Articles tagged with Animal Physiology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers have elucidated the role of adrenal clocks in maintaining circadian rhythms. The adrenal gland contains a peripheral clock that defines a time window for responding to external stimuli, regulating corticosterone release and stabilizing physiological rhythms.
A study published by the American Physiological Society found that a single therapeutic dose of radiation can cause up to 39% spongy bone loss in mice, reducing their weight-bearing connections by 64%. This has significant implications for astronauts on long space missions and patients receiving radiation therapy.
Researchers identified PAR-domain basic leucine zipper transcription factors as key players in modulating detoxifying genes and handling chemicals. The study suggests that circadian clocks play a crucial role in modulating drug toxicity, potentially leading to improved treatment regimens.
Research suggests that babies born to mothers under stress may be at higher risk for developing fibromyalgia later in life. The study found that prenatal exposure to high levels of cortisol can affect the development of the fetus's adrenal gland, leading to permanent changes.
Researchers found that the septum can induce rhythmical electrical activity in the hippocampus, reducing epileptic seizures by 86-97 percent. The study suggests a new approach to stopping epilepsy, focusing on inducing theta rhythm generation.
Researchers found that sand gazelles' livers and hearts decrease in mass during food and water restriction. The animals also store fats in their brains to secure brain metabolism during prolonged deprivation.
Research by University of Oregon scientists reveals that rapid climate change is leading to heritable genetic changes in animal populations. This includes changes in timing of seasonal events, such as earlier reproduction and migration, rather than adaptations to temperature increases.
Researchers found that female domesticated canaries varied the size of their eggs in response to the attractiveness of the male's song. The study highlights the importance of behavioral stimuli for reproductive physiology. In this experiment, attractive songs led to larger eggs, but no difference was observed in brood sex ratio.
A recent study found that acetaminophen is safe to use after a heart attack, but it does not offer any protection for the heart. The researchers tested the effects of acetaminophen on animals with induced heart attacks and found no significant impact on blood flow, heart muscle damage, or ventricular function.
The American Physiological Society has named Steed, a doctoral student, its first K-12 Minority Outreach Fellow. She will visit classrooms to share her career path and model for minority students what they can achieve in biomedical research. The fellowship aims to encourage pre-college minority students to consider careers in science.
Researchers identify a single mechanism linking ciliary, serotonergic and ion flow mechanisms to control embryonic laterality. The study challenges previous hypotheses on the role of cilia in left/right asymmetry, providing insight into human development and birth defects related to left/right asymmetry.
A new study from UNC Health Care suggests that loss of function in the SOCS2 gene may lead to colon polyps in individuals with excessive growth hormone. The research also identifies a possible molecular marker for predicting risk, which could inform growth hormone therapy for gastrointestinal conditions.
A study by University of Arizona researchers found that prenatal nicotine exposure reduces the ability of newborns to respond to low blood oxygen, leading to prolonged and potentially lethal apneas. The study used a pump implant to simulate nicotine exposure in pregnant rats, mimicking the situation observed in smoking pregnant women.
Research found harbor seals that were heavier when captured continued to gain weight on high fat and low fat diets, but smaller pups lagged behind. The study suggests changes in prey availability, including herring, may contribute to the declining seal population.
A study by Galina Bogatkevich and colleagues found that the amount of antifibrotic glycoprotein HGF was reduced in African-American scleroderma patients compared to Caucasians. This malfunction may explain the greater severity and worse prognosis for African-Americans with pulmonary fibrosis/scleroderma.
The American Physiological Society has published a resource book on animal exercise protocols to promote informed dialogue and improve animal welfare. The book covers various aspects of exercise research, including study design considerations, animal stress, and common exercise protocols using different species.
A new study by Leah D. Whigham and colleagues found that the human adenovirus Ad-37 causes obesity in chickens, while other viruses like Ad-36 and Ad-5 have been linked to human obesity. More research is needed to determine if these viruses contribute to human obesity.
The American Physiological Society has honored 16 scientists with prestigious awards and distinguished lectureships, recognizing their significant contributions to the field of physiology. The recipients include Jo Rae Wright and Ulrich H. Von Andrian, who received the Walter B. Cannon Award and Henry Pickering Bowditch Award, respecti...
A CU-Boulder study found that moderate exercise extended the life expectancy of lab rats carrying a genetic blueprint for heart failure by at least 10 percent to 15 percent. This suggests low-intensity exercise may have benefits in early stages of congestive heart failure.
A new study examines the evolution of human life history, proposing a distinct phase known as 'late life,' where age-related deterioration ceases. This research suggests that late life may be characterized by a plateau in mortality rates after a certain age.
A study found that estrogen levels affect brain memory areas, enabling females to adapt to complex environments and enhance reproductive success. The researchers suggest this adaptation facilitates tasks such as mate selection and finding food and shelter.
A study by researchers at the University of Chicago found that activating specific cells in the brain stem allows animals to suppress pain while performing essential tasks. This mechanism, known as
A study identifies CD36 as a multifunctional glycoprotein that detects fat in the mouth, influencing behavior and digestive physiology. Altering this system may increase obesity risk through feeding dysregulation.
The Georgia Institute of Technology's Center for Biologically Inspired Design applies nature's design principles to improve manufacturing, materials, and processes. Biomimicry research projects are underway in biosensing, materials design, and more.
Nine minority physiology grad students have received $18,000 APS Porter Fellowships to pursue full-time studies towards a Ph.D. in physiology. The fellowships aim to increase diversity among students in the field.
A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that treatment of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) significantly improved women's sexual function scores in all domains. The researchers discovered a link between the physiological changes of one partner affecting the other, highlighting the importance of addressing ED to impr...
Reify's Visible Discovery technology demonstrates high-throughput in vivo and in vitro phenotypic screens for cardiovascular structure and function, as well as subcellular particle movement. The platform provides fast, unbiased results with minimal end-user intervention.
Subordinate male cichlid fish rapidly develop dominant behaviors and physiology after a social opportunity, linked to early expression of the egr-1 gene. The study reveals a neural mechanism linking social status to sexual physiology in animals.
Subordinate male fish undergo rapid transformation when more dominant males are removed, exhibiting increased aggression, brightness in colors, and changes in brain gene expression. The research reveals a crucial connection between social cues and reproductive physiology in both humans and fish.
Scientists have used satellite technology to track salmon sharks migrating from the glacial waters of Alaska to the warm seas off Hawaii. The study found that these top predators can survive in a broad range of thermal conditions due to specialized proteins in their heart muscle cells.
A new study found that brain noise limits both motor control and perception in common movements. Researchers analyzed neural activity and smooth pursuit eye movements to understand how the brain processes sensory inputs and executes decisions.
A study of 12 normal-weight individuals found that their eating behavior did not compensate for overeating, despite gaining weight. Instead, they maintained their usual eating patterns when returning to their normal environment.
Alcohol intake can alter circadian rhythms, influencing heart rate, blood pressure, hormone levels, and immune function. Disruptions to the 'biological clock' within the body may result in 'physiological anarchy,' with widespread pathology.
Research by Larry Young on voles has shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying social attachment, which may hold clues for understanding autism. The study suggests that oxytocin and vasopressin play a critical role in modulating social behavior and shaping normal adult social behavior.
Research shows that oxytocin increases maternal aggression and decreases anxiety during lactation. In a study on virgin rats, oxytocin was found to reduce anxiety and promote social dominance behavior. The hormone's role in regulating reproductive systems and behaviors is also being explored.
The retina's dynamic adaptation allows it to prioritize unusual features over routine ones, improving predictive coding and enhancing the ability to pick out new information. This process occurs rapidly, often within a few seconds of exposure to a novel environment, and is observed in both salamanders and mammals.
The Gamma Medica imaging system enables researchers to use PET only, CT only, or a combination of modalities, allowing for flexibility and efficiency in research objectives. This tri-modality system is expected to speed up the development of life-saving drugs by enabling faster and more efficient work.
A multidisciplinary team found that early-stage romantic love is associated with subcortical reward regions rich in dopamine and brain systems involved in motivation to acquire a reward. The study suggests that romantic love may be linked to mammalian drive behaviors, such as pursuing preferred mates.
A new study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that animal tests for birth defects are often inaccurate, with potential teratogens causing effects in animals but not humans. In vitro testing, such as embryonic stem cell tests, is considered a more effective alternative.
A new study suggests that strenuous exercise followed by exposure to environmental antigens may promote over-production of antibodies, leading to asthma-like airway disease. The research also found a similar 'window of susceptibility' in athletes and horses, linking the development of conditions like heaves and ski asthma.
Research finds that prenatal exposure to increased or decreased levels of nutrition leads to an increased risk of obesity in postnatal life. The study shows that the fetus has a functional capacity for regulating its appetite, which can be influenced by signals of nutritional status.
Small animal imaging allows for repeated, non-invasive studies on the same living subject, providing crucial information on disease progression and treatment outcomes. This technology enables researchers to gain insights into human biology and disease, leading to improved diagnosis and development of innovative drugs.
Researchers have discovered that a faulty body clock can wreak havoc on the body's metabolism, increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes. In a study published in Science, scientists found that mice with a misaligned internal timepiece gained weight and developed metabolic abnormalities when fed regular or high-fat diets.
Researchers investigated the effects of temperature-dependent cadmium exposure on oysters, exploring a potential deadly threat from global warming. They also discovered a therapy for cystic fibrosis by rescuing mutant CFTR protein through chaperone competition.
Studies reveal new insights into atherosclerotic vascular dysfunction, satiety regulation, and hypertension treatment. Cranberry juice improves vascular function in patients with high cholesterol, while statins may disrupt hypertension development through cellular calcium modulation.