Articles tagged with Dogs
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.
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.
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.
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.
Howie Choset's snakebot technology can navigate through three-dimensional terrains with enhanced flexibility and 'reach' ability. The robot's hyper-redundant mechanisms enable it to thread through tightly packed spaces without disturbing the surrounding areas.
Ethiopian wolf populations are threatened by rabies, which spreads rapidly among packs. Vaccinating surrounding dogs is a costly and difficult option, but researchers found vaccinating wolves themselves could increase survival rates. Developing an oral rabies vaccine for wolves may be a more effective solution.
A study of 24,690 British children found a dose-related association between maternal antibiotic exposure during pregnancy and increased risk of asthma, eczema, and hay fever. Another study on Alaskan sled dogs suggests that 'ski asthma' may be a model for exercise-induced airway injury in humans.
Dogs on a reduced-calorie diet lived up to 13 years, while those with high-calorie diets averaged 11.2 years. The study also found that lean body conformation and dietary restriction can help prevent chronic illnesses like osteoarthritis.
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) has upgraded the priority of cow, dog, Oxytricha trifallax, and Trichoplax genomes to high or moderate based on medical and biological opportunities. The genome sequences are expected to speed up studies of these agriculturally important animals and have medical benefits for dogs.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy approach to treat mucopolysaccharidosis VII, a disorder affecting multiple organ systems, in dogs. The treatment involves four intravenous injections of a retroviral vector expressing canine beta-glucuronidase, resulting in normal enzyme activity and near-normal mobility in treated dogs.
A study found that children exposed to dogs and cats in the home have a significantly reduced risk of developing common allergies, with exposure levels reducing allergy rates by up to 45%. The research suggests that early exposure to endotoxins from pets may help the immune system develop a different response, making it less likely for...
A study by Pauline Entin, PhD, found no significant gender difference in running speed for horses, which contradicts the assumption that men are faster than women. In contrast, female horses have been successful in premier events and dogs show a similar lack of gender-based segregation in racing.
A recent study found that dog collars fitted with deltamethrin resulted in a 42% reduction in transmission of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis to children and a 54% drop in infection rates among dogs. This alternative control method is more practical and effective than current methods, such as dog culling and spraying insecticide.
Researchers have discovered genetic mutations in dogs that mirror the genetic mutations of humans with inherited blindness, providing new insights into photoreceptor cell degeneration. The study has potential implications for treating both canine and human retinal diseases, including progressive retinitis pigmentosa.
Bats are the leading cause of human rabies in the US, with tiny bites going unnoticed. The study found it unlikely for bat rabies to be transmitted through the air or from an infected animal like a cat or dog. Dr. Gibbons advises seeking emergency care if direct contact occurs.
Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation in English mastiffs that causes retinal dysfunction and degeneration, mirroring human dominant retinitis pigmentosa. The study aims to find treatments and cures for inherited forms of blindness in humans by testing therapies first in dogs.
A team of researchers is tracking the health of rescue dogs and their handlers who searched at the World Trade Center and Pentagon. The study aims to identify potential long-term consequences, including cancer and mental health issues, and provide assistance to those affected.
Researchers found that hip laxity is a solid risk factor for canine arthritis, which affects an estimated 70-80 percent of dogs in certain breeds. Selective breeding to avoid high-laxity individuals could slash the incidence of canine arthritis within 10 years.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a simple protein test to detect telomerase activity in cancerous cells of dogs and cats. The test has shown promising results in diagnosing malignant tumors in pets, with high accuracy rates compared to traditional diagnostic methods.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that suggests barring domestic animals from bedrooms can significantly reduce Chagas disease transmission. By analyzing household dynamics, they found keeping dogs in bedrooms is the worst thing for households, while excluding infected dogs from sleeping areas virtually eliminates transmission.
Keeping chickens and dogs out of bedrooms can reduce Chagas disease risk by reducing the bug population, say Science researchers. Removing infected dogs from households nearly wipes out transmission of the parasite.
A new study has revealed that Italian wolves have maintained a pure population despite facing threats such as competition for food and space. The researchers analyzed mitochondrial DNA samples from over 100 Italian wolves, finding unique sequences that indicate the species has remained genetically distinct from feral dogs.
A study by Mississippi researchers found that flea collars with organophosphate insecticides can release residues on dogs' fur, which can then be transferred to humans. The levels of these residues vary depending on the collar's design, and experts are urging parents to keep children away from pets when new collars are used.
Researchers found that three out of 11 wild wolves carried the enzyme corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase, which is also found in dogs. This enzyme reflects long-term stress and indicates the presence of hepatic disease in the wolves. In contrast, captive wolves had no enzyme, suggesting they are healthier.
A veterinary parasitologist and his team have demonstrated that dogs are definitive hosts for Neospora caninum, a single-celled parasitic organism causing cattle abortions. This discovery has led to recommendations for improved cattle management strategies to reduce economic losses estimated at $35 million per year.
Researchers discovered Cryptosporidium and Giardia parasites in 7.3% and 11.7% of stool samples from dogs, with puppies under 30 weeks old most affected. Despite no visible symptoms, these parasites can cause serious illness in humans.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a genetic correlation between dog blindness and a similar human disease, potentially leading to new treatments for human eye disorders. The study identifies the canine version of the human RP17 gene defect, which could lead to gene therapy methods for both dogs and humans.
A genetic map of dogs was constructed using 150 microsatellite markers, revealing the organization of genes and traits on the canine genome. The study has significant implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, and bleeding disorders.
Researchers are documenting the existence of seizure-alert dogs that claim to detect seizures before they strike, offering hope for people with epilepsy. The study aims to determine if these phenomena are real and reliable, and how dog trainers approach training such dogs.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have successfully transplanted nervous system cells into dogs with diseased spinal cords, achieving significant myelination and growth. This breakthrough finding offers new hope for multiple sclerosis treatment and may be applicable to other demyelinating disorders.