Articles tagged with Dogs
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
This observational study estimated the number of patients 65 years or older with fractures associated with walking leashed dogs. The findings show a significant increase in injuries, with most occurring in women and hip fractures being the most common.
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.
A new study confirms dingoes are a distinct species in Australia, with specific characteristics that differentiate them from domestic dogs and other wild canids. The finding highlights the importance of preserving dingo populations for their ecological role in managing invasive predators.
Research by University of Nottingham scientists found that environmental contaminants like DEHP and PCB153 can damage sperm quality in both men and domestic dogs. The study suggests that exposure to these chemicals may be contributing to declining human male fertility.
Research found that 31% of raw meat dog food samples exceeded EU regulations' maximum threshold for bacteria per gram. The study highlights the importance of proper storage, handling, and feeding to minimize potential health risks associated with these products.
The ancient people of Zhokhov Island in the High Arctic exchanged objects, including obsidian, through fairs. They practiced reindeer and polar bear hunting, with evidence suggesting a well-developed transport system that connected them to mainland territories.
Dogs' personalities change over time due to various factors, including age and environmental influences. Research found that older dogs are harder to train, while younger ones exhibit more excitable behavior. Owners with positive personality traits report more responsive dogs.
Researchers found that dogs and foxes shared similar diets with their owners, indicating domestication. The study analyzed stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in bone collagen, revealing a varied diet among the foxes, but one species showed signs of being a domestic animal.
A recent study discovered similar genetic mutations in humans, dogs, and horses that could lead to new drug targets for a rare form of melanoma. The research compared cancer genomes across species to pinpoint key genes mutated in mucosal melanoma.
Researchers debunk Burrows hypothesis suggesting researchers led to the demise of the Serengeti wild dogs. Instead, lions were a key reason for their departure from the park. Wild dog populations survived in other parts of the greater Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified a genetic defect in dogs that causes a rare metabolic bone disease similar to human hypophosphatasia. The study provides the first spontaneous animal model of the disease and may lead to the development of new therapies.
Scientists at the University of Missouri developed a patient-specific vaccine to treat osteosarcoma in dogs, avoiding chemotherapy and improving survival rates. The treatment has shown promising results, with dogs receiving immunotherapy experiencing over 400 days of remission compared to 270 days for those receiving chemotherapy.
A new study led by the University of Arizona found that larger-brained dogs outperform smaller dogs in measures of executive functions. The research, which used data from over 7,000 purebred domestic dogs, showed that bigger breeds have better short-term memory and self-control.
The Morris Animal Foundation is funding nine research projects worth nearly $1 million to improve the health of cats and dogs suffering from deadly diseases. The studies will focus on cancer, chronic upper respiratory disease, and osteoarthritis.
Researchers identify overlapping genomic regions underlying canine fearfulness and human mental disorders, including anxiety and psychosis. The study suggests a hereditary link between the two conditions.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that early dogs helped humans hunt smaller prey like hares and foxes, driving them into enclosures. This technique may have led to an increase in hare populations at the site of Shubayqa 6 in northeast Jordan.
Researchers found that trained alert dogs can detect hypoglycaemic episodes in 83% of cases, helping Type 1 patients regulate blood sugars non-invasively. The study provides the first large-scale evaluation of medical detection dogs in detecting hypoglycaemia.
Analysis of prehistoric dog skulls and comparisons with modern animals have uncovered the hunting methods used by the world's first dogs, 40 million years ago. The study found that these early canines pounced on prey in a similar way to modern species like foxes and coyotes.
Scientists have identified a common genetic mutation in bulldogs and French bulldogs that causes their characteristic screw tail and is linked to the rare human disease Robinow syndrome. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying this inherited disorder, which affects only a few hundred people worldwide.
A recent study from the University of Liverpool found that overweight dogs have a significantly shorter lifespan compared to those at ideal body weights. The study examined over 50,000 dogs across 12 breeds and revealed that being overweight can lead to poorer quality of life, joint disease, breathing issues, and certain types of cancer.
A new study has found that a better understanding of dog body language can reduce the risk of dog bites. Children and parents were trained to correctly interpret dog distress signals, leading to significant improvement in accuracy, particularly among younger children.
A team of researchers found that animals switch to more stable gaits during speed-related transitions to minimize unstable dynamic states and reduce the risk of tripping or falling. The study, which examined nine animal models across various species, suggests that gait transitions prioritize stability over energy savings.
A team of biologists has discovered red wolf DNA in a group of canines living on Galveston Island, Texas, raising hopes for the species' survival. The finding, which may represent lost genes from captive breeding, challenges conventional science's dismissal of 'red wolves' as coyotes.
Researchers developed a new treatment for dogs with rare, life-threatening arrhythmia caused by atrioventricular accessory pathways. The minimally invasive technique, radiofrequency catheter ablation, has a 95% success rate and allows dogs to live normal lives without medication.
A study found that interventions in dog populations could significantly reduce rabies transmission in rural China. The research analyzed genomic and epidemiological data from a re-emerging rabies outbreak in Yunnan, China, and estimated transmission rates between dogs and humans.
A team from Arizona State University and Virginia Tech will work with 100 shelters to evaluate three types of fostering: check-outs, brief sleep-overs, and traditional foster experiences. The goal is to explore how to foster dogs most effectively and improve their adoption prospects.
A recent study by Earlham Institute sheds light on the genetic orchestra conductors behind domestication of dogs, cows, horses, pigs, and rabbits. By analyzing microRNAs in their brains, testicles, hearts, and kidneys, researchers discovered that some miRNAs have evolved more recently, playing a crucial role in emerging novel traits.
Researchers found that dogs search for additional information significantly more often when they have not seen where the reward is hidden. However, their searching flexibility was limited compared to primates and humans.
Bridgett vonHoldt and Tom Smith used Mendelian genetics to identify the gene IGF-1 associated with bill size in black-bellied seedcrackers. The study found a 3:1 pattern of inheritance, where large beaks were dominant over small beaks.
Researchers at Duke University have created a prototype of an artificial 'robot nose' device that uses living mouse cells to detect target odors, including cocaine and explosives. The device aims to mimic the human sense of smell and potentially replace trained dogs in security applications.
A Swedish study found no correlation between growing up with hypoallergenic breeds and a lower risk of asthma in children. However, female dogs were associated with a 16% lower asthma risk, while living with two or more dogs reduced the risk by 21%.
Researchers developed a treatment for canine leishmaniasis using the LeishTec vaccine, which is already available in Brazil. The vaccine was tested on over 400 dogs and proved effective in minimizing disease symptoms.
Researchers found significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and increases in self-compassion among veterans who participated in the Dogs2Vets program. The 12-month study showed veterans experienced lower levels of perceived stress, isolation, and self-judgment.
A new drug, vatinoxan, reduces adverse effects of sedatives on canine patients' cardiovascular systems. Researchers successfully trialed the drug on volunteer canines, paving the way for potential marketing authorization within two years.
A new study reports that over 100 working dogs in the US have been infected with Chagas disease, a tropical parasite known to cause heart problems. The dogs were tested for antibodies to the parasite and many showed signs of heart abnormalities associated with the disease.
A new study has successfully trained sniffer dogs to detect malaria infections in socks worn by African children, with an accuracy rate of 70% and a potential to assist in malaria elimination campaigns. The dogs were able to identify the distinctive odor emitted by malaria parasites, which was not present in uninfected individuals.