Articles tagged with Animal Physiology
A study by Ralph Brinster found that males housed with females had a six-month delay in fertility decline, compared to those without companionship. This could have significant implications for male fertility in wildlife and human populations.
A study by University of Rhode Island scientists finds that elevated CO2 levels will reduce jumbo squid's oxygen consumption rate and activity levels, affecting their feeding behavior. The researchers predict that the squids may migrate to northern climes to escape CO2 and oxygen stress.
Researchers predict that humans could achieve a top speed of over 17m/s, while dogs and horses have reached their limits. Female sprinters could also shave off significant seconds from the current world record.
Patients with serious anxiety disorders tend to report more intense physiological symptoms than they actually experience, according to a new study. Physiological tests revealed that these patients are often hyporeactive, contradicting their self-reported symptoms.
Researchers found that cigarette smoke exposure in rats leads to significant changes in the left ventricle's shape and increased levels of activated enzymes. Norepinephrine levels also rise in response to cigarette smoke, suggesting a link between stress hormone release and cardiovascular damage.
Recent studies in BioScience explore advancements in bacterial identification using genomics and proteomics. The journal also examines the ecological consequences of West Nile virus outbreaks and the importance of ecosystem services.
A new study predicts that a two-degree temperature increase could shrink kangaroo populations by 48% and lead to their possible extinction in northern Australia. Climate change is likely to affect habitats, particularly water availability, making it harder for kangaroos to adapt.
Racing sled dogs have an extraordinary ability to rapidly adapt to sustained strenuous exercise and display enormous aerobic capacity. They can burn up to 12,000 kilocalories per day, fueling their runs with a high-fat diet.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a prosthetic vein valve to replace damaged valves in people with chronic venous insufficiency. The valve has shown promise in preclinical trials, demonstrating biocompatibility and performance similar to natural body tissue.
MicroRNA researcher Victor Ambros, PhD, received the prestigious Lasker Award alongside Gary Ruvkun and David Baulcombe. The award recognizes their work on microRNAs, which are now understood to regulate genes in both animals and plants.
Researchers found water bears can withstand extreme dehydration and cosmic radiation in space, but are harmed by ultraviolet radiation. Ingemar Jönsson's team discovered that water bears can repair DNA damage after exposure to space conditions.
A study published by the American Physiological Society found that quercetin, a naturally occurring substance in fruits and vegetables, reduces the likelihood of contracting the flu. The study also showed that stressful exercise increases susceptibility to the flu, but quercetin cancels out this negative effect.
Researchers have found that cocaine-induced synaptic plasticity plays a crucial role in addiction development. By selectively switching off specific protein components, scientists have been able to induce persistent addictive behavior in mice.
Fossils of Ventastega, a primitive tetrapod, provide insights into the transition from fish to land animals. The new discoveries show that different parts of the body evolved at different speeds during this process.
Research in BMC Pharmacology disproves the false claims surrounding benfotiamine, a synthetic derivative of thiamine, and its supposed benefits. The study reveals that benfotiamine is not more physiologically active or easily absorbed by the body than other precursors.
A new study by Arizona State University researchers found that artificially coloring the breast feathers of male barn swallows increased their testosterone levels, challenging the traditional view that internal processes determine external features. The study suggests a dynamic system where physical appearance affects physiology.
A new CU-Boulder study reveals that artificial darkening of a male North American barn swallow's breast feathers leads to an increase in testosterone levels, challenging the traditional view that physiology forms external features.
Researchers discovered that snakes have undergone massive functional redesign of core metabolic proteins, enabling their remarkable physiological adaptations. This study provides insight into vertebrate physiology and opens up new directions for research on molecular evolution and adaptation.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that disabling an enzyme that attaches sugars to a hormone increased fertility levels in mice by nearly 50 percent. The altered hormone regulation may be used to enhance human fertility.
A mouse study has found that caloric restriction leads to beneficial hormonal changes, which play a role in extending life. The study suggests that calorie restriction is more effective than exercise in promoting longevity.
A new study finds that relying on animal experiments to develop treatments for spinal cord injuries is hindered by significant extrapolation challenges, with only a small percentage of promising agents translating to humans. The review calls for the development of new research techniques to address this issue.
A new study found that uncontrollable stress worsens symptoms of endometriosis in rats by activating inflammatory mechanisms and damaging organs. The study, conducted on seven female rats, showed that stressed animals developed more severe lesions and organ damage than unstressed controls.
Adult male monkeys exposed to cocaine in the womb show altered function of dopamine 3 receptors, linked to increased vulnerability to drug abuse. The study's findings have implications for human cocaine overdose victims with higher D3 receptor numbers.
Researchers at Wake Forest University found that environmental enrichment and increased social stress can reduce cocaine self-administration in monkeys. The study showed that subordinate animals, who experience more stress, consume more cocaine than dominant animals with improved living conditions.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that an ocean odor, DMSP, attracts reef fish that feed on plankton, providing insight into marine ecology. The release of DMSP also promotes cloud formation, cooling the Earth through reduced sunlight reflection.
Crocodilians divert blood through a special vessel called the left aorta to bypass their lungs during digestion. This unique system enables them to secrete gastric acid at an unprecedented rate, facilitating digestion and survival. By shunting CO2-rich blood straight to the stomach, crocodilians maintain optimal digestive conditions.
By inefficiently powering mouse muscles, researchers found increased metabolic rates reduced vascular disease, obesity, and cancer, with no impact on the aging process itself. This approach may provide a novel strategy to address age-related diseases without slowing down aging.
A Northwestern University study found that a high-fat diet disrupts the body's internal clock, causing animals to eat during their natural rest periods. The study suggests that this disruption can lead to negative effects on metabolism and increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.
New research reveals fever responses differ among closely related mouse species, suggesting reproductive strategy plays a role. Fast-living mice tend to use fever less often than slow-living counterparts, highlighting the trade-offs between immune defenses and other physiological processes.
Birds with higher stress levels adopt bolder behaviour than their peers, taking more risks in stressful situations. The 'stressed' birds explored more objects and returned to feeders quickly after being startled.
A new mouse study found that mice who are more susceptible to social defeat show increased levels of a growth factor known as BDNF in their brains' reward circuits, which promotes plasticity and learning. Resilient mice, on the other hand, did not exhibit this chemical rise, suggesting a potential link between BDNF and human resilience.
A recent study at the University of Illinois found that improper handling techniques in catch-and-release fishing can increase the likelihood of released fish being caught by predators. The researchers recommend minimizing time spent angling and releasing fish quickly to reduce physiological stress.
A study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals melanin's role in protecting freshwater crayfish from bacterial infections. Effective melanin production is crucial for the animals' survival against Aeromonas hydrophila.
A new mechanism of neuronal conduction of excitation has been discovered, independent of action potentials, using ceramide production. This finding opens up new perspectives for research and breaks away from the classic concept of neuronal functioning.
Researchers found that mice lacking a critical component of the retinal clock exhibit abnormal gene activity and defective electrical responses, but their eyes appear normal. The study suggests that the retina's autonomous circadian clock plays a crucial role in visual processing.
Researchers found that female diabetic rats had reduced nitric oxide levels, while male diabetic rats produced more, leading to increased vascular dysfunction. The study suggests sex-specific therapeutic interventions may be necessary for effective treatment of vascular disease in diabetes.
A recent study using spontaneously hypertensive rats found that testosterone supplements promote renal injury and exacerbate hypertension in aging male rats. The research suggests that natural decrease in testosterone levels with age may affect the progression of cardiovascular/renal disease in men taking testosterone replacement therapy.
A new study aims to identify markers for deadly blood clots in menopausal women by analyzing blood platelets. Researchers are testing their theory as part of the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study, with hopes that it can lead to tools for doctors to provide hormonal therapy commensurate with a woman's risk.
A study published in JCI found that bacteria residing in the gut boost immune response to tumors after total body irradiation, a common treatment for cancer. The researchers discovered that a specific population of bacteria plays a crucial role in augmenting the function of tumor-specific T cells and resulting in tumor regression.
A recent study by Northwestern University researchers found that animals who are partially sleep deprived over consecutive days no longer attempt to catch up on sleep, despite an accumulating sleep deficit. This suggests that chronic partial sleep loss negatively affects the body's ability to compensate for lost sleep.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a key mechanism behind the turn of events when high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets cause demonstrable changes in metabolism and subsequent weight loss. FGF21, a liver hormone, is required to oxidize fatty acids and burn calories.
A study published in the Journal of Physiology found that adding marine omega-3 fatty acids to a steer's diet increased sensitivity to insulin, improving protein metabolism. This could lead to alternative methods for increasing muscle mass in animal farming.
Researchers identified periaqueductal grey area (PAG) as key brain structure involved in cardiorespiratory response to exercise. PAG activity increases during anticipation and exercise, suggesting its role in autonomic regulation of cardiovascular changes.
A new animal study reveals that moderate alcohol consumption significantly increases breast cancer tumor size and angiogenesis, providing insights into the mechanisms of alcohol-induced breast cancer. The study confirms that even low levels of EtOH intake can stimulate tumor growth and malignancy.
A study by the Spanish Ageing Research Network found that melatonin, naturally present in food sources like corn, oats, and cherries, delays oxidative damage and inflammatory processes typical of old age. Daily melatonin intake could prevent or delay illnesses related to aging, such as neurodegenerative disorders and diabetes.
Research reveals that warmer waters cause a deficiency in oxygen uptake and distribution, limiting fish populations. This study investigates the effect of water temperature on eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) physiology, showing a direct link between oxygen limitation and population density changes.
Researchers found kisspeptin levels decrease in male Siberian hamsters as winter approaches, indicating a decline in libido and reproduction. Kisspeptin is believed to play an integral role in coordinating seasonal reproduction in animals.
A new study reveals that grouped skunks do not enter a torpor-like state to conserve energy like solitary individuals do. Instead, they benefit from huddling, which minimizes water loss and allows them to maintain higher body fat reserves.
The study found that naked carp respond to increased lake salinity by taking a 'metabolic holiday', drastically reducing oxygen consumption and kidney function. They also adjust their feeding behavior and store more fat, but if the lake continues to dehydrate, these benefits may change to pathology.
Barbara A. Horwitz, a renowned physiologist at UC Davis, has been awarded the Bodil M. Schmidt-Nielsen Distinguished Mentor and Scientist Award for her outstanding contributions to physiological research and dedication to training young physiologists. Her teaching career has also earned numerous awards, including several APS awards.
Scientists have discovered that the giant danio, unlike its cousin the zebrafish, exhibits indeterminate growth due to hyperplasia, allowing it to continuously grow into adulthood. This study provides a model for understanding muscle growth and has potential applications in investigating muscle wasting diseases such as muscular dystrophy.
A recent study found that climate change impacts mussels beyond their northern and southern range limits, with temperature variations affecting thermal stress in the rocky intertidal zone. The research suggests conserving areas based on traditional methods may not be enough to protect mussel populations.
Researchers found that aged mice experiencing weekly light-cycle shifts had significantly higher death rates than those on a normal daylight schedule. The study suggests that disruption of circadian rhythms can impact well-being and physiology in older animals.
A study found that high water temperatures and cadmium exposure severely impact oyster physiology, leading to increased energy demand and reduced oxygen supply. Oyster populations are already declining due to environmental stressors like overfishing, disease, and poor water quality.
Researchers found that seals can dive to over 1,000 meters and for more than an hour without shivering, allowing their bodies to cool and reduce oxygen demand. This adaptation helps seals conserve oxygen and minimize brain damage caused by hypoxia during long dives.
A new study found that longer-lived rodents have significantly lower levels of a thyroid hormone that regulates metabolic rate. The study suggests an important regulatory role of thyroid hormone in longevity, with higher thyroid hormone levels correlating with shorter lifespans.
Researchers found that naked mole-rats have higher levels of oxidative stress and damage than mice, contradicting the oxidative stress theory of aging. The study suggests that the mole-rat's longevity may stem from its ability to defend against acute bouts of oxidative stress.
Researchers found that female house finches deposit significantly more antioxidants into eggs sired by unattractive males, which protects the embryo during development. This strategic allocation allows females to maximize reproductive output despite potential limitations from suboptimal pairings.
The study found that crucian carp store vast amounts of glycogen in their brain to survive anoxia, with levels reaching 15 times higher in February than July. This adaptation allows them to extend their survival time without oxygen by 150-fold.
Researchers continue studying aging and cognition decline with a $6.2 million grant to investigate biological changes that contribute to age-related cognitive decline. The study will focus on hormones such as human growth hormone and IGF-1, which have shown to improve learning and memory in older animals.