Articles tagged with Dogs
Ancient European wolves are genetically linked to modern dogs, contradicting earlier research suggesting a Middle Eastern origin. Dogs derived from wolves that inhabited Europe and are now extinct.
Visceral Leishmaniasis is a severe disease causing spleen, liver, and bone marrow damage if untreated. In Brazil's largest cities, like Belo Horizonte, VL cases are on the rise, with high fatality rates despite available diagnosis and treatment.
Dogs exhibit asymmetric brain organization, with left-brain activation linked to right-tail wagging and right-brain activation tied to left-tail wagging. This difference affects emotional responses in dogs, who display anxious behavior when seeing a dog with a left-tail wag and relaxed responses when seeing a dog with a right-tail wag.
A study by MU researchers discovered that older siblings' cells can be passed from a female dog to her puppies while they are still in the womb. This finding will help further investigate the health effects of microchimerism in dogs and humans.
Researchers have identified a new way to relieve pain in dogs with bone cancer, using a single spinal injection of neurotoxin. The treatment showed promise in reducing pain levels, offering an alternative to more aggressive approaches like amputation and chemotherapy.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have made an encouraging breakthrough in developing a gene therapy to treat macular dystrophy. They successfully delivered a healthy copy of the BEST1 gene to dogs using viral vectors, showing promise for preventing or restoring vision in individuals with these conditions.
Researchers at Newcastle University developed a technology that tracks dog behavior to detect potential health issues in owners. The system uses movement sensors and machine learning algorithms to identify changes in canine behavior that may indicate declining health or boredom.
Canine bloat is a leading cause of death in dogs, with Great Danes being the most prone. Researchers are investigating the relationship between motility and bloat risk, as well as genetic factors, to develop diagnostic tools and potentially prevent the disease. SmartPill, a non-invasive diagnostic tool, will be used to measure acidity ...
Researchers at the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition found that overweight dogs in middle age have a shorter life expectancy, with some breeds facing significant reductions. The study examined data from over 5,000 dogs and found that being overweight can have long-term consequences for a dog's lifespan.
Researchers have developed a new blood test that can detect cancer metastasis in dogs by analyzing cell-free DNA in blood plasma. The test has shown promising results in detecting minimal residual disease and tracking tumor progression, with potential implications for human cancer treatment.
A new mutation in the ITGA10 gene has been identified as a cause of dwarfism in two dog breeds, Norwegian Elkhounds and Karelian Bear Dogs. The study reveals that the mutation affects bone growth and can lead to skeletal abnormalities.
Scientists at NIST have developed novel odor-releasing materials to train bomb-sniffing dogs, reducing the need for hazardous samples and ensuring uniformity in training. The system can precisely control the release rate of scents over extended periods, making it ideal for large-scale training.
A study found that dogs react sociably to robots that behave socially towards them, even if the devices look nothing like a human. The research suggests that designers of social robots should consider how their designs interact with users and animals.
A new PRA gene has been identified in the Phalene and Papillon dog breeds, causing progressive blindness in dogs. The CNGB1 mutation is linked to human retinitis pigmentosa, highlighting the shared genetic etiology of canine and human diseases. Genetic testing can help breeders avoid affected puppies and provide a diagnostic tool.
A study found that CDV infected at least 1% of Amur tigers since 2009, causing fatal neurological disease. The virus is spread through contact with domestic dogs or other wild carnivores, posing a significant threat to the critically endangered species.
A new study found that people exhibit more empathy towards battered puppies and full-grown dogs than adults, but not children. The research, which considered the opinions of 240 college students, revealed that age is a key factor in eliciting empathy.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that dogs yawn contagiously and respond more frequently to their owner's yawns than a stranger's. The researchers suggest that this may be an emotionally connected behavior similar to humans.
Scientists at the University of Lincoln aim to develop generic training approaches for explosive detection dogs, enabling them to recognize specific group odors and learn from experience. The study's goal is to create a proof-of-principle method for teaching dogs to detect explosives more efficiently.
Researchers identified a gene mutation in dogs that is associated with neural tube defects in humans. The study found six cases of the mutation in human patients with spina bifida, suggesting a potential link between the dog gene and human neural tube defects.
A team from Vienna has discovered that measuring cortisol in dog hair may be a simple and painless way to diagnose Cushing's disease. The study found significantly higher levels of cortisol, corticosterone, and cortisone in the hair of dogs with hyperadrenocorticism compared to healthy controls.
A new research project led by Dr. Colin E. Bishop is developing a one-shot, non-surgical method for sterilizing companion animals, with the goal of reducing pet overpopulation in shelters. The treatment involves destroying GnRH cells in the hypothalamus to induce permanent sterility.
Researchers found dogs can reproduce familiar and novel actions after different delays, even when distracted. The ability to imitate human actions suggests the presence of a specific type of long-term memory in dogs.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found microchimerism in dogs, allowing them to track potential health effects over a shorter lifespan. The study suggests that microchimerism may increase risk of thyroid disease and lower risk of breast cancer in women.
According to Newen and Barlassina's integrative embodiment theory of emotions, feelings of bodily processes are combined with cognitive contents to form a separate mental state. This model addresses the limitations of earlier theories, such as James-Lange and cognitive theories, which neglect the role of bodily states in emotion.
A study has found that human and canine B-cell lymphoma expression profiles are similar, providing a new model for understanding the disease. This discovery may facilitate faster development of new therapies for both humans and dogs with lymphoma.
Dogs demonstrate a 'secure base effect' when interacting with their owners, showing increased motivation for rewards when owner is present. This study reveals the importance of ownership for dog behavior and confidence.
A new survey tool is being developed to help pet owners monitor their dogs' quality of life during chemotherapy for cancer. The tool, based on a pilot study with 29 dog owners and veterinarians, found that certain behavioral changes can indicate the animal's quality of life, providing a common ground for treatment decisions.
Researchers have discovered similar brain structural abnormalities in dogs with canine compulsive disorder (CCD) as those found in humans with OCD. This study may lead to the development of new therapies for OCD and related conditions.
Researchers found that interacting with shelter dogs increased joviality, positive affect, attentiveness, and serenity among teenagers. The study suggests that dog-interaction activities could be a beneficial addition to traditional treatments for teenagers struggling with drug abuse and related issues.
A North Carolina State University study found that households with dogs harbor a wider variety of bacteria, including those rarely found in dog-free homes. The research suggests that dogs influence the types of microbes present in homes, potentially explaining correlations between dog ownership and reduced allergies.
A novel gene associated with canine atopic dermatitis has been identified by researchers. The gene encodes a protein called plakophilin 2, which is crucial for the formation and proper functioning of the skin structure. This finding opens new possibilities in understanding the disease mechanism leading to atopic dermatitis.
Researchers found that dog owners should be cautious of ticks throughout the year, especially from March to November. The study suggests that commercially available products may not be effective in preventing tick-borne diseases, which can infect over half of dogs in a single season.
A study published in Journal of Craniofacial Surgery found that facial dog bites in children often result in permanent scars, requiring repeated revision surgeries. Most bites are classified as 'provoked' and occur when the child is playing or interacting with the dog.
Researchers found that bear baiting in Wisconsin, which starts earlier and lasts longer, increases the likelihood of encounters between wolves and hunting dogs. In contrast, Michigan's regulations on bear baiting may help reduce wolf attacks on dogs. Compensation for dog owners killed by wolves varies between states.
A new CU-Boulder study found that parents tend to share more bacterial communities with their family dogs than with their children. The research, which analyzed microbial samples from 60 American families including canines, highlights the impact of environmental exposure on human microbiome composition.
Researchers analyzed death records of 40,139 dogs and found that sterilized dogs lived 9.4 years on average compared to 7.9 years for intact dogs, primarily due to increased risk of cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Using two therapies together has been shown to effectively restore vision in dogs with inherited blindness. The treatment approach may have implications for human patients as well. Researchers believe that combining gene therapy and selective photoreceptor cell destruction could lead to better therapeutic outcomes.
Research in rats reveals that sniffing behaviors convey information about an individual's social status, with dominant rats acting as primary sniffers and subordinate sniffees slowing their breath. This new form of communication allows animals to avoid conflicts and maintain social hierarchy.
A 33,000-year-old Siberian fossil, known as the 'Altai dog', is found to be more closely related to modern dogs and prehistoric canids on the American continents than wolves. This challenges previous theories suggesting a recent emergence of modern dogs from wolf ancestors.
Scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a rapid and accurate vapor detection method that identifies minute traces of explosives on luggage, cargo or travelers. The system, which 'sniffs' for explosive vapors, has been demonstrated to detect low-volatility compounds like RDX at levels below parts-per-trillion.
A study by the University of Bristol has found that almost half of dog owners reported their pet showing fear signs when exposed to loud noises, but only a quarter considered their pet fearful. The research highlights the importance of early life experience and exposure to specific loud noises in developing fear responses.
A genetic mutation causing Pompe disease has been found in both humans and dogs. A genetic test can now diagnose canine Pompe disease, allowing for the identification of affected individuals and their breeding lines. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options and disease management.
A recent study by Dr. Dominique Autier-Dérian and colleagues found that dogs can form a visual category of dog faces and group pictures of different breeds into a single category. This ability allows dogs to recognize their own species visually, despite the large morphological variability within the dog species.
A review of published studies suggests that interactions with therapy dogs can help children with ASD develop emotional attachments and interaction in a social setting, leading to improved interpersonal communication. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and build on the current evidence.
A new enzyme therapy has significantly delayed the onset and progression of symptoms in dogs with Batten disease, a rare genetic disorder affecting children. The treatment, developed by MU and BioMarin researchers, replaces the deficient enzyme and is administered into the spinal fluid, slowing brain degeneration and extending survival.
Scientists review research on dog cranium development to identify genetic variations that may inform human skull development. The study suggests a connection between canine and human craniofacial development, potentially leading to new insights into craniofacial deformities such as Apert, Crouzon, and Pfeiffer syndromes.
Researchers from UAB have shown that gene therapy can cure type 1 diabetes in large animals with a single session. The therapy uses a 'glucose sensor' to regulate blood sugar levels, reducing diabetic hyperglycemia and preventing complications.
A new study reveals that the UK dog population produces an estimated 3.7 billion Toxocara parasite eggs per day, contaminating public environments and posing a risk to human health.
A study by evolutionary biologist Kathryn Lord found that wolf pups and dogs develop their senses at the same time but enter critical periods of socialization at different ages. Wolf pups begin walking and exploring without fear, relying on smell, while dog pups only start to explore after all three senses are functioning.
A longitudinal study of Labrador Retrievers in the UK is providing valuable insights into canine diseases and veterinary care. The research found that four out of ten dogs were ill at some point, with 80% showing signs of illness by one year old.
Researchers have successfully treated Duchenne muscular dystrophy in dogs using gene therapy, reducing inflammation and improving muscle strength. The study, published in Molecular Therapy, provides a quantum leap forward in fighting this devastating disease, paving the way for future human clinical trials.
A recent study using dental microwear texture analysis found no evidence of increased starvation in saber-tooth cats before their extinction. Instead, the research suggests that these great cats and American lions were well-fed and actively hunted prey, challenging popular theories on megafaunal extinction.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered that a common canine virus, parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), can be used as a vector to deliver vaccines against deadly human diseases such as H5N1 flu, HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. A single dose vaccine using PIV5 has protected mice from seasonal flu and bird flu.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that dogs, like Gable the Border Collie, associate words with categories rather than shapes or textures, a difference from human learning processes. Dogs are able to identify objects of similar size by name, but not shape, suggesting a qualitative difference in word comprehension.
Researchers at University of California, Santa Barbara, have designed a detector that uses microfluidic nanotechnology to mimic the biological mechanism behind canine scent receptors. The device can detect trace amounts of certain vapor molecules and identify specific substances.
A new study calls for a global system to monitor infectious diseases in companion dogs and cats, which can transmit zoonotic diseases to humans. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends a coordinated global disease monitoring system for veterinarians working with small companion animals.
Veterinary scientists found that obese dogs can experience metabolic syndrome, characterized by increased blood insulin and low adiponectin levels. The study showed that successful weight loss improved metabolic abnormalities in obese dogs.
A study by the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition found that dogs regulate their macronutrient intake, preferring a fat-rich diet. The research also showed that some dogs consume more than twice as many calories as required when given excess food, highlighting the importance of responsible feeding measures.
A study from Lund University found that dogs under 7 months are immune to contagious yawning, but as they age, they start to mimic human yawns, indicating a developmental increase in empathy. This pattern is similar to human development, suggesting that empathy-based social modulatory effects emerge later in life.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new gold nanoparticle treatment for prostate cancer that uses radioactive gold nanoparticles. The treatment has shown to be safe and effective in dogs, which are the only other mammal to naturally contract aggressive prostate cancer, making it a promising lead for human trials.