Articles tagged with Pigs
Dr Catherine Bell suggests that exposure to Peppa Pig may encourage patients to seek unnecessary medical attention and visits. She analyzes three case studies, highlighting the potential impact of the show on patient behavior and primary care services.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a method to shield piglets from the devastating porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus. The technique relies on eliminating the CD163 protein in pregnant sows, which acts as the virus's receptor.
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been used to treat Okinawan pig farm wastewater, removing contaminants and generating electricity. The technology has shown promise in reducing the island's wastewater burden, with efficiency rates of up to 90%.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a topical gel made from common blood pressure pills that block inflammation pathways, speeding up the healing of chronic skin wounds. The gel was shown to be effective in accelerating wound healing in mice and pigs, with one concentration showing significant benefits.
Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to insert UCP1 gene in pigs, reducing fat deposition and increasing lean meat production. The findings have potential implications for animal welfare and production efficiency in the pork industry.
A new study by University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna researchers reveals that Kune Kune piglets possess highly developed social learning abilities through observation. The piglets attentively observed and replicated tasks demonstrated by their mother or aunt, showcasing exceptional memory capabilities.
A study on swine farm volunteers found that levels of MRSA in nasal passages became virtually undetectable after two hours of exposure. Airborne transmission was the primary route of infection, not direct physical contact with animals. The risk of transmission to non-farm dwellers is considered negligible due to this decline.
Researchers at the University of Georgia's Regenerative Bioscience Center have developed a new US pig model for stroke treatments, which will provide essential preclinical data and speed up the drug discovery process. The model uses induced neural stem cells to replace stroke-damaged brain tissue and stimulate neuroplasticity.
Researchers have confirmed that a Dutch isolate of the parasite Cystoisospora suis is resistant to toltrazuril, a common treatment used in Europe. This development highlights the need for increased hygiene measures and monitoring of resistance to prevent the spread of resistant parasites.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers highlights the need for protective measures to prevent pig-to-human flu transmission at fairs. The study found that shorter exhibition lengths and proper hygiene practices can significantly reduce disease transmission.
Researchers have successfully edited the pig genome to deactivate a family of retroviruses, which can be passed on to human cells. The achievement holds important implications for transplant medicine and may one day enable pig-to-human organ transplants.
Scientists are noticing a shift from hepatitis E as only a disease of the poor to one that can also affect affluent people in developed world settings. The virus is re-emerging as zoonotic, with transmission linked to pork products and environmental contamination.
Research from the University of Illinois found that soybean meal produced in different countries has varying levels of digestible protein and amino acids. The study suggests that US, Indian, and Brazilian soybean meals have higher concentrations of these nutrients compared to Argentine and Chinese alternatives.
Researchers used a pig model to study chronic diseases, finding that pigs have similar gut bacterial profiles and immune systems as humans. The study suggests that a pig model could lead to better treatments and food-based prevention strategies for conditions like colon cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have made a breakthrough in human in vitro fertilization (IVF) after discovering a method to improve success rates in pigs. By adding specific growth factors to a special liquid medium, they were able to increase efficiency and quality of embryos, potentially reducing costs for IVF treatments.
A new pestivirus, LINDA virus, has been discovered in Austrian pigs, causing severe shaking and damage to the brain and spinal cord. The virus is distantly related to classical swine fever and its discovery highlights the need for further research into its prevalence and potential impact on pig breeding.
African swine fever is a devastating disease with a mortality rate of over 90% that affects pig populations worldwide. Researchers studied live-pig trade in Georgia to identify patterns and high-risk villages where education and outreach activities can be targeted.
In a recent study, researchers found that piglets exhibit differential exploratory behavior when presented with new toys. Females and 4-week-old piglets demonstrated better object recognition skills compared to males and 3-week-olds. The study's results have implications for future research on animal behavior and cognition.
Researchers have found that wheat middlings and red dog, two coproducts of the wheat milling process, have varying levels of protein digestibility when fed to pigs. The study suggests that red dog contains more easily digested amino acids due to its lower fiber content.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that pharmacological levels of zinc oxide in pig diets reduce calcium and phosphorus digestibility. However, adding microbial phytase can improve digestibility and mitigate the negative effects of zinc on mineral absorption.
Researchers found that cold-resistant pig breeds such as Tibetan and Min pigs use UCP3 to produce heat, unlike other breeds that rely on shivering. This discovery has important implications for the swine industry and could lead to new strategies for reducing neonatal mortality in cold climates.
Dr Rebecca O'Connor's research has led to the development of a chromosome screening service for agricultural food providers, improving mapping of the pig genome and reducing economic costs. The device can screen for genetic flaws that affect fertility in pigs, producing fewer than half the usual litter size.
Researchers created a pig model to study human knee growth and changes in ligament orientation during maturity. The model enables researchers to better understand joint injuries in children and teens, potentially informing new surgical approaches and clinical practice.
A new study offers good news for pork producers, providing research-backed management recommendations. The study found that quality in one part of the pig does not predict quality in other parts, and that individual differences account for most variability in pork products.
Researchers found that soy protein concentrate (SPC) ground to three particle sizes showed improved digestibility of crude protein and amino acids compared to traditional protein sources. The results indicate that SPC can be used as an alternative to animal proteins in weanling pig diets without negative effects on growth performance.
A new study from the University of Illinois shows that high protein canola meal contains glucosinolates, which reduce diet palatability and affect growth performance. Pigs fed diets containing conventional canola meal had greater final body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake than those fed high protein canola meal.
Researchers have determined the atomic structure of African swine fever virus enzyme AsfvPolX, revealing a unique binding pocket and high error rate. This could lead to the development of targeted treatments by blocking the binding pocket with drugs.
Scientists have produced gene-edited pigs with a modified CD163 gene, showing complete resistance to infection with both major subtypes of the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus. The change is introduced using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and should not affect their ability to fight off other infections.
Researchers found that vampire bats are feeding on the blood of feral pigs and wild boars in Brazil and the Americas, increasing the risk of rabies transmission. The study highlights the alarming link between invasive feral pig populations and the spread of diseases among livestock.
Researchers at Salk Institute successfully created human/pig chimeras, offering insights into early human development and potential applications for drug testing. The achievement marks an important step towards growing functional tissues and organs for regenerative medicine.
Academics used math to tackle cocoa yield fluctuations, optimize pig farming practices and improve hydroponics efficiency. The study aims to provide targeted advice for smallholder farmers and secure sustainable farming communities.
Researchers developed an implantable soft-robotic device that gives the heart gentle squeezes, improving blood flow and reducing risk of infection. The device successfully restored normal blood flow in living pigs and could be tailored for individual patient needs with further investigation.
Scientists have created male pigs that can produce sperm with the genetic blueprint of sought-after pigs by transplanting stem cells into surrogate animals. This breakthrough could dramatically improve pig farming efficiency and quality, as well as enhance desirable traits like disease resilience.
Researchers have identified a new virus as the cause of congenital tremors in newborn piglets, a potentially life-threatening disease. The discovery represents a significant diagnostic breakthrough, enabling detection through molecular methods and highlighting the risk of sexual transmission.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that some hog workers are carrying livestock-associated, antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their noses and may be developing skin infections. The researchers suggest that these bacteria can spread more broadly between animals and humans if not properly controlled.
A new study by University of Lincoln and Newcastle University researchers shows that pigs' moods and personalities influence their outlooks, similar to humans. Pigs living in better environments are more optimistic, while those in worse environments are more pessimistic.
A study found Neu5Gc in pig organs, particularly heart, spleen, kidney, and lungs, with concentrations increasing as organs are cooked. This non-human sialic acid sugar molecule may trigger an immune response, leading to chronic inflammation and increased risks of tumor formation and inflammatory diseases.
A new study finds that young children residing with adults who work on large industrial hog operations in North Carolina have a higher prevalence of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus, including MRSA and MDRSA, in their nasal passages compared to children living with non-industrial hog workers.
A recent study links a disease-associated microbial state to increased risk of developing IBD in genetically- and environmentally-susceptible individuals. Another study found that exposure to high altitude conditions triggers local acid sensing pathways leading to disease progression in IBD patients. Meanwhile, research highlights the ...
The US Food and Drug Administration is making surprise visits to heparin plants in China to verify animal origins. Researchers are also working on developing a synthetic version of the drug to diversify sources.
A new study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researchers has found that bovine heparin has equivalent anti-clotting properties to porcine heparin. This breakthrough could help address possible shortages of the essential medication, which is primarily derived from pigs.
Researchers developed efficient lentiviral and adeno-associated virus-based approaches to deliver CFTR genes to the airways of pig models with cystic fibrosis. These methods resulted in functional CFTR expression, improving early cystic fibrosis pig phenotypes.
University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers are developing a way to wrap insulin-producing cell-clusters from pigs in a thin protective coating to prevent immune rejection. The goal is to transplant these cells into humans to treat Type 1 diabetes, with promising results in preclinical work.
Scientists found a novel mutation in modern feral Hawaiian pigs that explains their black coats, suggesting humans across the world have selected and bred black pigs independently. The study suggests Polynesians brought domestic pigs to Hawaii 800 years ago and humans later selected for black coats on at least three separate occasions.
A UK-wide study aiming to assess the resilience of the British pig industry will use advanced analytics and machine learning to forecast how major changes affect the sector. The PIGSustain project will gather comprehensive data on animal health, disease, and welfare as well as socio-economic trends.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan campus develop synthetic heart valves made of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel, reducing the need for animal tissues in bypass surgery. The new material allows surgeons to practice techniques in a more realistic and safe environment.
A research team found that a fungus, Pneumocystis carinii, plays a more important role in pneumonia than previously thought. The fungus was detected in piglets of all ages and appeared to proliferate before bacterial pathogens, suggesting it may be a 'door opener' for secondary infections.
Research shows that pelleting and extrusion increase digestible and metabolizable energy in diets for pigs, regardless of fiber content. Pelleting alone or combining with extrusion provides greater increases in amino acid digestibility, improving energy utilization.
Researchers found the 2009 swine H1N1 flu virus originated from pigs in a small region in central Mexico, with genetic analysis revealing its precise location and molecular transformations. This discovery sheds light on how animal influenza viruses infect humans and spread globally.
Researchers observed wild boars and warthogs aligning themselves along the magnetic north-south axis, with a slight preference for east. The animals' internal compass helps them navigate while foraging for food and inhabiting new areas.
Researchers found that mass treatment of humans and pigs with chemotherapy and vaccination can interrupt the transmission of Taenia solium infection. The study was conducted in Peru's Tumbes Province, where the disease is highly endemic.
Researchers from Aarhus University create convincing model to predict and quantify odorants in the atmosphere, reducing nuisance and improving odor abatement solutions. The technique uses precise measurements of odorant content for on-site assessments, offering a more accurate alternative to human olfactory evaluations.
Research at the University of Illinois found that adding microbial xylanase to diets containing rice bran can increase its energy value for pigs. The study confirmed that xylanase increased the concentrations of digestible and metabolizable energy in full fat rice bran and defatted rice bran.
Researchers are exploring genetically modified pigs as a valuable alternative to rodent models for cancer research, leveraging precision-genetics and genetic similarities between swine and humans. This approach could lead to more accurate modeling of the disease and identification of effective treatments.
A recent study published in eLife reveals that novel swine flu viruses have emerged, driven by the frequent introduction of human viruses to pigs. The analysis of nearly 600 flu viruses from multiple continents shows a high level of antigenic diversity, posing a significant risk to human health.
A new study led by San Francisco State University researcher Ezequiel Morsella demonstrates that complex mental manipulations can occur involuntarily, even with training to suppress them. The findings support the passive frame theory, suggesting consciousness is a conduit for information rather than an active creator.
A new study shows that genetically modified pig hearts developed by US and LMU researchers can survive for more than 2½ years when transplanted into baboons. The findings demonstrate a promising breakthrough in xenotransplantation, with potential implications for human organ transplantation.
A new immune-suppressing drug regimen has led to the longest survival yet for a cross-species heart transplant, involving pig hearts in baboons. The study's results could lead to increased use of xenotransplantation and potentially help severe organ shortage among human patients.
Researchers recorded footage of wild Bawean warty pigs using camera traps to estimate population size and habitat preferences. The findings suggest the species is endangered due to low population density and habitat loss.
A new Simon Fraser University study documents taphonomy of a pig carcass in the Strait of Georgia, showing a dramatically different scavenging progression than earlier studies. The research provides valuable information for recovery divers and can aid in estimating minimum submergence times and identifying water exposure.