Articles tagged with Dogs
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.
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.
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 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 at Nationwide Children's Hospital identified approximately 12 genes associated with fear and aggression in dogs, distinct from those found in humans. The study has potential implications for veterinary behavioral medicine and human anxiety disorders.
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.
A study of stud dogs over 26 years found a significant decline in sperm quality, with chemicals in dog food and testes contributing to the issue. This may offer insight into human semen quality decline, as dogs share similar environments and exhibit similar responses to therapies.
A recent study suggests that Labrador Retrievers may be more susceptible to limber tail due to their genetic predisposition and exposure to cold climates. The research also found that swimming was not a significant risk factor for the condition, contradicting previous speculation.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have shown that early exposure to the human IDUA protein increased immune tolerance, allowing for widespread expression of the enzyme and resolution of brain lesions. The study informs the planning of first-in-human trials for MPS I treatment.
The English bulldog's extreme physical changes, achieved through human-directed selection, have led to significant loss of genetic diversity, particularly in immune response genes. This reduced diversity makes it challenging to improve the breed's health from within its existing gene pool.
Researchers at University of Illinois successfully tested nanoparticle drug delivery in dogs with naturally occurring bone cancers, which are similar to human bone tumors. The study demonstrated anti-cancer activity and tolerance to high doses without toxicity in the dogs.
Research published in Pediatrics found that children who engage in thumb-sucking or nail-biting habits have a lower risk of developing allergic sensitization. The study, which followed over 1,000 New Zealand children from age 5 to 32, also found no association between these habits and the development of asthma or hay fever.
A new study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science ranks the suitability of mammals as pets, with Agile Wallaby, Sika Deer, Tamar Wallaby, Llama, and Asian Palm Civet making the top five list. The research developed a methodology to assess mammal suitability for domestic ownership, considering behavioral needs and welfare risks.
Labradors with elbow dysplasia showed improved mobility and stride characteristics after hydrotherapy, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic tool. The study also found benefits in healthy control groups, indicating swimming can be beneficial for dogs.
A woman was admitted to intensive care due to a rare infection believed to be transmitted by her Italian greyhound, while a teenage girl had pinworms in her appendix. A 26-year-old student also developed lead poisoning from taking Indian Ayurvedic herbal medicines.
Researchers discovered that isoprene, a common natural chemical found in human breath, increases significantly at hypoglycemia levels. This finding may lead to the development of new tests for detecting hypoglycaemia and reducing its risk of life-threatening complications.
A veterinarian is conducting clinical trials to treat cancers in dogs, cats, and other companion animals. The research has the potential to provide important information for human cancer patients, with canine cancers being genetically similar to those in humans.
Austrian researchers found that nematode species previously limited to Southern Europe have spread to the country, infecting dogs and potentially affecting people. Monitoring of mosquitoes and wild animals is crucial to slow the spread of parasites.
Research published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people who witnessed a crime can identify criminals through their distinctive scent. Human nose-witnesses were able to correctly identify perpetrators in almost 70% of cases, showing promise for forensic applications.
A new paper proposes that dogs were domesticated independently from two distinct wolf populations on opposite sides of the Eurasian continent. Genetic analysis reveals a genetic separation between modern dog populations in East Asia and Europe.
A new study reveals a deep split in the genetic data of ancient European and East Asian dogs, suggesting two independent dog domestication events occurred thousands of years apart. The findings support the idea that dogs were domesticated separately in Europe and Central Asia, with some breeds showing mixed ancestry from both regions.
A crowdsourcing contest analyzing brain data from humans and dogs improved epileptic seizure forecasting. Over half of algorithms performed better than random predictions, accurately predicting more than 70% of seizures.
Researchers at Penn Vet found that a common blood test may also indicate hypercoagulability in animals. A study of hundreds of dogs found that shortened prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were associated with clinical signs of hypercoagulability, including clots and suspected pulmonary thromboembolism.
A study by the University of Helsinki reveals three novel canine genes associated with human rare disorders, including Caffey disease and van den Ende-Gupta syndrome. The discovery highlights the potential of comparative research for developing diagnostics and treatments.
Scientists have identified a modifier gene that affects the risk of developing Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a disease similar to ALS in humans. Genome-wide association analysis revealed a haplotype within the SP110 nuclear body protein gene associated with increased DM risk.
A study on the 'canine transmissible venereal tumour' reveals how this contagious cancer, dating back to 11,000 years ago, has spread across the globe by 'stealing' DNA from its host. The research shows that cancer cells can shuffle or recombine DNA from different mitochondria.
A new study from Duke University reveals that misnaming follows predictable patterns, with people often using relationship categories and phonetic similarities to mix up names. The study found that family members frequently call other family members by the name of the family dog, suggesting a special bond between humans and canines.
A genome-wide association study of 39 dog breeds with gliomas identified three candidate genes associated with the tumor's development. These genes - CAMKK2, P2RX7 and DENR - have also been linked to cancer in humans. Further research into these genes may provide insights for potential treatments of glioma in both species.
A rare form of pulmonary hypertension has been discovered in dogs, with similar symptoms and potentially useful as a model for human PVOD. The study, published in Veterinary Pathology, could lead to new insights into the disease and its treatment options.
A recent study by Uppsala University researchers found that genetic analyses in dogs can identify genes linked to human brain tumors, specifically gliomas. The study identified three genes associated with glioma development in dogs, which are also present in humans and show reduced activity in tumor tissue.
A doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania has identified a new species of fossil dog, Cynarctus wangi, found in Maryland. The specimen, dating back to 12 million years ago, represents a distinct species from the extinct subfamily Borophaginae.
The primary threat to vultures is the presence of toxins in carrion they consume, leading to declines or extinctions of most vulture species worldwide. In their absence, other scavengers proliferate, causing a cascading effect on food webs and human populations.
A study found that Labrador retrievers with a genetic variation in the POMC gene are more likely to be obese and food-motivated. The deletion affects dogs' ability to produce neuropeptides, leading to increased hunger and food begging behavior.
A genetic variant in Labradors has been identified as a key factor in their obesity-prone nature. The POMC gene affects how the brain recognizes hunger and feelings of fullness after meals.
Researchers at NC State University developed a system that uses sensors in custom dog harnesses to monitor the dog's posture and body language. The algorithm triggered rewards when the dog exhibited the desired behavior, resulting in a 96% accurate rate.
Scientists have identified 91 novel microRNAs in the dog genome, which can help understand their role in regulating gene expression and potentially lead to breakthroughs in human diseases. The discovery provides a significant opportunity for future studies on biomedicine, evolution, and animal domestication.
Researchers found that dogs with atopic dermatitis have a sharp decrease in skin bacterial diversity, leading to impaired barrier function and increased Staphylococcus species. Antibiotic therapy restored normal levels, suggesting a correlation between skin barrier dysfunction and bacterial overgrowth.
A study found that older adults who form strong bonds with their dogs tend to exercise longer and more often, leading to improved physical health. Additionally, dog walking offers a means to socialize with pet owners and others, making it an accessible way for seniors to stay active and connected.
A surface mutation in canine parvovirus (CPV) allows it to infect hosts of different species, including wild forest-dwelling animals like raccoons. This critical step increases the virus's ability to spread.
Research suggests that bilingual speakers can avoid language-switching costs by consistently using the same language throughout a conversation or task. In experiments, participants were shown to respond faster when they stuck with a language rather than switching mid-sentence.
Researchers compare odor of human remains with dead animals to identify signature smells. They hope an artificial nose can help rescuers find bodies and aid law enforcement search for homicide victims.
The study found that registration of small and medium breeds increased by 4.2% and 5.3% relative to large breeds over a 28-year period. Brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, are increasingly popular due to their short, wide heads, which may be linked to changes in human lifestyle and living space.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that pit bulls wait three times longer to be adopted from shelters than lookalike breeds without the label. The 'pit bull' breed is often negatively perceived, leading to lower adoptability.
Researchers from the University of Surrey developed a breeding strategy to reduce the risk of Chiari malformation in toy dogs. By cross-breeding Brussels Griffons with Australian Terriers, they created puppies with reduced symptoms of the debilitating condition, which affects 1 in 1280 humans.
Research published in Evolutionary Biology has found that dingoes are resistant to changes in their skull shape resulting from cross-breeding with domestic dogs. The study used CT scans and 3D shape analyses to determine that hybrid skulls are indistinguishable from those of pure dingoes.
Reported dog attacks on guide dogs in the UK rose from an average of three per month in 2010 to eleven attacks per month in 2015. Guide Dogs' stock were injured in 43% of attacks, with veterinary costs estimated at £34,514.30.
Researchers identified genetic pathways exacerbating severe canine compulsive disorder in Doberman pinschers, sharing behavioral hallmarks with human OCD. The discovery could lead to better therapies for obsessive compulsive disorder in people, as serotonin receptor genes and stress tolerance loci were found to be strongly correlated.
A team of scientists tracked radio-tagged coconut rhinoceros beetles on Guam to locate hidden breeding sites. The study found that the beetles often congregated around damaged palm trees, suggesting thousands of new breeding sites may exist in the islands' jungles.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new biological technique for hip joint replacement that uses larger, size-matched grafts with beveled edges to provide longer-lasting repair. The study shows that these larger grafts maintain joint viability and structural integrity throughout the six-month study period.
A new study by the University of Florida found that shelter staff frequently misidentify dog breeds based on appearance, which can lead to negative outcomes for the dogs. The study evaluated DNA profiles and visual identification, finding limited agreement among staff members.
A PLOS ONE study found that inhibitory control affects physical problem-solving in pet dogs. The ability to 'wait-for-treat' was identified as a key factor in their problem-solving performance.
Rescue teams can improve their chances of finding survivors by understanding the scent profile of decomposition. Researchers identified 105 volatile organic compounds in pig carcasses, changing drastically at the 43-hour mark.
A national review suggests studying cancer in dogs can inform new drug therapeutics and accelerate human treatment, saving time and costs. The study highlights the genetic similarities between canine and human cancers, offering new targets for improving treatments.
A study by Lisa Wallis and Friederike Range found that older Border Collies perform slower in tasks requiring learning, logical reasoning, and cognitive flexibility. However, the dogs' long-term memory for touchscreen stimuli remained unaffected by age.
A new review by the University of Liverpool found that approximately one in four reported cattle attacks in the UK were fatal and involved dogs. Dog owners are advised to control their pets to avoid interactions with cattle, suggesting letting them off the lead as a way to prevent attacks.
A new smartphone app has enabled vets to vaccinate 70% of the dog population in Ranchi, India, minimizing the risk of rabies transmission. The app tracks vaccinated and unvaccinated dogs, allowing for targeted vaccination efforts.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to correct a rare bleeding disorder, factor VII deficiency, in dogs. The treatment showed long-term safety and efficacy, with treated dogs expressing therapeutic levels of clotting factor VII.