Articles tagged with Dogs
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A team of scientists has created a simple mathematical model to explain how dogs walk, which could help inform the design of quadruped robots and treatments for hip dysplasia. By comparing computer simulations with real-world observations, they found that dogs' walking patterns can be attributed to a passive stiff-limbed model.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a national surveillance network using pet medical records to predict disease outbreaks in humans and animals. The program found correlations between flea and tick infestations and Lyme disease, as well as an increase in canine leptospirosis cases over the past decade.
Scientists embark on an Arctic trek with sled dogs to collect snow samples and validate satellite observations. The goal is to improve understanding of global snow cover and its impact on water resources, particularly in the American West where melting snow supplies 70% of western states' water supply.
Researchers found that carnivore parvoviruses and the human B19 erythrovirus undergo rapid evolution when switching host species. This contradicts the assumption that DNA viruses exhibit slower mutation rates compared to their hosts and other DNA viruses.
Researchers found that shelter dogs with behavioral issues were more likely to be reported as aggressive or fearful when owners believed their responses would be shared with staff. Honest owner assessments can help shelters identify troubled dogs and provide better care for both animals and potential adopters.
A recent study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies found that dogs can detect breast and lung cancer with sensitivity and specificity rates of 88-97%. The trained dogs were able to identify cancers even in early stages, providing a potential reduction in uncertainty in cancer diagnosis.
A new study finds that the quality of a dog-owner relationship has no impact on thunderstorm-phobic dogs' stress responses. However, dogs living with other dogs in the household exhibited less pronounced stress reactivity and faster recovery times.
The study unlocked genetic variation among dog breeds, revealing ~2.5 million individual genetic differences among breeds that can be used to locate the genetic contributions to physical and behavioral traits. The analysis also found evolutionary conservation with humans, highlighting regions of the human genome that are highly preserv...
Researchers have successfully sequenced the canine genome, revealing genetic similarities with humans that could help identify disease-causing genes. The breed-specific sequencing project aims to develop new cancer treatments by identifying genetic changes in individual dog breeds.
Researchers harness dog genome data to study genetic diseases, breed characteristics, and skeletal variation. The findings highlight the dog's potential as a valuable model organism in genetics and medical research.
A study comparing the genomes of boxers and poodles identified significant genetic variations that could be used to study diseases, development, and behaviors in dogs. The research also sheds light on evolutionary influences shaping mammalian genomes.
The published dog genome sequence offers insights into genetic factors contributing to human health and disease. The analysis revealed that dogs share common genetic elements with humans and mice, highlighting the importance of understanding the evolution of genomes.
Dr Cleaveland's project seeks to eliminate rabies by targeting its primary source: dogs. The research also sheds light on the role of wildlife in transmitting diseases between species.
Researchers found that a 12-minute visit with dogs significantly lowered blood pressure, released less harmful hormones, and reduced anxiety among hospitalized heart failure patients. This study demonstrates the benefits of animal-assisted therapy as an adjunct to medical treatment for these patients.
Researchers have developed a prototype device using trained Microplitis croceipes wasps to detect target odors, including explosives and toxic fungi. The device, called Wasp Hound, can be used for various applications, such as detecting plant diseases, chemical odors associated with human diseases, and hidden bodies.
A new vaccine targeting the dog hookworm has shown significant benefits in animal studies, reducing hookworm burdens and fecal egg counts. The vaccine protects dogs from severe outcomes like blood loss and anemia caused by the parasite.
The Internet enables organizations to function as virtual shelters without physical locations, allowing for pre-screening and coordination of adoption events. Descriptive online ads educate potential owners about endearing traits, while interactive messages narrow the selection process.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a bacterial disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, can be effectively treated with specific antibiotics if caught early. Symptoms include body-wide aches, headache, sudden high fever, sore throat, and nausea, often accompanied by a telltale spotty rash.
A new canine vaccine has shown complete protection against visceral leishmaniasis in a successful trial, with laboratory experiments confirming the activation of immune cells to eliminate parasites. The vaccine uses antigen proteins excreted by the parasite and has potential for reducing transmission to humans.