The Peninsula Innovation District, a collaboration between the University of Tennessee and UT Medical, has received the 2026 Emerging Community of Innovation award. The award recognizes the district's potential for continued growth and its commitment to building sustainable ecosystems that move technology from early-stage ideas toward ...
A new study by Australian veterinarians has exposed the challenge of identifying pain in horses with gastric ulcers. The researchers tested a potential new blood-based method but found it to be unreliable. The study highlights the need for better diagnostic methods to improve horse welfare and treatment.
Finnish researchers have discovered that vatinoxan improves anaesthesia safety in rats by inhibiting exophthalmos and improving tissue oxygenation. This breakthrough could spare millions of animals from adverse effects, resulting in more reliable study results and reduced animal numbers.
Pet owners hospitalized often face barriers to pet care, and experts advocate for comprehensive family-centered care recognizing the human-animal bond. The human-animal bond can become even more consequential when people become seriously ill, highlighting the need for healthcare systems to address this critical relationship.
Climate warming is affecting snail populations in China, linked to schistosomiasis transmission, with warming affecting snail survival and density. The study shows that seasonal temperature exposure, geography, and land use together determine where snail populations may expand or become vulnerable.
A study by Hebrew University researchers found that iron and bromine may contribute to the development of feline corneal sequestra, a condition causing chronic eye discomfort. The findings suggest biochemical processes involving inflammation and oxidative stress may play a role in the disease's progression.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that an AI-enabled digital stethoscope struggled to detect cardiac murmurs and arrhythmias in cats, while performing moderately well in dogs. The researchers emphasize the need for veterinarians to rely on human expertise when using AI-assisted technology.
A pioneering study will examine the role of human-dog interactions in spreading hydatid disease, a parasite that poses risks to livestock welfare and human health. The research aims to identify practical strategies to reduce zoonotic transmission by analyzing canine movement patterns and diet.
Researchers at Penn State and the USDA have identified 10 genomic variants associated with increased virulence in Marek's disease virus, a deadly illness affecting chickens. The study could inform the design of more effective vaccines that can prevent future breakthroughs.
Chika C. Okafor, a University of Tennessee Veterinary Public Health faculty member, has been named president-elect of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM) Epidemiology Specialty. He will help lead the national specialty in Veterinary Epidemiology before assuming the presidency in 2027.
Researchers found that females with live offspring had lower late-life frailty, contradicting previous theories on a potential reproductive cost. The study used companion dogs to investigate the relationship between reproduction and aging, revealing a unique link between parity and robustness.
Researchers found that genetic adaptations for a fruit-rich diet preceded the evolution of elaborate courtship displays in manakins. This adaptation allowed birds to detect energy-rich fruits, enabling them to support the energetic costs of performing complex behaviors.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University successfully generated red blood cell-like cells from canine induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), marking a significant step towards artificial cell production for blood bank reserves. The study used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to target glycophorin A, allowing the team to visualize and tr...
Fourth-year students Kayden Tanner and Marshall Mays published research papers on rare equine disorders and canine osteosarcoma cells, respectively. Their work has significant implications for understanding diseases affecting horses and dogs, and could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
A team of wildlife health experts and surgeons from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and UC San Diego Health performed a groundbreaking mastoidectomy on Mizani, a 12-year-old western lowland gorilla. The procedure successfully treated an infection that had spread into portions of his skull, allowing him to make a full recovery.
Darwin's Ark has established the world's largest community-powered pet research initiative, combining genetic data with owner information to explore questions about pet health, behavior, ancestry, and evolution. Researchers can collaborate by submitting a request form, accelerating discoveries that benefit animal and human health.
Researchers found a correlation between cognitive decline in geriatric dogs and reduced thoracic limb stride length, with higher Canine Dementia Scale scores associated with decreased stride length. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between gait patterns and canine cognition.
A comprehensive review examines global trends in antimicrobial resistance in animal eye infections, warning that multidrug-resistant bacteria are becoming more common. The authors call for earlier diagnostic testing, targeted antibiotic use, and stronger infection-control measures to preserve treatment options.
Zebrafish and fruit flies have been found to share the same internal compass mechanism, with researchers identifying three intermingled rings that behave like a single circuit. The study provides evidence for convergent evolution of spatial navigation mechanisms in animals, with implications for understanding navigation in vertebrates.
Taylor & Francis has published the world's first Plain Language Summary of Publication (PLSP) in veterinary research, making complex findings more accessible to a broader audience. The PLSP bridges the gap between scientific complexity and practical understanding, offering a new way to present veterinary science.
A 2021 dog daycare outbreak in LA County revealed critical gaps in vaccinations and animal-to-human transmission. Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease, can cause severe illness in dogs and flu-like symptoms in humans.
The university has established two new centers: the Center for Quality of All Lives and the Entrepreneurship Center. The former focuses on improving animal welfare and developing innovative veterinary-related devices, while the latter promotes entrepreneurial thinking and supports startup development.
Researchers uncovered previously unknown features in the limb musculature of the macaroni penguin that help explain its efficient movement on land and underwater. The study found modified key wing muscles and a unique configuration of shoulder muscles giving penguins an 'underwater flying' wing stroke.
Researchers at Adelaide University found that a seaweed-derived compound can significantly reduce methane emissions from beef cattle, with no negative effects on calf growth or development. The study showed strong potential for reducing emissions in real-world farming conditions.
Scientists have identified a gene variant in dogs associated with Addison's disease and multiple autoimmune syndrome. The RESF1 gene, also found in humans, could hold key insights for understanding the human form of the condition.
A small Dutch survey found that more than half of veterinarians believe they will see cases of animal abuse by falsification, akin to Munchausen syndrome by proxy. This recognition is alarming and warrants further investigation into animal welfare practices among veterinary professionals.
Researchers discovered that mutations in a key protein make yeast found in dogs with common outer ear infections more resistant to topical antifungals. The team recommends using shorter-tailed azoles as initial therapy for dogs with yeast ear infections, reserving longer-tailed azoles for recurrent or non-responsive cases.
A disease-causing tapeworm has been detected in Washington coyotes, which can spread to domestic dogs and humans if ingested through contaminated food or feces. The parasite's life cycle involves multiple hosts, including rodents and other canid species, making it a public health threat.
A long-term public study found that phytochemicals from oregano and rosemary supported favorable gut health and growth performance in weaned pigs, preserving microbial diversity to improve nutrient utilization. The natural agents outperformed antibiotic growth promoters in terms of final body weight and gain-to-feed ratio.
Researchers have created genetically modified marmosets with a knocked-out OTOF gene, replicating key characteristics of human deafness. The animals developed normally but were deaf from birth, offering a crucial tool for developing new therapies.
Researchers at the University of Bristol found that gentle human interactions trigger positive emotions in young chickens. The study's results suggest that early-life handling can shape animals' affective experiences and improve their welfare.
A recent article advocates for a risk-based approach to food safety, aiming to enhance sustainability and resilience of food systems. The authors argue that current policies leading to 'zero tolerance' are fueling the discard of safe food due to increasingly sensitive detection methods.
A new international survey reveals distinct differences in how veterinarians and animal welfare scientists in Japan and the UK perceive animal welfare, particularly animal behavior. The study found that cultural values, such as Japan's interdependence-oriented culture and the UK's individualistic society, influence attitudes towards an...
Researchers found NfL levels increase with age in various animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. The protein can help assess biological age and predict life expectancy across species.
A study analyzing tumours from almost 500 pet cats identified genetic changes that could help treat breast cancer in humans and animals. Similarities were found between feline mammary cancers and human breast cancers, suggesting potential avenues for therapy.
A new study has identified the most affected dog breeds when it comes to breathing difficulties, revealing that certain characteristics like a flat face and overweighed physique are associated with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). The research found that Pekingese and Japanese Chin are at high risk, while others such ...
A study from the University of Cambridge identified twelve dog breeds at risk of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, a condition causing serious breathing problems. The breeds include Pekingese, Shih Tzu, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, with narrow nostrils and short head shapes being significant risk factors.
A recent clinical trial led by Oregon State University scientists found that the composition of a dog's microbiome is linked to its cancer survival rate. The study identified 11 specific types of bacteria that were associated with longer or shorter survival, suggesting potential biomarkers for predicting treatment response and improvin...
Researchers developed simple DNA-based lateral flow assays for detecting feline parvovirus (FPV) and canine parvovirus (CPV) in pets. The tests demonstrated 100% sensitivity and reproducibility, enabling early identification of infections.
A global DNA study suggests that Australian heartworms may share ancestry with parasites from Asia, potentially linking their origin to dingoes that migrated from the continent thousands of years ago. The research has implications for developing treatments given the rise in drug resistance to heartworm disease.
Researchers at Penn Vet have shown that trained dogs can identify the odor of hemangiosarcoma, a malignant cancer of blood vessel cells, with an accuracy rate of 70%. Early detection could lead to better outcomes, including prevention of disease spread and earlier removal of the spleen or initiation of chemotherapy.
A new foot-and-mouth disease vaccine developed by Diamond Light Source is projected to deliver over $1.3 billion in annual benefits, transforming global livestock resilience. The vaccine's unique features, including heat stability and scalability, make it a game-changer for farmers worldwide.
A new AI tool, CattleFever, uses artificial intelligence and thermal cameras to estimate cattle body temperature from a photo. The system can automatically determine an animal's body temperature within 1 degree of the reading from a thermometer.
A study found that Streptococcus suis serotype 2 collagenase-like protease enhances virulence and tissue colonization, promoting BBB destruction and increased permeability. The protein also induced apoptosis in brain microvascular endothelial cells and infiltrated immune cells into the brain after infection.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new stem cell medium using only canine-derived genes, enabling the stable cultivation of canine induced pluripotent stem cells. This breakthrough reduces cross-species contamination risks and paves the way for clinical applications in dogs.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have identified a novel kirkovirus associated with colitis and small colon impactions in horses. The study found that the virus was present in 24% of horses with colitis, suggesting it may be a potential culprit in some cases.
A study by Iowa State University researchers reveals that avian influenza can infect livestock and humans through their mammary glands, which have high levels of sialic acids. This increases the risk of transmission and potentially more dangerous adaptations emerging.
A new study reveals that elephants, giraffes, and rhinos are unable to get enough salt from their habitats, leading to sodium deficiency. The researchers found that larger-bodied species are more affected by sodium scarcity, which influences their habitat selection and behavior.
A recent study found that dogs given CBD supplements show below-average levels of aggression over time, with the most aggressive changes observed in male dogs. The study, which used data from almost 50,000 dog owners, also found a link between CBD use and health conditions such as dementia and osteoarthritis.
Research found that most people are poor at recognizing pain in horses, but those with more experience are better equipped to identify subtle cues. Higher levels of social anxiety also influenced pain recognition, particularly in humans, highlighting the need for education and training on equine welfare.
Researchers have developed a culture medium, 'AR medium,' that transforms canine iPS cells into functional heart muscle cells with contractions. This breakthrough could accelerate the development of regenerative medicine and genetic disease treatments for humans.
Two pioneering studies explore consumer acceptance of vegan and alternative protein-based pet diets among dog and cat guardians worldwide. Overall, 43% and 51% of respondents would consider at least one type of more sustainable diet for their pets, with cultivated meat-based and vegan options gaining popularity.
A new study introduces a conceptual model for improving animal disease surveillance, highlighting the link between genetic predisposition and environmental exposures. The findings show that human-driven ecological change exacerbates chronic diseases in animals, such as obesity and cancer, with potential implications for human health.
A study by the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation's Center for Exceptional Longevity Studies found that retaining gonad function can significantly impact frailty mortality risk. Male dogs with shortest testis exposure had high mortality risks, while those with longest gonad exposure showed no consequence of increasing frailty.
Veterinarians warn that anthropomorphising pets leads to animal welfare problems, including overdiagnosis and overtreatment. They advocate for a shift towards care that considers individual circumstances and quality of life.
A new study by the University of Helsinki found that a high-fat raw meat-based diet had favorable metabolic effects on dogs, while a high-carbohydrate kibble diet was associated with adverse changes. The study's lead researcher notes that more research is needed to understand the long-term health implications of these diets.
A new Virginia Tech study establishes a baseline for understanding dog behavior on a large scale, tracking trends in fear, attention, aggression, and trainability over four years. The research found that dogs are adaptable and not significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with some notable exceptions related to trainability.
A new Virginia Tech study analyzes four years of owner-reported data from over 47,000 dogs to establish a baseline for understanding dog behavior on a large scale. The research reveals that dogs are adaptable and shows no substantial changes in behavioral profiles despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new study from Mizzou's College of Veterinary Medicine analyzed the effects of radioactive iodine therapy on thyroid cancer in dogs. The research found that tailoring the dose of radiation more precisely for each dog could improve outcomes and potentially lead to more targeted care.
Researchers developed an AI tool to assess tambaqui fish stress levels based on their lower half body coloration. The study found that stressed fish became darker, and the trait is heritable, impacting animal welfare and farming practices.