Articles tagged with Rodents
A new bioscavenger molecule has been developed to protect against toxic nerve agents, providing up to five days of protection and near-total safety against sarin. The therapy represents a major breakthrough in the field and could have translational potential for medical and military applications.
Researchers analyzed sperm from 58 South American rodents to find that distinct shapes can differentiate between closely related species. The study suggests that sperm shape may be an evolutionary advantage, providing a new method for identifying and conserving rodent species.
The project aims to build accurate digital reconstructions and simulations of the rodent brain. The latest version of RTNeuron provides real-time rendering capabilities for visualizing neurons, synapses, and simulation data.
A new study reveals that the aye-aye's large eyes, big ears, and thin bony finger evolved to produce a high bite force, similar to squirrels. The research shows how lifestyle and ecology can influence species' physical traits, overriding ancestry.
A new study published in EcoHealth confirms that plague vaccine bait is safe for thousands of small rodents, including mice species, without apparent ill effects. The findings support the use of this vaccine bait to help recover endangered black-footed ferrets and protect prairie dog populations from plague.
A new treatment approach uses a cGMP analogue in a drug delivery system to protect photoreceptors and restore retinal function in rodent models of the disease. The study shows promising results in reducing photoreceptor loss and restoring vision.
Researchers found that dim light exposure led to significant reductions in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and dendritic spines, impairing learning and memory performance. Bright light exposure, on the other hand, showed improvement in spatial task performance, with full recovery after a break.
Plague bacteria survive and replicate for up to 48 hours inside an amoeba, replicating and thriving in a way most bacteria do not. The discovery sheds new light on the persistence of plague outbreaks, which can smolder for years before re-emerging with a vengeance.
Researchers found that rats use local visual cues more than idiothetic cues when navigating through identical environments in darkness. Place cell activity indicated that animals were unaware of separate environments, suggesting reliance on visual cues over directional sense.
A study by University of Utah researchers found that woodrats' livers are less efficient at breaking down toxins at higher temperatures, potentially affecting their diet and ecosystem. The reduction in liver function may be due to a tradeoff between thermoregulation and detoxification, leading to changes in gene expression and metabolism.
The hazel dormouse has experienced a 72% decline over two decades, with annual losses reaching 5.8%. Climate change and habitat loss are major concerns for the species' survival.
The study found that edible dormice prefer areas with a mix of beech trees and conifers, providing a balanced food supply. The rodents adapt to the lifecycle of beech trees by making pragmatic choices about territory selection and hibernation patterns.
Researchers have uncovered adult and juvenile remains of a giant rodent species (Isostylomys laurdillardi) in Uruguay, raising questions about its classification. The study suggests that previously found fossils were from the same species as the newly discovered adults.
Researchers have discovered three newly dead specimens of the scaly-tailed squirrel, hinting at its evolution over 49 million years. The study reveals that Zenkerella is a distant cousin of two other squirrels with gliding abilities, leading to the creation of a new family name.
A new genus of flea and its five new species have been described from Indonesian collections. The discovery sheds light on the history of Indonesia and highlights the complexity of male flea genitalia.
A new species of extinct rodent, Sayimys negevensis, has been discovered in Israel's Negev desert, providing insights into the early dispersal route of mammals from Asia to Africa. The discovery bridges the gap between primitive ctenodactylines and gundis, highlighting Israel's unique paleogeographic position.
A study of fossilized molars reveals that many ancient primates went extinct due to reasons unrelated to food competition with rodents. Most stem primates ate different types of food than the rodents, casting doubt on the theory that rodent competition was the main reason for their decline.
New research on ancient rodent Paramys reveals its brain was larger than expected but smaller in the neocortex region. This suggests that brain evolution occurred differently in early rodents compared to primates, highlighting the limitations of using brain size as a measure of intelligence.
Researchers at Colorado State University found that plague in prairie dogs can provide key insights into the study of rare infectious diseases like Ebola. The disease's spread is influenced by ecological factors, including temperature and population dynamics.
Researchers found that warmer temperatures reduce desert woodrats' ability to eat their normal diet of toxic creosote bushes. This could lead to animals changing their diets, relocating to cooler habitats or going extinct in local areas.
Scientists have discovered a new genus and species of shrew rat on Sulawesi Island in Indonesia, featuring an extremely large nose, long hind legs, and unusual dental characteristics. The Hog-nosed rat is genetically distinct from other rodents and has a weak jaw musculature, indicating a diet that does not require vigorous chewing.
Researchers studied bats and rodents to identify characteristics of cross-species virus transmission. They found that viruses pass more easily between bat species than rodent species, with unique bat traits like gregariousness facilitating transmission.
Researchers analyzed size data for over 1,000 rodent populations to identify those that evolved into unusually large or small sizes. The study found that islands are home to more extreme cases of size variation, with rodents on islands weighing among the top or bottom 2.5 percent for their species.
In a surprising co-existence, Ethiopian wolves have adapted to forage among grazing gelada monkey herds, capturing rodents more successfully. The study found that geladas consistently avoid aggressive dogs but flee great distances when encountering Ethiopian wolves, suggesting a non-threatening behavior between the two species.
Researchers analyzed 3,550 North American rodent fossils to show how fundamental evolutionary mechanisms drive the emergence of novel mammalian stem cells. The study found that most extinct species can acquire continuously growing molars through evolution, and the final developmental step is surprisingly simple.
A UCSB ecologist examines how human disturbance affects landscape and wildlife, revealing links between conservation and human health. She finds that land-use change increases plague transmission by moving rodents closer to human habitats, while environmental conditions affect flea infestations.
A study found that fleas on rats in New York City can transmit plague pathogens, as well as several other diseases. Public health officials are advised to monitor city rats and implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to prevent the spread of disease.
A new study led by scientists at the University of York found that the largest fossil rodent, Josephoartigasia monesi, used its incisors for activities other than biting, such as digging and defense. The rodent's powerful bite was estimated to be around 1400 N, but its incisors could withstand almost three times that force.
Larvae use chemical cues to identify adults likely to provide food, increasing their chances of survival. They selectively beg from unfamiliar beetles over familiar ones, potentially benefiting young beetles by increasing resource intake.
A new study reveals that competition with ungulates, intensified by climate change, is the main reason for lagomorphs' limited diversity. Fossil records show that lagomorphs were capable of becoming larger than today, but were suppressed by the presence of competitors.
Researchers identified specific genes switched on in woodrats that detoxify the creosote plant's toxic resin. The study found two closely related species of woodrat have different reactions to the toxin, with one species exhibiting stress due to unactivated detoxification genes.
Researchers used statistical tools to map social connections in prairie dogs, uncovering relationships that escaped traditional observational techniques. The study found key bridge individuals connecting different groups, which could aid in conserving populations and mitigating plague spread
Researchers found that bacteria in the gut, rather than liver enzymes, are crucial for allowing herbivores to feed on toxic plants. Fecal transplants with microbes from creosote-eaters enabled woodrats to eat toxic creosote bushes, confirming their importance in adapting to new diets.
Researchers investigate why only 14 percent of woodrat hybrids have genetic signatures from both desert and Bryant's woodrats. Habitat differences and mating conflicts are found to be key factors limiting hybridization in closely-related species.
A new study found that agoutis in areas with limited food are more active at twilight and have a higher risk of being killed by ocelots. This increased predation risk affects seed dispersal by agoutis, who bury seeds as food reserves that may germinate into new trees.
A study published in The Journal of Mammalogy found that female prairie dogs who mate with two or more males rear more offspring than those that mate with only one male. The research, led by John Hoogland, suggests that the benefits of polyandry outweigh the costs for most species of prairie dogs.
A new genus of rat has been discovered in the Halmahera Island of Indonesia, highlighting the large amount of unknown biodiversity in the region and its conservation importance. The species, named Halmaheramys bokimekot, features unique characteristics and supports Wallace's idea of an important faunal breakup in this region.
Scientists identified viruses closely related to Hepatitis C virus in rodents and bats, shedding light on the disease's origins and possible animal models for treatment. The findings also support the development of new vaccines and treatments, as the viruses share similar sequences with HCV.
A study by behavioral ecologist John Hoogland found that prairie dogs are more likely to disperse in the absence of nearby close kin. This unique pattern is attributed to the benefits of cooperation with close kin, including shared resources and defense against predators.
Two new species of ancient South American rodents have been discovered in the Chilean Andes, providing evidence for the earliest known grasslands. The fossils, dated to around 32.5 million years ago, show high-crowned teeth that indicate an open and dry environment.
Scientists found that agoutis, common rodents in tropical lowlands, buried seeds at a scale previously unknown. This behavior likely prevented large-seeded plants from becoming extinct when their primary dispersers disappeared over 10,000 years ago.
A study published in Aging Cell found that naked mole rats have high levels of the neuroprotective protein NRG-1, which is linked to their unusually long lifespan. The research suggests that this protein may be a key factor in maintaining brain health and preventing age-related decline.
Research reveals rats' ability to chew and gnaw makes their bite more effective than specialized rodents like squirrels and guinea pigs. The study suggests that the rat's muscle adaptation is key to its success, allowing it to efficiently eat through a wide variety of materials.
Researchers investigate rodent scent signals to monitor and manipulate behaviour for better control of destructive rodents. The study aims to develop more efficient ways of targeting rodents while improving humaneness of control methods.
Researchers found genes associated with mitochondria and respiration are expressed at high levels in naked mole-rats, suggesting mechanisms for longevity and disease resistance. The study's findings provide clues on how the rodent protects itself against oxidative stress and may help understand aging processes.
The discovery confirms that early rodents had origins in Africa and pushes back the date of the first South American rodents to at least 41 million years ago. The fossils found include three new species of rodent from the suborder Caviomorpha, which are most closely related to African rodents.
A Tel Aviv University researcher successfully implanted a robotic cerebellum into a rodent's skull, restoring its movement capacity. The 'robo-cerebellum' enables communication between the brain and body by receiving and transmitting sensory information from the brain stem.
A new University of Utah study reveals that woodrats that eat a variety of toxic plants can limit their toxin intake more effectively than those that specialize in one plant. By increasing time between meals, reducing meal size, and drinking more water, generalist woodrats regulate their toxin exposure.
Two new rodent fossils, Mesoprocta hypsodus and Quebradahondomys potosiensis, were discovered in southern Bolivia's highlands. The rodents likely lived in forested habitats, with the larger species possibly foraging on the ground and the smaller one being arboreal.
Perlecan domain V protects nerve cells from death and promotes blood vessel growth after stroke, enhancing brain repair. Elevated levels of perlecan domain V were detected in rodent models of stroke, suggesting it may provide a nontoxic therapy to improve stroke outcomes.
Fire, cattle, and prairie dogs play a crucial role in maintaining the diversity of vegetation on the western Great Plains. This mosaic of diverse vegetation supports various wildlife species, including declining populations of grassland birds and ground-nesting birds.
A comprehensive analysis of Africa's fossil rodents provides valuable insights into the continent's paleoecology and sheds light on human evolution. The study documents over 130 genera, underscoring the diversity of habitats in ancient Africa.
Researchers discovered that connections in the spinal cord regrew spontaneously and extensively after a mild spinal cord injury in primates, restoring 60% of original connections. This finding holds significant promise for developing new treatments for patients with spinal cord injuries.
A Stanford University study has found that carnivorous grasshopper mice are the primary carriers of the deadly plague disease in prairie dog towns. The research suggests that when grasshopper mouse density becomes high, it leads to an epizootic, resulting in the deaths of virtually all prairie dogs in a town.
The CSIRO Australia team has found the remains of a massive 6 kg rat, which survived until around 1000-2000 years ago. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving biodiversity among rodents, such as rats, which play key roles in ecosystems.
Researchers identified TLR9 expression patterns as a key factor in determining molecule toxicity between mice and humans. In mice, other immune cells expressing TLR9 were responsible for TNF-alpha production, leading to severe lung inflammation and toxicity.
A new oral vaccine shows promise in protecting prairie dogs against plague, offering a potential solution for endangered black-footed ferrets. Meanwhile, shipwrecks and man-made structures are found to increase the risk of invasive species taking over coral reefs, threatening their diversity and native life.
An international team of scientists has discovered an extinct rodent species, Eomyops noeliae, based on fossil tooth remains found in Alborache, Valencia. The new species provides valuable evolutionary and paleoenvironmental information related to this rodent.
Researchers found that prairie dogs prefer plants with low levels of selenium, suggesting that high levels act as a deterrent. This suggests that plants may use metal hyperaccumulation to defend against herbivores, including prairie dogs.
Researchers found that glucocorticoids induce production of PGD2, which protects rodent hearts from ischemia/reperfusion injury. Synthetic glucocorticoids may be more beneficial for humans following a heart attack than traditional ones.