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Talk-to-tilt: head tilting in dogs

Researchers studied head tilting in dogs that could learn toy names and found a relationship between head tilts and processing relevant stimuli. Consistent side tilts were observed for each individual dog over time.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalAnimal Cognition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2021

Many new college students report pet separation anxiety

A recent study by Washington State University researchers found that 75% of new first-year college students experience some level of pet separation anxiety, with one in four reporting moderate to severe symptoms. Students who treated their pets like people were more likely to experience high levels of anxiety.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAnthrozoös·TypeSurvey·DateOct 26, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study shows vaccine protects dogs against Valley fever

A new vaccine has shown significant protection against Valley fever in dogs, offering hope for a potential human vaccine. The study found that two doses provided high levels of protection against the fungal disease.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalVaccine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2021

University of Surrey research discover links to Bernard Williams’ 40-year-old “slosh” hypothesis

A computer model developed by the University of Surrey researchers supports Bernard Williams' 40-year-old hypothesis that pressure changes cause fluid in the cavity to 'slosh', generating stress in the spinal cord tissue. The study shows that this process can lead to small cavities gradually expanding down the spinal cord.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 25, 2021

Exceptional learning capacities revealed in some gifted dogs

A new study reveals that some gifted dogs can learn up to 12 new toy names in just one week and remember them for at least two months. The researchers tested these talented dogs as part of the Genius Dog Challenge, a series of live broadcasted experiments.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeNews article·DateOct 5, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Survey finds a need for pet care during hospitalizations

A survey conducted by Michigan Medicine found that nearly two-thirds of respondents experienced difficulty with pet care during hospitalization or knew someone who did. This stress can impact a patient's decision about staying in the hospital. Researchers aim to develop better resources and formalized services to address this need.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Patient Experience·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2021

Ancient humans traded dogs for their usefulness

Researchers found that ancient Siberian human populations interacted with outside dog populations at least 2,000 years ago, suggesting dogs were traded as goods. The study reveals that modern dog breeds like Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies maintain significant ancestry from a lineage established prior to 9,500 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateSep 24, 2021

Dog parasite is developing resistance to treatments

Researchers find hookworms resistant to multiple drugs used to treat them, with high prevalence in racing greyhounds. The study's results highlight the importance of regular deworming and caution against dog parks as potential breeding grounds for drug-resistant parasites.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal for Parasitology·DateSep 22, 2021

Cartilage resurfacing implant reduces pain, restores hip joint function in dogs

A textile-based implant containing cartilage derived from stem cells reduced pain and restored hip joint function to baseline levels in a study of dogs with moderate osteoarthritis. The implant successfully integrated into the hip joints, effectively resurfacing them and allowing the dogs to regain activity levels.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 15, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Similar neural mechanisms underlie dog-owner and infant-mother relationships

Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University discovered that dogs exhibit attachment behaviors similar to human infants, responding positively to their owner's speech. The study found that the reward center of a dog's brain is more sensitive to its owner's voice compared to a familiar person's praise.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalNeuroImage·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2021

Cavalier King Charles spaniels carry more harmful genetic variants than other breeds

A recent study found that Cavalier King Charles spaniels have an increased number of disease-causing mutations compared to other breeds. The breed's history of intense breeding and limited gene pool has led to the accumulation of harmful genetic variants, including those linked to myxomatous mitral valve disease, a common heart condition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Dogs tell the difference between intentional and unintentional action

Researchers found that dogs respond differently to food rewards withheld intentionally versus unintentionally. Dogs waited longer in the 'unwilling' condition, indicating they can differentiate between purposeful and accidental actions.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021

Companion dogs may be a key to solving dementia

Research found a strong correlation between Aβ42 peptide levels in companion dog brains and cognitive decline, supporting the use of dogs as models for Alzheimer's disease. The study's results demonstrate the potential of canine cognitive dysfunction as a tool for understanding human aging and age-related diseases.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalGeroScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Successful glioblastoma treatment in dogs may also be viable in humans

A new study suggests that a treatment for canine glioblastoma may also be effective in humans, with some dogs experiencing significant tumor shrinkage. The treatment uses an immunotherapy drug called STING agonist, which induced a robust immune response against cancer cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 25, 2021

Restoring hormone levels in a neutered dog leads to health improvements

A case study reports success in restoring hormone balance to a castrated dog, improving mobility, reducing anxiety, and alleviating various health issues. The treatment involved testosterone and GnRH agonist therapy, resulting in significant health improvements.

SourceParsemus Foundation·JournalTopics in Companion Animal Medicine·TypeCase study·DateAug 20, 2021

Dog coat patterns have ancient origin

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Genetic enigma solved

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.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2021

Dogs may not return their owners' good deeds

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 14, 2021

Dog food sold across Europe contains antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including 'superbugs' found in hospital patients

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateJul 10, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

'Smart collar' could prevent tapeworms in dogs

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 8, 2021

Not only humans got talent, dogs got it too!

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.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 7, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Cats may catch COVID-19 from sleeping on their owner's bed

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateJun 30, 2021

Tuckered out: Early Antarctic explorers underfed their dogs

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.

SourceCanterbury Museum·JournalPolar Record·DateJun 23, 2021

Antelope's fate shrouded by social, political forces

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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateJun 22, 2021

Incidents of serious parasitic disease on the rise in Alberta, Canada

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateJun 17, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Puppies are born ready to communicate with people, study shows

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 3, 2021

Puppies are wired to communicate with people, study shows

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 3, 2021

Looking for mussels? A dog just might be your best friend for that, too

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.

SourceTexas Tech University·DateJun 3, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Surveillance turns up new coronavirus threat to humans

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 20, 2021

Pets and their owners diet together, new study finds

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%.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 19, 2021

Sensors developed at URI can identify threats at the molecular level

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.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalNature·DateMay 14, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Petting therapy dogs enhances thinking skills of stressed college students

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAERA Open·DateMay 12, 2021

Long-term stress in dogs linked to the owner-dog relationship

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.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 10, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Dogs' aggressive behavior towards humans is often caused by fear

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.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 3, 2021

New therapy target for malignant melanomas in dogs

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.

SourceHokkaido University·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·DateApr 22, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

With impressive accuracy, dogs can sniff out coronavirus

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 14, 2021

Mystery canine illness identified

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.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateApr 14, 2021

Archaeologists uncover earliest evidence of domesticated dogs in Arabian Peninsula

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.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Field Archaeology·DateApr 8, 2021

Dogs act jealously even when they don't see their rival

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 8, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Where we live can affect male reproductive health, finds new study

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.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 1, 2021

Turning back the clock on a severe vision disorder

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateMar 30, 2021

One in 10 older adults have gotten a "pandemic pet," poll finds

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateMar 22, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Parasites may make dogs smell good to insect vector

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 18, 2021