Animal Science
Articles tagged with Animal Science
How the Atlantic herring adapted to the brackish water of the Baltic Sea
A new study reveals that four specific genes are crucial for the Atlantic herring's adaptation to low salinity in the Baltic Sea. The genes, expressed in sperm, eggs, and early embryos, enable the fish to reproduce successfully in brackish water.
Dinosaur dental fossils reveal bird-like parental care bonds
World’s largest great ape cognition dataset offers new insights on human intelligence evolution
The EVApeCognition Dataset is the largest and most comprehensive collection of experimental studies of great apes' cognition and behavior available globally. Researchers compiled over 262 experimental datasets from 150 publications, enabling unprecedented examination of how great apes think, learn, and understand their environment.
Seaweed compound shows major methane cuts in beef cattle
Researchers at Adelaide University found that a seaweed-derived compound can significantly reduce methane emissions from beef cattle, with no negative effects on calf growth or development. The study showed strong potential for reducing emissions in real-world farming conditions.
Elephant genomes reveal a past of continental connectivity and a future of increasing isolation
African elephants' genetic history shows they once moved across large distances, exchanging genes throughout the continent. However, current patchy habitats and human activities have led to genetic consequences of isolation, affecting conservation approaches.
Nature might have a universal rhythm
A new study suggests that many animal communication signals, including those from insects, birds, mammals, and fish, repeat at nearly the same tempo of 2 hertz. This common tempo may reflect a shared biological constraint, enabling brains to detect signals more easily and process communication more efficiently.
SoCal honeybees can fend off deadly mites
A new study from UC Riverside shows that a locally adapted population of SoCal honeybees can naturally suppress deadly mites. The hybrid bees are less susceptible to Varroa mite infestations and cross-thresholds, making them more resistant than commercial breeds.
Genetically modified marmosets as a model for human deafness
Researchers have created genetically modified marmosets with a knocked-out OTOF gene, replicating key characteristics of human deafness. The animals developed normally but were deaf from birth, offering a crucial tool for developing new therapies.
Human touch leaves chicks feeling egg stra happy, study finds
Researchers at the University of Bristol found that gentle human interactions trigger positive emotions in young chickens. The study's results suggest that early-life handling can shape animals' affective experiences and improve their welfare.
Squirrels climb higher for better snacks
Wild grey squirrels show a preference for almonds over pumpkin seeds, even when they require a longer climb to reach. This suggests that animals may benefit from waiting or working harder for a better outcome in natural decision-making scenarios.
Barren environments don’t just restrict animals—they intensify and prolong pain
A comprehensive review reveals that barren housing rewires pain biology, amplifying and prolonging it. In contrast, enriched environments support natural pain regulation mechanisms, enabling early detection of illness. This systematic underestimation of animal pain has significant implications for welfare assessment frameworks, analges...
Could ultrasound help save hedgehogs?
A new study reveals that hedgehogs can hear high-frequency ultrasound, up to 85 kHz, which could be used to design sound repellents for cars to deter them from roads. The findings suggest a potential solution to reduce hedgehog deaths, which are a major cause of road traffic accidents.
Veterinarians in Japan and the UK view animal welfare through different cultural lenses
A new international survey reveals distinct differences in how veterinarians and animal welfare scientists in Japan and the UK perceive animal welfare, particularly animal behavior. The study found that cultural values, such as Japan's interdependence-oriented culture and the UK's individualistic society, influence attitudes towards an...
Bumblebees are efficient decision-makers
A recent study by the University of Konstanz investigated bumblebee decision-making behaviour, revealing that they take a 'shortcut' in information processing to save time. The insects primarily rely on flower colours to remember good food sources, but also recognize shapes and patterns.
Water is bed bugs’ kryptonite
A University of California - Riverside study has identified bed bugs' fear of water and wet surfaces, which affects their behavior and movement patterns. Researchers found that all bed bug ages and genders avoid wet surfaces, with younger insects being more sensitive to moisture.
Household cat could hold the key to understanding breast cancer
A study analyzing tumours from almost 500 pet cats identified genetic changes that could help treat breast cancer in humans and animals. Similarities were found between feline mammary cancers and human breast cancers, suggesting potential avenues for therapy.
Honey bee "dance floors" can be accurately located with a new method, mapping where in the hive forager bees perform waggle dances to signal the location of pollen and nectar for their nestmates
Researchers have developed a new method to map the location of honey bee 'dance floors,' where forager bees perform waggle dances. This method allows for accurate quantification and comparison of waggle dance regions, enabling better understanding of honey bee communication.
Sounding out animal reactions to the 2024 eclipse
Researchers found that while the eclipse influenced sound activity and diversity, it didn't alter acoustic complexity. The study used novel acoustic capture devices to record animal vocalizations before, during, and after the April 2024 eclipse at three Ohio sites.
Elusive beaked whales off the Louisiana coast may sometimes be diving right to the seafloor, finds new 3D acoustic technology which accurately pinpoints their locations using their echolocation clicks
Researchers use advanced technology to pinpoint locations of elusive beaked whales diving to the seafloor off the Louisiana coast. The study reveals new insights into their behavior and detection range, shedding light on these mysterious creatures.
Meerkat “sunning calls”: the social putty of gentle chit-chat
Researchers found that meerkats use soft-spoken sunning calls to stay socially connected and manage group hierarchies without direct physical contact. Subordinate meerkats responded more strongly to dominant calls, suggesting vocal exchanges help stabilize weak social relationships.
Hearing angry or happy human voices is linked to changes in dogs’ balance
A study found that dogs experience changes in balance when hearing angry or happy human voices. Angry voices were most strongly associated with destabilization, while happy voices led to both stabilization and destabilization in some cases. The research suggests that emotional arousal may play a role in the dogs' responses.
Tests uncover unexpected humpback sensitivity to high-frequency noise
Researchers at University of Queensland conducted hearing tests across ocean off Australian coast, finding humpbacks react to higher frequency sounds than expected. The study provides direct evidence humpbacks are highly sensitive to higher frequencies at the upper end of human hearing range.
Strategic sex: Alaska’s beluga whales swap mates for long-term survival
A new study reveals how beluga whales in Alaska's Bristol Bay survive through a surprising strategy: they mate with multiple partners over several years. This polygynandrous system helps maintain genetic diversity despite the population's small size and isolation.
Most beef cattle in South America experience hundreds to thousands of hours of heat-related discomfort each year
A new study quantifies the time spent in moderate to intense heat-related discomfort by South American beef cattle, finding they experience 280-2,800 hours of heat stress per year. Providing shade can reduce this impact by up to 85% and generate economic benefits.
Horses can smell fear: In experiments where horses smelled sweat from scared humans, they reacted to scary and sudden events with increased fear and reduced human interaction
In experiments, horses demonstrated a strong response to sweat from scared humans, exhibiting increased fear and avoidance behaviors. The study found that horses can smell human emotional odors, influencing their behavior and physiology
Hop to it: research from Shedd Aquarium tracks conch movement to set new conservation guidance
Researchers from Shedd Aquarium tracked queen conch movements to estimate the space needed to protect breeding populations. The study suggests establishing a 330-meter spatial buffer around breeding areas to help protect conch populations and serve as a practical tool for local management.
Urban wild bees act as “microbial sensors” of city health.
Researchers analyzed solitary mason bee gut metagenomes to understand how urban environments shape diet, microbiome stability, pathogen exposure, and antibiotic resistance. The study found that bees' gut ecosystems containing both bacteria and viruses are more resilient than bacteria-only communities.
Experimental microneedle painkiller patch for pigs shows proof of concept
A study on experimental microneedle painkiller patches in pigs has shown that the drug concentrations reached only about 2 micrograms per liter, which is 1,500 times less than the required effective dose. The patches work better on the neck than the ear and have shown safety and tolerability.
Bumblebees launch a three-stage defensive response when their nest is disturbed
When their nest is disturbed, bumblebees respond by preparing to defend the nest, searching for the threat, warning potential intruders to stay away, and finally recovering from stress. They maintain heightened vigilance for around 4 minutes after the disturbance.
Captive male Asian elephants can live together peacefully and with little stress, if introduced slowly and carefully, per Laos case study of 8 unrelated males
A recent study in a semi-captive facility in Lao PDR showed that male Asian elephants can coexist peacefully if introduced slowly. The research with 8 unrelated males demonstrated successful socialization without significant stress, providing new insights into elephant behavior and social interaction.
Most people struggle to spot pain in horses - study
Research found that most people are poor at recognizing pain in horses, but those with more experience are better equipped to identify subtle cues. Higher levels of social anxiety also influenced pain recognition, particularly in humans, highlighting the need for education and training on equine welfare.
Vertical hunting helps wild cats coexist in Guatemala’s forests, study finds
A new study reveals that four wild cat species in Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve coexist without competitive exclusion by hunting in different vertical zones. Pumas primarily consume tree-dwelling prey, while jaguars and ocelots focus on ground-dwelling prey.
New stem cell medium creates contracting canine heart muscle cells
Researchers have developed a culture medium, 'AR medium,' that transforms canine iPS cells into functional heart muscle cells with contractions. This breakthrough could accelerate the development of regenerative medicine and genetic disease treatments for humans.
Sensors could help reduce fatal racehorse injuries by 20%
Researchers developed a wearable sensor to track thoroughbred horse movements and identify risk factors for catastrophic injury. The study found that horses with high risk scores were 44 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries, and implementing the technology could reduce fatal injury rates by nearly 20%.
When the air gets dry, cockroaches cuddle: Binghamton University study reveals survival strategy
Madagascar hissing cockroaches gather in groups to conserve water when the air is dry, a behavior that helps them retain moisture. This strategy, previously observed in small insects and larvae, may become more common as climate change alters humidity patterns.
Significant interest in vegan pet diets revealed by largest surveys to date
Two pioneering studies explore consumer acceptance of vegan and alternative protein-based pet diets among dog and cat guardians worldwide. Overall, 43% and 51% of respondents would consider at least one type of more sustainable diet for their pets, with cultivated meat-based and vegan options gaining popularity.
Hayfeeders and other tools can improve health, welfare of stabled horses
Simple items like hay feeders and giant rubber activity balls can improve horse behavior and reduce health issues such as ulcers and fragile leg bones. Researchers found that stabled horses displayed increased movement and reduced frustration behaviors when provided with enrichment tools.
A microbial blueprint for climate-smart cows
A recent study at UC Davis has shown that feeding cows red seaweed can dramatically cut the amount of methane produced, with a 60% reduction in emissions. The research identified specific microbes in the cow's gut that help reduce methane production, opening the door to engineering these microbes for a long-term solution.
The leading causes of mass mortality events in sea urchins are pathogens, storms, and extreme temperatures
A meta-analysis of scientific literature reveals that pathogens are the primary driver of mass mortality events in sea urchins, with 33% of events attributed to them. Storms and extreme temperatures also play a significant role, with 25% and 24% of events respectively.
The growing crisis of chronic disease in animals
A new study introduces a conceptual model for improving animal disease surveillance, highlighting the link between genetic predisposition and environmental exposures. The findings show that human-driven ecological change exacerbates chronic diseases in animals, such as obesity and cancer, with potential implications for human health.
Managing ponds may help save native salamanders
Scientists suggest that managing pond conditions can tip the balance in favor of native species. Research found that longer hydroperiods, typically over 110 days, lead to larger and more stable populations.
Scientists on ‘urgent’ quest to explain consciousness as AI gathers pace
Researchers warn that advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness, with potential serious ethical consequences. A better understanding of consciousness could have major implications for AI, prenatal policy, animal welfare, medicine, mental health, law, and emerging neurotechnologies.
Frontiers Forum Deep Dive series: Scientists on ‘urgent’ quest to explain consciousness as AI gathers pace
Researchers Prof Axel Cleeremans, Prof Anil Seth, and Prof Liad Mudrik warn that advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness. They emphasize the need for theory-driven research and innovative methods to advance consciousness science.
Endangered Kangaroo Island ground dweller found in trees
Researchers discovered that Kangaroo Island dunnarts are partially arboreal and use pygmy-possum nest boxes for shelter. The finding highlights the importance of tree hollows in biodiversity conservation, as these creatures also seek refuge in eucalyptus trees.
New research shows a tiny, regenerative worm could change our understanding of healing
New research from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals planarian stem cells ignore their nearest neighbors and respond to signals further away in the body. This discovery may help explain the flatworm's extraordinary ability to regenerate and offer clues for developing new ways to replace or repair tissues in humans.
Calm red brocket deer can learn to "Come" and other commands - but the flightiest, most restless individuals struggle
Researchers assessed the impact of reactivity in red brocket deer on training efficiency, finding that calm individuals can learn commands like 'Come'. In contrast, more restless individuals had difficulty learning and following instructions.
Introduced animals change how island plants spread, new global study finds
A global study found that introduced animal species have a greater impact on seed dispersal than native animal extinctions. Non-native mammals, such as pigs and rats, often replace native frugivorous birds, bats, and tortoises, affecting seed size and dispersal.
Bears and pandas in captivity develop significantly different gut microbiomes compared to their wild counterparts, and giant pandas in particular have less diverse microbiomes than their wild counterparts
A study by PLOS reveals significant differences in gut microbiomes between captive and wild bears and pandas, particularly among giant pandas which have less diverse microbiomes than their wild counterparts.
Koala stress linked to disease threat
Researchers have found a clear relationship between koala stress and increased risk of disease, including Chlamydia. The study suggests that high KoRV loads may be weakening the immune system, making koalas more susceptible to diseases such as blindness and infertility.
Underwater acrobatics of world's smallest marine dolphin: watch and listen
Scientists observed Hector's dolphins' subsurface behaviors, which may increase their risk of bycatch. The study sheds light on the conservation efforts for this critically endangered species.
Horses, possible allies in forest fire prevention
A study by UAB and UdL found that horses can adapt their diet according to breed, environment, and use, reducing fuel loads and maintaining open landscapes. The research suggests that horses could be a valuable resource for fire prevention strategies in Mediterranean landscapes.
Humans get attached to horses as they do to pets
A new study using a validated survey has found that most people form an emotional attachment to their horses, similar to human-pet relationships. The Horse Attachment Questionnaire, adapted from a pet questionnaire, measured anxiety and avoidance in horse owners across 21 countries.
Benchmark study tracks trends in dog behavior
A new Virginia Tech study establishes a baseline for understanding dog behavior on a large scale, tracking trends in fear, attention, aggression, and trainability over four years. The research found that dogs are adaptable and not significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with some notable exceptions related to trainability.
Benchmark study tracks trends in dog behavior
A new Virginia Tech study analyzes four years of owner-reported data from over 47,000 dogs to establish a baseline for understanding dog behavior on a large scale. The research reveals that dogs are adaptable and shows no substantial changes in behavioral profiles despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
In-person, online event highlights applied strategies for advancing food animal welfare
The Center for Food Animal Wellbeing's 11th annual symposium will focus on improving welfare outcomes in food animal production. The event, themed 'Boots on the Ground: Animal Welfare from the Veterinary Perspective,' will feature real-world veterinary insights and case studies on animal welfare.
Researchers unleash the power of a new tool in canine cancer treatment
A new study from Mizzou's College of Veterinary Medicine analyzed the effects of radioactive iodine therapy on thyroid cancer in dogs. The research found that tailoring the dose of radiation more precisely for each dog could improve outcomes and potentially lead to more targeted care.
Stress & Stars: Two more ERC Starting Grants for ISTA
Two ISTA Assistant Professors, Amelia Douglass and Ylva Götberg, have won 1.5 million euro ERC Starting Grants to explore how animals react to stress and the science behind binary-star stripping. Their research could lead to a better understanding of brain pathways disrupted in humans suffering from anxiety and stress.
Most rodents have thumbnails instead of claws. It might help explain how they took over the world.
A study found that most rodents have thumbnails instead of claws, which helps explain how they thrived in various environments. This discovery suggests that thumbnails provide more manual dexterity than long, sharp claws, enabling rodents to exploit high-energy resources like nuts.
New reporting guidelines improve transparency in veterinary pathology AI research
A new reporting checklist introduces key methodological details to improve reproducibility and transparency in AI-based automated image analysis. The guidelines will support clear communication of methods and reduce cognitive bias, promoting the translation of AI tools into routine pathology workflows.