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Vitamin D supplement may enhance dairy cows’ immune health

Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation with calcidiol increased the expression of genes related to cell adhesion and migration, pathogen recognition, and pathogen killing in dairy cows. This suggests a possible link between vitamin D and enhanced immune function, particularly during early lactation.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

MU researchers identify mutations of Delta, Delta Plus variants

Researchers identified five specific mutations prevalent in Delta Plus infections compared to Delta, highlighting the need for expanded antiviral tools. The findings provide clues on how the virus mutates and evade antibodies produced from previous COVID-19 infections or vaccinations.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autoimmunity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 28, 2021

Nanoparticles to protect animals from skin parasites

Researchers developed nanoscale insecticidal hair coating for prolonged anti-lice protection, reducing re-treatments and side effects. The coating, formed using halloysite nanotubes, retains its protective properties after washing the animal's hair.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalPharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Diabetes research: A new model for studies of beta-cell function

A new transgenic pig model has been developed to study beta-cell function and insulin turnover, bridging the gap between rodent models and humans. The model enables researchers to distinguish different pools of insulin secretory granules and follow their rates of turnover in vivo.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Dog coat patterns have ancient origin

A new study by Professor Danika Bannasch and colleagues reveals that five distinct dog coat patterns have an ancient origin, dating back over 2 million years. The research suggests that lighter coat colors would have been advantageous to an extinct canid ancestor in arctic environments during glaciation periods.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Cats prefer to get free meals rather than work for them

A new study from the University of California - Davis found that domestic cats overwhelmingly choose freely available food over food puzzles, contrary to expected contrafreeloading behavior. Cats spent more time at the tray and made more first choices to eat from it than the puzzle, suggesting a preference for easy access to food.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAnimal Cognition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

No horsing around: super-fast Hendra test developed

A new diagnostic kit developed by University of Queensland vets can detect the Hendra virus in horses faster than ever before, with results available in under an hour. This rapid testing protocol has the potential to save countless lives by preventing outbreaks and reducing case fatality rates.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·DateJul 20, 2021

Dogs may not return their owners' good deeds

In an experiment, dogs were paired with two unfamiliar humans - one helpful and one unhelpful. Despite the humans' behavior, the dogs showed no preference for the helper or did not reciprocate by acting more favorably towards them. The study suggests that dogs may not be able to understand the connection between human help and reward.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 14, 2021

What makes vets feel good at work?

A study by researchers at the University of Adelaide found that veterinarians experience pleasure in their job when receiving simple thank yous, spending time with peers, and further developing their expertise. Positive relationships with clients, colleagues, and a sense of accomplishment are also key factors.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalVeterinary Record·DateJun 29, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Improving the way vets care for animals and people

A University of Arizona researcher found that veterinarians and breeders often hold biases against each other, which can lead to suboptimal animal care. Her study proposes solutions to bridge the divide between pet owners, breeders, and vets, including using nonverbal cues, empathy, and unconditional positive regard in communication.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateApr 28, 2021

Study demonstrates the need to monitor the bit area of event horses

A study by the University of Helsinki found that event horses wearing thin or thick bits had a greater risk of moderate or severe oral lesions compared to those wearing medium-sized bits. The research recommends using a jointed bit of moderate thickness, particularly for mares and certain horse breeds.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateApr 7, 2021

Women veterinarians earn $100K less than men annually

A new study by Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine has found that women veterinarians earn an average of $100,000 less than their male counterparts annually. The disparity affects recent graduates and the top half of earners, with partnerships proving more beneficial for women's income earning potential.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateMar 15, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Study highlights factors that predict success for treating canine behavioral disorders

Researchers analyzed dog-owner pairs to identify key factors influencing treatment outcomes. They found a negative relationship between introverted owners and fearful dogs, suggesting proactive follow-up is crucial for optimal results. The study aims to improve behavioral guidance for veterinarians and inform potential follow-up research.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateJan 22, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Clear will and capacity to help emergency care in crisis

A University of Gothenburg study shows that units outside emergency healthcare are willing to assist in a crisis, including hotels, schools, and veterinary clinics. The 'flexible surge capacity' (FSC) system aims to scale up emergency care during surges in patient numbers.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSustainability·DateAug 20, 2020

Gender bias kept alive by people who think it's dead

A study by the University of Exeter found that managers who thought gender bias no longer existed were more likely to recommend higher salaries for men and undervalue female staff. The research suggests that holding this belief constitutes a critical risk factor for perpetuating issues of gender bias.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 26, 2020

Welfare concerns highlighted over 'institutional hoarding' of cats

A new epidemiological study found significant welfare concerns for hoarded cats not just from home environments but also from institutional settings. The study, which analyzed 371 hoarded cats relinquished to a shelter, showed that conditions such as overcrowding, uncontrolled breeding, and neglect were prevalent.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateJun 23, 2020

Veterinary medicine: Risk factors for heatstroke in UK dogs

A UK study found that older and heavier dogs are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, with flat-faced breeds like pugs facing higher risks. The study also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy bodyweight and breeding for respiratory function in dogs.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

A compound unlike any other

Researchers have discovered a compound, tartrolon E, that effectively kills multiple parasites responsible for various infections, including malaria, toxoplasmosis, and cryptosporidiosis. The compound is found in the gills of wood-eating clams and has shown promise in killing these parasites in vitro and in animal studies.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 11, 2020

Inherited arrhythmia in young Finnish Leonbergers under investigation

A study of 46 Finnish Leonbergers found that 15% had severe arrhythmia and 15% had milder cardiac changes, with sudden deaths linked to cardiac arrhythmia. The researchers aim to identify the genetic cause of the disorder to develop early diagnostics, breeding programs, and potential drug therapies.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Veterinary Cardiology·DateMar 10, 2020

Does your cat have degenerative joint disease?

A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery has developed a screening checklist to help diagnose degenerative joint disease (DJD) in cats. The checklist, called the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Checklist, asks owners six questions about their cat's behavior and can be completed quickly by owners.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMar 3, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Are cats the 'canary in the coal mine' for wildfire effects on human health?

Researchers studied 51 cats injured in California wildfires and found a high incidence of heart problems, including thickening of the heart muscle and blood clot formation. The study suggests that wildfires may be a harbinger of human health effects, with severe burns increasing cardiovascular changes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 26, 2020

The 'purrfect' music for calming cats

Researchers at LSU found that cats were less stressed when played cat-specific music, with lower cat stress scores and handling scale scores compared to classical music and no music. The study suggests that cat-specific music may benefit both cat welfare and owner experience.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateFeb 24, 2020

Taming age survival of Asian elephants three times higher than in the 1970s

Researchers found that calf mortality at taming age differs from wild elephants and that calves with less experienced mothers are more likely to die. However, overall calf survival has massively improved over the decades, thanks to changes in management, such as daily veterinary care and access to natural habitats.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2020

'Invisible,' restricted horse racing therapy may leave a trail

A study led by Mary Robinson and Jinwen Chen found potential biomarkers of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) that could be used to enforce the ban on its use in horses within 10 days of a race. The researchers detected changes in five inflammatory factors, including TNF-? levels, up to three weeks after ESWT treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalEquine Veterinary Journal·DateDec 10, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Cats' faces hard to read, except for 'cat whisperers,' research finds

Researchers from the University of Guelph have found that some individuals excel at deciphering subtle differences in cat facial expressions to gauge their emotions. Women and those with veterinary experience were particularly skilled at recognizing these cues, even among those without a strong attachment to cats.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalAnimal Welfare·DateDec 2, 2019

Crappy news for the dung beetle and those who depend on them

Research reveals that dung beetles are sensitive to livestock management chemicals, affecting their growth and development. This can lead to reduced ecosystem services, including nutrient redistribution and pest control, ultimately impacting agriculture and the environment.

SourceSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateSep 24, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Gender discrimination holding women back in veterinary practice

Research at Lancaster University finds that women in veterinary practice face persistent sexism and stereotypes, limiting their career progress. Despite outnumbering men, women are underrepresented in senior roles and often struggle to be taken seriously due to biases about family commitments.

SourceLancaster University·JournalVeterinary Record·DateSep 6, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

These migratory birds will risk their lives for a good nap

Researchers found that migratory songbirds sleep differently depending on their condition, trading off safety for lower energy expenditure. Birds in poor condition sleep with their head tucked in, while those in good condition keep their head facing forward, exposing them to a higher predation risk.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 19, 2019

The healing power of fish skin for a dog named Stella

A 1-year-old Rottweiler named Stella received a groundbreaking treatment using fish skin grafts for her second- and third-degree burns after escaping a house fire. The innovative therapy, developed by Michigan State University, leveraged the anti-inflammatory properties of Icelandic cod skin to aid in healing and tissue regeneration.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 23, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Banned pesticides in Europe's rivers

A study of 29 waterways in 10 countries revealed more than 100 pesticides, including 24 unlicensed for EU use. The highest levels were found in a Belgian canal with 70 pesticides, contaminating every screened river and canal.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 8, 2019

Wolves lead, dogs follow -- and both cooperate with humans

A recent study by Vetmeduni Vienna reveals that wolves and dogs cooperate intensively with humans but differ in their approach. Wolves show more initiative, leading the interaction, while dogs follow human behaviour. The study proposes that dogs' submissive tendencies are a result of domestication, which helped minimize conflicts.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 14, 2019

Pheromones and social status: Machos smell better

A study by researchers at Vetmeduni Vienna found that dominant male house mice produce higher levels of certain pheromones compared to subordinates. These pheromones are transported in the urine via major urinary proteins (MUPs) and bind to female reproductive physiology, making them more attractive to receptive females.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 8, 2019

An abundance of beneficial mutations

A study on fruit flies found that many genes are involved in adaptation to hot environments, revealing genetic redundancy. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the number of genes required for adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 1, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Malignant bone marrow disease: New hope for MPN patients

Researchers have identified CDK6 as a significant factor in the development of JAK2V617F-initiated MPNs. The absence of CDK6 reduces proliferation of affected stem cells and increases life expectancy for patients.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalBlood·DateFeb 5, 2019

Baboons provide new insights into the evolution of the genome

A recent study analyzing genomic differentiation among six baboon species found evidence for hybridization of ancient and recent generations. This research provides new insights into the evolution of the genome, shedding light on complex evolutionary divergence and genetic admixture in modern humans and extinct relatives.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 30, 2019

Re-inventing the hook

Researchers found orangutans spontaneously manufactured hook tools out of straight wire, solving a complex problem that eludes young human children. The apes' innovation abilities were tested using a hook-bending task, where they successfully bent and unbent wires to retrieve rewards.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 8, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Why huskies have blue eyes

A DNA study of over 6,000 dogs found that a specific genetic duplication on chromosome 18 is strongly associated with blue eyes in Siberian Huskies. This discovery sheds light on the genetic underpinnings of eye color in dogs and demonstrates the power of consumer genomic data.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 4, 2018

AVMA recognizes UTCVM's Rouse with Lifetime Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Barry Rouse, a renowned immunologist, has received the American Veterinary Medical Association's Lifetime Excellence in Research Award for his groundbreaking work on HSV-1 and ocular disease. He has continuously funded research since 1978, garnering over $20 million in funding and publishing more than 400 scientific manuscripts.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateSep 17, 2018

Evaluation of fitness for transport of cull cows varies

A study by Aarhus University found moderate agreement among farmers, veterinarians, and livestock drivers in evaluating cull cow lameness and fitness for transport. The researchers used video sequences to assess cow fitness, with varying levels of agreement within and between groups.

SourceAarhus University·JournalResearch in Veterinary Science·DateSep 7, 2018

Rhesus macaque model offers route to study Zika brain pathology

Researchers have developed a rhesus macaque model to study Zika brain pathology, revealing similar brain lesions as in human infants with congenital Zika syndrome. The findings suggest that therapies can be tested using fewer animals, providing hope for the development of new treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 20, 2018

Dogs with noise sensitivity should be routinely assessed for pain by vets

A new study found that dogs with noise sensitivity and musculoskeletal pain exhibit increased avoidance behaviors and a later age of onset compared to those without pain. The researchers suggest that veterinarians should thoroughly examine dogs with behavior problems associated with noise for potential underlying pain.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateMar 20, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Young Southern white rhinos may produce four distinct, context-dependent calls

A study published in PLOS ONE found that young Southern white rhinos produce four distinct calls, including 'Whine', 'Snort', 'Threat', and 'Pant', which are used in different social interactions. The calls have a strong innate component, suggesting that vocal development may be an innate trait rather than learned from mothers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 7, 2018

Virus-like particle could lead to new cancer vaccine

Researchers at Michigan State University are developing a new cancer vaccine using the virus-like particle Qβ, which generates anti-cancer immune responses. The vaccine aims to protect animals against cancerous cells and could translate to human use for spontaneously occurring cancers.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMar 2, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

The key to a nut

Researchers found that cockatoos excel at fitting shapes into specific frames without requiring training or visual alignment like humans. They require fewer attempts to insert simple shapes compared to non-human primates, highlighting an allocentric frame of reference similar to toddlers.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 2017