Articles tagged with Dogs
Researchers at KTH in Stockholm have made new discoveries about the history of the dog, pinpointing its birthplace to Asia south of the Yangtze River in China 16,000 years ago. The findings suggest that the dog descended from a large number of tamed wolves, with several hundred animals involved in its origins.
Researchers from the University of Utah and NIH identified three genes controlling seven major types of dog coat, including curly hair. The study used data from Portuguese water dogs to understand complex human diseases caused by multiple genes.
A study identifies three genetic variants accounting for the wide range of dog coat textures, from poodles to beagles. The findings have implications for understanding complex human diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
According to renowned canine researcher Stanley Coren, dogs' mental abilities are close to a human child age 2 to 2.5 years. Dogs can learn up to 165 words, including signals, and some breeds excel in specific areas such as working and obedience intelligence.
Indiana University researchers examine how rural LGBTQ youth use the internet to find representation, while dog owners' attitudes towards animals are influenced by cultural logics and personal experiences. Additionally, students perceive bullying as a false dichotomy, with themselves labeling as non-bullies even if engaging in behavior...
Genetic analysis reveals African village dogs have directly descended from indigenous dogs, with higher genetic diversity than modern breeds. This challenges the claim that dogs were first domesticated in East Asia.
Scientists at Rutgers University and UCLA have developed a highly accurate way to peer into the brain to uncover a person's mental state. They found that specific mental functions do not correspond directly with certain brain areas but rather a unique pattern of neural connections.
Research found that gun dogs and sheep dogs excel in following a pointing finger, while hunting hounds and mongrels struggle. Breed characteristics with short noses and central eyes also improve comprehension. The study cautions against making generalizations about the effects of domestication on dog behavior.
Researchers at Yale University developed a system to detect human skin vapors, revealing fatty acids as primary attractants for mosquitoes. The technology also enables dogs to identify their owners by detecting unique skin compounds.
Researchers found that infants can match angry snarl sounds to photos of aggressive dogs, while matching friendly yap sounds to welcoming body language. This study contributes to our understanding of how babies learn rapidly, recognizing emotions in their social world.
A single genetic event explains the short legs of all short-legged dog breeds, including dachshunds and corgis. The discovery provides new insights into human developmental disorders and may lead to a better understanding of hypochondroplasia, a growth disorder affecting some people.
Studies have documented increasing MRSA infections among dog and cat bites, with skin, soft-tissue, and surgical infections most common. Infections can spread to owners through animal saliva and skin, highlighting the need for proper treatment and precautions.
Dogs can be diagnosed with osteoarthritis early on through synovial fluid analysis, which could help prevent the disease or reduce its progression. Researchers found altered synovial fluid quantity and quality in injured joints, suggesting potential biomarkers for early detection.
Researchers found that preventing vascular congestion can help alleviate symptoms of heart failure. The study suggests that targeting venous endothelial responses may be an effective way to prevent congestion and improve outcomes for patients with heart failure.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation in mitochondrial DNA that causes sensory ataxic neuropathy (SAN) in Golden Retriever dogs. The mutation leads to progressive loss of neurons, affecting about five percent of the current Swedish Golden Retriever population.
Researchers at UF have developed gene therapy that restores the faulty enzyme for glycogen storage disease type 1A, allowing dogs to survive for extended periods without glucose supplementation. The treated dog, born with the deadly disease, is now 20 months old and healthy after receiving precise doses of cornstarch every few hours.
A study found that pet therapy dogs can transfer MRSA and C. difficile to patients through contact, highlighting the need for hand sanitation procedures among both handlers and animals. The transmission of these pathogens poses a new avenue for spread, potentially impacting influenza and norovirus as well.
Researchers at NC State University have discovered that a molecule found in soy, genistein, can inhibit the growth of canine lymphoma cells. The study's findings suggest that this compound could be used to enhance traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy, leading to reduced stress and costs for dog owners.
Research reveals that 3-year-olds, dogs, and young children share similar social environments, leading to comparable understanding of human gestures. 3-year-olds rely on the index finger's direction to locate hidden objects, while 2-year-olds and dogs respond to protruding body parts.
Researchers have developed a promising new drug treatment, NO-Cbl, which has shown significant anti-tumor efficacy with limited toxicity in dogs with cancer. The treatment uses 'biological Trojan horse technology' to target cancer cells, and could potentially be used in combination regimes to enhance its effectiveness.
The study suggests that humans were experimenting with agriculture by cultivating local grains, rather than adopting from southern rice-farming areas. The findings provide insight into the origins of agriculture in northern China.
Scientists have developed a successful treatment for dogs with Duchenne muscular dystrophy using 'exon skipping' technology, which covers up genetic errors. The treatment involves injecting tailor-made DNA patches into the bloodstream, improving muscle functioning and reducing deterioration in skeletal muscles.
Two patients in Hanoi died from laboratory-confirmed rabies after consuming butchered dog or cat meat. The researchers caution that handling unvaccinated animals poses a significant risk for rabies transmission in endemic areas.
Research reveals a potentially lethal risk of rabies transmission through butchering and handling infected dogs. Two patients showed symptoms after preparing and eating infected animals, highlighting the dangers of consuming dog meat.
A team of scientists from McMaster University and around the world analyzed rabies transmission data and found evidence for low levels of transmission, suggesting that elimination of canine rabies is a realistic goal. Achieving vaccination coverage of 60% or more in dog populations in Africa would be feasible through annual campaigns.
Researchers developed a new thoracic ultrasound examination called TFAST to diagnose pneumothorax and other thoracic injuries in dogs. The study found that TFAST proved highly accurate for detecting PTX and other related injuries, with accuracy comparable to human clinical research.
A new University of Pennsylvania survey found that most dogs will continue to be aggressive unless training techniques are modified. Non-aversive training methods, such as exercise and rewards, elicited few aggressive responses. The study highlights the risk of dominance-based training, which can lead to owner-directed aggression.
Researchers found that a novel mutated variant of a gene in dogs is responsible for the black coat color in wolves, transferred through matings. The discovery suggests that natural selection has increased the frequency of black coat color in wolf populations across North America.
A Stanford study finds that dogs that bred with wolves thousands of years ago passed on a genetic mutation for dark coat color to their wild ancestors. This mutation is now found in nearly exclusive in North America's black wolf population, which has a selective advantage over lighter-colored wolves in forested areas.
A new study reveals that black wolves, the first genetically modified predators, have adapted to changing environments thanks to human dog breeding. The trait, which originated from domesticated dogs, has proven valuable for wolf populations as their arctic habitats shrink.
Research at Kansas State University found that dog owners who don't wash their hands after petting their dogs or before cooking meals are more likely to spread antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria. Despite common bonding behaviors like sleeping with pets, these practices have no association with an increase in shared E. coli strains.
A recent study has genetically linked Lou Gehrig's disease in humans to a similar disease in dogs called degenerative myelopathy. The researchers discovered that dogs with this disease have the same genetic mutation as humans with ALS, paving the way for using them as animal models to help identify therapeutic interventions.
A team of scientists found distinct subspecies of rabies virus in African countries, indicating limited movement between localities. With a progressive strategy, neighboring countries can work together to eliminate rabies from sub-Saharan Africa.
A recent study suggests that college students can benefit from owning a pet, with nearly a quarter reporting that their pets helped them get through difficult times. Students who lived with dogs or cats were less likely to feel lonely and depressed, highlighting the importance of animal companionship in young adulthood.
A professor of political science argues for a national policy on culture in the legal system. She proposes three conditions to reduce false claims of cultural defense, including membership in the ethnic group, tradition adherence, and influence on actions.
A Duke University study has found that cats' inefficient gait is actually an adaptation for stealthy stalking, rather than energy efficiency. This means that while dogs rely on efficient four-footed running to catch prey, cats use a slow and deliberate approach to creep up on their unsuspecting victims.
Researchers predict that humans could achieve a top speed of over 17m/s, while dogs and horses have reached their limits. Female sprinters could also shave off significant seconds from the current world record.
Researchers have identified a gene mutation in Dalmatians that causes high uric acid levels and bladder stones, which can be eliminated through breeding programs. The SLC2A9 gene, also found in humans and great apes, is responsible for the elevated uric acid levels in Dalmatians.
A genetic mutation in Dalmatians causes high uric acid levels leading to bladder stones, a problem also affecting humans. Researchers identified the SLC2A9 gene responsible and plan to offer DNA testing for breeders to eliminate the trait.
A team of scientists has discovered a tiny juvenile Heterodontosaurus fossil, shedding new light on the evolution of plant-eating dinosaurs. The fossil's unusual teeth suggest that these early herbivores may have engaged in occasional omnivory, using their canines as defensive weapons or to supplement their diet with small animals.
Racing sled dogs have an extraordinary ability to rapidly adapt to sustained strenuous exercise and display enormous aerobic capacity. They can burn up to 12,000 kilocalories per day, fueling their runs with a high-fat diet.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota identified a gene mutation linked to exercise-induced collapse (EIC) in Labradors, affecting up to 30% of the breed. A genetic test has been developed to confirm diagnosis and prevent inheritance of the mutated gene.
A Tel Aviv University study found that two-thirds of cat-dog households reported a positive relationship, while aggression was observed in 10%. Cats and dogs can learn to read each other's body signals, suggesting they may have more in common than thought.
Respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold and pneumonia, were the primary diagnoses for travelers in China. Dog bites were also a significant concern, with 400 reported cases over 10 years, leading to rabies vaccination needs. Travelers can minimize risks by planning ahead, using common sense, and taking necessary vaccinations.
Researchers found that ovarian cancer has a distinct scent different from other cancers, which can be detected by trained dogs. Early-stage and low-grade ovarian cancers emit the same scent as advanced tumors.
A DNA study has identified genetic locations that contribute to differences in body shape, weight, fur color, and behavior among various dog breeds. This breakthrough may lead to better care regimes and tailored products for pet health.
A new gene therapy has helped pet dogs with cancer live longer by increasing muscle strength and correcting common complications. The treatment has been shown to improve quality of life and survival rates, with 54% of dogs responding to the therapy and surviving 84% longer.
Researchers found that intermittent hypoxia treatment reduced myocardial infarction and lethal arrhythmias following coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in dogs. The treatment also suppressed cardiac activity of nitric oxide synthase, a key enzyme involved in the production of harmful compounds.
Researchers use feces found by trained dogs to learn about the habits of rare and endangered mammals, revealing that farms with less than 30% natural vegetation have fewer endangered species. The study highlights the importance of preserving open grasslands for threatened species like maned wolf and giant anteater.
A new Alzheimer's vaccine shows promise in clearing beta-amyloid plaques from the brain, but lacks impact on learning and memory impairments. Researchers suggest that a combination of therapies targeting plaque growth and neuron damage may provide better treatment opportunities.
A veterinary neurologist is studying gliomas in dogs and people to develop more precisely targeted treatments. Researchers are using canine models to identify molecular similarities between human and animal gliomas.
Researchers found evidence of canine influenza virus circulation in the greyhound population dating back to 1999. The discovery sheds light on a potential earlier introduction of the virus, which may have caused respiratory outbreaks at racing tracks.
Researchers found that consumers associate animal logos more strongly with themselves than traditional product-related logos. This association enhances brand evaluation and recognition. The study's findings challenge conventional branding wisdom, suggesting unique visual identifiers can be effective in marketing.
Researchers found that pacemakers not only mechanically correct irregular heartbeats but also produce chemical changes that benefit the heart muscle. Studies in dogs with congestive heart failure showed significant improvements in protein levels and activity, reducing cell death and fibrosis.
Researchers found that human and dog cancers share a common genetic basis. The study discovered identical genetic abnormalities in both species for certain types of cancer, suggesting cancer may be inevitable due to shared genome evolution.
A new Saint Louis University study suggests that nursing home residents can form strong connections with both real dogs and robotic companions like Aibo. The research found that these interactions alleviate loneliness and attachment issues in residents.
A computer program successfully identified and classified dog barks in different situations, achieving 43% accuracy in the first experiment. In a second test, the algorithm demonstrated a 52% success rate in recognizing individual dogs based on their unique bark patterns.
Scientists used detection dog teams to study a Pacific fisher population in the Sierra National Forest, finding dogs three and a half times more successful than cameras. The method also only needed one visit per site, aiding land management decisions by providing insights into ecosystem health.
A new study demonstrates that dogs can visually categorize complex color photographs and transfer their knowledge to new situations. The research, published online in Animal Cognition, used a computer-automated touch-screen system to eliminate potential human influence.
A study published in the Journal of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention found that pre-malignant mammary lesions in dogs and humans display similar characteristics. The research, conducted by Purdue University scientists, could lead to better understanding of breast cancer progression and prevention for both people and pets.