Articles tagged with Animal Physiology
Researchers identify a neural circuit that regulates REM sleep and show that it controls the physiology of non-REM (NREM) sleep. They also found that REM sleep plays a crucial role in the generation of slow waves during NREM sleep.
A new SISSA study uncovers a critical cofactor in prion protein transformation from 'good' to 'bad', revealing the role of copper in triggering the process. The study suggests a new potential target for treating prion diseases, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow disease.
Researchers at California Institute of Technology have developed a proof-of-concept study on an injection that stops egg and sperm production in mice, using packaged DNA to produce neutralizing antibodies. This method could be a cheap alternative to spaying or neutering feral animals.
A new study using competing mice reveals genetic mutations can impair reproduction and territory control, contrary to previous assumptions of redundant gene functions. The mouse barn test provides a sensitive tool for assessing fitness consequences of gene changes in natural environments.
Researchers developed a novel data-logging tag called ITAG to study small invertebrates' behaviors and physiology. The tag measures ocean conditions and animal responses at high resolution, providing valuable insights into their natural behaviors and adaptations.
A study published in Current Biology identified a species-specific genetic marker called MUP used by female house mice to select closely related females as nest partners. The researchers also found that the vertebrate-wide MHC is not involved in kin recognition, contrary to previous assumptions.
European minks face significant reproductive challenges due to habitat destruction and competition with American minks. Scientists have successfully developed a non-invasive method to analyze faecal samples, revealing that mating can occur more frequently than previously thought.
Researchers Terrie Williams and her team have studied exercise physiology in wild animals and human athletes for over 30 years. Key findings include the high prolonged heart-rate levels of professional big-wave surfers, with one recorded at 200 beats per minute, and how this differs from dogs and cats.
Female guppies that experience high levels of male harassment in the wild learn to swim more efficiently, reducing energy costs and improving escape abilities. This physiological change is comparable to human athletes' adaptations to their sports.
A new study reveals that lizard embryos can die at 110 degrees Fahrenheit, even for short periods, due to the heat trap effect of nests. This bias in previous studies has led to overly optimistic forecasts about lizards' fate during climate change.
A study by Dr. Ivan Tuf's team found that Common rough woodlice exhibit individual patterns of defensive behavior, suggesting the presence of personality traits. The researchers observed repeatability in reactions to external impacts, identifying some woodlices as 'bold' and others as 'shy'.
A new study has found that rising ocean temperatures and acidification have a significant impact on the survival and development of Antarctic dragonfish. The research reveals that warmer waters can accelerate embryonic development, but also lead to increased mortality rates.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a link between Type 2 diabetes and damaged lymphatic vessels, which can lead to impaired immune function. The study found that an amino acid commonly found in red meat and poultry may help improve lymphatic function in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool found that up to 26% of show dogs, particularly pugs, Basset hounds, and Labradors, are overweight due to their breeding history for physical activity. The team graded body condition and found significant health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, and respiratory diseases in obese dogs.
The study identifies the retrosplenial cortex as a critical brain region for navigating complex environments, combining mapping interior and exterior spaces. The findings support computational modeling research and clinical observations of Alzheimer's disease, with potential applications in robotics and early disease detection.
Researchers have measured the immense airflows generated by breathing dolphins, finding they can inhale up to 33.4 l/s but exhale up to 137.6 l/s, surpassing terrestrial champion horses. The study reveals the dolphins' lungs are compressible and highly efficient.
Researchers identified enzyme carnitine acetyltransferase (CrAT) that enhances energy metabolism during exercise. Carnitine supplementation improved exercise tolerance in healthy mice, but its effects on humans are unclear.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have developed a novel zebrafish model to study short bowel syndrome, which may lead to better care for patients. The model enables the study of adaptation in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
Researchers have discovered that starfish can remove deeply embedded foreign objects from their bodies by squeezing them out through the skin at the arm tips. This unique ability allows for quick healing and has implications for understanding animal physiology.
A new study from Drexel University found that underground species of army ants are less tolerant of high temperatures than their aboveground relatives. The research highlights the importance of considering microhabitat in predicting animal responses to climate change.
Biologists from the University of Leicester have discovered that buff-tailed bumblebees develop into queens or workers based on gene expression. The study found that differentiation is not caused by inherited genetic differences, but rather by distinct expression patterns in adults.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that mice use separate systems to determine their location and direction, with environmental cues influencing place recognition but not heading retrieval. The study used identical rooms with different markings on the north wall, which allowed researchers to isolate the two processes.
A new study uses machine learning to pinpoint rodent species effective disease reservoirs and identify geographic hotspots vulnerable to emerging diseases. The research provides a basis for targeted surveillance efforts, highlighting the importance of collaboration with experts on the ground.
Researchers aim to understand why diabetic patients lack cardioprotection during surgery, a condition that poses serious health issues. They will assess the role of cellular and environmental factors in protecting against ischemia-reperfusion injury.
A new study has found that the colour of light impacts how the brain clock measures time of day and regulates animals' physiology and behavior. By analyzing changes in light color around dawn and dusk, scientists discovered that blue light is reliably detected during twilight hours, unlike during the day.
Researchers examined muscle physiology in deer mice from high and low-altitude habitats, revealing heritable differences in energy metabolism and muscle plasticity. Genetic changes associated with increased oxidative capacity and blood supply enabled improved fitness under hypoxic conditions.
Walnuts have been shown to slow the survival of colon cancer cells, alter gut bacteria communities, and improve vascular function. These findings support the benefits of eating walnuts on overall health.
Courtney Passow, a Kansas State University doctoral student, will interact with Nobel laureates in physics, physiology, medicine and chemistry at the 65th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. The meeting provides an opportunity for her to explore potential collaborations.
Researchers studied remoras' ability to attach to surfaces securely yet release easily, finding a complex mechanism involving lamellar spinules and uniquely-structured blood vessels. This discovery could inspire designs for tags or bandages that don't harm hosts.
A study isolated the domain IV paddle of scorpion venom and found it remained sensitive to scorpion venom even when bound to a chip. This breakthrough could lead to faster identification of drugs that target this region, modifying sodium channel activity in beneficial ways.
A study at Brown University found that reducing Myc gene activity increased the healthy lifespan of laboratory mice by 15%. The mice exhibited better health and organ function, with reduced signs of aging. The study's findings offer encouragement for developing cancer drugs targeting Myc and potential benefits for human health.
A £90,000 research project is exploring the genetic basis of human diseases using Caernorhabditis elegans worms. The study may lead to the development of new treatments for kidney disease and age-related disorders.
Climate change is expected to surpass ectotherms' capacity for acclimation, leading to catastrophic consequences for biodiversity. The rapid fluctuations in temperature will require animals to function across a broader range of conditions.
Researchers found that time-restricted eating can prevent metabolic problems and halt disease progression, even with occasional
A study on epaulette sharks reveals they are tolerant to elevated CO2 levels, which could help them survive ocean acidification. The findings suggest these sharks make physiological adjustments to cope with the changes, maintaining oxygen transport and energy without apparent harm.
Researchers have found that sharks' habitats help them cope with acid oceans by reducing sensitivity to rising CO2 levels. The epaulette shark's ability to regulate its systems and tolerate low oxygen levels makes it better equipped to handle ocean acidification.
Eyeless Mexican cavefish show no metabolic circadian rhythm under varying lighting conditions, saving up to 30% less energy compared to surface-dwelling fish. This adaptation enables the fish to thrive in food-limited environments without unnecessary energy expenditure.
Salmon that force themselves to move quickly through fast-moving water are more likely to die after passing through turbulent waters. Researchers found that burst swimming, a behavior similar to sprinting, can lead to impaired oxygen supply and increased stress metabolites in the blood.
Researchers discovered that naked mole rats maintain youthful heart function until age 90, offering insights into preventing debilitating cardiovascular disease. The rodents' natural habitat and stress resistance may hold the key to understanding these protective mechanisms.
Research at the University of Basel reveals that aberrant mTOR signaling in the liver affects not only hepatic metabolism but also entire body physiology. The study found that activation of mTORC1 in the liver reduces locomotor activity, body temperature, and lipid metabolism.
A new study found that marine noise pollution, such as ship noise, compromises the anti-predator behaviour of European eels. The research, published in Global Change Biology, showed that exposed eels are 50% less likely to respond to predator threats and have slower reaction times.
Researchers found that boat noise stops embryonic development and increases larval mortality in sea hares. This study underscores the impact of anthropogenic noise on vulnerable species, potentially disrupting coral reef ecosystems.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that scorpions build sophisticated burrows with warm platforms to increase body temperature before hunting. This design provides a refuge from the heat and demonstrates the animals' adaptation to environmental conditions.
A recent Duke University study has found that the mutated Huntington's disease protein is crucial for normal brain development and synaptic circuitry in early life. The research suggests that faulty connections may be the root cause of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's, with potential implications for treatment strategies.
Researchers discovered scorpion burrows have a warm platform to regulate body temperature before hunting, and a cool chamber to rest during the day. The design is common among all studied species, suggesting it evolved by natural selection to meet physiological needs.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have identified a key brain pathway linking emotional behavior to survival circuits, revealing potential therapeutic targets for anxiety and phobias. The study highlights the cerebellum's role in fear response and suggests its involvement in managing dysregulated emotional states.
Professor Thomas Korff's work reduces experimental animals and promotes human umbilical cord cells to mimic vessel walls. His methods decrease animal distress and costs, while improving research results.
Researchers discovered a protein responsible for gas exchanges in zebrafish gills, which may mimic human kidney function. NHE3 protein controls sodium and hydrogen ions, aiding in energy-saving balance and waste removal.
Researchers at UMass Medical School develop a novel model to study the effects of vitamin B12 on gene expression and physiology in C. elegans worms. The study reveals that vitamin B12 regulates development through the methionine/SAM cycle and alleviates toxic buildups of propionic acid, leading to improved fertility.
A study revising rules for deciphering dinosaur color suggests a link between color, physiology, and the origin of flight. Researchers found diverse melanosome shapes and sizes in feathered dinosaurs, paravians, and living mammals and birds.
Researchers found that chronic lead intoxication impairs therapeutic effectiveness of antibiotic amoxicillin in goats, leading to lower serum concentrations and faster excretion. The study suggests that lead-intoxicated goats may require more frequent amoxicillin administration for effective therapy.
Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, found that vitamin D deficiency stifferens blood vessels, leading to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The study used genetically modified mice to explore the effects of vitamin D deficiency on blood vessel flexibility.
Scientists have estimated that sauropod body temperature was around 28 degrees Celsius, contradicting the idea that their size was limited by overheating. The research also explores the reproductive biology of sauropods and the potential for convergent evolution in their bone structure.
A study found that tourist-fed iguanas suffer from physiological problems due to being fed sugary fruits like grapes and lacking essential nutrients. The researchers recommend a balanced diet through specially-formulated food pellets and education campaigns to mitigate the impact of tourism practices.
Researchers suggest annexin A5 may have therapeutic potential for treating sepsis, improving cardiac function and survival rates in mice. The study's findings could apply to multiple organs affected by sepsis.
Researchers found that bats and toothed whales produce similar sounds for echolocation in the frequency range of 10-200 kHz. This convergent evolution helps them navigate and catch prey in their respective environments. The study reveals surprising similarities between these species, challenging traditional notions of adaptation.
Researchers from Brown University traveled to Calaveras County to study the Guinness Book of World Records' top frog jumper, Rosie the Ribeter. They found that bullfrogs at the Jubilee surpassed the old research-grade mark of 1.3 meters a striking 58 percent of the time, with jumps reaching up to 2.2 meters.
A study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior found that cats from multi-cat households do not exhibit higher stress levels than those from single-cat households. The researchers discovered that a cat's personality, as classified by its owner, plays a significant role in determining its stress response to stroking.
Researchers found that coastal animals, like the speckled sea louse Eurydice pulchra, have a 12.4 hour swimming cycle matching incoming tides and a 24 hour circadian rhythm in pigmented cells. This independent tidal clock is separate from the 24-hour body clock.
Researchers found that Siberian hamsters' seasonal timekeeping is influenced by DNA methylation, which regulates reproductive competency. Exposure to short daylight periods decreases DNA methylation in the hypothalamus, stimulating a gene that shuts down reproduction.