyed reported taking on the role of monitoring and educating themselves due to limited health department engagement.
A new research study from Georgia Aquarium and Georgia Institute of Technology found that homarine is a useful biomarker for the health status of whale sharks, with metabolic profiles differing between healthy and unhealthy individuals. The study also identified over 25 other compounds that differed in concentration based on health.
A new study by University of Guelph researchers has found that DNA barcoding can accurately identify natural health products with up to 88% effectiveness. This technique uses short genetic sequences to compare specimens to reference databases, making it an efficient tool for authenticating products.
Researchers measured PFC concentrations in five sea turtle species and found high levels approaching toxic effects in other animals. Hawksbills had the second-highest PFOS concentration, while loggerheads and Kemp's ridleys approached levels linked to liver and neurobehavioral toxicity.
A University of Illinois study found that dietary fiber promotes beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to improved gastrointestinal health. The research suggests that increasing fiber intake can have a positive impact on health, particularly in reducing the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.
The NIH Fogarty Global Health Program for Fellows and Scholars will provide 400 early-career health scientists with mentored research experiences in developing countries. The program aims to train a new generation of global health researchers capable of tackling pressing health problems.
Researchers are investigating ways to improve horse vaccinations to defend foals against pathogens at an early age. Preliminary data suggests that vaccinating foals as young as 3 months old may increase protection against environmental pathogens.
A smart cow collar closely monitors health and sends results back to farmers using mobile phone technology, allowing for alerts on cow distress and improving insemination processes. The technology could make huge savings for farmers and contribute to the financial future of farms.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that exposure to a common cosmetic chemical, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), can disrupt the fine wiring of the nervous system in tadpoles, even at very low concentrations. The study suggests that lower concentrations of MIT may be detrimental to brain development.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered that injecting stem cells from young, healthy animals into rapidly aging mice can improve their health and increase their lifespan. The study found that stem cell dysfunction is a major contributor to the aging process.
Studies highlight brain's resiliency to damage from stroke and premature birth, proposing ways to prevent or limit harm with new treatments on the horizon.
A new study by Utrecht University found that living close to livestock farms increases the severity of asthma and COPD symptoms in people with lung conditions. The research also showed that the risk of contracting Q fever increased with the number of animals kept near farms, particularly mega farms.
A scientific review published in Advances in Nutrition reveals that natural trans fats produced by ruminant animals, such as dairy and beef cattle, have significant positive health effects. These findings contradict existing nutrition labels and suggest a change is needed to reflect the new science.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that caloric restriction prevented age-related abnormalities in egg cells of female mice. The study suggests that dietary restrictions may improve egg quality and prevent fertility issues. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this effect.
Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) poses a significant threat to global food security and poverty alleviation in developing countries. The virus has been reported in several regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and China, and can spread quickly through goat herds and sheep flocks.
A new study in sleep-deprived rats reveals that even when awake and active, scattered groups of neurons can briefly fall asleep, leading to declines in task performance. This phenomenon is more analogous to local lapses seen in epilepsy and may help explain impaired cognitive function in sleep-deprived individuals.
Scientists at the University of Gothenburg have discovered how certain sea squirts can activate telomerase, an enzyme that protects DNA, leading to exceptional health. These organisms also have a unique ability to discard 'junk' from their cells, which helps maintain their youthful state.
A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives ties rodent data to predictions of human health effects from BPA, suggesting human exposure is much higher than estimated and likely from unknown sources. The study's findings renew the call for governmental agencies to identify all products containing BPA.
Scientists discovered antibiotic properties in cockroach and locust brains, killing over 90% of MRSA and E. coli bacteria without harming human cells.
A study by British and Spanish researchers found that cooked game meat exceeded EU maximum lead levels due to ammo residue. The presence of lead in hunted animals increases the risk of exposure, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Researchers found that barn swallows with positive antioxidant balance produced the most young, suggesting a link between antioxidant levels and reproductive success. The study, published in PLoS One, suggests that maintaining a balanced diet, exercise, and reduced stress can improve bird health and reproduction.
A 30% reduction in livestock production in high-producing countries could lead to a substantial decrease in saturated fat consumption, resulting in positive effects on health. This reduction would also contribute to slowing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers from the University of Granada and University of León found that human mononuclear cells isolated from umbilical cord blood exerted a deleterious effect on rats with liver cirrhosis, inducing hepatorenal syndrome instead of improving health. The study highlights the need for further research in hepatic regenerative medicine.
Animal rights extremists are increasingly targeting researchers, posing a threat to human health and scientific progress. The Society for Neuroscience emphasizes the need for public education and advocacy to protect researchers' safety and advance medical research.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates that European REACH legislation for chemicals may require up to 54 million research animals and $13.4 billion over the next 10 years.
The University of Florida has been awarded nearly $26 million to speed up the transformation of scientific discoveries into medical advances. The grant will support multidisciplinary research in various fields, including biomedical informatics and gene therapy.
A study of rhesus macaques has shown that consuming fewer calories leads to a longer, healthier life, with a reduced risk of age-related diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The diet also preserved brain health, particularly in regions responsible for motor control and executive functions.
Exposure to low-dose BPA and estrogen increases arrhythmias in female rats and mice, a new study found. The results suggest a possible risk for female heart health due to increased levels of estrogens in the body and exposure to environmental estrogen BPA.
Researchers, particularly those in polar regions, are urged to examine and share ways to reduce their impact on the environment. By doing so, they can help create a better approach for understanding and adapting to climate change.
A Kansas State University research team is exploring the use of native southern African plants in veterinary medicine. They have documented 18 regions where these plants are used to treat various animal health issues, including intestinal parasites and wounds.
Researchers from Tufts University advocate for the use of systematic reviews in nutrition research, emphasizing the need for objectivity and transparency. They provide examples illustrating the approach's flexibility in addressing unique challenges posed by nutrition-related topics.
A new 10-point plan aims for integrated animal, human, and ecosystem health issues to combat H5N1; the One World, One Health initiative seeks an unprecedented approach to infectious diseases.
Research by Anthony Norman identifies vitamin D's potential contributions to good health in immune systems, insulin regulation, heart and blood pressure, muscle strength, brain activity, and reducing cancer risk. Adequate intake is essential for 36 organs, including bone marrow, prostate, and breast tissues.
Research studies reveal strong associations between exposure to Bisphenol A, phthalates and flame retardants and adverse health effects on humans and laboratory animals. Exposure during fetal life or prior to weaning can disrupt brain development, reproductive systems, and behavior.
Researchers have adapted a human test to screen for elevated iron levels in marmosets and tamarins, enabling early identification and treatment of hemosiderosis. This diagnostic tool also helps veterinarians provide tailored care to individual animals.
Roman Ganta has received a National Institutes of Health grant to study how to stop Ehrlichia chaffeensis from making animals and people sick. The bacteria can evade the immune system, leading to serious symptoms in humans, particularly those with compromised immune systems.
The current surveillance strategy for avian influenza viruses is piecemeal, risking the detection of important virus sources or subtypes. A UC Davis expert emphasizes the need to strengthen global surveillance to prevent future pandemics.
Recent research at Kansas State University found that cattle fed distiller's grain have an increased prevalence of E. coli 0157, posing a health risk to humans through undercooked meat and contaminated produce.
A comprehensive review of over 500 studies on aspartame found no evidence of cancer, neurological damage, or other adverse effects. The study suggests that aspartame is safe at current levels of consumption and may even aid in weight control and sugar-free diets.
Exposure to PFOS and PFOA in utero is statistically associated with lower head circumference and body weight at birth, according to a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analysis of nearly 300 umbilical cord blood samples. The study found no associations between these compounds and length or gestational age.
Researchers detected PFOA and PFOS in nearly all newborn umbilical cord blood samples, with concentrations lower than those found in adults. The study suggests a strong association between the two compounds, despite their different industrial sources.
A recent study by UC Davis researchers found elevated arsenic levels in eight out of nine commercially available herbal kelp supplements, exceeding acceptable tolerance levels. The study highlights the need for standardization and labeling of dietary supplements to prevent potential health dangers.
Elliott Garber, a third-year veterinary student at Tufts University, has been awarded the prestigious NIH Fogarty Fellowship to conduct research on cryptosporidium and rotavirus in India. The one-year fellowship will provide him with clinical research training experience in a resource-poor setting.
A new study by veterinary researchers at Oregon State University has linked vesivirus to a major epidemic of abortion in Kentucky Thoroughbred mares. The findings suggest that broodmares are being commonly exposed to vesivirus from unknown sources, and that exposure to such horses might be a concern for pregnant women.
The University of California, Davis has been awarded an $8 million EPA grant to establish a research center focused on the health effects of air pollution. The center will study the impact of particulate matter on adults and children, with a goal of informing policy decisions at the national and state levels.
Research at Duke University found that hybrid kittens born to Florida panthers and Texas animals have a three times higher chance of becoming adults. This is due to the introduction of new genetic material, which helps reduce genetic abnormalities in purebred Florida panthers.
A team of researchers has isolated the Ephrin-B2 cell surface protein as a functional receptor for both Hendra and Nipah viruses, shedding light on their ability to infect a wide range of hosts. The finding holds promise for developing countermeasures to prevent and treat these emerging global health threats.
A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology has found that parking lot sealcoat may be a significant source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The research suggests that the sealcoat can leach PAHs into the environment, posing potential health risks.
A diet high in walnuts decreases C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation associated with heart disease. The study found that walnut consumption lowered total cholesterol, LDLs, and triglycerides, while also reducing inflammatory markers.
A mathematical model suggests that antibiotic use in chickens can decrease the risk of food-borne illness while potentially increasing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but the benefits outweigh the risks according to researchers.
A Stanford University study reveals that common household fragrances, such as synthetic musks, can compromise the defense system of aquatic animals, leading to long-term effects. The researchers found that even short-term exposure to these chemicals could have lasting impacts on marine organisms.
A new study by the American Medical Association links ephedrine to unheralded sudden cardiac death in individuals with asymptomatic heart disease. The study found that ephedrine can cause a potentially lethal arrhythmia when combined with a heart blockage, increasing the risk of fatal outcomes.
A multi-state E coli outbreak has been linked to fast-food beef tacos, with inspectors finding a flaw in only one restaurant's meat handling. Potential solutions include a new tracking system and increased monitoring of patients for symptoms such as bloody diarrhea.