Articles tagged with Animal Physiology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers have identified a new way to distinguish between schizophrenia and depression using proteins in nerve cells. The method measures the level of hormone arginine-vasopressin (AVP) released in response to salt solution, which can indicate NMDA receptor signalling. This test may lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses, as we...
Researchers discovered that melatonin regulates VEGF production in the pituitary gland, controlling blood vessel growth and hormone release for seasonal fertility. This mechanism enables animals to adapt to changing environments and has implications for farming and human medicine.
Harbor porpoise newborns exhibit the earliest hearing development in any mammal studied, with full capabilities achieved within a day of birth. This finding contradicts other studies on newborn mammals, which show limited or absent hearing at birth.
Research suggests that physical activity can have improved effects on muscle and blood vessel function in women in early postmenopause. The study found that high-intensity cycling training improved physiological parameters in this age group, providing a potential benefit against negative estrogen loss and aging effects.
A study published in Experimental Physiology found that body size, not sex, determines how people lose heat during exercise in warm conditions. The research involved 36 men and 24 women who underwent light and moderate exercise trials at controlled temperatures.
Research published in Experimental Physiology suggests that unsaturated fatty acids can reverse some of the effects of obesity on the immune system. Obesity was found to cause changes similar to those observed with aging, but supplementing the diet with unsaturated fatty acids reversed these effects.
Small species of birds are particularly susceptible to lethal dehydration in extreme heat, with the risk increasing four-fold by the end of this century. Conservation strategies are needed to conserve diverse plant and animal communities that supply shelter and water to desert birds amid future climate warming.
Research suggests that supplementing mice with quercetin improves biomedical outcomes, providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The study also found that quercetin-fed mice were more active than control groups, which could be beneficial for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy patients.
A new study finds that small bird species in the US desert Southwest are at higher risk of lethal dehydration during heat waves, with some regions becoming uninhabitable for many species. Conservation efforts may focus on thermal refugia and water sources to mitigate this threat.
A novel microfluidic device models human kidney function, exhibiting more natural cell behaviors than traditional culturing methods. The device's glomerular filtration system is crucial for healthy cell function and accurately predicting renal drug toxicity in humans.
Endurance training increases expression of genes repairing damaged DNA, potentially protecting the heart. Researchers hope this discovery leads to improved cardiovascular health and increased life expectancy.
A recent review in Frontiers in Nutrition highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to obesity research, as traditional male rat models are found to be insufficient in predicting long-term obesity in females. The study also sheds light on the phenomenon of weight regain after weight loss and its impact on females.
A new study published in Experimental Physiology found that sprint interval training is a powerful stimulus to elicit cellular remodelling in both men and women. The research, conducted at McMaster University, showed that changes in gene expression over a short time-scale are similar between the sexes.
Researchers found that a high-sugar diet programmed flies' genes for longevity, causing long-term effects even after a healthy diet. The study suggests that dietary history has a lasting impact on health and may have implications for human lifespan.
Researchers at NYU Dentistry are studying calcium control in dental enamel to develop improved strategies for preventing and treating dental caries. The goal is to understand how changes in calcium levels affect enamel mineralization and develop clinical techniques to replicate these processes.
The University of California, Davis, is part of a six-year, $170 million NIH project exploring the molecular changes caused by physical activity and their impact on health. Researchers will use rat models to study exercise physiology and analyze tissue samples from humans and animals.
A team of researchers has identified the genetic mechanisms driving the metamorphosis that transforms flounders from symmetrical larvae to asymmetrical adults. The discovery sheds new light on an evolutionary puzzle, but also has practical implications for the fishing industry, which faces significant losses in flounder aquaculture.
Scientists have identified two sensory channels that transmit information to the brain about movement using fundamentally different approaches. The discovery suggests a legacy of the differences between navigating in water and air, with one channel sending smooth signals resembling sound waves and another rapid signals like drumbeats.
A study by Christine Cooper, Phil Withers, and Christofer Clemente found that individual echidnas aerate 200m3 of soil annually, playing a crucial role in maintaining Australia's environmental health. The team also discovered that echidna digging activities can mix organic material into the soil, which is essential for ecosystem balance.
A research team has discovered that male animals trigger female reproduction through their chemical signals, which also hasten females' aging process. The study found two distinct signals produced by males that affect female physiology, with one causing earlier puberty and the other slowing down aging.
A study using animal model reveals that cocaine leaves a long-lasting imprint on dopamine system, contributing to relapse episodes in addicts. Re-exposure to the drug after a short abstinence period fully reinstates tolerance and binge-like behavior.
Researchers found that SIRT3's level of mRNA decreases, but its location remains the same after endurance exercise and fasting. This suggests that the activity of this enzyme may not be directly regulated by changes in its abundance within mitochondria in human skeletal muscle cells.