Articles tagged with Animal Science
Researchers at JLab and College of W&M studied radiation blockers to enhance nuclear imaging accuracy. They found that higher doses of potassium iodide blocked radioactive iodine uptake better in mice. The study uses a unique medical imaging system and precise detectors, providing insights into the body's metabolism and thyroid function.
Researchers used nuclear imaging to study how mice absorb radioactive iodine, finding that a dose five times higher than the FDA-recommended dosage is needed for effective protection. The team discovered that using this higher dose can improve image quality and reduce false-positive readings.
Researchers found a significant decline in female water voles at a Norfolk site, with radio-collars potentially linked to the change. The study suggests that local resource competition may drive sex-ratio shifts in stressed females.
A study found that women with primary hypothyroidism had a 61% lower risk of developing invasive breast cancer. Women with breast cancer were also less likely to have hypothyroidism compared to healthy women, and those with the condition were diagnosed with earlier stage disease.
Scientists prevented brain damage by producing therapeutic levels of GDNF, a protein that helps nourish brain cells, in small monkeys. The gene therapy approach aims to halt Parkinson's disease at its onset and treat devastating side effects.
The Laupala cricket's unique courtship songs play a crucial role in its rapid speciation, resulting in the formation of new species. This phenomenon sheds light on the role of individual choices in shaping species evolution and biodiversity.
Researchers found that male Cassin's finches sing more in response to the loss of a prospective mate, but less when females are present or infertile. The scientists conclude that males temper their efforts based on the likelihood of a payoff.
A team of Wisconsin scientists discovered molecular switches that govern the development and evolution of form in animals. The study found that genetic changes to these switches can produce diverse patterns and features, such as spots on fruit fly wings or stripes on zebras, which confer advantages for survival and reproductive success.
Azevedo's research reveals surprisingly simple cell lineages in small invertebrates, contradicting long-held assumptions about developmental complexity. The findings suggest a more universal approach to analyzing organism development using computer programs.
The Arunachal macaque is a new species of macaque found in India's Northeast, with its name meaning 'deep-forest monkey' in local vernacular. Further studies will determine if it should be included on the IUCN Red List and protected under Indian law.
Researchers trained European starlings to choose between rich food sources and decoys, finding that 'irrational' preferences resulted from energetic state rather than cognitive mechanisms. The study warns against introducing confounding effects in nonbiological framework testing ideas.
Researchers found that wasps with broken-up facial patterns signal their quality and status. Those who don't signal honestly receive social sanctions, including harassment from dominant wasps. The study provides conclusive evidence that dishonest visual signals have a social cost in the wasp world.
Scientists from VIB are using RNAi technology to study the function of genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant with 29,000 genes. The goal is to identify the function of all genes, which will shed light on biological processes in plants and humans.
Joan Somers' research found that cows on straw yards had significantly healthier claws and better walking patterns than those on concrete floors. The study highlighted the importance of comfortable bedding spaces, dry stalls, balanced rations, and regular claw care in improving dairy cow welfare.
A wolverine with a GPS collar traveled 543 miles over 42 days, crossing three states and multiple national parks. The study's findings suggest that wolverine populations may function over a vast geographic scale, highlighting the need for habitat conservation and cooperation among agencies and landowners.
Researchers from University of California, Berkeley, and other institutions will study the mechanical and neurological basis of locomotion using RHex, a short six-legged robot. The team aims to uncover the neural and muscular control and feedback loops that lead to similar patterns of movement in animals
Researchers found that two prokaryotes merged to form the first eukaryote, creating a 'ring of life' that has significant implications for all multicellular forms of life. The study sheds light on the origins of eukaryotes and their genetic background.
Scientists analyzed mating behavior and body size of over 100 shorebird species to explain Rensch's rule. Larger shorebirds show competitive battles on the ground, where bigger males have an advantage, while smaller species feature aerial battles where agility is key.
A team of researchers will use advanced imaging systems to study deep-sea animals, behaviors, and phenomena in the Gulf of Mexico. The expedition aims to discover new life forms and understand the unique uses of light in the dark deep sea.
A study published in Vision Research found that the size of animals' eyes is linked to their body weight, with larger animals having bigger eyes on average. However, when broken down into smaller groups, such as birds and primates, eye size becomes more complicated and varies greatly.
A team of Japanese researchers has developed a novel method for introducing transgenes into animals by injecting retroviruses into immature male mouse testes. The technique resulted in high fertility rates and stable transgene transmission, enabling the production of genetically modified offspring from a single founder male.
Researchers discovered that bacteria have acquired a gene from animal immune systems, allowing them to evade host defenses. This finding has significant implications for vaccine development and our understanding of bacterial evolution.
A research team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has found evidence that sea turtles can read geographic position from subtle variations in the Earth's magnetic field. Older turtles use this ability to pinpoint their location relative to specific target areas, effectively having a biological equivalent of GPS.
Researchers recorded mantis shrimp's club-shaped front leg striking prey at peak speeds of 23 meters per second, generating forces over 100 times the shrimp's body weight. The unique saddle-shaped structure acts as a spring, storing energy until release propels the strike.
Researchers created a model linking tiger populations to prey density, revealing that human hunters are primary drivers of wild tigers' decline. The study spans eight years and 4,200 miles, providing rigorous insights into the macro-ecological dynamics of tigers and their habitats.
Researchers investigated how small mammals use crossing structures built across the Trans-Canada Highway, finding that small covered culverts offer protection from other animals and are a cost-effective mitigation strategy. The study's findings have already influenced road construction plans, highlighting the importance of conservation...
Researchers found an irregularly shaped cluster of nerve cells in the hypothalamus of the sheep brain associated with female mate preference. The study provides clues to the processes involved in development and regulation of heterosexual and homosexual behavior.
Purdue scientists Rick Howard and colleagues discovered that genetically modified fish have a reproductive advantage, but their offspring are less likely to survive. This paradox could lead to a population dwindling in size and potentially disappearing entirely if not managed carefully.
Evo-devo biologists led by Raff will use mechanistic tools to address major historical questions about multicellular animals, the Cambrian radiation, and animal larvae. The approach may reveal complex features in animal development evolved more quickly than expected.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new coating method for Quantum Dot Corp.'s quantum dots, enabling them to circulate in the body for up to eight months. This allows for non-invasive imaging of structures in living mice and potential applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
A team of scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has made a breakthrough in resolving the evolutionary tree using new genomic-scale data. By analyzing eight yeast species, they found that combining more than 100 genes provides an unprecedented level of resolution, overcoming previous limitations.
Researchers developed a systematic approach to inhibit 1,000 Drosophila genes and observed changes in cell morphology. By clustering genes by their effects, they assigned functions to 50 previously uncharacterized genes, shedding light on cellular processes.
Research suggests that social structures in insects like bees and ants emerge from group interactions, with patterns of behavior creating complexity. This idea challenges the conventional view that social characteristics are programmed by genes, proposing instead that adaptation follows the development of networks.
Marine biologists have discovered a unique undersea nursery off Northern California, where groups of fish and octopus brood their eggs. The discovery represents a new type of biological hot spot, with potential implications for conservation efforts.
Researchers found a common gene, Bric-a-brac2, responsible for diverse pattern and color pigmentation across 13 fruit fly species. The study suggests that similar genetic mechanisms govern body plans in related animals.
The UC Berkeley Museum of Vertebrate Zoology is conducting a new wildlife survey in Yosemite National Park, following the same transect as Joseph Grinnell and Tracey Storer's landmark survey between 1914 and 1920. The team aims to gather baseline data for comparison with historic species abundance and distribution.
Researchers have discovered that the history of community assembly is a key predictor of future biodiversity and ecosystem productivity. The study used microorganisms to manipulate productivity and found that the sequence of species arrival from a regional pool of colonists had a large effect on the productivity-diversity relationship.
Scientists have observed a rare phenomenon in the insect world where a female Zeus bug allows a male to ride on her back, feeding on protein-rich wax produced by the female. This unusual behavior, known as 'female-led mating,' has sparked curiosity among researchers and provides new insights into the evolution of mating behaviors.
Researchers used banded water snakes to compare traditional testing methods with nonlethal samples, finding promise in laser ablation for conservation-minded eco-toxicological studies. The study was conducted at SREL on the Savannah River Site, partially funded by a grant from DOE.
The US-EC Biotech Task Force is exploring the potential of transkingdom biology to bring together life forms from diverse kingdoms. This new field has opened up a broader relevance due to commonalities in molecular machinery, enabling researchers to share findings and perspectives.
Scientists have discovered a layer of cells in the inner retina containing melanopsin, which enables certain animals to synchronize their biological rhythms with day/night cycles. Melanopsin-free mice were unable to react normally to light stimuli and synchronize their rhythms.
Scientists discover that low levels of bisphenol A exposure in animal lab lead to highly significant increases in egg abnormalities, including aneuploidy and disorganized chromosomes. Further study is warranted due to potential human health risks.
Researchers have identified the matchmaker protein SYG-1, which guides nerve cells to form synapses during embryonic development. This discovery may lead to new treatments for disorders such as chronic epilepsy and chronic pain, where synapse formation goes awry.
Biologist Patrick Jansen found that acouchy rodents, large guinea-pig-like animals, disperse larger nuts further away from trees. This leads to more successful germination and increase in nut-producing trees over time. Protecting animals in managed forests is crucial for tree regeneration.
Researchers are turning to gene banking as an alternative to in situ conservation, using cryopreservation technologies to store viable cell lines from over 3,200 individual mammals, birds, and reptiles. This approach will be crucial for conserving endangered species' genetic material for future research and potential reintroduction.
Researchers found that during a short-term global warming event, animals became smaller due to the effects of elevated carbon dioxide levels on plant growth. As climate returned to normal, animals regained their normal size.
Researchers found convincing evidence of sexual dimorphism in fossils from 252-260 million years ago, with male Diictodon having large tusks used as weapons for combat. The study suggests complex social behavior among ancient animals.
The proposed 'Millennium Highway' would disrupt the migrations and destroy calving grounds for Mongolian gazelles. The Eastern Steppe is home to Asia's last great spectacle of migrating hoofed animals, a ecosystem worth preserving.
Scientists discovered that early mammals used epipubic bones to stiffen their bodies during trotting steps, allowing for increased mobility and locomotor efficiency. This finding suggests that the development of these bones contributed significantly to the evolution of mammals.
Researchers discovered a generalized topology characteristic of self-organized complex systems in community organisation of plants and animals. This finding has significant implications for biodiversity conservation.
Researchers found that blue jays exhibit stable cooperation when responding to reciprocity and accumulating benefits over time. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying animal cooperation.
NASA awards consortium of research institutions $30 million to create self-healing materials inspired by nature. The Institute for Biologically Inspired Materials will investigate repair mechanisms used by plants, animals and other organisms.
Research by Dugatkin and colleagues shows that observing fights in swordtail fish affects their likelihood of winning. Psychological factors play a significant role in animal societies, predicting the outcome of interactions between group members. These findings have implications for understanding human social dynamics.
Researchers present findings on Antarctic lake temperature changes, krill distribution under ice, and potential impacts on marine ecosystems. Climate-related changes in krill populations could trigger major ecosystem collapses.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a common immune system pathway shared by humans and worms, which could lead to therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases and other conditions. The study uses the C. elegans nematode worm as a model organism to investigate innate immunity.
A new study reveals that men are on average twice as likely to die prematurely as women at every age, particularly in their twenties. The disparity holds true for various causes of death, including car crashes and heart disease. If male mortality rates matched female rates, over 375,000 lives would be saved annually in the US.
A panel of experts reviewed the feasibility of caloric restriction in humans, considering its effects on physiology, genetics, and psychosocial health. The research aims to establish whether CR can provide benefits similar to those observed in lab animals.
Six scientists are recognized for their groundbreaking work on biodiversity conservation in China, Ecuador, Madagascar, Peru, and the US. The winners' efforts focus on tracking animal evolution, establishing national parks, studying lemur populations, and promoting indigenous cooperation.
A recent genome study by Penn State researchers overturns a popular hypothesis on species relationships between humans, fruit flies, and nematode worms. The classic Coelomata hypothesis was based on the comparison of structural similarities among these species, but the new findings support this long-standing theory.
A Max-Planck doctoral student has discovered a new insect order, Mantophasmatodea, which is composed of insects that appear to be a mixture between a stick insect and a praying mantis. The discovery was made in Namibia and consists of several animals that could not be allocated to any known insect order.