Articles tagged with Rodents
Researchers found that pregnant Pacific pocket mice trained to fear snakes produce more vigilant offspring, which survive better in the wild. This method of antipredator training may improve conservation breeding and reintroduction programs.
A long-term study found that invasive Burmese pythons led to a dramatic decline in woodrat populations, while cotton mouse populations surged following Hurricane Irma's landfall. The study highlights the disproportionate impact of invasive predators on endemic ecosystem engineers and underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts.
Researchers found significant increases in invertebrate abundance following rodent eradication, particularly among larger-bodied species vulnerable to predation. The study highlights the crucial role of invertebrates in ecosystem function and recovery.
Researchers studied how hibernation affects the visual brain of squirrels, finding that certain neurons undergo quick structural changes during deep sleep and arousal stages. These changes reverse within hours after waking and have no lasting effects on neuron structure six months after hibernation.
A new species of hamster-sized mammal, Cimolodon desosai, has been discovered in the Upper Cretaceous El Gallo Formation of Baja California. The fossil, estimated to be 75 million years old, was found alongside dinosaur fossils and provides insights into the survival strategies of early mammals.
Researchers use tree rings and satellites to date changes beavers make to the tundra landscape as they spread northwards. The study provides evidence of beaver colonization in the region starting in 2008, with satellite analysis revealing a significant expansion of surface water between 2015 and 2019.
A new study reveals that fecal transplants from older female mice significantly improve ovarian function and fertility in young mice. The transplants show a direct link between the gut microbiome and ovarian health, with potential implications for fertility and overall health as women age.
Research discovered that meerkat's social group membership has the greatest influence on their gut microbiome, even more than age, sex, or environmental conditions. The study found that social interactions lead to the sharing of beneficial gut bacteria, which is vital for an animal's immunity and overall fitness.
A new study reveals that urban grey squirrels balance risk and foraging in urban environments by perceiving roads with consistent loud noise as lower predation risk. This ability to navigate complex risks contributes to their success in urban spaces.
A new study calls for standardized, transparent, and reproducible methods to evaluate frailty in preclinical aging studies. The researchers analyzed 18 rodent studies and found substantial variation in how frailty is defined and measured.
A research team developed a new method to precisely edit DNA by combining genetic engineering with artificial intelligence. The technique enables accurate modeling of human diseases and lays the groundwork for next-generation gene therapies.
A study by University of Göttingen researchers found that mixed deciduous-conifer forests promote coexistence between red squirrels and dormice. The team observed both species living side by side in these forests, suggesting a potential role for mixed forest management in supporting biodiversity.
Researchers from Empa's Soft Kinetic group studied the rare scaly-tailed squirrels' unique bodily structure, discovering that their thorn-covered scales help them maintain position and grip onto tree bark. The study aims to inform robotics by adopting morphological structures and behaviors honed through millions of years of evolution.
Researchers found that chipmunks' skulls became larger but teeth shorter due to increased human food availability. Voles' auditory bullae decreased in size possibly to dampen environmental noise. These changes demonstrate the profound impact of humans on wildlife and their environment.
Researchers used geospatial neighborhood and housing data to predict lung function among children with asthma living in homes with more roaches and rodents. The study highlights the impact of environmental exposures on asthma health disparities among Black and Latino children.
Researchers identified three hotspots of hantavirus circulation in wildlife, including Virginia, Colorado, and Texas. The study found 15 rodent species as carriers, including six new hosts, and explored the impact of climate change on transmission.
Researchers have found that more than 30 species of rodent and small mammals carry the hantavirus, including ground squirrels, chipmunks, and house mice. The study suggests that humans can get infected by breathing in aerosolized droppings excreted by these animals.
A UMass Amherst Ph.D. student has been awarded a €20,000 grant to investigate a new therapeutic target for Lyme disease by targeting the GuaB enzyme necessary for Borrelia burgdorferi replication in mammals.
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine discovered that mice display a form of 'first aid' behavior when helping unconscious peers, with actions ranging from gentle grooming to forceful tongue-pulling. This behavior is similar to human emergency responses and may be linked to the activation of oxytocin neuropeptides.
Tobias Ackels' research reveals that mammals can differentiate between odor sources at lightning speed, using a temporal dimension to orient themselves in space. This ability is encoded in the output of the olfactory bulb and could be used for early detection of dementia.
Researchers at Colorado State University have identified priority areas for prairie dog conservation, which benefits not only the prairie dog but also other grassland species. The study provides a blueprint for conserving habitats that could help revitalize North America's Central Grasslands.
Researchers successfully created a bi-paternal mouse by modifying genes involved in reproduction. The mice that reached adulthood exhibited altered growth and shortened lifespan, but could potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies for imprinting-related diseases.
Researchers tracked spur-winged lapwings in urban and rural areas, finding that city-dwellers are more mobile, especially during nesting season. The study also reveals seasonal differences in exploration patterns between males and females, highlighting the complex impact of human presence on bird behavior.
Researchers found significant functional variations between rodent and human PD-1 due to evolutionary divergence. The study reveals a unique motif present in most mammals but missing in rodents, leading to uniquely weaker rodent PD-1.
Researchers have discovered that AHCC suppresses liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells through two channels. Early administration of AHCC may hold the key to preventing the onset of cirrhosis, a potentially fatal condition.
Scientists investigated the role of ancient VR type-1 (ancV1R) receptor in pheromone detection using knockout mice. The study found that ancV1R-deficient female mice had impaired pheromone detection and exhibited abnormal sexual behavior.
Researchers observed California ground squirrels hunting, eating and competing over vole prey, revealing a carnivorous summer behavior. This flexible diet suggests they can adapt to changing environments.
Researchers have discovered a new approach to treating fentanyl overdoses using naloxone methiodide, which blocks peripheral opioid receptors. This therapy reverses fentanyl-induced respiratory depression without causing withdrawal symptoms.
A USC Stem Cell study has identified key gene regulators that enable some deafened animals, including fish and lizards, to naturally regenerate their hearing. The researchers found a class of DNA control elements known as 'enhancers' that amplify the production of a protein called ATOH1, which induces sensory cells in the inner ear.
A recent study published in Nature found that mother fleas can transmit the plague to their offspring, posing a significant threat to prairie dog colonies and other rodent populations. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding the role of animals in the dissemination of the disease.
Researchers discovered that highland deer mice have evolved distinct ways to acclimate to low oxygen conditions, surpassing their lowland counterparts. The study also showed that the highland mice possess a genetic advantage that helps suppress pulmonary hypertension.
Healthy mice swing their tails actively to counterbalance tilts, producing significant angular momentum. This study provides a new experimental setup for assessing mouse balance and improves understanding of neurological mechanisms behind balance issues.
A new study has found that grey squirrels are more likely to visit bait feeders in the spring, making it a suitable time to deliver oral contraceptives. The research developed a bait and monitoring system that demonstrated high species-specificity, with only grey squirrels accessing the feeder bait.
Researchers found that male mice deescalate aggressive encounters by running over to a female mouse to distract the aggressive male mouse. This 'bait-and-switch' tactic reduces further conflict and helps maintain social hierarchy in groups of mice.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have identified a key gene, glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4), that enables Syrian hamsters to survive extreme cold by limiting cellular damage. The discovery could lead to new treatments for human health, such as improving organ preservation and using hypothermia as a therapeutic tool.
Researchers at Emory University used spiny mice as a laboratory model to study the neural mechanisms of group living in mammals. The study found that neural signaling from the brain's anterior cingulate cortex drives the preference for spiny mice to affiliate with large peer groups.
A novel peptide, KS-133, has been developed to target genetic mechanisms associated with schizophrenia. The nanoparticle-based drug delivery system, where KS-133 is encapsulated with a brain-targeting peptide, shows effective distribution in the brains of mice and improves cognitive functions in mice with induced schizophrenia.
Research at the University of Zurich reveals that the first week after birth is a critical period for the development of senses, particularly smell and touch. Olfactory stimuli can induce neural activity across multiple brain regions, including areas responsible for non-olfactory sensory processing.
A rare Florida fossil has helped scientists reconcile the long-standing debate over North America's sole porcupine species. The porcupine's unique adaptations, such as its insulating fur and modified jaw structure, demonstrate the evolutionary pressures it faced in transitioning from tropical forests to colder environments.
A UMaine graduate student's research found that small mammal personalities determine the effectiveness of pilferage in mice and voles. Deer mice were the most accomplished thieves, while individuals with lower body condition and female voles were more likely to pilfer.
Researchers studied rodent incisors and discovered tiny pockets of iron-rich materials that form a protective shield for teeth, but don't contribute to the orange-brown hue. This finding could lead to improved human dentistry by incorporating small amounts of iron minerals into dental care products.
Researchers discovered that nutrient depletion in mother's diet triggers embryonic diapause, pausing embryo growth until conditions improve. This finding could lead to improved fertility treatments and alternative methods for preserving embryos.
Researchers at Kobe University identified differences in synaptic protein production between mice and marmosets during development. The study found that these differences may relate to evolutionary differences between rodent and primate brains, as well as their relevance to autism spectrum disorders.
A new study reveals that prairie dogs are a crucial prey source for four species of raptors, including bald eagles, overwintering in the Southern Great Plains. The relationship between prairie dogs and their aerial predators has implications for raptor conservation through climate change.
A study by University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers discovered that protons are the primary signals transmitting tactile sensations from Merkel cells to nerves. Protons bind to ASIC receptors on nerve endings, triggering an influx of sodium ions that propagate action potentials up the nerve towards the brain.
Scientists used new techniques to analyze gene activities during mouse prenatal development, revealing hundreds of cell types and their formation. The study showed that massive transcriptional changes occur at birth, potentially necessary for survival outside the womb.
Researchers have discovered a rare case of retrovirus integration in a rodent from New Guinea, revealing a new model for virus colonization. The white-bellied mosaic-tailed rat's genome contains the 'complete Melomys woolly monkey virus', which has characteristics of both exogenous and endogenous viruses.
Researchers found that genetic variations in the Eif4enif1 gene lead to premature ovarian insufficiency and reduced egg production. The study suggests that restoring proper mitochondrial behavior could improve fertility in human patients with similar conditions.
The study maps over 32 million cells in the mouse brain, describing their type, location, and molecular information. This atlas paves the way for a greater understanding of the human brain and development of precision therapeutics for mental and neurological disorders.
A study published in mSystems found that mice fed a broccoli sprout diet had milder disease symptoms and richer gut microbial communities compared to those not exposed. The researchers suggest that broccoli sprouts could be used as a treatment strategy for patients with IBD.
A recent study found that transient inflammatory pain causes persistent mitochondrial and metabolic disturbances in sensory neurons, leading to failure in pain resolution. Targeting the cellular redox balance prevents and treats chronic inflammatory pain in rodents.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that field mice store and transport seeds from once-in-a-century flowering sasa bamboo plants, spreading them throughout the forest. The study reveals that mouse body size affects seed caching behavior, with larger mice carrying seeds to safer locations.
A new project will monitor how changing environmental conditions shape viral outbreaks in wild rodent populations to identify hotspots with high potential for spillover into people. The team will use metaviromics and AI to analyze data from wild rodents in the UK and Eastern Uganda.
Scientists uncover evidence of long-term resident populations of mice living at extreme elevations in the Andes. Genetic and radiocarbon analysis reveals a species of leaf-eared mouse thriving above 6,000 meters, challenging previous assumptions about mammalian life on Earth.
Researchers found 13 mummified leaf-eared mouse cadavers atop 4-mile-high volcanoes, with DNA analysis revealing a distinct population from lower-altitude mice. The discovery suggests the rodents ascended without human assistance and have adapted to extreme conditions.
A recent study on Roosmalens' dwarf porcupine has revealed new information about its distribution in the Madeira biogeographical province of the Amazon Forest. The research found that the species is likely endemic to this region and has a wider distribution in southern Amazonia than previously thought.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that specific brain cells in the prefrontal cortex trigger mice to prepare for bed when tired, a behavior likely shared with humans. This hard-wired survival feature suggests that humans should prioritize sleep hygiene to maintain good health.
A new study in mice shows that consuming emulsifiers during pregnancy or lactation is associated with mild health risks for offspring. The researchers found that the offspring of mice that consumed emulsifiers had a greater risk of certain health issues, including metabolic, cognitive, and psychological impairments.
Researchers discovered that adult and aged mice demonstrated improved performance in behavioral tasks after environmental enrichment, with MSK1 playing a vital role. The study highlights the importance of MSK1 in converting positive experiences into cognitive benefits across the lifespan.