Articles tagged with Animal Physiology
A new study suggests that womb kicks may play a role in helping babies develop a sense of their own body. The research, published in Scientific Reports, found that brainwaves produced during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep fire in the corresponding hemisphere when a baby kicks its limbs.
Researchers from Technical University of Munich identified a previously unknown virus causing mass mortality in brown trout. The piscine reovirus is related to the virus infecting salmon in North Atlantic and Pacific, causing significant economic damage.
Researchers found that starving ticks have higher activity levels and increased questing behavior to find a meal. Their metabolism speeds up by 100% after three months without food, preparing them for an imminent meal.
Research explores effects of crude oil on native salmon populations, finding exposure causes toxic changes in hearts, brains, and performance abilities. Crude oil also leads to long-term consequences including mortality and brain damage.
A new study finds that individual rainbow trout strains from Canada and California exhibit varying levels of heat and oxygen tolerance. This natural variation may help some fish survive global warming, while others are more vulnerable.
Researchers found evidence of rapid adaptation in Burmese python genomes, with changes in genes related to cell division and organ growth. The study suggests that the snakes are adapting to more regular feeding opportunities, leading to increased efficiency as predators.
Long-term testosterone supplementation has been linked to increased blood pressure in obese rats, raising concerns about its safety in certain populations. The study suggests that hormone therapy may not be beneficial for men with heart disease risk factors, highlighting the need for more research on complex effects of testosterone.
A new study found that extreme dieting in female rats led to a decrease in metabolic factors and functions, including body weight and blood pressure, but resulted in a higher accumulation of abdominal fat. This increase in belly fat may cause long-term health risks for people who have previously crash dieted.
A study found that a high-fat, high-sugar diet may accumulate fat around the uterus of female rats, potentially impairing future fertility. Researchers observed no change in glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity compared to control animals.
Researchers found a combination of liraglutide and enalapril effectively addresses all symptoms of postmenopausal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including metabolic syndrome. The treatment promotes significant weight loss, reduces insulin resistance, and normalizes blood pressure.
A new study from the Monell Chemical Senses Center reveals that healthy animals' bodily odors change when they are near sick animals, potentially impacting social contacts and disease spread. The findings suggest that exposure to sickness-related odors can trigger protective responses in others.
A study by Dr. Tom Weihmann shows that body dynamics depend strongly on the number of propulsive legs, with increasing leg numbers impeding energy recovery. This discovery could explain quadrupedal animals adopting bipedalism and potentially inform control mechanisms for fast-running robots.
Researchers discovered that soy protein can counter negative effects of menopause on bone and metabolic health in postmenopausal women. Soy-based diets were found to improve bone strength and metabolic function for both rats with and without ovaries.
Researchers at the University of Arizona found that horses experience significant stress reduction when inhaled lavender from a diffuser, as measured by heart rate variability. The data showed a significant increase in relaxation signals such as neck lowering and licking, indicating a calming effect on the horses.
A study of five coralline algae species found that organismal size is the main factor in determining physiological performance under acidic conditions. The findings provide insight into how different species will respond to ocean acidification and its effects on marine ecosystems.
Researchers confirm that pigeons rely on familiar smells to find their way home, not artificial odors. A study published in Journal of Comparative Physiology A found that pigeons exposed to natural environmental odorants performed significantly better at homing.
Professor Martin Grosell received the Award of Excellence in fish physiology from the American Fisheries Society for his groundbreaking research on the effects of oil on marine fish. He is also a renowned expert in environmental physiology and toxicology, with over 200 peer-reviewed publications.
A new study has proposed the maximum bioaccumulation level of 9 metals that poses no ecological risk to aquatic organisms. The study, conducted in mining areas in Asturias, has established ecological threshold concentrations for 7 metals and two metalloids, which are considered safe levels for conservation.
A new study by Harvard University researchers suggests that natural selection can favor different personality types in lizards, affecting their behavior and survival. In the experiment, bold lizards were found to survive longer when predators were present, but their mortality increased when predators were absent.
Researchers used human stem cells to restore heart function in monkeys with heart failure, finding that new muscle tissue had grown within damaged regions and restored heart function. The study suggests a potential treatment approach for people with heart failure.
Researchers have developed a rhesus macaque model to study Zika brain pathology, revealing similar brain lesions as in human infants with congenital Zika syndrome. The findings suggest that therapies can be tested using fewer animals, providing hope for the development of new treatments.
A new study reveals human activity is driving mammals to adopt nightlife, changing behavior and physiology; high levels of disturbance lead to increased nocturnal activity by a factor of 1.36.
A new study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that veterans with PTSD who use service dogs exhibit higher cortisol awakening response and area under the curve compared to those on the waitlist. This suggests potential physiological benefits from having a service dog, including reduced stress levels and improved sleep quality.
A new study found that white shark activity increases dramatically when interacting with cage-diving operators, indicating potential behavioral changes. The researchers tracked ten white sharks at South Australia's Neptune Islands, showing a 61% higher dynamic body acceleration when interacting with tourists.
A new gene therapy approach has shown dramatic reduction of post-infarction arrhythmias in mice by electrically coupling non-excitable cells to undamaged heart cells. The treatment involves introducing a single gene, Connexin43, which bridges the conduction block in damaged hearts.
A new study reveals that thermal physiological differences allowed Greater Antillean anoles to occupy different microclimates, facilitating species coexistence. The research found that species diverged in thermal tolerance and sprint performance, with warmer environment species having higher maximum temperatures and optimal temperatures.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that female mosquitoes bite not only to get protein but also to quench their thirst during a drought. Dehydration prompted as many as 30 percent of female mosquitoes to seek a blood meal, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Research from the University of Bath found that exercise can increase immune cells and improve response to flu jabs, contradicting a long-held myth. The study suggests that low numbers of immune cells after exercise are not a sign of suppression, but rather a signal that cells are working in other parts of the body.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that hogfish sense light with their skin, which differs from eye-based vision. The skin's unique ability allows it to detect changes in brightness or wavelength, such as moving shadows or light fluctuations, enabling the fish to adapt its color pattern accordingly.
Scientists at University of Illinois create artificially intelligent ocean predator called Cyberslug, which reacts to food and responds to its own kind like the actual sea slug Pleurobranchaea californica does. The virtual creature has simple self-awareness, relating motivation and memories to external world perception.
A new in-depth review from the Journal of Dairy Science examines necessary minerals and their mechanisms for absorption in cows. The review highlights two key methods, paracellular and transcellular absorption, and discusses factors affecting mineral uptake.
Hawkeye's advanced eyesight can be used to explain the physiology of the human eye and its limitations. This can lead to discussions on genetic engineering, wearable technologies, and responsible innovation in genetics. The article suggests using Hawkeye as a tool for engaging students in scientific communication and outreach.
Researchers found that Antarctic fish can adapt to warmer waters but are unable to withstand both climate stressors simultaneously. The study suggests these fish must use their existing physiology, which is limited, to cope with the challenges.
Researchers discovered snakes use unique skin movement to propel themselves forward in a straight line. This rectilinear locomotion gives them an advantage in confined spaces and could inform robotics for search-and-rescue operations and underwater inspections.
Researchers have discovered that brain cells in the hippocampus process spatial information about both oneself and others. This 'buddy system' allows for joint location awareness, enabling rats to track each other's movements through a maze. The findings extend our understanding of the hippocampus' role as the brain's positioning system.
Researchers found that noise pollution from gas compressors causes chronic stress in birds, leading to lower stress hormone levels and increased anxiety. This stress can have long-term effects on bird fitness and survival rates, particularly among young birds.
A new study published in PeerJ found that individuals with trypophobia exhibit a physiological response more associated with disgust than fear. The researchers used eye-tracking technology to measure pupil size and found that images of clusters of holes elicited greater constriction of the pupils, a response linked to feelings of disgust.
Deep-diving narwhals experience unusually low heart rates while escaping human disturbances, potentially harming oxygenation and brain function. The study's findings raise concerns about the effects of ocean noise and increased human activity on these Arctic whales.
New research challenges common perception that polar species are best at adapting to changing temperatures. Acclimation is most effective at temperate latitudes, with slow seasonal changes allowing for optimal adaptation. This could alter our understanding of which species are most vulnerable to climate change.
Researchers from the University of Freiburg successfully identified the molecular composition of calcium-ATPases, crucial for controlling various Ca2+-dependent processes in cells. The discovery highlights the essential role of novel subunits Neuroplastin and Basigin in regulating Ca2+ clearance.
Research highlights the benefits of maternal stress in wildlife, influencing offspring characteristics and behaviors. Prenatal exposure to stress hormones can shape epigenetic changes, behavior, and physiology in offspring.
Two studies reveal that gut bacteria in fruit flies affect their foraging behavior and reproductive success, with beneficial microbes preferred over less-beneficial ones. The research also suggests that these effects can be passed down to the next generation.
A new animal study suggests that walnuts can increase the diversity of good probiotic-type bacteria in the gut. The researchers found that a diet with walnuts led to an overall significant increase in beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Roseburia, and Ruminococcaceae.
Researchers have found a unique biological hydraulic system in the median fins of Pacific bluefin and yellowfin tuna, which enables fine adjustment of fin shape and position to generate precise control during swimming and turning maneuvers. This system may enhance design in sailing vessels and autonomous vehicles.
A recent study found that air travel stress has no effect on search and rescue dog job performance, but alters the canine microbiome. Despite physiological impacts, dogs overcome stress to save lives.
A new study found that exercise training had a different impact on body weight control in male and female rats fed a high fat diet. Male rats who exercised ate less food and gained less weight compared to sedentary males, while exercising female rats did not reduce their food intake. The research team believes chronic exercise may be i...
Researchers at University at Buffalo successfully tested a pre-hospital intervention that raises blood pressure in simulated trauma victims experiencing blood loss. Face cooling was shown to increase and maintain blood pressure during the simulation.
A marine annelid zooplankton has been found to use its brain photoreceptor cells to detect UV signals. This helps the animal regulate its daily vertical migration behavior, known as DVM, and avoid damaging UV irradiation. The discovery sheds light on the molecular basis of this unique adaptation.
Researchers discovered that physical activity offers health benefits against insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. The study found that exercise's ability to remove damaged cellular materials and enhance mitochondrial quality is more effective in preventing insulin resistance than previously thought.
Broccoli extract containing sulforaphane has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in patients with type-2 diabetes, targeting the liver's elevated glucose production and offering a mild side-effect profile.
A team of scientists found that male and female plovers shift incubation more frequently in response to rising temperatures, increasing cooperation between the sexes. This flexibility in parental care helps birds adapt to changing climates and extreme conditions.
Diabetes-induced changes in heartbeat are primarily regulated by the β1-adrenoceptor, suggesting that targeting this receptor could improve treatment outcomes for diabetics. The study provides novel insight into the pathological basis of heart rate dysregulation in type 2 diabetes.
Climate change is shown to impact gut bacteria diversity in common lizards, with a 34% loss of microorganism diversity found at warmed temperatures. This finding highlights the importance of research into how climate change affects bacteria associated with plants and animals.
A new study finds that heterogeneity in frailty and robustness in Eurasian sparrowhawks contributes to longer female lives, with life expectancy reaching up to 4.23 years for the most robust adult females. The study suggests considering heterogeneity when studying sex differences in mortality.
New research suggests that inhaling lavender oil can reduce stress in competition horses by lowering cortisol levels. This study found a small decrease in heart rate after exposure to lavender oil during transport.
Rats that experience past episodes of limited food resources develop physiological adaptations to conserve energy and survive prolonged starvation. Researchers found that starved rats have lower body temperatures and blood sugar levels than fed controls, allowing them to hold onto stored fat for energy.
The star-nosed mole possesses an extremely efficient nervous system that enables it to identify and eat food in under 2 seconds. Its distinctive star organ contains over 100,000 nerve fibers, making it the most sensitive known touch organ in any mammal.
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute found that neurons can form networks independently of synaptic activity, suggesting genetic programs control neural circuit assembly. These findings were confirmed by a complementary study at the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine.
A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis and the University of New Hampshire found hundreds of differences in gene activity between male and female rock doves. The findings aim to promote sex and gender inclusion in experimental science and shed light on physiological differences between sexes.
Scientists have discovered a 430 million-year-old crustacean fossil, named Cascolus ravitis, in recognition of Sir David Attenborough's contributions to natural history. The exceptionally well-preserved fossil reveals details about the animal's body plan, limbs, and respiratory-circulatory physiology.