Articles tagged with Dogs
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.
A team of Stanford University researchers has identified a gene responsible for giving dogs their black fur, revealing its potential connection to human stress adaptation and weight regulation. The discovery was made by analyzing DNA samples from hundreds of dog breeds, including boxers and Large Munsterlanders.
Researchers at the University of Manchester examined St Bernard skulls over 120 years and found features that became more exaggerated as breeders selected for desired physical attributes. This suggests sustained evolutionary change under known selective pressures.
Researchers found that young toddlers automatically assume objects are talking about the whole object, rather than its parts. To improve understanding, parents should label specific parts and explain their function, reducing background noises and engaging with children while speaking.
Research found dogs that bit kids had distinctive patterns of behavior, but not specific breeds. The main causes of aggression were guarding resources and territory, with anxiety being a common factor in 3/4 cases.
Research published in Biology Letters finds that dog-walking in bushland causes a significant reduction in bird diversity and abundance, with ground-dwelling birds most affected. The study's findings support the long-term prohibition of dog-walking from sensitive conservation areas.
New research led by Brown University immunologist Wen-Ming Chu has uncovered a direct interaction between high-mobility group box 1 protein and toll-like receptor 9, triggering the immune response. The discovery could lead to the development of new vaccines and treatments for diseases such as cancer, asthma, and allergies.
Researchers at Iowa State University have successfully treated rats with blindness caused by glaucoma using a new technique involving bone marrow-derived stem cells. The experimental treatment aims to move to human trials and potentially benefit millions of people affected by the condition.
A recent study has found that Bernese Mountain Dogs are more susceptible to Borrelia burgdorferi infection than other breeds. More than half of the dogs tested were infected, with antibodies against B. burgdorferi found in 58% of those studied.
Researchers at USC are training a new breed of robotic dog, called LittleDog, to navigate challenging terrain. After 15 months of experimentation, the dogs can now move, albeit slowly, and will be trained to run faster in the next phase of the study.
Research finds that habits of use create a substantial advantage for an incumbent, but only when achieving a specific goal, limiting the impact on consumer choice.
Washing laundry in hot water (140°F) kills all house dust mites, while washing in warm water only removes 6.5% of them. Rinsing with cold water after low-temperature wash is also effective.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and UNIVET have developed an artificial canine skin model that replicates the characteristics of dog's skin. The model allows for study of skin biology and pathology without using live animals, providing an alternative to traditional research methods.
New research shows that dogs selectively imitate actions, adjusting to circumstances like human infants. The study found that dogs use their mouths instead of paws when the demonstrator's mouth is occupied.
A study led by the National Human Genome Research Institute identified a key genetic variant associated with small size in dogs. The IGF-1 gene was found to play a strong role in regulating body size across various breeds, offering potential insights into skeletal body size programming in humans and disease susceptibility.
A study published in Science found a mutation in the IGF1 gene that affects body-size differences among dog breeds and may also play a key role in determining human body size. The researchers analyzed DNA from over 3,000 dogs of different breeds to identify genes linked to size variations.
Researchers have identified a piece of doggy DNA that reduces growth in small breeds, ensuring they stay small. The study found a haplotype in all breeds of small dogs, suggesting it is a major contributor to body size.
A new study published in Science has identified a single gene that may determine whether dogs are big or small, providing insights into the diversity of breeds. The research team used over 3,200 dog DNA samples to pinpoint this major gene, which is thought to have resulted in the appearance of smaller dogs in the population.
Dr. Timothy M. Swager has invented amplified fluorescent polymers that can detect nitro aromatic molecules, a class of chemicals used in explosives. His molecular wire sensors have applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring and security.
Researchers found that popularity lists for baby names, music, and dog breeds change at a steady rate, regardless of population size. The study suggests that innovation drives fashion change, with a small proportion of innovators influencing the majority through random copying.
Researchers identified a critical molecular pathway in osteosarcoma, finding it also present in cats and dogs. This discovery could lead to advances in palliative care for companion animals with skeletal tumors.
Research suggests that the ability of humans to use social cues in cooperative situations may have evolved since the human lineage split from chimpanzees. In contrast, domestic dogs display an innate ability to solve social problems without prior training. This capacity is thought to be linked to the process of dog domestication.
The winners of the 2006 AAAS Science Journalism Awards were recognized for their exceptional reporting on Alzheimer's disease, climate change, and innovative research. Stacey Burling won for her compelling story on the life and death of an Alzheimer's patient, while Michelle Nijhuis was honored for her series on climate change in the A...
Researchers found that some dogs are responding to seizures caused by psychological conditions, rather than epilepsy. People with psychogenic seizures need psychiatric evaluation and treatment, not specialized training for epileptic seizures.
Researchers found that 71% of lost dogs were reunited with their owners, compared to 53% of lost cats. Identification tags or microchips played a crucial role in recovery. Posting signs and advertising in local newspapers also helped recover pets.
A study of Finnish working-aged adults found that pet ownership is associated with a higher risk of illness and lower physical activity levels. Dog owners did exhibit increased physical activity compared to non-dog owners, however this was not enough to offset the negative health effects of pet ownership.
Researchers at UC Berkeley found that humans gain a performance advantage from cross-nostril comparisons when tracking scents. With training, humans can improve their accuracy significantly and nearly double their speed. This discovery challenges the common assumption that humans are poor smellers compared to other mammals.
A study by the University of Cincinnati has found that infants living in homes with high levels of endotoxins and multiple dogs were more than two times less likely to wheeze. The researchers suggest that pet ownership may offer a protective effect against development of lower respiratory symptoms in young children.
Researchers found that embryonic cells from a dog's notochord can regenerate disc cartilage, providing new therapeutic options for degenerative disc disease. The study suggests that CTGF-secreting notochord cells protect non-chondrodystrophic dogs against the condition.
Researchers have developed a fast and accurate test to track slowed blood flow in dogs, detecting early signs of blocked arteries. The 64-slice CT scanner can replace traditional tests like exercise stress testing and echocardiograms, providing a safe and non-invasive method to diagnose coronary disease.
A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that dogs in the home can increase cough, phlegm production, and bronchitis responses in children with asthma. The researchers speculate that endotoxin from dog dander may be the cause of this increased response.
A study by University College London researchers found that canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) originated in a single wolf over 1,000 years ago and has since spread globally. The tumour cells are transmitted between dogs during sex, challenging current thinking about cancer.
Researchers found that a form of cancer affecting dogs is spread through the transmission of tumor cells, with evidence pointing to its origins in wolves or closely related ancient dog breeds. The disease has been transmitted among dogs for at least two centuries and has adapted to evade immune responses.
A study found that constant barking in animal shelters can cause physical stress, behavioral responses, and anxiety. New designs, such as individual rooms with access to a play area, have been shown to reduce noise levels and promote social interaction among dogs.
The survey found that dogs received 16% fewer animals since 1996, while cat intake increased by nearly 20%, leading to a rise in cat euthanasia rates. In contrast, dogs saw a significant decrease in euthanasia rates and more adoptions, with 63,700 dogs adopted compared to 51,600 in 1996.
Researchers identified three brain regions - dorsal anterior cingulate and left and right frontal operculum - as core components in creating task sets. These regions help determine which brain areas contribute to a cognitive task and when they play a part, according to the study published in Neuron.
In-vivo gene therapy has successfully restored immune function in three out of four dogs treated for XSCID. The treatment approach eliminates the need for ex-vivo cell manipulation and culture, potentially reducing adverse side effects and improving long-term efficacy.