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Parasite-induced genetically driven autoimmune chagas disease

Scientists demonstrate a novel mechanism for Chagas disease's devastating effects: a parasite-driven autoimmune response that alters host genome. This chicken model reveals the origin of Chagas-like heart disease in the absence of parasitism, shedding new light on this lethal endemic infectious disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 29, 2011

Study shows how chickens keep their cool

A complex genetic mutation triggered by a vitamin A-derived substance caused the development of bald necks in Transylvanian naked neck chickens. The mutation led to enhanced production of an inhibitory protein called BMP12, resulting in an outstanding bald neck.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 15, 2011

GM chickens that don't transmit bird flu developed

Researchers have successfully developed genetically modified chickens that do not transmit avian influenza virus to other chickens, potentially stopping bird flu outbreaks within poultry flocks. This genetic modification has the potential to reduce the risk of bird flu epidemics leading to new flu virus epidemics in humans.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2011

Pelletized manure reduces toxic runoff

A recent study by the University of Delaware found that pelletized manure and no-tillage treatments can significantly reduce estrogen concentrations in manure runoff. The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Quality, suggests that measuring all forms of estrogens is crucial to understanding their environmental impact.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateNov 17, 2010

Sequencing the turkey genome

The international consortium's completion of the turkey genome sequence promises to provide new insights into avian genetics and improve turkey quality. The sequence will enable scientists to better understand specific genes important in meat yield, health, and disease resistance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 7, 2010

Arsenic in field runoff linked to poultry litter

Researchers found that fields amended with poultry litter can accumulate significant levels of arsenic, which can then migrate into nearby streams and rivers. The study highlights the importance of controlling point sources of arsenic and suggests management practices to protect local regions from agricultural pollutants.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateAug 16, 2010

Tracing Listeria monocytogenes in a commercial chicken cooking plant

A 21-month study found that incoming raw poultry is the primary source of Listeria monocytogenes contamination in commercial chicken cooking plants. The research team tracked sources of contamination, including employees, fresh air, and the surrounding environment, and found that floor drains were consistently positive for the bacteria.

Inside the chicken brain

Scientists develop a mathematical model of a three-cell microcircuit in a chicken's brain, revealing an elegant compromise between abstraction and complexity. The model reduces the system to one equation with two parameters, shedding light on why it's difficult to understand the brain using traditional methods.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review E·DateDec 6, 2009

Chicken capsules good for aching joints

Researchers found that chicken type II collagen (CCII) capsules improved joint function in RA patients with fewer side effects compared to the established antirheumatic drug methotrexate. Oral tolerance induction via dietary exposure is believed to contribute to this finding.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateNov 30, 2009

Rescuing male turkey chicks

A new technique using infrared spectroscopy can accurately determine the gender of six-week-old turkey poults with over 95% accuracy, potentially saving millions of male chicks from being killed shortly after birth. This method could be used by the breeding industry to identify female eggs for breeding and select female turkeys.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateNov 23, 2009

Animals now picking up bugs from people, study shows

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered a strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria jumping from humans to chickens, marking the first clear evidence of bacterial pathogens crossing from humans to animals since domestication. This finding has significant implications for poultry farming and food security.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2009

Texas A&M researchers find new mechanism for circadian rhythm

Researchers at Texas A&M University have found a new mechanism for regulating the circadian rhythm in chickens' eyes, which could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The discovery involves microRNA-26a, a small RNA molecule that plays a crucial role in controlling the activity ...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 20, 2009

Engineered pea seeds protect against parasites

Researchers have developed genetically modified pea seeds that produce antibodies against coccidiosis, reducing treatment costs and making it easier to use in commercial settings. The study found that chickens fed these antibody-containing pea seeds were significantly less likely to contract the disease.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biotechnology·DateSep 10, 2009

See salad, eat fries: When healthy menus backfire

Research at Duke University found that adding healthy options to menus can have the opposite effect, causing consumers with high self-control to make drastically worse choices. The study suggests that significant effort is needed from both food service providers and customers to promote healthy behaviors.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 21, 2009

Fowl soil additive breaks down crude oil

A team of researchers from Wuhan University found that adding chicken manure to contaminated soil can break down 75% of crude oil after two weeks. The study identified 12 microbial species capable of metabolizing crude oil components, paving the way for a more environmentally benign bioremediation approach.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateMar 3, 2009

Free-range chickens are more prone to disease

Researchers found that free-range chickens are more susceptible to disease, particularly bacterial and parasitic infections. The study, published in Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, suggests that this is due to the challenges of managing these systems, leading to higher mortality rates.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalActa Veterinaria Scandinavica·DateJan 14, 2009