Articles tagged with Animal Science
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have found that opioid delta-receptor agonists can alleviate stress-induced IBS symptoms in a validated mouse model by targeting the central nervous system. The study suggests that these drugs could provide a more definitive solution for IBS with minimal adverse effects.
A study found that working sled dogs take a day to adjust to the change in routine caused by Daylight Savings Time, whereas pet dogs and their owners show no significant changes. Older pet dogs are less active on the first morning after the time shift.
A team of scientists discovered polar bear sebum's anti-icing properties, making it harder for ice to stick. The study sheds light on polar bear ecology and may lead to sustainable anti-ice surface coatings.
Tobias Ackels' research reveals that mammals can differentiate between odor sources at lightning speed, using a temporal dimension to orient themselves in space. This ability is encoded in the output of the olfactory bulb and could be used for early detection of dementia.
Aging cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have lower levels of key kidney transporter genes, leading to impaired waste removal. Monitoring these transporters and toxin buildup may help detect CKD early and improve treatment options.
A study found that ocean acidification can shift the sex ratio of oysters towards females, a mechanism known as environmental sex determination. This phenomenon was observed across multiple generations in both hatcheries and natural habitats, highlighting the potential impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Researchers identified distinct metabolic profiles in skeletal muscle of Taoyuan Black pig compared to Duroc pig, with correlations to intramuscular fat content and lipid metabolism. The study provides insights into the muscle-adipose axis and potential targets for nutritional regulation.
Desert lizards are facing a 'cost-of-living' squeeze due to climate warming, requiring more food while having less time to find it. Researchers developed a model combining physics and biology to predict energy pressures on these animals.
Researchers have developed a novel bioprocess that transforms carbon dioxide and electricity into single-cell protein, surpassing traditional sources like fish and soybean meal. The process produces a nutrient-rich food source with essential amino acids, offering a promising solution to global food security and climate challenges.
A new study reveals that delta opioid receptor agonist KNT-127 has a rapid and effective antidepressant effect with minimal side effects. The research highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying its action, including mTOR signaling pathways and Akt activation in the medial prefrontal cortex.
Parrots display automatic imitation of intransitive (goal-less) actions, a phenomenon previously documented only in humans. The study also suggests the presence of a mirror-neuron system in parrots, akin to that found in humans.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University experts found that male medaka can mate up to 19 times a day, releasing more than 50% of their daily sperm output in the first three matings. The fertilization rate decreases significantly after this point, with some cases showing no fertilization.
Researchers found significant functional variations between rodent and human PD-1 due to evolutionary divergence. The study reveals a unique motif present in most mammals but missing in rodents, leading to uniquely weaker rodent PD-1.
A new moray eel species has been discovered in Central Indo-Pacific river mouths, characterized by its deep black coloration and ability to thrive in dim environments. The Hades' snake moray was found in southern Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Fiji, and is considered an important addition to the study of freshwater moray eels.
Researchers at OIST have developed a customizable method for studying detailed dental characteristics of living fish and vertebrates without harming them. This approach allows for non-destructive examination of tooth replacement and development over time, revealing valuable information on feeding habits and comparative anatomy.
Researchers developed biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles that selectively target cancer cells with two approved drug pairs for skin and breast cancers. The treatment showed significantly enhanced therapeutic effects, reduced tumor size, and prolonged median survival in mice.
Scientists investigated the role of ancient VR type-1 (ancV1R) receptor in pheromone detection using knockout mice. The study found that ancV1R-deficient female mice had impaired pheromone detection and exhibited abnormal sexual behavior.
Researchers observed California ground squirrels hunting, eating and competing over vole prey, revealing a carnivorous summer behavior. This flexible diet suggests they can adapt to changing environments.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University found that dogs can recognize their owners based on pre-recorded speech, demonstrating an ability to discriminate between familiar voices. Dogs performed well in matching the correct owner with their voice, with performance best when hearing their main owner's voice.
The IHT Cooling Pads, developed by Purdue University and IHT Group, have earned recognition from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and Resource magazine as 2025 AE50 award winners. The mats utilize advanced water-based cooling technology to tackle heat stress in sows and boars.
Researchers from UNIGE found that mechanical forces, linked to tissue growth, drive the emergence of diverse biological structures. They demonstrated this using computer modeling and microscopy, revealing how variations in skin growth rates and stiffness generate distinct scale forms among different crocodilian species.
Researchers found that desert ants rely on the polarity of the geomagnetic field to navigate during learning walks, contradicting previous findings in other insects. The team manipulated magnetic fields and observed the ants' behavior, concluding that a compass-like navigation system is useful for short-distance navigation.
Researchers discovered that hummingbird bills are surprisingly flexible and play an essential role in drawing up nectar. The bird's intricate bill movements, combined with its lapping mechanism and Poiseuille flow, make it a rare example of using both fluid collection methods.
Researchers discovered a neural mechanism that governs fish embryo hatching through the neurohormone TRH. This finding reveals that embryos are not passive but actively make life-or-death decisions, offering new insights into neurobiology and environmental adaptation.
Researchers observed 34 male African savannah elephants in Etosha National Park, identifying five types of behavior that were consistently different between individuals. Younger males were more similar in temperament than older males, suggesting that their unique personalities develop as they age.
A University of Michigan study found that warmer temperatures decline the immune performance of wild capuchin monkeys, with younger monkeys most vulnerable. The researchers used a 'clean catch' method to collect urine samples from the monkeys, which revealed a significant decline in immune performance during periods of high temperatures.
Researchers at Uppsala University analyzed fossilized feces of dinosaurs, revealing undigested food remains and plants, which helped recreate the structure of ecosystems during the Late Triassic period. The study suggests that early herbivorous dinosaurs' love for plant shoots was crucial to their evolutionary success.
A recent study aims to develop probiotics derived from healthy cattle to prevent bovine respiratory disease. The research focuses on increasing cattle health by decreasing antimicrobial resistance and improving the natural microbial defenses of cattle.
Researchers discovered a specific protein controlling the colour difference in parrots, allowing them to transform red psittacofulvins into yellow. This 'dial-like' mechanism uses an aldehyde dehydrogenase gene to regulate the intensity of colourful plumage.
A majority of respondents ascribed emotions to most non-human primates, mammals, birds, cephalopods, and fish. The survey also explored the risks of anthropomorphism and anthropodenial in animal behavioral research.
Researchers at MBARI discovered a remarkable new species of sea slug, Bathydevius caudactylus, that swims through the ocean's midnight zone. The creature has unique adaptations for life in this environment, including bioluminescence and a cavernous hood to trap prey.
A new PACT system offers rapid imaging of living organisms, enabling the tracking of whole-body dynamics and disease progression. The system achieves spatial resolution of approximately 212 micrometers and enables the visualization of oxygen saturation across complex biological systems.
A study published in Environmental Communication found that social media can harness public awareness and engagement to support wildlife conservation. The caracal, a small wild cat native to Africa, has gained popularity on Facebook and Instagram, leading to increased support for its conservation.
Scientists discovered that gophers, which were introduced to a devastated area after the 1980 eruption, helped regenerate plant and animal life through their digging. The bacteria and fungi they brought to the surface helped plants establish themselves and survive.
Archaeologists have uncovered a multi-layered archaeological site in the Zeravshan Valley, central Tajikistan, revealing crucial evidence of early human migration and development. The site, known as Soii Havzak, dates back to various periods between 20,000 and 150,000 years ago and offers valuable clues to ancient climate and environment.
A new study calls for the adoption of new research ethics policies to foster learning and discussion of ethical issues. The guidelines aim to shift from compliance-based ethics to promoting ethical norms and practices.
A mathematical model developed by researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University predicts how the environment affects the life choices of salmon, revealing a complex impact on population evolution. The model correctly forecasts changes in migration patterns in response to environmental conditions, shedding light on eco-evolutionary respo...
A Virginia Tech-led team is searching for signs of dark matter in billion-year-old rocks. By analyzing crystal lattice structures, they aim to uncover miniature trails of destruction left by long-ago dark matter interactions.
Researchers from The University of Texas at Arlington are conducting a DNA analysis project to determine the genetic differences between the rare Dixon's whiptail and the common checkered whiptail. If the two species are found to be distinct, Dixon's whiptail may become eligible for endangered species protection.
A new co-culture system uses photosynthetic microorganisms to remove waste products and enhance muscle cell growth, resulting in a 30% reduction of lactate and over 90% reduction of ammonia. This innovation provides a low-cost, sustainable alternative to animal serum for cultured meat production.
Researchers have found that Burmese pythons can swallow deer and other large prey whole, with a gape circumference of over 81 centimeters. This increased capacity could lead to a significant impact on native wildlife populations in Florida and potentially beyond.
A Simon Fraser University study ranks Canadian terrestrial vertebrates by their level of evolutionary distinctness, finding that amphibians and reptiles are the most distinct species. The spiny softshell turtle is the most evolutionarily distinct terrestrial animal in Canada.
Understanding plant-to-plant communication through VOCs can lead to innovative strategies for crop protection and yield improvement, potentially revolutionizing sustainable agriculture. This review explores the molecular pathways behind this complex biochemical strategy and its potential applications.
A KAUST-led global study found that livestock management and climate explain woody species coverage in arid environments. Managing grazing pressure and type of herbivore can allow for more sustainable production in these ecosystems.
A study published in Biology Letters reveals that harbor seals in Alaska's Iliamna Lake are genetically isolated from other seal populations across the Pacific. The researchers found significant differences between the lake seals and marine populations, suggesting they may be a unique endemic form of harbor seal.
An international team of researchers has discovered seven new species of tree frogs in Madagascar, characterized by their high-pitched whistling calls. The unique vocalizations are believed to serve as self-promotional advertisement calls to convey information about the male frog's suitability as a mate.
Wildlife rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority successfully monitored lion populations in the Murchison Falls Nile Delta, estimating a density of 13.91 lions per 100 km². The study highlights the cost-effectiveness and value of rangers' skills in conservation efforts.
New research from Binghamton University reveals that Mexican jumping bean larvae respond differently to various lighting conditions, with red light stimulating the most vigorous jumps. However, damage to their 'bean' hosts hinders their ability to jump away from stressors.
Researchers used accelerometers to observe the movement and behavior of green turtle hatchlings as they emerge from their nests. The findings show that hatchlings maintain a head-up orientation and move vertically through the sand by rocking forwards and backwards.
The study reveals that sea robin legs are sensitive to both mechanical and chemical stimuli, and are covered in papillae similar to human taste buds. The research provides new insights into the evolution of this unique trait, which could offer clues about how humans developed bipedalism.
A University of Illinois study found that climate conditions can mitigate the effects of grazing on water quality, suggesting a more flexible approach to stocking rates and grazing continuity. The research developed a modeling framework to simulate nitrogen transport from livestock grazing under different climate conditions.
Scientists have discovered a new species of predatory flatworm in North Carolina and Florida, which has been detected in residential landscapes across the Southeast. The researchers found that the flatworm has brownish-black color and feeds on soft-bodied organisms like earthworms and slugs.
Researchers used cutting-edge molecular biology tools and GPS tracking data to determine the dietary habits of different animal species in Yellowstone. They found that feeding behaviors depend on body size, with smaller species diversifying their diets in summer and larger animals competing for resources in winter.
Researchers found that teaching dogs to voluntarily dunk their heads in water is the most effective method for rapidly cooling them down after exercise. The study also highlighted the importance of constant access to water and shade for outdoor pets.
Rice University researchers have identified a new parasitoid wasp species, Chrysonotomyia susbelli, found on the university grounds in Houston, Texas. The discovery reveals an intricate ecosystem involving galls and cynipid gall wasps, with potential for many more undiscovered species.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that South African rock art from the 19th century may be inspired by an extinct species of tusked animal called a dicynodont. The artwork, created by the San people, features a long-bodied animal with downward-turned tusks that is comparable to fossilized remains found in the region.
Researchers at Binghamton University discovered that water anoles produce a special bubble over their nostrils to breathe underwater and evade predators. The study found that the bubble serves a functional role in respiration, allowing lizards to stay submerged for longer periods.
The BioRescue team evaluated ethical considerations for biobanking, including animal welfare, sample ownership, and good scientific practice. It introduced a modified ETHAS tool to provide a structured approach for biobank managers, enabling them to make wise decisions on conservation and research.
Scientists have successfully sequenced the genome of the spur-thighed tortoise, a threatened land turtle species, using a reference assembly method. The genome sequencing will enable conservation efforts and provide tools for protecting the species' populations.
Grey reef sharks are deserting coral reefs in response to environmental stress caused by warming oceans. The study found that sharks are choosing to move into offshore waters, exacerbating declines in shark populations already threatened by exploitation.