Articles tagged with Animal Physiology
A study found that mice with a hyperactive Wnt10b gene consumed more food but had half the body fat of normal mice. The protein inhibited fat cell development and had contrasting effects on white and brown fat, leading to robust health despite reduced adipose tissue.
Researchers identified sex-specific differences in gene expression in various tissues, including liver, kidney, and reproductive organs. These differences were involved in drug and steroid metabolism, as well as regulation of fluid balance, with implications for understanding how males and females respond differently to drug treatments.
A team of scientists has successfully achieved the first live births of killer whales through artificial insemination. The study, led by Dr. Todd R. Robeck, used genome resource banking and artificial insemination to store sperm from male orcas for later use. This breakthrough may help maintain genetic diversity in captive marine mammals.
Researchers at University at Buffalo are developing an inorganic compound called DDFPe as a potential blood substitute. The compound produces microbubbles that pick up and deliver oxygen to tissues, making it more effective than current hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
The American Physiological Society awarded 12 Distinguished Lecturers in 2004, including Christine Seidman, Robin Davisson, and Kevin Fitzgerald. The awards recognize outstanding research achievements in various fields of physiology.
Research suggests that sloths expel larger particles more efficiently than expected, potentially due to unique digestive adaptations. This study challenges the conventional wisdom on sloth behavior and highlights the importance of considering the interplay between resting posture, digestive anatomy, and ingesta characteristics.
Scientists studying an Antarctic 'cod' are gaining insights into how its unique physiology helps it survive in icy waters. By understanding how the fish adapts to environmental change, researchers hope to develop new treatments for human heart conditions.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have created germ-free zebrafish, allowing them to study the molecular details of how symbionts affect animal development and physiology. The study revealed 212 genes with different levels of expression in germ-free fish compared to conventionally raised groups.
Purdue University researchers discovered that fat cells in humans defend against biochemical processes involved in illnesses such as diabetes and cancer. The study found that fat cells produce hormone-like proteins called cytokines to regulate the immune response.
Stephanie Novak, a doctoral candidate at Washington University in St. Louis, developed a novel model to determine classification of a new species based on skeletal differences. The Archosaurian Morphospecies Concept found that Postosuchus from different locations were part of the same species.
Aging impacts bone geometry, vertebral structural properties, and the mechanical effects of caloric restriction. It also alters cerebral artery tone, intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and endothelial-dependent vasodilation, potentially leading to age-related changes in skeletal muscle blood flow.
Researchers found that male flesh flies radically move their heads while chasing females, but don't necessarily use the high-definition parts of their compound eyes. This unique visual guidance system could help engineers develop better detection systems for aircraft and artillery.
Researchers found that genetic factors play a significant role in coping behaviors, with females exhibiting inherited traits from their grandmothers. The study suggests that understanding the genetic basis of coping behaviors could help develop new treatments for psychiatric disorders.
Researchers found that high-fat diet causes downregulation of CYP4A and CYP2C23 enzymes in renal tubules, leading to increased sodium reabsorption and elevated blood pressure. This study highlights the importance of eicosanoid synthesis in regulating renal function and blood pressure.
A new animal study found that PKC may contribute to reduced erectile response in diabetic-obese Zucker rats. The researchers observed increased protein expression of PKC isozymes and Rho-kinase b in the corpus cavernosum, suggesting a role for PKC in vasoconstriction and reduced erectile function.
A new study has identified specific molecules whose genetic regulation is altered during aging, contributing to vascular remodeling. The study found that inflammatory-associated adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 had significantly increased expression at older ages.
A physiologist's research has led to the development of improved catch-and-release procedures in fishing tournaments, resulting in better physiological condition and higher energy stores for fish. The new methods prioritize water immersion during weigh-ins to minimize stress and improve survival rates for species like bass and walleye.
Researchers at U. Iowa identified two ion channel genes that detect low salt concentrations in fruit flies, a model organism for studying human salt-sensing mechanisms. Disrupting these genes impaired the ability of young flies to detect low salt, highlighting their role in the detection of salt.
Researchers found that carbon monoxide helps regulate smooth-muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal tract, enabling precise movement of food through the stomach and bowels. This discovery suggests potential clinical applications for carbon monoxide as a therapeutic agent in treating motility disorders.
Researchers at UW-Madison have successfully created the world's first knockout rats using a novel combination of techniques, enabling further study of breast cancer and potential treatments. The development restores the rat as a key model for biomedical research, leveraging its genetic flexibility to gain insights into various diseases.
A recent study found that leptin levels dropped significantly during fasting periods, leading to reduced testosterone levels and slowed metabolism. The study also showed that leptin plays a crucial role in regulating the reproductive axis and thyroid function in humans.
Researchers found that cloned pig behavior is not identical to the original animal's behavior. Cloning increases variability associated with some traits, making it difficult to predict the behavior of cloned animals.
Researchers from the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and Duke University discovered the genetic defect in humans and mice linked to LQT4, which affects an important adaptor protein called ankyrin-B. The defect leads to inadequate calcium regulation, causing chaotic heartbeats and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.
A study by Dr. Ron Randel found that fall-born Brahman bulls take longer to reach sexual maturity than spring-born bulls, delaying breeding by up to 39 days. This delay has little impact on long-term reproductive efficiency, but affects commercial cattle producers who buy young bulls for early use.
Research on domestic rams reveals marked brain differences among those preferring same-sex and opposite-sex partners. The preoptic hypothalamus shows distinct variations in neurons involved in sexual behavior, shedding light on the biological basis of mate choice.
A K-State professor has found that medications used to treat other animals can be safely administered to llamas and alpacas to relieve intestinal worms. He conducted the research in the university's animal facility and discovered effective treatments using anti-parasitic drugs.
Sydney Brenner's groundbreaking research on Caenorhabditis elegans revealed genes controlling human processes, while his contributions to molecular biology and systems biology paved the way for major discoveries. His work at the Molecular Sciences Institute continues to advance our understanding of biological systems.
University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a urinary catheter that can directly measure blood flow and oxygen utilization in the body. This innovation allows for more timely monitoring of trauma patients and could lead to better outcomes by providing insights into mechanisms of organ failure.
Researchers found that elephants have dense connective tissue replacing pleural membranes to withstand pressure, allowing them to breathe while submerged. West's extensive work on respiratory function also explored high-altitude effects and weightlessness on astronauts.
Dr. Barbara Block, a MacArthur Award winner, will present the Scholander Award for outstanding research on comparative physiology. The award recognizes her work on tuna migration patterns using satellite-based tagging technology, which has implications for preserving tuna species and managing fisheries.
Researchers discover four distinct hemoglobin types in newborn Tammar wallabies, which persist for several days after birth. These embryonic-type hemoglobins have low oxygen affinity and do not function as tetrameric molecules.
Researchers studied muskrats' response to hypothermia, finding no metabolic benefit despite reduced diving heart rate. The study suggests alternative explanations for the muskrat's unique diving abilities.
Researchers found that pythons exhibit specific dynamic action responses to certain foods, which are associated with increased energy expenditure. These findings suggest that pythons have evolved to optimize their metabolic rate by consuming specific diets.
The CEGS program supports interdisciplinary research in genomics and its applications in understanding human biology and disease. Two new grants will focus on vertebrate diversity and cell signaling, potentially leading to major insights into genome changes that underlie evolution and human biology.
Researchers found that chemicals in detergents, plastics, and medicines can mimic natural estrogens, disrupting the sexual development of juvenile zebrafish. The study suggests that these compounds can affect not only the reproductive capacity but also sex ratios of fish populations.
In big cities like San Francisco, women value men with financial resources, while in smaller cities, emotional connections take precedence. Women's preferences vary by location and city size.
The Rat Resource Research Center (RRRC) will provide a centralized facility for information on available rat strains and a source of animals themselves. This will significantly increase the capacity for researchers to study specific human diseases using rat models, such as cardiovascular and pulmonary disease.
This year, APS awarded several prestigious lectureships to outstanding researchers in physiology. The award winners include Allen Cowley, Pontus Persson, Adrian Morrison, and Albert Bennett, who will present their research on various topics including genomics, cardiovascular function, biomedical ethics, and more.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that estrogen regulates fluid reabsorption in the male reproductive tract by triggering a protein involved in sodium transport. This finding suggests that blocking estrogen receptors could provide a new target for developing effective contraceptives for men.
Researchers find that hormonal manipulation has no effect on virus responses in female rodents, suggesting genetic differences may be involved. In contrast, castrated male rats exhibit female-type responses to hantavirus infection.
Researchers investigated how men and women's livers respond differently to chronic ethanol consumption. The study found that female rats' ability to activate protective genes was impaired compared to males, increasing their risk of liver damage when exposed to the same amount of alcohol.
The study found that estrogen receptors are more widely expressed in the brain during fetal and neonatal periods, influencing brain development. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide treatment decreased brain estrogen receptor levels, leading to changes in ventilation and body growth in male and female rats.
Researchers identified a small group of neurons responsible for issuing breathing commands within the preBotzinger Complex. Destroying these neurons in rats resulted in irregular breathing patterns and impaired oxygen control, suggesting they hold underlying causes of breathing disorders.
The National Science Foundation has funded a study that sheds light on the soft tissue biology of dinosaurs, specifically their nasal structures. The research, led by Lawrence Witmer, provides clues to how air flowed and affected olfaction and heat exchange in these prehistoric creatures.
Research by Lawrence Witmer reveals that many dinosaurs had large nasal passages, contrary to previous depictions. The study suggests that these passages were positioned closer to the mouths and farther from the eyes, which could have been important for heat exchange and other physiological processes.
The Frontiers in Physiology program provides laboratory research experience to middle- and high-school-level teachers, learning effective education strategies and sharing experiences. Teachers participate in experiments, such as studying Siamese Fighting Fish behavior and exploring factors affecting blood flow and pressure.
The National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse has awarded a $7 million grant to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center to study the causes of alcohol addiction. The studies will provide insights into brain processes that lead to alcoholism, with a focus on understanding the fundamental actions of alcohol on the brain.