Articles tagged with Dogs
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A Kansas State University professor's research on post-surgery pain treatment and osteoarthritis therapy in dogs aims to develop better ways to treat humans. The study found that hot and cold packing can be effective in reducing swelling, with a recommended time frame of 10 minutes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully infected various types of canine cancer cells with a pox virus while sparing healthy cells. The study's findings suggest that viral therapies could complement or replace standard cancer treatments, making it a promising approach for treating dog cancer.
Researchers at Penn Vet found that a compound derived from the Coriolus versicolor mushroom, called polysaccharopeptide, significantly lengthened survival times for dogs with hemangiosarcoma. The study showed promising results, with some dogs living beyond a year without traditional chemotherapy.
Researchers discovered similarities between compulsive behavior in dogs and humans, including early onset, recurrent behaviors, and nutritional supplements' beneficial effect. The study suggests that dogs can serve as an excellent animal model for studying the genetic background and environmental factors associated with human OCD.
Researchers trained detection dogs to locate northern spotted owl pellets and feces, achieving a 87% detection probability compared to 59% for vocalization surveys. The cost-effective approach has potential as a complementary method for spotting owls in forests invaded by barred owls.
A study published in PLoS ONE revealed the genetic cause of a severe skeletal disease in Brazilian Terrier puppies, caused by a mutation in the GUSB gene. The discovery enables the development of a DNA test to identify carriers, allowing breeders to systematically eliminate the disease from breeding programs.
The US Army Research Laboratory is developing a system to train rats to detect improvised explosive devices and mines. Trained rats can search smaller spaces than dogs and are easier to transport, making them ideal for mine removal and homeland security tasks.
Researchers use GPS-enabled backpacks to study flocking sheep and a herding dog, confirming the selfish herd theory by tracking individual animal movements. The findings show that under threat, sheep move towards the center of the flock while the rest moves away from the danger.
Researchers are enrolling patients to detect lung cancer through volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath. Early detection can significantly improve treatment options and survival rates.
Researchers found that feeding mice house dust from dog-holding homes protected them against a common respiratory virus, RSV. The study suggests that microbes in the dust may modulate immune responses and protect against the virus.
A Wayne State University researcher is studying the impact of training animal shelter dogs on social skills and quality of life in incarcerated teens. The study aims to measure effects on depression, empathy, and attachment to both humans and animals.
Researchers have identified a novel candidate gene, SEL1L, in Finnish Hound dogs with early-onset progressive cerebellar degeneration. The study reveals a single nucleotide change in the SEL1L gene causing an amino acid change and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Penn and Cornell researchers have created evidence-based guidelines for veterinary CPR, aiming to standardize treatment of cardiac arrest in pets. The guidelines recommend 100-120 chest compressions per minute, intubated ventilation at a rate of 10 breaths per minute, and administration of vasopressors every 3 minutes.
A University of Leicester study found that individuals with low Agreeableness are more likely to prefer aggressive dog breeds, such as bull terriers or boxers. However, the study also revealed a surprising association between liking aggressive dogs and greater Conscientiousness.
A new study by Durham University found that modern dog breeds have little in common with their ancient ancestors due to thousands of years of cross-breeding. The research analyzed genetic data from 1,375 dogs and showed that even breeds labeled as 'ancient' are not closer to the first domestic dogs.
Researchers used fMRI technology to scan the brains of alert dogs, revealing how they react to human signals. The study aims to decode canine mental processes and understand their empathy and language abilities.