Articles tagged with Dogs
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to restore dystrophin protein levels by up to 92% in dogs with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study provides strong indication of a potential lifesaving treatment for the disease, which affects one in 5,000 boys and leads to muscle and heart failure.
A study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that fresh and raw diets for dogs can be more digestible than traditional kibble, leading to lower blood triglyceride levels. The diets also showed major shifts in the microbiota of the dogs' gut, but all diets were considered healthy and palatable.
A recent study found that genetic diversity among shelter dogs exceeds expectations, revealing over 125 distinct breeds. Breed labels assigned by shelters often lead to inaccurate assessments, with accuracy rates as low as 10%. Behavioral assessments may be a more informative alternative.
A new collagen-based treatment has shown promise for reversing Type 1 diabetes in both humans and dogs, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional therapies. The treatment involves injecting a solution containing pancreatic cells mixed with collagen, which can restore insulin independence for at least 90 days.
Researchers found a newly discovered stem cell that controls the size of the olfactory epithelium's surface area, which regulates its development. This discovery could help explain why dogs have such a superior sense of smell due to their complex turbinate structures.
A new blood test can quickly detect early signs of liver disease in dogs, enabling prompt treatment and reducing the need for invasive biopsies. The test is based on insights from human patients and has been successfully tested on 250 dogs.
A recent study surveyed university counseling centers about student requests for letters to allow emotional support animals, finding that most schools struggle with handling such requests. The research also explores the role of courthouse dogs in providing emotional support to witnesses, but raises concerns about their impact on trials.
A new field test has been developed to rapidly screen dogs for exposure to Phlebotomus pernicious sand flies, the primary vector of Leishmania infantum. The immunochromatographic test (ICT) shows high sensitivity and specificity in detecting antibodies against the fly's salivary protein.
A new study found that dogs with strong bonds to their owners will hurry to overcome barriers to offer help and comfort when they detect emotional distress. The research team observed that dogs who were able to push through a door to rescue their owners showed less stress and exhibited more prosocial behavior.
Research shows that dogs that remain calm and exhibit empathy during their owner's distress help out faster. Therapy dogs performed as well as other dogs in opening doors, highlighting the importance of traits like obedience over human-animal bonding.
A randomized controlled trial found that therapy dogs significantly improved attention and social skills in children with ADHD. The study also showed that the presence of therapy dogs enhanced traditional psychosocial intervention and is feasible and safe to implement.
A recent study published in Eurosurveillance confirms that NDM bacteria can be transmitted between dogs and humans, with the owner of two Finnish dogs also carrying the bacterium. The transmission was established through genome analysis, which revealed identical bacterial isolates from dogs and humans.
Researchers found a cancerous tumor that has been present in modern American dogs for thousands of years, tracing it back to ancient dog populations that arrived with early humans. The study suggests catastrophic events may have led to the sudden disappearance of these early canines.
A new study led by University of Pennsylvania researchers has discovered the underlying factors causing ichthyosis, a skin barrier disorder that leads to thick layers of scales. The team developed a topical therapy using a lotion that restored the skin's natural lipid envelope, improving symptoms in affected dogs.
A genetic study uncovers that pre-contact American dogs originated from Siberian ancestors, not native wolves, and were introduced to the region through Beringia. Meanwhile, ancient goat domestication in the Near East involved multiple wild sources and selective breeding for traits like color.
Ancient DNA analysis suggests that dogs followed humans over a land bridge and spread across the Americas. The dogs persisted for thousands of years but nearly disappeared after European colonization, likely due to disease and forced cultural changes.
Research reveals that ancient American dogs disappeared rapidly following the arrival of Europeans, leaving little genetic signature in modern American dogs. A close relative of these dogs lives on as a transmissible cancer, with its genome mirroring that of the original dog.
A recent study has identified 246 candidate genes involved in dog domestication, which influence brain function, development, and behavior. The research suggests that changes in these genes may have contributed to the evolution of dogs from wolves, making them more active during the day rather than at night.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Arizona has found no evidence of domestic dog ancestry in the Mexican wolf population. The analysis of 87 Mexican wolves using genomic technology revealed a low percentage of genetic similarity with domestic dogs, suggesting that the species is genetically pure.
Dogs use different parts of their brains to process negative and positive emotions cued by human facial expressions. They show increased heart rate and stress when exposed to angry or fearful faces, but not surprised ones.
A new study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that veterans with PTSD who use service dogs exhibit higher cortisol awakening response and area under the curve compared to those on the waitlist. This suggests potential physiological benefits from having a service dog, including reduced stress levels and improved sleep quality.
Researchers found that dogs can effectively sniff out infected avocado trees well in advance, providing a potential solution to the devastating impact of laurel wilt disease on the industry. The study's results show that dogs can detect agricultural diseases like laurel wilt with high accuracy, even in harsh weather conditions.
A new Oregon State University study reveals that human encouragement significantly influences how dogs solve problems. Search and rescue dogs outperformed pet dogs when encouraged by their owners, but only solved the task independently after receiving social cues from their owners.
Researchers have identified influenza viruses jumping from pigs into dogs, increasing the risk of a future pandemic. The study found that these viruses can reassort with existing canine influenza viruses, producing new strains.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology found that dogs tend to eat high-fat food, while cats prefer carbohydrates. The research challenged traditional thinking on cat nutrition and highlights age and lean body mass as factors influencing macronutrient choices.
A new genetic cause for canine congenital eye disease has been discovered, revealing an unprecedented mode of inheritance linked to maternal genes. The study found that a deletion mutation in the RBP4 gene leads to vitamin A deficiency and blindness in affected dogs.
Researchers have identified gulls as the major source of E. coli beach closings on Lake Michigan beaches in Indiana. The team found that trained dogs patrolled beaches with a dog deterrence program reduced gull abundance by nearly 100% and beach closures, resulting in improved water quality.
A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania found that dogs born between June and August are at higher risk of heart disease. The research suggests that exposure to fine air particulates during pregnancy may play a role in later development of heart disease.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a gene therapy that restored vision in dogs with progressive retinal atrophy, a condition similar to human retinitis pigmentosa. The treatment has shown a 100% success rate and is now being advanced for human use with a $8.2 million grant.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a device that combines multiple gas sensors to detect entrapped people. The device, the size of a small computer chip, can identify specific chemical compounds emitted by humans and distinguish them from other sources.
New research finds high job strain associated with increased risk of developing depression and anxiety in middle-aged workers. Workplaces can adopt measures to reduce job strain, including increasing worker control, to prevent up to 14% of common mental illness cases.
Researchers used YouTube videos to study dog bites, finding common breeds such as Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, and Pit bulls. The studies found that the demographic characteristics of victims and dogs are consistent with previous research, and certain behaviors like tactile contact and leaning over a dog precede bites.
Researchers found that hunting dogs fed a test diet with added antioxidants and nutrients performed similarly to those on a commercial diet, but showed improved indirect measures of oxidative stress. The study suggests that athletic dogs may benefit from supplementation of vitamin E and taurine to minimize oxidation.
A recent UK study found that French Bulldogs are prone to various health conditions, with ear infections, diarrhea, and conjunctivitis being the most common. The research also suggests that male French Bulldogs may be less healthy than females, highlighting concerns about the breed's welfare due to its extreme physical features.
A recent study funded by Morris Animal Foundation found that tramadol is not an effective treatment for osteoarthritis pain in dogs. The research team compared tramadol to placebo and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, concluding that it was no more effective than a placebo.
A novel immunotherapy treatment combining a molecule expressed by cancer cells with Listeria monocytogenes has shown promising results in clinical trials for dogs with osteosarcoma. The vaccine supplements standard treatment and has been shown to improve survival times, with median survival of 956 days compared to 423 days.
A study found that dogs living in rural environments had distinct skin microbiota and lower allergy prevalence compared to urban dogs. Exposure to rural microbes through urban planning may improve urban health.
Researchers found that dogs have a more similar gene content to humans than previously thought, with changes in diet affecting both species' gut microbiota. The study suggests dogs could be used as models for human nutrition studies, providing insights into the impact of diet on obesity and overall health.
Scientists have developed a portable sensor array that can detect tiny amounts of chemicals emitted by humans, even at levels as low as three parts per billion. The device is light, affordable, and compact, making it ideal for first responders to carry or drones to use in search and rescue operations.
A vaccine combining a cancer molecule with Listeria bacteria aims to improve longevity and quality of life for dogs with osteosarcoma. Researchers will conduct clinical trials to evaluate the vaccine's effectiveness in 80 dogs.
Researchers at Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital found that taller casts distribute pressure evenly over the leg, reducing pressure sores and soft tissue complications. The study suggests that veterinarians should fit dogs with longer casts to minimize secondary injuries and improve healing outcomes.