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Tibetan sheep highly susceptible to human plague, originates from marmots

Researchers found Tibetan sheep carry infectious Y. pestis bacteria, transmitted through fleas and rodent contact, posing health risks to humans. The study highlights the need for caution when handling under-cooked sheep meat and underscores the unique characteristics of this region's plague transmission route.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 16, 2018

Growing life-like heart valves, thanks to help from computational modeling

Researchers have created a bioengineered heart valve that emulates native heart valves and functions well after transplantation into sheep. The tissue-engineered heart valve demonstrated improved valve mechanics and tissue structure, and remodeled itself in a similar fashion to native heart valves over time.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 9, 2018

Rare moth in severe decline at its last English site

The Dark Bordered Beauty moth is facing a severe decline due to habitat loss caused by the removal of Creeping Willow plants, which are essential for its caterpillars. Conservation efforts aim to boost Creeping Willow populations and modify grazing regimes to secure the moth's long-term future in England.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 22, 2016

Researchers develop genetic control mechanism for major livestock pest

Scientists have developed a technique to control the population of the Australian sheep blowfly by genetically modifying female flies to require a common antibiotic to survive. This approach allows for the separation of male and female larvae, enabling the use of male-only genetic control programs to reduce blowfly populations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateJun 19, 2014

What's in the sheep genome? Wool see

The completed sheep genome sequencing has led to an advanced understanding of genes involved in making sheep unique. The study identified a new pathway for lipid metabolism in sheep skin, which may play a role in wool development and efficient grease production.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateJun 5, 2014

Herding sheep really are selfish

Researchers use GPS-enabled backpacks to study flocking sheep and a herding dog, confirming the selfish herd theory by tracking individual animal movements. The findings show that under threat, sheep move towards the center of the flock while the rest moves away from the danger.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 23, 2012

Not the black sheep of domestic animals

A study mapping sheep ancestry over 11,000 years reveals vast genetic diversity and adaptability to diverse environments. The research provides insights into the evolution of selective breeding for traits such as coat color and body size.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 7, 2012

Tasmanian tiger's jaw was too small to attack sheep, study shows

A new study published in the Journal of Zoology found that the Tasmanian tiger's weak jaws made it unlikely to catch large prey like sheep. The research suggests that its inability to kill large prey may have hastened its extinction, highlighting the vulnerability of large predators with specialized diets.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateAug 31, 2011