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Your dog might be hiding its true colors

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.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 5, 2019

Babies understand counting years earlier than believed

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateOct 24, 2019

Identifying a gene for canine night blindness

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 3, 2019

Cats are securely bonded to their people, too

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 23, 2019

Hidden danger from pet dogs in Africa

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateSep 9, 2019

Parasitic worms infect dogs, humans

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.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 26, 2019

Hush, baby -- the dog is whimpering!

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 21, 2019

Your nose knows when it comes to stronger memories

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.

SourceNew York University·JournalLearning & Memory·DateJun 19, 2019

Managing the risk of aggressive dog behavior

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...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJun 17, 2019

The evolution of puppy dog eyes

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.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019

Dogs mirror owner's stress

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.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 6, 2019

Wolf-dog 'swarms' threaten Europe's wolves

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateMay 23, 2019