Articles tagged with Dogs
A new study by Professor Danika Bannasch and colleagues reveals that five distinct dog coat patterns have an ancient origin, dating back over 2 million years. The research suggests that lighter coat colors would have been advantageous to an extinct canid ancestor in arctic environments during glaciation periods.
A team of researchers has cracked the code on dog coat color patterns by identifying five distinct genetic variants that cause different colors. These variants originated in an extinct species and were introduced into modern dogs through hybridization events.
In an experiment, dogs were paired with two unfamiliar humans - one helpful and one unhelpful. Despite the humans' behavior, the dogs showed no preference for the helper or did not reciprocate by acting more favorably towards them. The study suggests that dogs may not be able to understand the connection between human help and reward.
Researchers at Utrecht University found shelter dogs rest less and have higher stress hormone levels than pet dogs, indicating a need for adaptation time
A new study by Duke University finds that dogs have developed complex cognitive abilities similar to human babies after 14,000 years of domestication. The research tested dog and wolf puppies, revealing that dogs can intuitively understand human gestures and social cues.
A study found that raw dog food in European supermarkets and pet shops contains antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including 'superbugs' found in hospital patients. The researchers concluded that dog food is a source of bacteria resistant to last-resort antibiotics and could potentially spread to humans.
The mcr-1 gene, providing resistance to last-resort antibiotic colistin, has been detected in humans and pets worldwide since its first report in China in 2015. Research finds that household pets may be acting as reservoirs of the gene, aiding its spread in the community.
Researchers developed a smart collar that delivers praziquantel, a deworming drug, to dogs infected with echinococcosis. The collar reduces the risk of tapeworms in dogs by 0.182 times and 0.336 times compared to control groups.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that a handful of dogs learn multiple toy names effortlessly, despite struggling with object labels. The research suggests that talent in a specific field may not be exclusively human, with gifted word learner dogs displaying exceptional learning capacity.
A study found that cats are more susceptible to COVID-19 than dogs, with 67% of owned cats testing positive for antibodies. Cats that sleep on their owner's bed are particularly at risk, and prolonged contact with owners may increase the chance of infection.
A study of 156 dogs and 154 cats found that 6% had active COVID-19 infections and 17.4% had antibodies indicating past exposure. The researchers suggest that the most likely route of transmission is from human to pet, rather than the other way around.
Researchers found that early British Antarctic expeditions fed their dogs inadequate amounts of Spratt's dog cakes, leading to desperation and hunger among the canine team members. The study suggests that the dogs required significantly more energy-rich food to sustain their high-energy activities.
A University of Georgia study reveals the complex web of human conflicts hindering endangered species conservation in South Africa. The oribi's fate is entwined with private landownership, political corruption, and racial tensions.
A rare parasitic infection is spreading rapidly in Alberta, with over 17 human cases diagnosed between 2013 and 2020. The disease, known as alveolar echinococcosis, causes serious health complications and can be deadly if left untreated.
Researchers found that puppies demonstrate human-like social skills from a young age, with a strong genetic component. They can reciprocate human social gaze and use information given by humans in social contexts, even before extensive experience with humans.
Researchers found that puppies as young as 8 weeks old demonstrate social communication skills, such as following pointing gestures and engaging in eye contact. Genetics explain more than 40% of the variation in puppies' abilities, suggesting an innate capacity for human interaction.
Researchers are collaborating to evaluate detection canine technology and eDNA detection sensitivity for preventing invasive mussel invasion in Texas. Detection canines have shown great success in detecting mussels at all stages of life, but their limits for late-stage larval detection have not been studied.
Researchers created high-resolution maps of the virus using cryogenic electron microscopy and custom software. The 3D image revealed that an antibody binding site on CPV significantly overlapped its receptor binding site, allowing antibodies to block virus attachment and neutralize infection.
Finnish researchers have identified the LOXHD1 gene as the cause of nonsyndromic early-onset hereditary canine hearing loss in Rottweilers. The study's findings have implications for breeding practices, allowing dogs to be tested for the defective gene and preventing deafness in puppies.
Researchers have identified a new canine-like coronavirus found in Malaysian pneumonia cases, indicating potential for animal-to-human transmission. The discovery highlights the need for better surveillance to detect novel coronaviruses and mitigate public health threats.
A new international study found that pet owners who follow gluten-free, organic or grain-free diets are likely to look for similar characteristics in their dog's food. The study also found that dog owners in Germany preferred grain-free dog food at a rate of 30%.
Researchers have developed sensors that can detect explosive materials, particles from deadly viruses, and illegal drugs at the part-per-quadrillion level. The technology has a wide range of applications, including monitoring wounds in soldiers and detecting roadside IEDs.
The Hungarian Canine Brain and Tissue Bank (CBTB) has made significant contributions to aging research by providing biological materials from pet dogs. Researchers found a positive correlation between CDKN2A expression and age in brain and muscle tissue, similar to human findings.
A genetic study has identified two regions in the canine genome associated with a high risk of developing an aggressive form of hematological cancer, known as histiocytic sarcoma. The research, which combined multiple sequencing techniques, found that these regions account for 35% of the risk of the disease in flat-coated retrievers.
Research at Washington State University found that petting therapy dogs enhanced executive functioning in stressed-out college students, particularly those at risk of mental health issues. The study, published in AERA Open, demonstrated long-lasting cognitive benefits up to six weeks after program completion.
Researchers found that hunting dog breeds show clear links between owner personality and dog-stress levels, while ancient breeds are less affected. The study suggests breeding for collaboration with humans influences stress synchronization in herding dogs.
Researchers tracked African wild dog movement and found suitable corridors within the KAZA, but country-specific differences hinder animal movements. The study's findings support conservation efforts and suggest benefits for other species like lions, elephants, and cheetahs.
A University of Helsinki study of 9,000 dogs found that fearfulness is a key factor in aggressive behavior, with fearful dogs more likely to behave aggressively. The study also identified breed differences, with certain breeds exhibiting higher levels of aggression.
A new study by Hungarian ethologists found that shorter-headed dog breeds, such as boxers and bulldogs, are more likely to form eye contact with humans due to their unique retina structure. Younger and playfully dogs also exhibited faster eye contact formation in a behavior test.
Scientists have discovered a potential new therapy target for canine cancer, specifically oral malignant melanoma in dogs. The treatment targets the PD-L1 molecule, which has shown promise in human cancer treatments, and significantly increased survival time for dogs with pulmonary metastatic OMM.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki found a link between a gene defect and severe epilepsy in Parson Russell Terrier puppies. The PITRM1 gene mutation causes mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to neurodegeneration and seizures.
A 2019-2020 canine vomiting outbreak was identified as a variant of canine enteric coronavirus (CeCoV), affecting male dogs more than females. A national surveillance system is being developed to monitor canine health.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that specially trained dogs can identify positive COVID-19 samples with high accuracy, recognizing the unique odor of the infection. The research suggests large-scale training with diverse samples is crucial to ensure quality and validity for future applications.
The discovery reveals a significant finding about the lives of ancient humans and their animals. The site contains 26 fragments of dog bones alongside human remains, dated to circa 4200-4000 BCE, indicating a long-term bond between species. The research challenges current understanding of Neolithic periods in the Middle East.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that dogs display jealous behaviors when their owners interact with a potential rival, including forcefully attempting to reach the owner. The researchers tested 18 dogs using realistic artificial dogs and fleece cylinders, demonstrating three human-like signatures of jealous behavior.
A recent study published in PLOS Genetics has identified six genetic variants that add up to determine the risk of several blood cancers in pre-disposed dog breeds. The study found that dogs carrying five or more of these mutations had a very high risk of developing blood cancer during their lifetime.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found a link between geographical location and male reproductive health, with pollution levels varying by region. The researchers analyzed dog testes to identify correlations between environmental exposures and reproductive health.
A new gene therapy approach has been successful in restoring both normal structure and function to the retina's cone photoreceptor cells in dogs with a severe form of Leber congenital amaurosis. The treatment, which delivered a normal copy of the NPHP5 gene, was tested in nine five-week-old dogs and showed promising results.
A new study shows that almost all wild canines in Australia are genetically more than half dingo, highlighting the need to reevaluate lethal measures and terminology. Dingo-dog hybrids make up only a small percentage of the population.
A new poll shows that 10% of older adults between 50-80 years old obtained a pet during the pandemic, with 59% of those in this age range being pet owners. Pet ownership was higher among women, whites, and employed individuals, providing companionship and social support.
The Morris Animal Foundation is partnering with Elanco Animal Health to better understand the incidence and prevalence of osteoarthritis in dogs. The partnership involves Elanco sponsoring a new section of the owner and veterinarian questionnaires that directly evaluates signs of osteoarthritis.
A study found that infected dogs emit an odor attractive to female sand flies, which transmit Leishmania infantum, the parasite causing visceral leishmaniasis. The researchers suggest parasites manipulate their host's scent to improve transmission opportunities.
Researchers found that dogs infected with Leishmania parasites have a more attractive odor to female sand flies than uninfected dogs. This increased attractiveness could lead to enhanced infection and transmission opportunities for the parasite.
The partnership aims to improve understanding of CDS incidence, prevalence and risk factors. Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome affects about 14% of dogs 8 years and older.
A raw diet from late suckling to 2 months old reduces inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) risk in dogs later life. Early dry food intake increases IBD incidence.
The bones of a 35-50 year old male, identified as Ajpach' Waal, have shed light on his privileged yet difficult life. He suffered malnutrition or illness as a child but forged alliances between two powerful dynasties, only to die in relative obscurity.
A study by University of Bristol Veterinary School has identified 27 breeds at higher risk of osteosarcoma due to their body size and shape. The research used data from over 1,700 confirmed cases, finding that dogs with shorter skulls and legs have lower osteosarcoma risk.
A University of Illinois study reveals that milk oligosaccharides in canine and feline milk can boost beneficial microbes and establish a healthy gut microbial community. The research found that adding these prebiotics to pet diets improves palatability and has no adverse effects on health.
Researchers at Utrecht University discovered that assistance dogs' paws are cleaner than their users' shoe soles, invalidating hygiene reasons for banning them from hospitals. A pilot study of 25 assistance dogs and their owners found no significant presence of fecal bacteria or diarrheal bacteria on the dogs' paws.
Researchers have identified a new blindness gene, IFT122, associated with inherited retinal dystrophy in dogs. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the genetic background of the disease and developing novel treatments.
Specially trained detection dogs can be used to find endangered species, including otters in Germany and crested newts. They have been proven effective in over 90% of cases, often detecting species faster than other methods.
A new study uses multiple approaches to investigate the diet of ancient dogs in the Americas, revealing a diverse diet including maize, walnuts, grapes, fish, and duck. The analysis also sheds light on human-dog dietary overlap, providing insights into human health and diet.
A genetic study found a DVL2 gene defect associated with screw tail and caudal vertebral anomalies in various dog breeds. The variant affects muzzle length and heart development, highlighting the importance of genetic testing for health problems.
A new study has discovered a bone fragment in Southeast Alaska that belongs to the oldest confirmed dog in the Americas, dated to around 10,150 years ago. The DNA analysis suggests that the dog's lineage diverged from Siberian dogs around 16,700 years ago, coinciding with human migration along a coastal route.
A recent study has identified a novel gene, POU1F1, associated with a development disorder of pituitary origin in Karelian Bear Dogs. The research found that the disease is inherited recessively and can be diagnosed using a gene test, paving the way for its eradication from the breed.
A study from Oregon State University found that dogs synchronize their behavior with children, but not as much as they do with adults. The researchers observed that dogs exhibited behavioral synchronization with children at a higher rate than expected by chance, particularly in terms of active synchrony and proximity. However, the leve...
In a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers found that dogs can recognize their body as an obstacle, a basic manifestation of self-representation. This ability is linked to the mirror mark experiment, where humans and elephants perform well.
A large-scale study has identified more than 20 genetic loci associated with canine hip dysplasia in a cohort of 1,600 dogs from ten breeds. The loci were validated using blood samples and radiographic images, revealing a complex interplay between genetic variants and disease susceptibility.
Researchers tested dogs in a 'body as an obstacle' task, where they had to pick up a toy attached to a mat or the ground. The dogs left the mat more frequently when the toy was attached, suggesting body awareness and understanding of consequences.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University tested AI-powered hate speech detection software on over 680,000 chess comments and found that 82% of flagged comments did not contain hate speech. The study suggests that words like 'black' and 'white' are triggering phrases for the classifiers.