Articles tagged with Dogs
A new study found that in India's human-dominated landscapes, leopards primarily feed on domestic dogs (39%) and domestic cats (15%), rather than livestock. This is due to the relative accessibility of dogs, which are often allowed to roam freely.
A new study from the University of Bristol and partners found that movies featuring dogs can increase breed popularity by up to 10 years, with the strongest influence in the early twentieth century. The research analyzed data from the American Kennel Club and found a correlation between movie viewership and breed registration trends.
A global snapshot of infectious canine cancer shows that strong dog control policies and sterilization programs can help curb its spread. Researchers found that countries with strict dog quarantine policies had lower rates of the disease, which is spread by living cancer cells between dogs during sex.
Researchers found that wolves experience yawn contagion, with stronger social bonds increasing frequency, and females reacting faster than males to close associates' yawns. The results suggest a common ancestral trait of contagious yawning among mammals, revealing an emotional connection between individuals.
Researchers used GPS technology to study sheepdog behavior, finding that they employ two basic rules: collecting dispersed sheep and driving aggregated ones forward. This model can be applied to various fields like livestock management, environmental cleanup, and robotics.
A University of Liverpool study recommends investing in dog owner education and facilities to reduce physical inactivity and obesity. Dog owners who walk their dogs regularly are more likely to be physically active, but lack of knowledge and access to suitable areas can hinder this.
A modified version of Clostridium novyi bacterium has been shown to produce a strong anti-tumor response in rats, dogs and now humans. The treatment involves direct injection of spores into tumors, targeting oxygen-starved cells while sparing healthy tissue.
Researchers have identified two significant risk factors for painful neurological diseases in toy breeds, including brachycephaly and skull doming. This study aims to provide guidance for breeders and veterinarians to select against these conditions and promote the welfare of affected breeds.
Researchers tested dogs' reactions to owners' affection for realistic and non-realistic objects, finding stronger jealous behaviors towards the dog-like object. This study suggests jealousy may have a primordial form in animals, including humans.
A new study from UC San Diego suggests dogs may have a more basic form of jealousy that evolved to protect social bonds from interlopers. Dogs exhibited aggressive behaviors like snapping and pushing when owner showed affection to a stuffed dog, indicating they were motivated to break up the connection.
A recent study suggests that dog bites pose an unknown public health risk, while ignoring the health benefits of dog ownership. Research is needed to improve care and estimate dog bite incidence to develop effective risk management strategies.
Researchers developed olive oil 'bulking agents' to replace pork fat in hot dogs, maintaining texture and reducing calories. The substitutes contain 55% olive oil, which contains more healthful unsaturated fats, making them suitable for summer BBQs.
A new anti-EGFR antibody has been successfully tested on canine cancer cells, offering a promising approach to diagnosis and treatment. The antibody, developed from its human counterpart, demonstrates high specificity and is expected to improve cancer treatment outcomes for dogs.
Researchers have found that pulsed electromagnetic field therapy significantly reduces the size of the prostate gland in dogs with BPH, a condition affecting millions of men over 50. The treatment is non-invasive, drug-free and painless, offering an alternative to surgery.
Research found that equine influenza viruses from the early 2000s can easily infect dog respiratory tracts, while those from the 1960s replicate poorly. The study suggests that canine and human influenza viruses can mix, generating new viruses that could pose a pandemic risk.
Researchers created a fully automated computer program called LEVAN that learns all possible variations of a concept by searching millions of books and images on the Web. The program displays results as a comprehensive, browsable list of images, helping users explore and understand topics quickly.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a unique group of proteins that indicate transitional cell carcinoma, the most common cause of bladder cancer in both dogs and humans. The assay has shown high accuracy and could lead to earlier diagnosis, improved treatment options, and potentially even an over-the-counter test.
Researchers propose that domestic dogs assisted early humans in killing mammoths, explaining the sudden appearance of massive mammoth kill sites. The hypothesis suggests that dogs' hunting skills and ability to guard carcasses increased human success rates.
Scientists detect Dirofilaria repens in mosquitoes in Austria, a parasite that attacks subcutaneous tissue of dogs and causes skin lumps. The parasite is also present in other European countries, and its spread into Austria is expected.
A new UCSB study shows that the protein E-cadherin promotes collective cell migration by guiding cells to move and migrate. The researchers used innovative experimental tools to measure forces on E-cadherin molecules, revealing a non-perturbing approach to understanding tissue morphology.
Researchers found that dog-treated beaches had significantly lower E. coli counts than control beaches due to reduced gull presence. Border collies effectively excluded gulls from beaches, improving beach water quality.
Researchers at UGA found that children who interacted with a virtual pet completed an average of 1.09 hours more physical activity per day compared to those without the pet. The study used a mixed reality environment and a virtual dog, allowing kids to set goals and engage in physical activity.
Michigan State University researchers identified a gene mutation in Doberman pinschers that causes albinism, similar to humans. The study found over half of albino dogs developed tumors, while only one regular-colored dog did.
Researchers investigated four trained therapy dogs and found no stress during group therapy. The study established that freedom relaxes the dogs, reducing cortisol levels, and symptoms of stressed dogs include hair loss and anxiety-like behaviors. Regular supervision is recommended for therapy dogs to ensure their well-being.
Ring-tailed lemurs can match scents with sounds from the same female, indicating a stronger response when both cues are present. This ability may aid lemurs in detecting nearby individuals, as scents can linger after the animal has left the area.
Research found that dog ownership provides numerous benefits to families of children with autism, including reduced stress levels, improved social skills development, and increased responsibilities. Parents should consider their child's sensitivities when choosing a pet to ensure a suitable match.
A study published in the Journal of Heredity has found recent wolf-dog hybridization in the Caucasus region. The research team analyzed DNA samples from wolf and dog fur, scat, and blood, and discovered that about ten percent of dogs and wolves sampled had hybrid ancestry.
UC Davis researchers have identified a genetic mutation responsible for cleft palate in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, providing a new model for studying the craniofacial defect. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of cleft palate in humans and its associated complications.
A survey of Scottish working dogs found that undocked breeds are at greatest risk of tail injuries. The authors suggest that docking these breeds by one-third could significantly decrease the risk of injury.
Researchers found that dogs' attentiveness peaks in mid-adulthood and decreases with age, with adolescent dogs exhibiting the steepest learning curve. This study provides insights into canine cognitive development and its potential applications in understanding human psychological diseases such as ADHD and Alzheimer's.
A study published in Springer's journal Animal Cognition found that hungry dogs often choose the lesser option when given two choices, suggesting a 'less is more' effect. The researchers believe this may be due to mental shortcuts that prioritize average quality over quantity.
A recent study using brain imaging found that dogs have a stronger response to the scents of familiar humans than other humans or even familiar dogs. The research suggests that dogs' brains have mental representations of their human companions that persist even when they're not present.
A proof-of-concept study led by TGen used genomic analysis of canine tumors to identify potential new therapies for human cancers. The study successfully analyzed dog tumor samples in under 5 days, fitting within a clinical window for human medical advancements.
Scientists are working on a device that can diagnose and monitor diabetes using volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in human breath. The technology was inspired by the need to suppress body odor for deer hunters, who have a keen sense of smell, five times more acute than humans.
A University of Iowa-led study found that adding healthy foods to concession stands can increase sales and profits while maintaining customer satisfaction. The study, which involved a school booster club in Muscatine, Iowa, showed that introducing healthier options led to stable sales and revenue increases.
Researchers have identified a fovea-like region in dogs' retina with high cone density, similar to that of humans, and found it susceptible to genetic blinding diseases. This discovery has promising implications for translational research into human foveal and macular degenerative diseases.
A new study investigates whether a hangover can delay or hasten subsequent drinking, finding minimal effect on the timing of drinks. Researchers suggest alternative hypotheses linking hangovers and alcoholism, such as increased risk factors for losing control over drinking.
A recent IUPUI study found that dogs react best to actual explosives and not mimic compounds, challenging the use of products designed to replicate C-4's odor. The research team recommends training dogs with real explosives instead.
A recent study has revealed that human and dog brains share dedicated 'voice areas', suggesting a long evolutionary history of this neural mechanism. The research used fMRI scans to compare brain activity between humans and dogs in response to voice and emotional sounds.
A new study from the University of Surrey has identified specific effects of Chiari malformation on toy dog breeds' skulls and brains. The condition causes changes in brain shape and can lead to severe symptoms like paralysis and headaches.
A study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution found that Tibetan Mastiffs have undergone genetic adaptations to survive at high altitudes. The research identified 16 genes involved in energy production critical for high-altitude survival, suggesting convergent evolution between dogs and humans.
A study found a link between a mutation in the RAB24 gene and canine hereditary ataxia, a neurodegenerative disease affecting dogs. The findings may help understand neurodegenerative diseases and identify new treatments for both canine and human sufferers.
Researchers found that wolves can open a box using a method they observed a dog demonstrate, while dogs relied on random selection. The study suggests that wolves' superior problem-solving ability may stem from their reliance on cooperation with conspecifics.
The genome of the world's oldest continuously surviving cancer, a transmissible genital cancer in dogs, has been sequenced. The cancer carries about two million mutations and is believed to have arisen 11,000 years ago. Analysis reveals that the cancer still harbors genetic variants from its ancient host.
Researchers will analyze genomes of three breeds to identify genes responsible for OCD-like behaviors. The study aims to provide insights for earlier diagnoses and innovative therapeutics, potentially benefiting children with autism.
Researchers tracked six dogs and their owner on group walks to measure social behavior and determine personalities. Dogs that consistently took the lead were more responsive to training, older, and more aggressive than those that followed.
Researchers tracked six dogs and their owner during group walks to determine social rankings and personality traits. Consistently leading the pack was linked to trainability, controllability, aggression, and dominance.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that improves muscle strength, corrects muscle structure, and prolongs life in animal models of X-linked myotubular myopathy. This devastating disease affects approximately 1 in 50,000 male births, causing severe respiratory difficulties and requiring intensive support.
The study sheds light on the genetic overlap between modern dogs and wolves, suggesting interbreeding after dog domestication. Dogs are more closely related to each other than wolves, regardless of geographic origin, indicating a shared ancestry that diverged in recent past.
A new study by University of Warwick scientists recommends targeting 'superspreader' dogs responsible for the majority of leishmaniasis transmission to humans. By testing parasite loads in infected dogs, this approach could be more cost-effective and result in fewer unnecessary dog killings.
A recent study estimated human-directed aggression in UK dogs, revealing that nearly 7% exhibit aggressive behaviour when meeting people. The majority of these incidents occur in one specific situation, contradicting the common 'safe' or 'vicious' dog stereotype.
A recent study found that guide dogs experience the most tension on their chest when wearing a harness, with pressure equivalent to up to 10% of their weight. Flexible harnesses are recommended to minimize stress and promote healthy exercise for guide dogs.
A study led by University of Manchester researcher Charlotte Brassey found that the leg bones of the tallest moa birds were similar to those of modern flightless birds that can run fast. The researchers used Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to estimate the weight and robustness of the moa, finding that different species had unique solutio...
In a study, researchers found that dogs can perceive faces in images and differentiate between familiar and strange faces. Dogs preferred viewing conspecific faces over human faces, gazing more at the eye area of familiar faces.
A recent study suggests that exposure to dust from homes with dogs can alter the immune response to allergens, reducing allergic inflammation. The researchers found that mice fed dog-associated dust were protected against airway inflammation triggered by cockroach allergen and respiratory syncytial virus.
Researchers found that exposure to dog dust reduces asthma risk in children and protects against respiratory infections by targeting a specific bacterial species. The study suggests that manipulating the gut microbiome with Lactobacillus johnsonii may prevent or treat asthma and allergies.
Researchers at Emory University have confirmed their methods and results by replicating a previous study involving 13 dogs. The experiment showed that most dogs exhibited a positive response in the caudate region when given a hand signal indicating a treat, suggesting similarities with human brain function.
A recent study found that wolves and dogs can learn where to find food by observing a human or dog demonstrator. This suggests that the ability to learn from others was already present in wolf ancestors, which prehistoric humans could then build on. The researchers' findings provide new insights into the domestication of dogs.
Research shows that livestock guarding dogs can protect farm animals from predators, resulting in a 91% reduction in livestock losses. This leads to increased tolerance of predators among farmers, allowing for greater coexistence with threatened species like cheetahs.
Scientists trained desert locusts using Pavlov's dog method, finding that they can re-associate toxic odors with food rewards when in a swarm. Locusts retain memories of previously acquired associations but cannot form new aversive memories.