Rodents

URI master’s student Emilio Pedroza Lopez earns prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Researchers discover the fossil of a new hamster-sized mammal that lived alongside dinosaurs on the Pacific Coast

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.

Beavers leave a trail as they head into the Arctic

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.

Fecal transplants from older mice significantly improve ovarian function and fertility in younger mice

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.

Meerkats get health benefit from mob membership

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.

Road noise can actually make squirrels feel safer, new study finds

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.

Standardizing frailty indexes to improve preclinical aging research

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.

AI meets CRISPR for precise gene editing

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.

Do red squirrels and dormice get along?

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.

Safely navigating treetops thanks to a scaly tail

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.

Chicago’s rodents are evolving to handle city living

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.

How home addresses may predict health consequences of roach, rodent exposure

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.

Deadly rodent-borne hantavirus is an emerging disease with pandemic potential

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.

UNM researchers find live hantavirus is carried in more than 30 New Mexico small mammal species

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.

UMass Amherst Ph.D. student wins grant from European Microbiology Society for Lyme Disease Research

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.

USC researchers observe mice may have a form of first aid

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.

A gateway to memory: Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Early Career Award 2025 goes to Tobias Ackels

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.

Protecting the Plains: Conserving prairie dogs will revitalize North America’s grasslands

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.

First mouse with two male parents to reach adulthood

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.

City-dwelling spur-winged lapwings move around more than their rural counterparts

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.

Scientists unveil surprising human vs mouse differences in a major cancer immunotherapy target

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.

Shiitake-derived functional food shows suppression of liver fibrosis progression

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.

Exploring how pheromones drive mating behavior in mice

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.

Carnivorous squirrels documented in California

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 identify new therapeutic strategy for fentanyl overdose

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.

USC Stem Cell study breaks the silence on how fish and lizards regenerate hearing

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.

Protecting the health of wildlife ecosystems

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.

Study of mountaineering mice sheds light on evolutionary adaptation

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.

Grey squirrel control: New study shows promise for effective contraceptive delivery system

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.

Mice tails whip up new insights into balance and neurodegenerative disease research

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.

Male mice use female mice to distract aggressors and avoid conflict

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.

Syrian hamsters reveal genetic secret to hibernation

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.

Spiny mice point the way to new path in social neuroscience

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.

Novel peptide formulation shows promise of restoring cognitive decline in schizophrenia

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.

First week after birth is critical for development of senses

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.

Florida fossil porcupine solves a prickly dilemma 10-million years in the making

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.

Furry thieves are running loose in a Maine forest, UMaine research shows

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.

Study finds iron-rich enamel protects, but doesn’t color, rodents’ orange-brown incisors

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.

Embryos in hungry mouse mums postpone development

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.

Synaptic protein change during development offers clues on evolution and disease

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.

Bald eagles eat prairie dogs? Researchers underscore relationship between raptors and rodents in the southern plains

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 sense of touch: ASICs are the receptor for a proton synaptic messenger between Merkel cells and an afferent nerve

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.

Birth coincides with rapid changes in gene activities

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.

A rare recent case of retrovirus integration: An infectious gibbon ape leukaemia virus is colonising a rodent’s genome in New Guinea

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.

Scientists identify a key cause of female infertility

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.

Scientists unveil complete cell map of a whole mammalian brain

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.

Early life exposure to broccoli sprouts protects against colitis in inflammatory bowel disease

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.

Disturbances in sensory neurons may alter transient pain into chronic pain

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.

The fascinating relationship between mice and a plant that flowers once a century in terms of seed dispersal

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.

Cary Institute to co-lead $4.8 million study on how environmental conditions shape viral outbreaks in wild rodents

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.

Mouse mummies point to mammalian life in “Mars-like” Andes

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.

Mummified mice discovered atop sky-high Andean volcanoes

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.

Study on mysterious Amazon porcupine can help its protection

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.

Getting ready for bed controlled by specific brain wiring in mice

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.

Eating emulsifiers during pregnancy and lactation linked to health risks in mouse offspring

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.

MSK1’s required role in cognitive benefits from enriched experiences in old age

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.

University of Montana science unlocks secrets of high-elevation pregnancies

Researchers at the University of Montana discovered genetic differences that protect fetal growth in highland mice, similar to humans with Tibetan or Andean ancestry. These findings may lead to new treatments for pregnancy disorders in humans.

Induction of a torpor-like state with ultrasound

A multidisciplinary team led by Hong Chen successfully induced a torpor-like state in mice using ultrasound, which also worked on rats. The researchers found that stimulating the hypothalamus preoptic area with ultrasound activated neurons and induced changes in body temperature and metabolism, allowing for the preservation of energy.

Move over, armadillos. There’s a new bone-plated mammal in town

African spiny mice have been found to produce bone plates similar to those of armadillos, a discovery that challenges previous understanding of mammalian armor. The plates, known as osteoderms, provide protection and are distinct from scales found in other animals.

These spiny mice have a highly unusual feature among living mammals: tails armored with bony plates

Researchers have found that spiny mice possess bony plates called osteoderms in their tails, a feature previously thought to be exclusive to armadillos. The discovery reveals that osteoderms can emerge and disappear multiple times in vertebrates throughout evolution.