Articles tagged with Dogs
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that recognizing familiar objects is easier when they appear at the same angle, as this allows for temporary adjustments to the coordinate system. This can lead to improved recognition of misoriented objects, such as a dog shown in the same orientation as another object.
Researchers are using the UK Kennel Club's extensive breed records to identify genetic variations in diseased and healthy dogs. The study aims to improve nutrition and veterinary drugs for dogs, while also providing insights into human diseases.
Researchers found that sunflower seeds release a compound that may lower blood pressure, while moderate beer drinking reduces heart attack risk. Sauerkraut contains anti-cancer compounds, and onions help prevent bone loss. Meanwhile, regular hot dogs taste better than low-fat ones due to slower-releasing aroma compounds.
Researchers used a new microarray technology to analyze the genes of healthy and diseased dogs, identifying 167 genes that may play a role in canine dilated cardiomyopathy. The study sheds light on the heart's response to disease and offers hope for future treatments.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that inflammation is the cause of postoperative atrial fibrillation, a rapid and irregular twitching of the upper chambers of the heart. Anti-inflammatory therapy may prevent or lessen this condition by increasing uniformity of electrical impulses in the atria.
A new pet food, Prescription Diet Canine j/d TM, improves dogs' quality of life by enhancing joint health. With a unique formula containing EPA, glucosamine, and L-carnitine, this food helps dogs run better, play better, and experience less stiffness.
A five-year study aims to investigate why coyotes are becoming more aggressive in urban and suburban areas of New York state, with researchers seeking ways to prevent conflicts with humans. The study will also survey public attitudes and behaviors relating to coyotes, as well as develop methods to induce fear without harm.
NIST's special test arena is used to train bomb and drug sniffing dogs as well as robotic rescue systems. The arenas provide a challenging environment for dogs to find hidden explosives or narcotics, while robotics experts observe police techniques.
A breakthrough in gene therapy has successfully corrected hemophilia in laboratory animals by producing a normal level of clotting factor activity and preventing bleeding incidents.
Researchers find that moderate light exposure causes complete retinal degeneration within a month, but lower levels cause slower and reversible damage. This study provides new insights into the interaction of genetics and environment in causing eye disease and suggests potential treatments for preventing blindness.
A cardiologist will testify at an FDA hearing on the implications of animal tests in approving COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx. The report reveals that these drugs had a heart-protective effect in mice and other animals, contrary to their human performance.
A two-year study found that older beagles performed better on cognitive tests when fed a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, exercised regularly, and provided stimulating environments. The combination of these interventions showed the most significant improvements in brain function.
Researchers found that combining behavioral enrichment and antioxidant supplementation significantly improved learning abilities in senior dogs. The study suggests similar benefits may be attained in humans due to biological and behavioral parallels between species.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center propose a new theory explaining the rapid evolution of species and their physical variations. They found that tandem repeat sequences in genetic code can lead to significant morphological changes, driving evolutionary changes and variability in appearance among individual members of a species.
A PEG injection can prevent most dogs from suffering permanent spinal damage after injury, allowing nerve cells to heal themselves. Researchers found that nearly 75 percent of treated dogs resumed a normal life.
A UCLA study uses evolutionary game theory to model human behavior in small social groups, finding that cooperation in the context of public goods can be sustained when freeloaders are punished through social exclusion. This suggests a possible explanation for the evolution of altruism and moral outrage.
A 12-month study found that people and dogs lost an average of 11 pounds and 12 pounds respectively, with the combined dog/owner group showing higher participation rates. The program improved quality of life through increased exercise and strengthened human-animal bonds.
A Stanford researcher has developed a test that reverses pre-existing food allergies in dogs by vaccinating them with heat-killed bacteria mixed with peanuts or milk. The test showed significant results, with four dogs able to eat over 37 peanuts and five dogs tolerating larger quantities of milk without symptoms.
Researchers from Rutgers University found that acetaminophen significantly reduced infarct size in treated dogs, with reductions of up to 63% compared to untreated control groups. The study also suggested anti-arrhythmic action of acetaminophen, with treated hearts appearing more stable electrically during ischemia and reperfusion.
A study found that 9/11 search-and-rescue dogs exhibited minimal adverse medical and behavioral effects, with no significant increases in cancer or respiratory diseases. The dogs' handlers also showed similar psychological wellbeing compared to a control group.
A team of scientists and volunteers counted fox faeces in 400 one-kilometre squares to estimate UK fox population, finding 225,000 adult foxes. Habitat features have a greater influence on fox numbers than hunting activities.
A LSU vet school professor has successfully treated a dog with cancerous tumors using gene therapy, which helps the body develop an anti-tumor memory. The treatment involves electroporation and cytokine gene therapy, resulting in the elimination of smaller tumors and reducing the size of larger ones.
A national survey of 831 US homes found that dog and cat allergen levels were higher among households with more dog or cat owners. This exposure may be particularly challenging for pet-allergic individuals living in areas with high dog and cat ownership rates.
Researchers found dogs needed a greater difference in brightness than humans to discern differences, contrary to expectations given their arrhythmic nature. This suggests a compromise in their visual system to operate under varying light conditions, highlighting the unique perceptual world of dogs.
Researchers found that seizure-alerting dogs exhibited distinctive behaviors to anticipate seizures, with licking and protective actions being common. The study also highlights the importance of education and research in improving patient care through organizations like the American Academy of Neurology.
A German Border collie named Rico demonstrated a vocabulary size comparable to that of language-trained apes, dolphins, sea lions, and parrots. The dog learned the names of unfamiliar toys after just one exposure, using fast mapping abilities similar to those seen in human language acquisition.
Researchers analyzed DNA samples from 414 dogs representing 85 breeds to discover previously unappreciated relationships between existing breeds. They found four genetic clusters, including a cluster containing ancient breeds with wolf-like ancestry.
Scientists analyzed the genomes of over 300 breeds and found similarities with human diseases. The study reveals distinct DNA blueprints for each breed, which may help uncover genes responsible for unique traits and behaviors.
A study by Purdue University researchers found a strong association between lawn chemical exposure and increased cancer risk in Scottish terriers. The study suggests that the genetic predisposition of this breed makes them ideal 'sentinel animals' to uncover potential carcinogenic substances.
A team of researchers from Cornell University and Gene Network Sciences Inc. has developed a 3D computer model of the canine heart to simulate ventricular fibrillation. The model aims to help understand the causes of this life-threatening condition, currently treated with electrical shocks that can damage the heart.
A study by UCSD psychologists found that when people pick a dog, they seek one that resembles them, and purebred dogs are more likely to match their owners. The researchers used randomized photo matching techniques to confirm the high incidence of resemblance between owners and purebreds, but not mixed-breeds.
Researchers have created a genetic map of purebred dogs, revealing how breeds evolved and inherited traits. The study also found that similar trade-offs in genetics are present in both dogs and modern foxes.
A new handheld sensing device, called the 'dog-on-a-chip,' can detect cocaine in real-time, reducing time between seizures and lab analysis. The device uses monoclonal antibodies to differentiate between similar molecules, providing an advantage over canine sniffers.
A study at the University of Illinois is investigating the effects of a high-quality animal-based diet versus a mainly plant-based diet on gene expression in dogs. The goal is to identify biomarkers that can predict diabetes and other medical issues in aging overweight dogs and cats.
Researchers at TIGR and TCAG published the first partial shotgun-genome sequence of the dog genome, revealing similarities with human and mouse genomes. The study identified 974,400 SNPs in dogs and found that the canine lineage diverged from the common ancestor of humans, mice, and other species.
Researchers have developed a canine model of nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis that closely resembles human conditions. The study found that histamine-induced nasal congestion in dogs was alleviated by α-adrenergic agonists, paving the way for testing new treatments.
Scientists have found that combining high temperature and ultra-high pressure can reduce prions to non-infective levels, improving the safety of meat products. This approach may also provide insights into understanding prion structure.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have developed a DNA-based vaccine that triples the survival rate for dogs with advanced melanoma. The vaccine, tested in nine dogs with no side effects, shows promise for treating this aggressive cancer in humans.
Researchers found that selenium supplements reduced DNA damage in elderly male dogs' prostates, potentially benefiting aging prostate health. A separate study suggests a new retinoid treatment may prevent lung cancer in former smokers by restoring RAR-ß expression and reducing squamous metaplasia.
Archaeologist Walberg uncovers Late Bronze-Age tomb in Bamboula, yielding over 200 artifacts, including a rare jar containing unburnt human bones. The findings also shed light on the presence of dogs in ancient Greek society.
Domesticated dogs originated in East Asia before spreading across Asia, Europe, and into the New World around 12,000-14,000 years ago. Genetic analysis reveals that Eurasian wolves were the likely ancestors of modern dogs, with breeding over the last 500 years responsible for size and shape differences.