Articles tagged with Dogs
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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers found that dogs can be manipulated to make counterproductive choices based on human behavior, highlighting their social bias and sensitivity to cues. The study suggests that humans can influence canine decisions by using specific behaviors.
Researchers found that older and male dogs are more successful hunters in small-scale societies, with higher success rates than younger females. The study also revealed that early European farmers cast a wide net for food resources, diversifying their diet beyond crops and domesticated animals.
A new study by the University of Bristol estimated that over 260,000 cats and dogs entered UK rescue organizations in 2009. The majority of these animals were not rehomed but instead cared for until space became available, revealing a significant need for animal adoption and welfare support.
A new study found that dogs who have 'run out' of self-control make more impulsive decisions, increasing their risk of physical harm. In the experiment, dogs with depleted self-control spent more time near an aggressive dog than those without depleted self-control.
A new epilepsy gene has been discovered in dogs, specifically in Belgian Shepherds, which is associated with a seven-fold increased risk of epilepsy. The research also suggests that other genetic risk factors may be present in the breed, and ongoing studies aim to identify the specific gene causing epilepsy.
Researchers have discovered that an Epstein Barr-like virus can infect dogs and be linked to lymphoma, similar to its effects on humans. The study found that dogs with lymphoma had antibodies against the virus and viral elements in their tumors, indicating a direct association.
The research aims to use real-time EEG data to detect impending seizures and develop fast-acting drug therapies to prevent them. The technology has the potential to improve epilepsy management for both canine and human patients.
Researchers will study new methods to detect impending seizures using real-time EEG data, aiming to prevent seizures through fast-acting drug therapies. The goal is reliable seizure forecasting and timely intervention for both canine and human epilepsy.
A collaborative team of researchers found that obese dogs who successfully lost weight showed improved health-related quality of life, as measured by increased vitality scores and decreased emotional disturbance and pain. The improvements were more pronounced in dogs with greater body fat loss.
Overweight dogs that lose weight experience significant improvements in vitality and emotional disturbance, according to a recent study published in The Veterinary Journal. The research, conducted by the University of Liverpool, suggests that weight loss can play a crucial role in maintaining a dog's overall quality of life.
A study of over 11,000 pregnant women found that dog ownership was associated with regular brisk walking and improved physical activity levels. While dog walking alone cannot reduce obesity rates, it may be part of a broader strategy to encourage exercise and healthy eating during pregnancy.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that dogs excel at interpreting pointing gestures, while chimps fail to identify objects of interest. This result suggests that dogs may possess a unique form of communication that challenges the long-held assumption that humans have a monopoly on this ability.
A new immunotherapy for companion dogs with advanced-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma improves survival by nearly four-fold, increasing median tumor-free survival by nine months. The treatment combination prolongs survival while maintaining quality of life.
Researchers at Penn Vet & Scheie Eye Inst. successfully treated dogs with X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa using gene therapy, correcting defects in the RPGR gene and restoring vision. The treatment targets both rod and cone cells, showing promise for treating other photoreceptor degenerations.
A CWRU study reveals that pet ownership helps women manage their HIV/AIDS through social roles such as advocate, pet owner, and faith believer. The research highlights the importance of these lesser-known roles in self-management behavior.
Researchers have discovered an ancient dog skull in Siberia dating back 33,000 years, indicating multiple lines of dog domestication and suggesting modern dogs may have descended from multiple ancestors. The discovery uses radiocarbon dating to determine the age of the skull, which predates a period known as the Last Glacial Maximum.
Specialty canines showcased their explosive-detecting abilities, keeping Marines alive and focused on missions. The dogs' improved physiology, nutrition, and olfaction enabled them to detect IEDs even at full speed.
Researchers found that smokers' cravings can be trained to non-smoking related stimuli, and their brains show enhanced activity when exposed to smoking-related cues. This suggests a link between smoking and associative learning, which may contribute to nicotine addiction.
Researchers used eye-tracking technology to find that dogs are receptive to human communication in a manner similar to young children, responding more to verbal cues and intentions than just words. Dogs' brains show sensitivity to communicative intent through verbal addressing and eye contact.
The study found that long, thin teeth and delicate dentition were associated with thicker forelimbs, suggesting an evolutionary trade-off between the two traits. This convergence of traits suggests that these prehistoric predators may have relied on their forelimbs to catch and kill prey without fracturing their fangs.
A new study found that prehistoric predators with large canines had beefier arm bones, a combination seen in sabertooth cats and other extinct mammals. The researchers discovered this pattern through the analysis of fossilized arm bones and teeth, finding convergence across multiple species.
Researchers found that young children do not use category labels in the same way adults do, relying instead on the most distinctive feature of an object. This challenges long-held theories about how children mentally organize their world and has implications for teaching and communication with young children.
Researchers identified that sausages made with olive oil-in-water emulsion stabilized with casein are slightly tougher due to weak lipid-protein interactions. Adding microbial transglutaminase to the emulsion system can lead to physical entrapment of the oil within the meat matrix, making the sausage even tougher.
Researchers at MU College of Veterinary Medicine have identified a biomarker that can indicate infection in dogs, which may also be applicable to humans. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a portable bedside test for quick diagnosis and targeted treatment, reducing antibiotic use and promoting better health outcomes.
A recent genetic study confirms that the wolf ancestors of modern dogs came from southern East Asia, contradicting theories placing their origins in the Middle East. The research, led by Dr. Peter Savolainen, analyzed Y-chromosomal DNA and found strong evidence supporting an Asian origin for dog domestication.
Researchers found an inverse correlation between mercury exposure and antioxidant status in Alaskan huskies, suggesting potential health risks for indigenous communities. The study highlights the need for monitoring and reducing mercury generation, particularly from coal-generated power plants.
A University of Iowa researcher is using a canine model to study the genetic basis of glaucoma. The goal is to identify potential genetic markers that could be used to diagnose and treat humans with the disease.
Researchers at NC State University found evolutionary breakpoints in canine chromosomes associated with canine cancer. Mapping these 'fragile' regions could provide new tools for human cancer detection and treatment.
The study, 'Pedigree Chums: Science, Medicine and the Remaking of the Dog in the Twentieth Century', investigates the transformation of dogs through human selection and treatment, as well as their interactions with humans.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new cell-based vaccine that shows promise in treating canine non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The vaccine, which uses B-cells instead of dendritic cells, has been shown to increase overall survival time for dogs with the disease.
A nationwide study of over 17,000 dogs and 6,000 cats found that including commercial dry food in their diet improved oral health compared to home-prepared alternatives. Daily tooth brushing or dental chews also showed significant benefits.
A recent study developed a system to continuously monitor blood glucose levels in diabetic dogs, revealing that none were receiving ideal treatment. The system provided valuable insights for improving treatment plans, including adjusting insulin doses and diets.
University of Pennsylvania researchers have identified a gene responsible for early retinal degeneration, a disease causing blindness in dogs. The study suggests that this gene may be involved in the control of photoreceptor cell division, potentially leading to the development of therapies to regenerate retinal cells and restore vision.
A new study has found that retired racing greyhounds' blood pressure increases significantly when taken to a veterinary clinic, but returns to normal at home. The 'white-coat effect' was observed in 22 greyhounds, with systolic pressures averaging 30 points higher in the hospital than at home.
A new CU-Boulder study has found that dog feces may be a significant source of airborne bacteria in urban areas, particularly during the winter months. The research suggests that the dominant source of airborne bacteria in Cleveland and Detroit's wintertime air is actually from dog fecal material.
Researchers have found that sniffer dogs can reliably detect lung cancer by identifying volatile organic compounds in patients' breath. The study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, used trained dogs to detect lung cancer with an accuracy rate of 71%, surpassing current detection methods.