Articles tagged with Animal Physiology
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.
Researchers discovered that adding growth factor EGF to formula reduces NEC incidence by 50% compared to animals fed formula alone. This could be a preventative measure for NEC in human babies.
Researchers found significant differences in oxygen consumption and skeletal muscle oxygen conductance between high- and low-running endurance rats. The study, spanning 15 generations, demonstrated coordinated improvements in the oxygen delivery system, including larger hearts and lungs, to maximize efficiency.
Researchers found that asthma inflammation directly affects the heart's recovery from a heart attack, increasing cardiac tissue damage. Asthma may be identified as a potential risk factor for post-operative complications and recurrent events following cardiology interventions.
Researchers discovered a universal cellular mechanism that helps cells release excess water, shedding light on kidney function and potential applications to type 1 diabetes and cancer. This finding highlights the importance of vesicle insertion and phosphorylation in regulating cellular transport.
A new study found that melatonin increases production of GnIH hormone in birds, which has opposite effects to GnRH and can trigger gonad shrinkage. This discovery suggests potential effects on human reproductive axis and raises concerns about the hormone's interactions with other systems.
Scientists have developed a new MRI technique to study brain anatomy in live crayfish, revealing complex anatomical structures and enabling repeated imaging. This breakthrough technology provides a powerful tool for understanding neurobiology of behavior in invertebrates.
The American Physiological Society has announced its 2005 Distinguished Lecturers, recognizing outstanding contributors and representatives in various fields of physiology. The award winners include researchers who have made significant contributions to their respective fields through original research, education, and mentorship.
New discoveries have increased resolution on vertebrate morphological sequence, documented rapid tetrapod appearance, and sparked controversy over environmental factors. Research highlights adaptations that enable fish survival on land, including air-breathing organs and biochemical strategies.
A study found that mild exercise can protect against mortality due to influenza in mature mice, but had no effect on gross measures of sickness behavior. The researchers plan to conduct further studies to understand the mechanisms behind this protective effect.
Researchers found a five-fold increase in knee torque and muscle force when humans switch from walking to running. This increased force generation leads to higher energy costs for running compared to walking due to the more flexed knee joint.
Researchers demonstrate Staudinger ligation in remodeled cells of living mice, enabling tagging of specific cell types for noninvasive imaging and potential treatment of diseases. The technique meets key requirements of bio-orthogonality, allowing selective chemical reactions in physiological environments.
Researchers have created a chemical technique to tag sugars on cell surfaces, allowing for precise targeting and differentiation of specific cells in whole organisms. The method has implications for studying disease mechanisms, embryonic development, and the biology of organs.
Two young scientists, Matthew R. Jones and Takuya Sakaguchi, have been awarded the APS Postdoctoral Fellowship to investigate the roles of Interleukin-6 in pneumonia infections and liver organogenesis, respectively. The fellowship aims to advance understanding of physiological genomics by integrating cellular and molecular biology.
The American Physiological Society (APS) has announced the winners of its annual awards for high school students conducting research in physiology. The four award winners are Allison Landstrom, Samuel Finlayson, John Luo, and Jason Pellegrino, who studied various aspects of glucose homeostasis and lung function.
A study found that patients who received bone marrow stem-cell transfer showed a 7% improvement in left-ventricular function, compared to a 0.7% increase for those given medical therapy. Larger trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this approach in treating cardiovascular disease.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.