Articles tagged with Dogs
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that sniffer dogs could scent malaria in samples of socks worn by infected children, with an accuracy rate of 70% for malaria-infected samples. The trained dogs could distinguish between the scent of malaria parasites and uninfected individuals, providing a non-invasive way to screen for the disease at ports of entry.
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.
A new study by University of Arizona researchers investigates whether cognitive abilities can predict a dog's success as a working dog. The study found that different skills, such as social skills and short-term memory, are crucial for assistance dogs and explosive detection dogs, respectively.
A Cornell University study reveals glyphosate in various dog and cat foods, with amounts considered safe for humans. The herbicide's origin is linked to plant-based ingredients, and its presence even in GMO-free products poses a challenge.
Research by University of Sydney reveals a link between chocolate Labrador coat color and reduced longevity, as well as higher rates of ear infections and joint conditions. The study also found that 8.8% of UK Labradors are overweight or obese.
A recent study published in Canine Genetics and Epidemiology found that Labrador retrievers are prone to several health issues, including obesity and ear infections. The study analyzed data on over 33,000 Labrador retrievers and revealed that chocolate-colored Labradors are more likely to develop skin and ear problems.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have figured out the fundamental mechanisms behind the stability of bendable tubes, including drinking straws. By introducing pre-stress into the material, they found that the structure becomes more stable in a bent configuration, contrary to intuition.
Researchers found that dogs have a rudimentary neural representation of meaning for words they have been taught, differentiating between familiar and unfamiliar words. The study suggests dogs may not always understand the literal meaning of words but can infer their intended context.
Two new clinical trials are underway at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University to study deadly cancers in dogs. These studies focus on osteosarcoma and solid tumors, and may provide valuable information for human cancer treatments.
Research suggests that dogs from specific breeds, such as gun dogs and terriers, may be more at risk of contracting Alabama Rot in woodland and dry heathland areas. The studies found associations between certain breeds and geographical locations with high risks of the disease.
A University of Sydney study found that canine parvovirus (CPV) is more prevalent than thought, resulting in 41% euthanasia rates. The survey identified high-risk areas and suggested socioeconomic factors contribute to poor vaccination rates, leading to costly treatments.
A study found that a simple cleaning procedure using antibacterial shampoo and wipes can prevent therapy dogs from spreading MRSA to children with cancer. The decolonization process reduces MRSA carriage in both patients and dogs, improving patient safety.
A DNA study of over 6,000 dogs found that a specific genetic duplication on chromosome 18 is strongly associated with blue eyes in Siberian Huskies. This discovery sheds light on the genetic underpinnings of eye color in dogs and demonstrates the power of consumer genomic data.
Treating community dogs with systemic insecticides can significantly reduce visceral leishmaniasis transmission in Brazil. A mathematical model estimated that 70% of community dogs need to be treated with an 80% effective insecticide for six months to halve the number of cases.
Researchers at Penn Vet are developing a novel gene-engineered chimeric autoantibody receptor T cell (CAART) immunotherapy to treat pet dogs with naturally occurring autoimmune skin disease. The treatment may also lead to breakthrough therapies for humans with autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at Penn Vet are developing a genetically engineered cell-based therapy approach to treat pemphigus in pet dogs, which may lead to breakthroughs in human autoimmune disease treatment. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this novel gene-engineered chimeric autoantibody receptor T cell (CAART) immunotherapy.
Researchers found cognitive abilities of dogs matched by several species in domestic animals, social hunters, and carnivorans. The study suggests dogs' reputation as intelligent creatures may be overhyped.
New research reveals infants can acquire object categories using just a few labeled examples, sparking the process of categorization. This 'semi-supervised learning' strategy efficiently integrates all subsequent objects into their evolving category representation.
A new study confirms that three viable explanations exist for detection dogs collecting non-target scat, including natural behaviors of non-target species altering the genetic profile of target scat. This finding has important implications for conservation projects using scat-detection dogs to track animal populations.
Researchers identified gene mutations that drive melanoma in dogs, which can inform treatment strategies for both species. The study found mutations in the PTPRJ tumor suppressor gene and cancer-activating mutations in the RAS gene, providing a genetic bridge between canine and human melanoma.