Articles tagged with Dogs
Dog ownership has been found to encourage older adults to be more physically active, with an average of 22 minutes spent walking per day compared to non-owners. The study, published in BMC Public Health, also showed that dog owners had fewer sedentary events than non-dog owners.
A new study confirms that wolves and dogs refuse to cooperate when they don't receive a reward, showing an innate sensitivity to inequity. The behavior is similar in both species, indicating it's not solely due to domestication.
A new gene therapy has been shown to preserve muscle strength and neurologic function in dogs with myotubular myopathy, a type of muscular dystrophy. The therapy, which involves replacing the mutated MTM1 gene, has provided long-lasting benefits over 4 years.
A University of Zurich study analyzed archived tissues from dog mammary tumors to understand breast carcinoma in both species. The researchers found that tumor cells reprogram healthy cells, promoting tumor growth, a mechanism also observed in human breast carcinoma.
A novel gene defect has been identified as the cause of a severe skin blistering disorder in Central Asian Shepherd dogs. The defect, found in the COL7A1 gene, leads to the absence of collagen, causing fragile skin and blisters.
Second-grade students who read aloud to dogs showed improved attitudes about reading, with significant increases in academic reading attitudes. Reading skills remained stable in both groups.
A recent dog DNA study has uncovered a genetic mutation linked to flatter faces in breeds like pugs and bulldogs. Researchers used CT scans to measure skulls and compared the results with genetic data, identifying variations associated with brachycephaly.
According to Rutgers University researcher John McGann, humans can detect and discriminate an extraordinary range of odors, rivaling that of rodents and dogs. The human olfactory bulb is similar in size and number of neurons to other mammals, challenging the long-held misconception about human sense of smell.
A recent review by John McGann suggests that humans' ability to detect certain scents is superior to other animals, such as dogs. The study highlights the importance of smell in human communication and mate choice, challenging the long-held notion that humans have an inferior sense of smell.
Researchers from Oregon State University found that a family dog can improve physical activity, motor skills, and quality of life for children with disabilities. The study involved an eight-week intervention program where the child and dog participated in supervised physical activities and home exercises.
MU researchers have found a biomarker test that helps diagnose ALS also assists with determining a diagnosis for degenerative myelopathy. The study used phosphorylated neurofilament heavy proteins released into spinal fluid and blood to develop the diagnostic tool.
The study maps the evolution of dog breeds using gene sequences from 161 modern breeds, uncovering evidence of ancient canine migration across the Bering land bridge. The research also sheds light on the origins of various breeds, including herding dogs and hairless breeds.
A large, wispy shell of gas, Sh2-308, is blown out by intense radiation from the extreme Wolf-Rayet star EZ Canis Majoris. The star's ongoing activity pushes the bubble to grow bigger and farther apart.
Cognitive biologists found dogs can correctly interpret cues by humans and find hidden food even if they cannot see it. Dogs adopt human perspectives by following gazes and understanding who knows what, enabling them to identify informants and successfully complete tasks.
A University of Alberta study found that babies from pet households had higher levels of microbes linked to lower allergy and obesity risks. Exposure to pets in the womb or after birth increased abundance of bacteria Ruminococcus and Oscillospira, which have been linked to reduced childhood allergies and obesity.
A new gene therapy approach has restored muscle strength and prolonged life in dogs affected by myotubular myopathy, a rare X-linked genetic disorder. The treatment, administered via a single intravenous injection, was developed by Genethon and demonstrated efficacy in a large animal model.
Researchers from Vetmeduni Vienna found that the raccoon dog is a greater risk than the raccoon as a vector for local parasites. The study revealed the presence of fox tapeworm and other parasites in raccoon dogs, which also infest local foxes.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified a novel gene associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in Dalmatian dogs. The gene study found that the disorder results from a defect in an anillin protein which binds to actin, leading to abnormal regeneration capacity of the bronchiolar epithelium.
A study by Emory University used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to analyze the brain activity of canine candidates. The results found that brain scans could predict which dogs would fail a rigorous service training program with a significant improvement in accuracy, helping organizations identify unsuitable dogs earlier. ...
Studies suggest that dogs and humans share a common type of social intelligence, which could help scientists better understand human evolution. Researchers found that dogs who excel in one social skill tend to perform well in related skills, similar to children, but not chimpanzees.
Researchers used trained detection dogs to locate cheetah scat and signs in Western Zambia, detecting the species throughout a survey area. The study estimates a cheetah density of 5.9-6.6 individuals per 1000 square kilometers.
A collaborative study has discovered a genetic cause for myoclonic epilepsy syndrome in dogs, the DIRAS1 gene. This finding has significant implications for both veterinary diagnostics and breeding programs, as well as human epilepsy research.
Researchers develop gene therapy to treat myotubular myopathy, a rare inherited disease causing fatal muscle wasting. A single infusion restores normal health in affected dogs, demonstrating potential for treating skeletal muscle disorders.
A fossilized skull of Euchambersia revealed the first evidence of an ancient venomous vertebrate. The reptile's unique anatomy allowed its venom to flow directly into its mouth and prey through specialized teeth. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of venom in mammals.
Researchers develop plant-based therapy to prevent antibodies from forming against clotting factor VIII, a common cause of hemophilia reactions. The treatment showed promising results in dog trials, with significantly lower antibody levels and no negative side effects.
A breakthrough trial at the University of Minnesota found that a new UMN-developed drug, eBAT, significantly improved the six-month survival rate for dogs with hemangiosarcoma (HSA) to approximately 70%. The study's results suggest potential for translation into human clinical trials.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that empathetic individuals assess dog facial expressions more quickly and intensely than non-empathetic ones. People with higher emotional empathy also recognize happier human faces more intensely.
Scat detection dogs helped biology PhD student Alex Filazzola discover the importance of shrubs in preserving lizard populations in the face of climate change. Shrubs proved instrumental in providing critical micro-environments, such as shady places to regulate body temperature and refuge from predators.
A new study confirms dogs exhibit prosocial behavior, preferring to deliver treats to familiar partners. The complexity of the task influenced the frequency of food delivery, but social proximity played a significant role.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have created two new live-attenuated vaccines against canine influenza viruses, which can be transmitted to humans. These vaccines provide better immune protection and longer periods of protection than existing inactivated vaccines.
Researchers developed novel brain-mapping techniques to identify subtle changes in skull and brain shapes, giving a greater insight into conditions. The study focused on Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed and identified characteristics that cause painful Chiari malformation and Syringomyelia disorder.
A new study finds that a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet in dogs significantly influences the balance of microbes in their gut. The research suggests that obesity and overweight dogs may be more susceptible to dietary interventions.
A new study found that vaccinating 200,000 stray dogs annually can reduce rabies incidence by 90% in Tamil Nadu, India, while costing approximately $1.27 million per year.
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope observes the small stellar galaxy NGC 4707, a loose spiral with undefined shape and central bulge, located 22 million light-years from Earth.
Researchers found that short-term feeding of canned dog food resulted in a significant increase in BPA concentrations in dogs. The study also identified gut microbiome and metabolic changes associated with exposure to BPA from canned foods, which could have implications for human health.
A team of researchers developed an artificial dog nose that mimics the 'active sniffing' of dogs, improving vapor detection by up to 16-fold. The technology uses fluid dynamics and entrainment to increase aerodynamic reach and sample vapors at increasingly large distances.
Researchers found that dogs can recall a person's complex actions, even when they don't expect to be tested. The study used the 'Do as I Do' training method to demonstrate this ability.
A neural circuit in the amygdala processes pain-related signals to set emotional memory strength and expectation levels. Disrupting this circuit can lead to hyper-emotional memories, such as those experienced by individuals with PTSD. The study suggests that similar circuits may perturb expectations in anxious people.
Researchers used CT scans to investigate the origin of pre-mammalian therapsids' distinctive canines, finding they were not used for fighting but for display behavior. The study suggests sexual selection played a crucial role in the evolution of mammals, dating back 300 million years.
Researchers found that costly ecological impact assessments failed to protect bats from fatal collisions with spinning blades. The study highlights the challenge of establishing with certainty the effect of major developments before they occur.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified another bacterium that can cause symptoms similar to salmon poisoning in dogs, complicating the problem. The new discovery makes it clear that dogs are not immune to salmon poisoning after a single infection and treatment.
Research on dogs' cognition reveals their ability to comprehend human communicative cues and recognize individual faces, but also limited spatial memory and numerical discrimination. The field is still in its infancy, with more studies needed to examine individual variability and complex behaviors.
A WSU-led research team found that a commonly used rabies vaccine produces the same protective antibodies in dogs after being stored for six months at warmer temperatures. This could lead to improved vaccination coverage in hard-to-reach areas of Africa and Asia, reducing the likelihood of rabies returning to communities.
Researchers at Mizzou have identified a defect in the lower esophageal sphincter as a potential cause of megaesophagus, a devastating disease in dogs. A new treatment approach uses video fluoroscopic swallow studies and therapies like Botox to improve symptoms and quality of life for affected dogs.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that shelter dogs spending more time resting during the day displayed better behavioral signs of well-being and performed better on a food reward test. The researchers suggest setting aside quiet time for dogs to rest may be beneficial for their welfare.
Two species of fossil carnivores, Gustafsonia and Angelacrtocyon, were reclassified as early members of the beardog family. These tiny creatures lived 38-37 million years ago in Texas and had features that suggest they may have eaten plants in addition to meat
The Fonni's Dog genome study sheds light on the history of Sardinia's fiercely protective canine breed, tracing its development through unregulated selection for behavior. The research also highlights the potential of isolated dog breeds as a powerful resource for finding genes that influence health and behavior.
A new guide provides evidence-based advice for controlling the rapid spread of dog diseases in group settings. The guidelines recommend measures such as frequent hand washing, disinfection, vaccination, and careful crowd management to prevent disease transmission.
Researchers found significant links between hyperactivity, lower blood phospholipid levels, and a negative correlation with tryptophan metabolites in hyperactive dogs. This study suggests that intestinal health impacts canine behavior and provides new clues for studying behavioral disorders.
Researchers analyzed fecal samples from dogs with and without IBD, discovering a pattern of microbes indicative of the disease. The team used 16S rRNA sequencing to predict IBD diagnosis in dogs with high accuracy.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that bandicoots in Tasmania avoid domestic dogs due to thousands of years of dingo coexistence, but not cats. Tasmanian bandicoots have been exposed to dogs for 200 years, while dingoes arrived in mainland Australia 4000 years ago.
In a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, scientists found that wolves are consistently more prone to take risks when gambling for food than dogs. The researchers trained 7 wolves and 7 dogs to choose between a safe option and a risky option with uncertain rewards, and the results showed that wolves chose the risky option in 80%...
A study found that dogs use left and right hemispheres to process words and intonation, integrating information to arrive at a unified meaning. Dogs also activate their reward center when they hear praise in praising intonation, suggesting they can combine word and tone for correct interpretation.
Researchers at Penn University have found remarkable similarities between human Leber congenital amaurosis and canine blinding disease Senior Løken Syndrome. The diseases share the same causative gene, NPHP5, and display similar pathology. The study's findings offer promising results for developing therapies to treat these conditions.
A new study reveals dogs can distinguish both vocabulary words and the intonation of human speech through brain regions used by humans. The research found that dogs process vocabulary in the left hemisphere and intonation in the right hemisphere, mirroring human brain function.
A comprehensive study on canine hereditary disorders found that 1 in 6 dogs carried genetic variants for diseases, and 1 in 6 previously unreported variants were discovered in a specific breed. The research highlights the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to improve dog health and welfare.
A recent study by the University of Liverpool has found that a potentially fatal tick-borne disease called canine babesiosis in the UK appears to be under control. The study analyzed data from 2015 and found a low background level of Babesia infection in the UK, with most cases linked to overseas travel.
A new study published in Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience suggests that many dogs prefer praise from their owners over food. The study, led by Gregory Berns at Emory University, used brain-imaging data and behavioral experiments to investigate canine reward preferences.
The study found that the marsupial lion's elbow joint had a unique rotational capacity, similar to arboreal mammals, but also features not seen in living climbers. The researchers suggest this allowed the animal to use its dew claw to kill prey. The incisors were blunt and functioned better for gripping than piercing flesh.
Researchers create technique to identify pairs of short DNA sequences from beef, buffalo, and pork in hot dogs, providing a more reliable approach than existing methods. The study found that all 'beef' hot dogs contained buffalo meat, highlighting the need for accurate food testing.