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Do people everywhere care less about their cats than their dogs?

A study found that pet owners worldwide tend to be more emotionally attached to and willing to spend more on their dogs compared to their cats. However, there are significant cultural differences in attitudes towards pets across countries, with Denmark showing a notable preference for dog care.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeSurvey·DateOct 23, 2023

Wolves and dogs appear to remember where people hid food

A study involving wolves and dogs found that both species can remember where people hid food if they observed the hiding process. However, wolves outperformed dogs in finding caches, suggesting differences in traits like persistency and food-related motivation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

What to expect when you adopt a shelter pet

A new study found that dogs adopted from shelters can exhibit a range of behavioral changes, including aggression and separation-related problems. However, despite these challenges, owners tend to be highly satisfied with their pets, with 93.7% rating their dog's behavior as excellent or good.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateSep 12, 2023

Good dogs: owners of recently-adopted shelter dogs tend to report high satisfaction with their new pet despite also reporting increases in problem behavior over time

Despite increased problem behaviors like stranger aggression and training problems, shelter dog owners reported high satisfaction rates of 94% due to improved behavior over time. Owners also noted a decrease in separation-related behaviors as their dogs became more assured of return home.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 16, 2023

Adapting to water temperature changes: the smart "coat" of Yangtze finless porpoise

The Yangtze finless porpoise has evolved a specialized subcutaneous blubber layer that serves as an intelligent thermal coat, regulating body temperature in response to changing water temperatures. The blubber thickness changes with the water temperature, becoming thicker in colder waters and thinner in warmer waters.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2023

Brazilian researchers test technique that can make analysis of male fertility potential more accurate

Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a new technique for analyzing male fertility potential using flow cytometry, which can detect and analyze chemical and physical characteristics of human sperm simultaneously. This technique has the potential to enhance the accuracy of fertility prediction and treatment.

Characterizing abnormal neural networks in dogs with anxiety

Researchers found that dogs with anxiety have altered brain connectivity, particularly between the amygdala and hippocampus. The study used fMRI to characterize abnormal neural networks in anxious dogs, providing insight into anxiety disorders in both animals and humans.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 15, 2023

Predicting calving problems before insemination

A predictive model developed by University of Groningen researchers can identify cows at risk of dystocia before insemination. The model, which uses machine learning on a large dataset, suggests that it could roughly halve the risk of calving problems.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPreventive Veterinary Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 23, 2022

What a ‘cat friendly’ veterinary experience looks like

The new guidelines aim to improve the cat's emotional experience during veterinary visits. They provide practical tips on creating a more reassuring environment, such as minimizing visual stimulation and using synthetic feline pheromones. The guidance also emphasizes the importance of remaining 'cat-focused' during interactions.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateNov 2, 2022

Dogs with more active owners may get more exercise

A new international study suggests that dog owners who spend more time exercising themselves tend to exercise their dogs more, leading to a perceived ideal body weight. The study found that feeding practices play a main role in owner perception of their dog being overweight, while exercise practices are crucial for an ideal weight.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 24, 2022

Hearing loss in dogs associated with dementia

A new study from North Carolina State University explores the connection between hearing loss and dementia in geriatric dogs. The study found that as hearing deteriorated, dogs' ability to perform tasks declined significantly. Cognitive scores related to vitality and companionship were also negatively impacted.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2022

Progress toward a stem cell–based therapy for blindness

A new study successfully introduces healthy photoreceptor cells derived from stem cells into the retinas of dogs, marking significant progress toward a cell-based therapy for blindness. The treatment enables cells to survive and form connections with existing retinal cells, paving the way for a regenerative medicine approach.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

Clever COVID-19

MU researchers have identified specific mutations in the Omicron variant's spike protein that help it evade existing antibodies from vaccines or previous COVID-19 infections. These findings can inform developers of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, which may need to target different parts of the virus to produce effective outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

How to MRI your dragon: Illinois researchers develop first bearded dragon brain atlas

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign created a high-resolution map of the bearded dragon's brain, providing a standardized protocol for future clinical cases. The study identified nine anatomic structures in the brain and developed a safe and efficient MRI and sedation protocol.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 28, 2022

Frozen testicular tissue still viable after two decades

Researchers found that frozen testicular tissue from rats can be reimplanted and produce viable sperm after over 20 years, but with reduced fertility. The study has important implications for treatment of boys with cancer and may provide a method to recover lost fertility.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Cortisol in shelter dog hair shows signs of stress

A study published in Scientific Reports found that shelter dog hair cortisol levels increased by one-third after six weeks in the shelter, indicating elevated stress. After adoption, cortisol levels decreased, returning to pre-shelter values. The results suggest that even well-managed shelters can cause stress in dogs.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Cannabis poisoning cases in pets have increased significantly

A survey of veterinarians in the US and Canada reveals a significant increase in cannabis poisoning cases among pets since Canada's 2018 legalization, with most cases treated successfully. The study highlights the importance of understanding the effects of cannabis on pets to inform veterinary efforts and policies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateApr 20, 2022

Stray cats: worthy of our love or invasive and destructive?

A 12-year longitudinal study in Israel reveals that controlling stray cat populations requires continuous and intensive neutering of at least 70% of street cats. The study also suggests implementing a policy to control cat food resources, ensuring cats are properly fed before neutering, to mitigate rebound effects.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

COVID in a cat

A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that a domestic cat was infected with the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant, but without significant genetic changes. This discovery highlights the virus's ability to infect a wide range of hosts and raises questions about its evolution in different species.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalViruses·TypeCase study·DateMar 1, 2022

Calf personality, feeding, and growth: When one style doesn’t fit all

A new study published in the Journal of Dairy Science found that Norwegian Red calf personality is related to feeding behavior and growth, with calves displaying different traits affecting their milk and concentrate intake. Calves weaned based on individual concentrate intake had higher average daily gains postweaning.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022