Articles tagged with Dogs
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study found that canine transmissible venereal tumors regress quickly due to the immune system's response, involving chemokines and host skin cells. The findings may lead to more effective therapeutic strategies for various human cancers.
Scientists have developed a new vaccine technology that induces strong immunity and improved disease symptoms in immunized animals. The platform has achieved proof-of-concepts in veterinary medical use, including treatments for insect-bite hypersensitivity in horses and atopic dermatitis in dogs.
A new smartphone app developed by animal welfare experts will support vital work in clinics caring for stray dogs worldwide. The app enables staff to track the wellbeing of dogs during catch-neuter-return processes, spotting signs of distress and developing strategies to improve care.
Researchers at James Cook University have successfully developed a sperm freezing technique for African wild dogs, allowing for genetic diversity to be introduced without disrupting pack hierarchy. The technique has the potential to assist outbreeding efforts and maximize population management.
Research from the University of Illinois found that wheat middlings and red dog, two co-product feed ingredients for livestock, have different nutrient compositions. Red dog showed higher energy and nutrient digestibility compared to wheat middlings due to its particle size and starch content.
Researchers used fMRI to study how subjects process individual experiences into memories and found the hippocampus plays a role in conceptual memory formation. Consistency and similarity across new experiences contribute to building abstract thinking, enabling people to form coherent concepts.
A new study published in PLOS Genetics has identified a mutation in the muskelin 1 gene that causes lethal acrodermatitis, a deadly skin condition in bull terriers. The discovery enables veterinarians to test for the disease and prevent breeding of affected dogs.
A recent study found that around 60% of Eurasian grey wolf genomes carried small blocks of DNA from domestic dogs, indicating centuries-long hybridization. The phenomenon has been less frequent in North American wild wolf populations.
A new study found that dogs with noise sensitivity and musculoskeletal pain exhibit increased avoidance behaviors and a later age of onset compared to those without pain. The researchers suggest that veterinarians should thoroughly examine dogs with behavior problems associated with noise for potential underlying pain.
Researchers analyzed ancient animal remains from Ceibal, Guatemala, revealing widespread Maya animal management earlier than thought. The findings suggest that captive animals played a significant role in the development of state society among the Maya.
Researchers analyzed animal remains from Ceibal, Guatemala, and found that dogs, turkeys, and cats were raised for ceremonial purposes, with dogs being traded across the landscape. The study sheds light on the role of animals in Maya civilization and challenges previous assumptions about their management.
Research reveals that wild mice living near humans in a Swiss barn underwent changes in behavior and physical appearance, including the development of white fur patches and shorter snouts. The study, led by Anna Lindholm, found that these changes occurred without human selection or breeding, highlighting the process of self-domestication.
Researchers surveyed 246 students before and after therapy dog sessions, finding significant reductions in stress and increased happiness. The benefits were equally distributed across both genders and lasted for at least 10 hours.
Researchers found that pets consuming parabens through their diet have increased exposure to diseases, such as diabetes and kidney disease. The study analyzed commercial pet food and urine samples from dogs and cats, revealing high concentrations of methyl paraben and its metabolite in both food and urine.
Therapy animals are used in mental and physical health treatment, but lack regulation; guidelines aim to prevent misuse and misunderstanding. The new recommendations include standard terminology, clear methodologies, peak bodies, and ongoing research.
Researchers found that adult dogs were more likely to interact with speakers using 'dog-speak' containing dog-related words, suggesting improved social bonding. The study used naturalistic interactions between humans and dogs to test the effectiveness of this communication style.
A study published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology found that dogs create a mental representation of target objects while tracking scent trails. Dogs show hesitation when finding an unexpected toy and later retrieve it equally quickly regardless of initial expectation.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that successfully treats a form of macular degeneration in dogs, which could lead to a human treatment for an untreatable disease. The therapy works by repairing the connection between retinal cells, restoring vision.
The Morris Animal Foundation has awarded nearly $1 million in grants for 11 canine research projects focused on combating deadly diseases like cancer and spinal cord disease. These studies aim to improve the health and well-being of dogs, enabling them to live longer and healthier lives.