Articles tagged with Dogs
A study by University of Helsinki researchers identified a gene variant in the regulatory region of the retina responsible for canine blindness in Miniature Schnauzers. The finding provides valuable insights into retinal biology and offers a new model for understanding related diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa.
A study of 46 Finnish Leonbergers found that 15% had severe arrhythmia and 15% had milder cardiac changes, with sudden deaths linked to cardiac arrhythmia. The researchers aim to identify the genetic cause of the disorder to develop early diagnostics, breeding programs, and potential drug therapies.
Research by University of Helsinki finds unwanted behavior in 73% of dogs, with significant breed-specific differences. Traits like noise sensitivity and fearfulness are common, while compulsive behaviour and separation anxiety also occur.
Researchers describe cases of hearing loss in working dogs, highlighting the importance of noise protection. Hearing loss can be treated, and owners can adapt to help their pets thrive despite the condition.
A study of 13,700 Finnish pet dogs found that 72.5% displayed anxiety-like traits or behavioral issues, including aggression and fearfulness. The most common anxiety traits were noise sensitivity and fear.
Distributional semantics provides radically empirical representations of words' meanings by processing thousands of texts. Research by Gemma Boleda highlights its potential to advance knowledge on how language works, including detecting changes in meaning over time.
Researchers develop a new health tracking sensor that can monitor vital signs like heart and breathing rates through fur or up to four layers of clothing. The sensor could help owners track their pets' health and improve the work of sniffer dogs used to detect bombs and missing persons.
A randomized, double-blind trial compared the safety and efficacy of F14512 and etoposide phosphate in dogs with spontaneous non-Hodgkin lymphoma. F14512 demonstrated significant antitumor activity and clinical benefits, particularly in P-glycoprotein overexpressing lymphomas.
A new study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science found evidence consistent with dog domestication during the ice age through dental microwear analysis on 28,500-year-old fossil teeth. The research identified distinct diets for two groups of canids, one dog-like and one wolf-like.
Researchers have identified similarities between canine and human gliomas, including genetic mutations and immune system features. These findings suggest that studying dog brain tumors may provide insights into human glioma treatments, particularly in children.
A recent investigation found at least 37 canine fertility clinics operating in the UK, with many lacking veterinary staff. The clinics often advertise services that require veterinarian expertise, raising concerns about animal welfare.
Researchers measured PFAS in cat and dog feces, detecting 13 compounds with longer-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids being most abundant. Estimated exposure levels for pets and potentially their owners were found to be above minimal risk levels.
Researchers discovered that activating a mosquito's immune system can prevent the transmission of disease-causing parasites like Dirofilaria immitis and Brugia malayi. By boosting the immune response, mosquitoes can block parasite development, potentially stopping diseases like canine heartworm and human lymphatic filariasis.
Trained dogs can identify infected trees within two weeks of inoculation and distinguish the citrus greening pathogen from other pathogens. This method is more efficient than currently USDA-approved methods, such as PCR tests, which detect less than 3% of infections.
A recent study has trained dogs to detect citrus crops infected by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) via smell. The canines achieved detection rates of over 99% accuracy, outperforming conventional methods in simulating disease control scenarios.
Researchers found that smaller, younger, non-neutered dogs, and those living in US counties with high opioid prescription rates are at higher risk of accidental opioid poisoning. The study suggests increased public awareness and knowledge of drug trends could help lessen further harm.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that individuals perceive fonts to have political attributes, with serif fonts viewed as more conservative and sans-serif fonts leaning liberal. The study suggests that font choices can convey ideology through letterforms, with implications for political campaign professionals.
A new study reveals that untrained stray dogs can successfully follow pointing gestures to a specific location, indicating an innate understanding of complex gestures. The results suggest that dogs may have an innate ability to understand certain human cues, transcending training.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered a high prevalence of Bartonella bacteria in hemangiosarcoma tumors and non-tumor tissues from dogs. The study confirms the link between persistent infection and some types of cancer, highlighting Bartonella's ability to remain undetected within tissue.
Researchers observe wolf puppies retrieving balls and responding to social cues from unfamiliar humans in a surprising display of cognitive abilities. This finding suggests that ancestral variation may have contributed to human-directed play behavior in dogs.
A newly discovered genetic element on dog chromosome 15 influences coat color intensity by affecting pigment distribution along the hair. Dogs with higher copy numbers of this region have more intense coat colors.
A survey of 3,080 UK rescue dog owners found that most believed their dogs were imported under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, despite only 1% actually using this method. The study highlights concerns about the risks of exotic diseases and calls for stricter checks on imported rescue dogs.
A recent WSU study discovered a rare genetic mutation in greyhounds that affects their ability to break down certain anesthetics, but also found similar mutations in popular breeds like golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers. The research team is working on a simple cheek swab test to detect the mutation and provide accurate advice ...
Researchers found that dogs and wolves perform equally well in coordinating their actions to obtain rewards, indicating shared basic cooperation abilities. The study suggests that these skills were present in the dog-wolf ancestor and have not been lost during domestication.
A study from Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that being around dogs from an early age may have a health benefit, decreasing the chance of developing schizophrenia as an adult. However, no significant link was found between dogs and bipolar disorder or cats and either psychiatric disorder.
A study found that dogs process basic numerical quantities in the parietotemporal cortex, similar to humans. This suggests a shared neural mechanism for numerosity that may have evolved at least 80 million years ago.
Animal-assisted interventions show promise in improving psychosocial, emotional, and physiological outcomes for patients. However, the scientific evidence base is limited, and more rigorous research is required to harness the human-animal bond safely, effectively, and ethically.
A recent study from the University of Illinois discovered that human-grade dog foods are not only highly palatable but also more digestible than initially estimated. The researchers tested six commercial dog foods made with minimally processed human-edible ingredients, finding high protein quality and low stool volume in dogs.
A £2.5 million project is helping scientists develop a new method to catch female sand flies carrying the Leishmaniasis parasite, reducing infection incidence by 50% in dogs. The lure-and-kill method uses male pheromones to attract females towards insecticide-treated areas.
A £2.5M project is developing a less costly method to trap large amounts of sand flies, reducing the number of infected dogs and subsequent human cases of Leishmaniasis. The synthetic male pheromone lure-and-kill method shows promising results in reducing female sand fly abundance by 49%.
Scientists develop a method to teach synthetic plastic to walk and respond to light, learning new tricks based on past experiences. The thermoplastic, made from liquid crystal polymer networks and dye, can be controlled remotely and has potential biomedical applications.
A simple computational model explains why different four-legged animals adopt similar gaits, revealing that walking at slow speeds and running or trotting at intermediate speeds are globally optimal strategies. The results support the idea that mammals utilize movement strategies that optimize energy use when they move.
A new treatment using whittled sheep and dog bones has been found to be an effective alternative to metal pins for stabilizing fractured wings in pigeons. Pigeons with the bone implants were able to fly as well as before the operation, with no rejection of the implanted bones.
Researchers found that humans' ability to recognize dog emotions is mainly acquired through age and experience, rather than being an evolutionarily selected trait. Participants who grew up in a cultural context with a positive attitude towards dogs were better at recognizing their emotions, regardless of whether they owned a dog themse...
Researchers developed an AI-powered method to identify biomarkers in MRI data that can help diagnose CM-associated pain in dogs. The study found that certain features in the third ventricle and sphenoid bone are associated with pain, while others are linked to syringomyelia.
A study from Texas A&M University found that dogs with chronic enteropathy and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency have similar bacterial outputs, suggesting a common underlying mechanism. This discovery could lead to the development of more targeted treatments for both canine and human GI diseases.
A study from Purdue University found that some breeds of dogs have hidden coat colors and other traits due to genetic variations. The researchers analyzed data from 212 dog breeds and discovered that up to 48 breeds possess the tailless gene variant, often at low frequencies.
A new study has found that spaying dogs reduces their risk of developing mammary tumors, but may increase the risk of more aggressive cancers. Higher serum estrogen levels in spayed animals with mammary tumors were associated with longer times to metastasis and improved survival times.
A new method uses detection dogs and genetic species identification to survey lizard populations without direct contact. The technique was successfully used to identify 78% of 327 samples collected over four years, with most being from blunt-nosed leopard lizards.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that babies can recognize counting as a way to describe quantity, even before they can verbally express the numbers. The study found that when toys were counted aloud, babies showed an understanding of the approximate number and expected more than one toy to be pulled from the box.
A genetic test can now be developed for the mutation discovered in the RAPGEF6 gene in miniature bull terriers. The study identifies an important role for RAPGEF6 in laryngeal nerve function, with carriers of the mutation having a 10- to 17-fold increased risk of laryngeal paralysis.
A novel intervention integrating psychological values-based approach with coordinated care management significantly improved daily functioning for vulnerable patients. The 'values-based' approach identified patients' values and goals to engage them in appropriate care, reducing hospital costs and improving quality of life.
Pulmonary hypertension caused by respiratory disease has been linked to improved health outcomes through identifying underlying conditions. Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that thorough evaluations and tailored therapy approaches can help dogs with pulmonary hypertension, increasing survival rates.
Researchers found antibiotic-resistant bacteria in over 60% of raw pet food samples, including E. coli that can cause infections in humans and animals. The study advises dog and cat owners to handle the food carefully and maintain strict hygiene standards.
A new study finds that dog owners have a lower risk of death from heart attacks and strokes, with significant reductions in mortality rates for those living alone or with a partner. Dog ownership is associated with increased physical activity, decreased depression, and reduced social isolation.
The Morris Animal Foundation is awarding over $1 million for research projects focusing on deadly diseases in dogs and cats, including canine cancer and feline infectious peritonitis. The grants will support scientists at nine universities in developing new treatments and tests to improve animal health.
A study at the University of Guelph found that dog owners frequently make errors when measuring out dry dog food, with significant variations in portion sizes. The researchers recommend using a kitchen scale to ensure precise measurements and prevent under- or over-nourishment.
A Penn Medicine study shows delivering a 'distant cousin' of a key protein prevents muscle damage and maintains muscle function in both small and large animal models. The synthetic substitute, utrophin, proved to be an effective and safe alternative to dystrophin, with significant implications for gene therapy.
An international team has identified the LRIT3 gene mutation responsible for congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) in dogs, a form of blindness also affecting humans. The researchers found that the mutation affects ON bipolar cells involved in dim light vision, but the retina's structure remains relatively unaffected.
Researchers analyzed data from seven Latin American countries to show that a 10% increase in dog vaccinations decreases human deaths by 12.4%. Additionally, increased vaccination rates lead to reduced healthcare demand in response to rabies elimination campaigns.
The study reveals that dogs with inflammatory CNS disease have autoantibodies targeting neuronal cell surface proteins, similar to humans. The findings could lead to better diagnosis and treatment options for canine encephalitis.
A new study from Oregon State University finds that cats form attachments with their human owners similar to the bonds formed by children and dogs. The majority of cats (65.8%) are securely attached to their caregivers, while 34.2% exhibit insecure attachment behaviors.
A recent study found that domestic cats bond with their owners in a way that's surprisingly similar to infants, with about 65% of both cats and kittens classified as securely attached. This suggests that cats' human attachments are stable and present in adulthood.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that overweight dog owners are more likely to have obese dogs, with a correlation between treats used for training and comfort. The study also reveals that castration triples the risk of being heavy or obese in male dogs.
Dogs in Africa are susceptible to severe and often fatal disease if bitten by infected tsetse flies, characterized by symptoms such as corneal cloudiness. Researchers have developed molecular methods to accurately diagnose the disease, revealing a surprising link between canine and human cases.
A new study found that a special diet can alter the gut microbiome in dogs with Crohn's-like disease, mirroring changes seen in children with the condition. The diet-induced changes led to increased production of secondary bile acids, which alleviated disease symptoms.
Researchers used a canine model of Leber congenital amaurosis to study the effects of gene therapy on photoreceptor cells. They found that dogs treated before 63% of their cells were lost had lasting improvements, while those treated later experienced continued degeneration.
New research reveals that human selective breeding has altered dog brain structure and behavior, with breeds exhibiting unique brain networks correlated to specific characteristics.
A human infective nematode has been identified in canine carriers for the first time in remote northern Australia. The study suggests that dogs may represent a potential reservoir of human strongyloidiasis in these communities.
A recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that dog owners had lower cardiovascular disease risk factors and healthier cardiovascular profiles compared to non-pet owners. The study discovered that the benefits of dog ownership on heart health were most pronounced for those who owned a dog, regardless of age, sex, or educ...