Articles tagged with Animal Physiology
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
Naked mole-rats of higher social rank have a larger spleen, which may enable them to fight infections better and deal with inflammation more easily. The researchers also suspect that the spleen influences an animal's longevity, as successful naked mole-rats live longer.
A new study supports the idea that humans inherited our love of alcohol from primate ancestors, who consumed fermented fruit with high alcohol content. Monkeys eat and digest alcohol-rich fruits, using it as a source of calories, shedding light on human affinity for booze.
Researchers investigated physiological changes in Japanese Black cattle during feeding, uncovering metabolic and nutritional conditions. They found increased blood triglycerides, insulin levels, and fat metabolism during fattening phases.
Researchers discovered that boa constrictors adjust which section of the rib cage they use to inhale depending on whether they are resting, throttling an animal or digesting. The sinuous reptiles use different sections of the rib cage to breathe when their ribs are constricted.
Researchers found that female Faeder variants produce fewer offspring, but this disadvantage helps their males, who benefit from their rarity and obtain more matings. The contrasting effect of the variant contributes to its persistence over time.
A study found that Asian elephant males experience increased stress when alone or in male-dominated groups, while females show lower stress when accompanied by babies. The researchers also discovered that social bonds play a crucial role in regulating stress hormone levels in these animals.
Research at Simon Fraser University found that sharks produce a lower metabolic rate and recumbent body posture when inactive for longer periods, supporting the idea that they sleep to conserve energy. This is the first physiological evidence of sleep among elasmobranchs, a fish group including sharks, rays, and skates.
The Dog Aging Project is a groundbreaking study that has enrolled over 32,000 dogs to understand the aging process. Researchers are using this dataset to identify biomarkers of canine aging and potential genetic factors contributing to exceptional longevity, which they hope will translate to human health.
A team of scientists from Germany, Spain, Australia and Japan discovered a new species of branching marine worm, Ramisyllis kingghidorahi, in Japan. The worm has a unique body shape with one head and multiple posterior ends, living inside the internal canals of sea sponges.
Researchers at West Virginia University are investigating the link between chronic stress and Alzheimer's disease using animal models. They aim to understand how xanthine oxidase may sabotage brain blood vessels in Alzheimer's patients, and explore whether a medication can block this pathway to keep the brain healthy.
Researchers found that increasing energy intake by feeding more milk replacer supports greater growth during summer. However, feeding frequency had no effect on growth during summer but improved growth during winter. The study suggests optimizing feeding strategies to maximize calf growth and welfare in hot environments.
Research from the Marine Biological Laboratory reveals that sea anemones are severely impacted by pollutants in their native habitats. The study found that exposure to common pollutants like phthalates and potassium nitrate led to decreased body size, fewer tentacles, and reduced stinging cells.
Researchers at University of Washington documented a mass mortality event among Magellanic penguins in Punta Tombo, Argentina, due to extreme heat. The January 2019 heat wave killed at least 354 adult penguins and 90 chicks, with nearly three-quarters of the deceased being adults primarily due to dehydration.
A recent study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics found that French Bulldogs have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with 20 common health disorders compared to other breeds. The authors propose breeding towards more moderate characteristics to reduce these risks.
A group of Croatian students used photographs from iNaturalist to describe a new species of pygmy grasshopper, challenging traditional methods. The study highlights the potential of citizen science and encourages people to engage with nature to raise awareness about conservation.
Researchers have discovered microRNAs that can detect ovulation and egg quality in fish, and also identify growth signatures. These findings could lead to the development of non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring animal physiological states, enabling cost-effective and accessible information on health.
A new study published in the journal Anatomical Record reveals that gharial species, native to India, suffer from nasal septal deviation, a condition common among humans. The researchers found that this deviated septum affects the breathing rate and may lead to high shearing stresses along the nasal walls.
Researchers identified behavioral adaptations in Antarctic fish, including fanning and breathing at the surface, to cope with increasing temperatures. These responses may help them survive global warming, but little is known about their impact on predation habits and food availability.
Scientists have discovered that four types of monarch predators - a bird, a mouse, a parasitic wasp, and a worm - evolved the same unusual cellular mutations as monarchs. These mutations allow them to resist the toxic effects of milkweed plant toxins, which can be deadly to most animals.
A new review in the Journal of Dairy Science explores the relationship between serotonin and calcium metabolism in dairy cows, highlighting its importance in maintaining calcium balance. Research shows that mammary serotonin drives hormone production that modulates mammary calcium transport.
New research reveals that blue, fin and humpback whales consume an average of three times more food each year than scientists previously estimated. This increased consumption plays a crucial role in maintaining ocean health and productivity by recycling key nutrients.
Researchers found that poor health in females can lead to interrupted pregnancies and underdeveloped fetuses. High-caloric fish is essential for successful porpoise reproduction, according to Lonneke IJsseldijk's PhD study published in Scientific Reports.
Chromobacterium violaceum uses zinc ion transporter ZnuABC to overcome host constraints on metal availability, increasing its virulence. The discovery offers a route for novel therapies against bacterial infections.
Researchers created the largest metabolome analysis of the mouse brain, revealing distinct chemical conversions between brain regions. Aging mice showed significant metabolic differences in brain sections, with lipids playing a crucial role in changes to brain function.
A new Stanford University study suggests that rising oxygen levels may have slowed down ancient ocean extinctions. The research found that oxygen levels beyond 40% of present atmospheric levels expanded viable ocean habitat and reduced extinction rates. This discovery has implications for understanding the fate of ocean creatures in to...
Research in mice reveals that coordinated clock-gene and neuronal activity rhythms are necessary for daily hormone release, with the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) working together to generate circadian rhythms. Disruption of these clocks can lead to various pathologies.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside discovered that hummingbirds can avoid insects with defensive compounds, such as formic acid, which harm birds. The study shows that scent plays a crucial role in hummingbird foraging decisions and ecosystem function.
Researchers have successfully cultivated complex retinal tissue from embryonic stem cells of medaka and zebrafish. The study, published in eLife, demonstrates the feasibility of growing retina-like structures in a Petri dish, offering new insights into retinal development and potential applications for human medicine.
A new study found that heat stress in pregnant dairy cows reduces fetal growth and influences the performance and immune development of offspring. Calves born to heat-stressed cows have lower birth weights, organ weights, and higher rates of cell death, suggesting compromised placental and fetal development.
Researchers discover that gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is widely conserved among vertebrates, but the NMB/bombesin system has diversified in some lineages. GRP has evolved independently from a single ancestral homologue and plays a role in regulating energy intake and expenditure in both amphibians and mammals.
Chronic light exposure disrupts circadian rhythms in rats, leading to memory deficits and amyloid β accumulation similar to Alzheimer's disease. Fluoxetine treatment prevents these effects, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.
Researchers completed the first genetic sequencing of a Brazilian snake's genome, revealing that most toxin genes likely arose from existing functions in ancestral species. The study identified markers for comparing toxin genes with non-toxic 'ancestral' genes, shedding light on the evolution of venom production.
A Duke University-led study found that bottlenose dolphins burn calories at a lower rate with age, similar to humans. The researchers measured the dolphins' average daily metabolic rate using the 'doubly labeled water method,' finding that older dolphins used 22% to 49% fewer calories each day than expected for their body weight.
Researchers have discovered that toxic animals produce 'toxin sponges' to mop up deadly toxins and prevent them from binding to vital proteins. This alternative autoresistance strategy may offer a general means of toxin protection, including the development of antidotes against various toxic agents.
Researchers from Chapman University discover that non-reproductive birds' brains mimic changes in female mice post-partum when induced to become parents. This finding opens new avenues for understanding the regulation of parental care across vertebrates.
The US physician-scientist workforce doing kidney research is shifting towards more women and international medical graduates. However, this trend is accompanied by an increasing age of the workforce, a decline in relative numbers, and a shift away from basic science research.
A new study reveals that light therapy's benefits come from activating the Period1 gene in a brain region involved in mood regulation. Exposure to light at the end of the dark period has an antidepressant effect on mice.
A team of researchers has resurrected a forgotten genus of algae, Philozoon, previously discovered in the late 1800s. The study reveals that these micro-algal symbionts live inside animal tissues and create photosynthetic animals, highlighting their ecological significance.
A new study has found that genes involved in inflammation and white blood cell activity are upregulated in divers with decompression sickness, also known as the bends. This discovery may lead to a more precise diagnostic test for the condition.
Researchers have discovered that embryos across various animal groups rely on acoustic signals to inform their development and adapt to environmental conditions. This phenomenon, known as acoustic developmental programming, suggests that sound plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of animals from the moment of birth.
Researchers identified genetically marked neurons in a zebra finch's forebrain, revealing a landscape of physiology and network roles that mirror those in mammals. This breakthrough advances insight into the fundamental operation of complex brain circuits, suggesting ancient cell types retained features over millions of years.
Researchers found that 18:1 LPE promotes neurite outgrowth and protects neurons from glutamate toxicity, suggesting a key role for LPE in brain function. The study provides new insights into the physiological importance of LPE and its potential as a therapeutic agent for cranial nerve damage.
Researchers developed a method to visualize small tau protein aggregates forming under normal physiology, distinguishing them from pathological aggregates. The new approach uses high-resolution microscopy and machine learning to identify healthy tau aggregates, offering potential for new treatments for neurological diseases.
Researchers found that Eastern and Western house mice developed identical genetic changes to cope with cold temperatures, building bigger nests and growing heftier. This study demonstrates the predictability of evolution in mammals, with implications for understanding human evolution.
A new study found that rapamycin impairs mitochondrial function in guinea pig models of osteoarthritis, worsening disease severity. The drug, which extends lifespan, also caused a rise in blood glucose levels and impaired skeletal muscle function.
Research on Roundup's neurological impact found that exposure prolonged seizure-like behavior in C. elegans, a microscopic worm with human genes. The study suggests potential risks for humans and has implications for environmental health.
Researchers at TUM have developed a method to introduce specific gene mutations into desired organs or correct existing genes without creating new animal models. This reduces the number of animals required for research and enables precise gene manipulation in farm animals, such as chickens and pigs.
Climate change and pollution threaten narwhals, with mercury levels increasing significantly since the 1990s. The narwhal's tusk provides a window into changing conditions, revealing shifts in diet and exposure to pollutants over the past half century.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have studied the giraffe's genome, discovering a key gene FGFRL1 that enables its extraordinary features, such as high blood pressure and dense bones. The study also found that giraffes spend less time sleeping than other mammals due to their unique circadian rhythm regulation.
A new study analyzes biological drivers of multiple paternity in sharks and rays, finding no conclusive evidence that male behavior drives the phenomenon. The researchers suggest that female advantages, such as thicker skin and larger size, may play a role in shaping multiple paternity.
A study by researchers at the University of Bologna found that sea turtles have high levels of plastic debris in their faeces, which can alter their gut microbiota and compromise their health. The Adriatic Sea is a major hotspot for marine pollution, with over 10 million tons of plastic entering the oceans every year.
A new study found that dominant male wide-horned hissing cockroaches have larger respiratory systems, allowing them to dominate physical mating battles. This adaptation may enhance their fighting ability and play a crucial role in sexual selection.
Researchers found that the black and white tegu lizard's baroreflex mechanism is more efficient at lower temperatures, relying on vascular adjustments rather than heart rate alterations. This discovery provides new insights into the physiology of ectothermic animals and paves the way for further research on novel applications.
Research from the University of Copenhagen finds that prolonged exercise increases GDF15 production, suggesting a physiological stress signal. This natural release of GDF15 may induce satiety and reduce appetite, making it a promising area of study for anti-obesity drugs.
A study by Carlos Duarte and colleagues reveals that human-generated noise pollution is negatively affecting marine animals, altering their behavior, physiology, and survivability. The authors argue that mitigating these impacts through regulation of sources can rapidly decline harmful effects.
A new study reveals that despite living in the same Mojave Desert location, mammal and bird communities experience different exposures to climate warming. Small mammals have remained relatively stable, while bird occupancy and species richness have declined dramatically due to their limited ability to mitigate rising temperatures.
Researchers find that hanging black rhinoceroses upside down improves ventilation to a small degree, enhancing the safety of these animals during capture and anesthesia. The study's findings have significant implications for conservation efforts in remote areas where helicopter-assisted aerial transport is often used.
Researchers found that naked mole-rats use distinct dialects within each colony, which strengthens social bonding. The animals can recognize their own dialect and respond selectively to it, demonstrating a unique form of communication.
Scientists have created a mathematical framework to understand how termites construct intricate mounds without a plan. By analyzing the spacing and arrangement of floors and ramps, researchers have made predictions for the spontaneous formation of linear and helical ramps, shedding light on swarm intelligence.