Articles tagged with Dogs
A new study reveals that dogs communicate distress more effectively than cats, and pet ownership is associated with increased emotional sensitivity to negative animal vocalizations. Dog whines are rated as sad as human baby cries, while cat meows sound sadder only to cat owners.
Researchers at Emory University found that the medial axis of an object, or its skeletal geometry, is a crucial visual tool for object recognition. The study suggests that this inner mechanism may play a more important role than previously thought in recognizing objects quickly.
Researchers found a gene mutation in nearly half of dogs with lung cancer that could be treated with the same drug used for human breast cancer. A clinical trial is planned for dogs with naturally occurring lung cancer and the HER2 mutation.
A team of veterinarians, emergency medical services experts, and canine handlers developed protocols for treating law enforcement K-9s. The guidelines cover vital signs, analgesics, and equipment needed to care for canine patients.
Research found that older adults are more likely to condemn accidentally harmful actions, even when no intent was involved. This could impact jury decisions and the legal system's approach to moral judgment.
Researchers have identified a contagious form of cancer in dogs, known as CTVT, which has persisted for thousands of years. The study reveals that cancer cells can evolve and stabilize over time, offering new insights into human cancer development and treatment.
A contagious canine cancer has been found to have originated around 6,000 years ago in Asia and spread globally through maritime activities. The cancer's evolution has revealed unique signatures left by carcinogens, including exposure to UV light, which is also linked to human cancers.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a novel experimental model for dog bladder cancer using 3D organoid culture from urine samples. The model allows for quick determination of chemotherapy and identification of new biomarkers for both human and canine bladder cancer.
Children as young as 3-5 years old use their prior knowledge to process new vocabulary, applying reasoning skills previously thought to develop later in life. The 'blowfish effect' shows that children learn more specific terms by associating them with unusual objects.
A study published by TGen and Tufts University found that osteosarcoma in dogs shares many genomic features with human osteosarcoma, including low mutation rates and altered cellular pathways. This discovery could lead to the development of new therapies for both humans and animals affected by this deadly disease.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that spaying or neutering large-breed dogs can lead to a higher risk of obesity and nontraumatic orthopedic injuries. Dogs spayed or neutered before 6 months of age were at a significantly greater risk of sustaining these injuries.
Researchers at Washington State University discovered that interacting with animals for just 10 minutes can lower cortisol levels, a major stress hormone, in college students. The study involved 249 participants divided into four groups, with the first group showing a significant reduction in cortisol levels after petting cats and dogs.
Research found that even high-level mathematicians can't solve simple subtraction problems when their worldly knowledge interferes. The study suggests that math education should consider this bias to improve performance.
A survey found that most dog and cat owners are not aware of pet blood donation schemes and animal blood banks. Despite this, the majority would be willing to let their pets donate blood, suggesting increased awareness could boost donor numbers.
A recent study published in Mammalian Genome found that inbreeding depression reduces litter sizes in purebred golden retrievers. The researchers analyzed data from 93 female golden retrievers and discovered that a dam's inbreeding coefficient was associated with the number of puppies it birthed.
Dogs can be trained to respond to haptic vibration commands using a modified canine vest containing vibrating motors. The technology has promising results for human-canine communication in search and rescue and service animal applications.
A year-long study found that free-roaming mongrel dogs exhibit high levels of aggression in the middle of their dominance hierarchy, contrary to predictions. The researchers suggest that the complexity of pecking order in this crowded area leads to increased aggression.
Researchers sequenced canine cancer cell lines to identify human-like genetic changes driving canine cancers. The study found 61 genetic variants that match known drivers of human cancer, and showed sensitivity to human medicines.
A study by Indiana University psychologists found that people's stated preferences for dogs don't always align with their chosen breed. The researchers surveyed 1,229 visitors to an animal shelter and discovered that only a few traits, such as age and playfulness, consistently influenced dog selection.
A new study found that perceived effectiveness of positive reinforcement and owner confidence are crucial factors in using such techniques. The researchers suggest that practical support and emotional well-being management are essential for owners to develop confidence in training their dogs.
Researchers found that unpleasant odors improve memory for images paired with the bad smell 24 hours later, as well as for related images. Individuals with larger arousal responses had better memory recall. The study suggests that aversive odors can be used to examine emotional learning and memory processes across development.
Researchers found that dogs have developed a muscle above the eyes to intensively raise their inner eyebrow, making them appear larger and more infant-like. This movement, known as AU101, triggers a caregiving response in humans, potentially leading to enhanced social interaction.
Researchers have trained beagles to identify lung cancer by scent with 97% accuracy, offering a potential solution for earlier detection. The dogs' abilities may lead to the development of an over-the-counter screening product, similar to a pregnancy test.
A study by the University of Bristol found that dog owners' perceptions of effectiveness and confidence in using behaviour modification techniques are crucial in predicting their adoption of positive reinforcement-based solutions. Positive reinforcement-based techniques are humane and effective, while punishment-based methods can exace...
Researchers develop a bio-scoring system to improve prognostication for dogs with mammary tumors, identifying those at higher risk of metastasis. The system uses tumor stage, grade, and histological type to provide a clearer picture of treatment options.
A study using over 76,000 dog data reveals that behavioural traits associated with the domestication syndrome, such as sociability and playfulness, are not correlated in modern breeds. In contrast, ancient breeds like Siberian Huskies show strong correlations between these traits.
A new study from Linköping University found that dogs and their owners share similar stress levels, with high-stress owners having high-stress dogs. The study examined 25 border collies and 33 Shetland sheepdogs and found no correlation between dog personality traits and stress levels.
Research found that wild boars, hunting dogs, and hunters in Brazil are carriers of Rickettsia bacteria, transmitted through ticks. The study highlights the importance of public action planning to prevent neglected vector-borne diseases in overlapping areas.
A recent genetic study published in Genes journal found no detectable common DNA between domestic and wild Australian dogs, contradicting myths that kelpies originated from dingos. The research characterized gene variants of both kelpie types and compared them with those in sequenced Australian dingoes.
Scientists agree on the need to address wolf-dog hybridization but are divided on its management, threatening Europe's wolves. The study highlights the importance of educating people about the impact of free-roaming dogs and removing hybrids from small wild populations.
Researchers have documented the unexpected presence of bush dogs in the Talamanca Mountains of Costa Rica, where they are considered rare and seldom seen even in their native range. The discovery raises questions about the animals' expansion or re-emergence into the region.
Researchers at Ohio State University identified dog breeds, such as pit bulls and mixed breed dogs, that pose the highest risk of biting children with severe injuries. The study found that dogs with wide and short heads weighing between 66 and 100 pounds also have a high risk of biting.
A highly accurate test for canine lymphoma diagnosis has been developed by Ethos Veterinary Health and TGen, with a accuracy rate of over 90% among various sample types. The study's findings suggest the need for methodological consistency and transparency in veterinary diagnostic testing.
A pilot study led by Dr. Stephanie McGrath found that 89% of dogs who received CBD had a reduction in seizure frequency. The research suggests a correlation between CBD concentration and seizure reduction, leading to potential alternative treatments for canine epilepsy.
Salto's new skills allow it to bounce like a pogo stick and jump through obstacle courses like an agility dog. Researchers hope the robot will aid in search-and-rescue missions by navigating rubble to find trapped people.
A comprehensive study in Mexicali, Mexico, found that half of the neighborhoods had diagnosed human cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, with some areas having almost one in 10 infected ticks. The study also gauged residents' knowledge and found that fewer than half used pesticides to prevent bites.
A recent study using Swedish Twin Registry data found that genetic variation explains more than half of the variation in dog ownership, implying a significant role for genetics in determining who owns a dog. The study's findings have major implications for understanding dog-human interaction throughout history and modern times.
Researchers have identified a DNA mutation linked to breathing problems in dogs, including Norwich terriers with proportional noses. The discovery raises the possibility of genetic tests to identify animals at risk and could help breeders avoid producing affected pups.
A new mutation in the ADAMTS3 gene is associated with breathing difficulties in bulldogs and Norwich terriers. Swelling from edema in the airways can cause respiratory disease, independent of face shape. Screening for this mutation could help identify at-risk dogs and inform breeding practices.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have created a lifelike robotic dog that can provide care in addition to companionship for older adults. The new prototype offers features such as fall detection, connectedness to caregivers and loved ones, vital sign monitoring, and helpful reminders.
Researchers found that robopets increase social interaction among residents, family members, and staff, promoting conversation and stimulating memories. The robotic animals also offer comfort and joy to those who interact with them.
Researchers have identified a new strain of canine distemper virus in wild animals in New Hampshire and Vermont, which is highly contagious to domesticated dogs. The virus has been found in eight infected mammals, including gray foxes, raccoons, and skunks, and is significantly distinct from vaccine strains.
In a touchscreen-based task, wolves behaved more prosocially towards their fellow pack members than dogs. Wolves opted to deliver significantly more food to an adjacent enclosure when it held a member of their own pack present.
A study by the University of Saskatchewan found that therapy dog visits can significantly improve the comfort levels and positive feelings of hospital waiting patients. The study showed a noticeable reduction in distress levels and an increase in perceived comfort among patients, regardless of wait time duration.
Studies in linguistics and experimental psychology demonstrate that our minds can assign linguistic structure to non-linguistic content on the fly. Gestures and visual animations help researchers understand how inferences are generated, suggesting that all inferential types result from general, productive processes.
Researchers at Ohio University have discovered a new species of meat-eating mammal larger than any big cat. The 22-million-year-old fossils belong to the extinct hyaenodont group and provide a window into a bygone era.
Researchers at Aalto University studied how listeners immerse themselves in audiobooks using fMRI and word lists. The study found that similar words in a list predicted similarities in brain activity, particularly in language processing and visual cortex areas.
A study has shown that dogs can detect cancer in blood samples with nearly 97 percent accuracy, using their highly evolved sense of smell. The research could lead to new, inexpensive ways to detect cancer without being invasive.
Researchers found that domestic cats can distinguish between their name and other words, even if they don't respond enthusiastically. Cats living in homes were more likely to recognize their owner's voice than those in cat cafés.
Veterinary professionals have sounded the alarm on the first reported UK case of dog-to-dog transmission of leishmaniosis, a potentially fatal infection. The infection was passed from one dog to another through direct contact, highlighting the need for extra vigilance against its spread.
Researchers suggest an oral dog vaccine hidden in food could vaccinate millions of stray dogs daily, reducing the risk of rabies transmission to humans. The combined injectable and oral vaccination approach is estimated to be more efficient and potentially cheaper.
Researchers from Colorado State University found that dogs with omega-3 fatty acid supplements or hypothyroidism are less likely to develop T-zone lymphoma. The study also revealed a link between defective genes and the disease, suggesting potential new avenues for research and prevention.
A recent study found a gene variant in the SGK3 gene causing hairlessness in Scottish Deerhounds. The defect results in puppies born with thin fur that loses all their hair in weeks. This discovery may also provide insights into human non-hormonal baldness, as the SGK3 gene is also associated with early hair loss and baldness.
A recent ASU study found that short-term foster care, also known as sleepovers, can significantly reduce stress in shelter dogs. The study tracked the dogs' stress hormone cortisol levels before, during, and after sleepovers, showing a significant decrease in stress levels.
Two new genes, ENAM and ACP4, have been identified as causative variants in canine enamel development defects. The study reveals that these genes are also associated with human enamel development disorders.
A new study from Uppsala University reveals that Scandinavian wolves originated from the Nordic region or adjacent parts of Northern Europe, rather than from hybridization with dogs. Genetic analysis shows that patrilines in Scandinavian wolves are unique and not found in dogs.
A survey of 3,673 dog and cat owners found that 35% of pet owners who feed their animals conventional diets are interested in switching to a plant-based diet. Many respondents also reported already feeding their pets plant-based diets, with 27% of vegans having made the switch.
A recent study by Vetmeduni Vienna reveals that wolves and dogs cooperate intensively with humans but differ in their approach. Wolves show more initiative, leading the interaction, while dogs follow human behaviour. The study proposes that dogs' submissive tendencies are a result of domestication, which helped minimize conflicts.
Researchers discovered that the removal of large carnivores like leopards and hyenas led to an expansion of antelope species into open plains. Reintroducing these predators reversed this effect, causing antelopes to retreat to wooded areas, while plants flourished in their absence.
Fracture injuries linked to dog walking have more than doubled in patients 65 and older between 2004 and 2017, with hip and upper extremity breaks being the most common. Researchers emphasize the importance of considering risks for falls in lifestyle recommendations to minimize such injuries.