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Treatment for dogs alleviates fear of noisy fireworks

A study published in Veterinary Record shows that dexmedetomidine gel significantly reduces behaviors related to fear and anxiety in dogs during fireworks displays. The treatment has been found to be safe and effective, with 72% of dogs showing good or excellent treatment effect.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateNov 1, 2017

Party discipline for jumping genes

Researchers found that each transposon family interprets cell signals uniquely and uses distinct strategies to determine jumping timing. This study sheds light on the complex interactions between host cells and jumping genes.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateSep 22, 2017
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.

A-MUD: A method for automatically detecting mouse song

Researchers developed an automatic detection method called A-MUD to analyze ultrasonic vocalizations in mice. The tool was compared to manual methods and commercial solutions, showing equal quality and lower error rates.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 8, 2017

Comparing food allergies: Animals and humans may have more in common than you think

A recent position paper reveals that animals and humans exhibit similar symptoms after consuming certain foods, highlighting the need for research on molecular allergy diagnostics. An elimination diet is recommended to diagnose food intolerance in both species, which may lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalAllergy·DateAug 23, 2017

Seasonal effects: 'Winter foals' are smaller than foals born in summer

Researchers found that winter foals were smaller than their spring and fall counterparts, suggesting a critical impact of reduced metabolism on fetal growth. Despite this, some benefits emerged from the study, including the potential for earlier foaling that can give young horses a head start in competitions.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalTheriogenology·DateAug 4, 2017

Estrogen regulates pathological changes of bones via bone lining cells

Researchers at Vetmeduni Vienna have identified bone lining cells as the primary target of oestrogen in regulating bone density and preventing pathological changes. The study found that oestrogen binding to these cells controls the expression of RANKL, a key factor in bone turnover.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 28, 2017

Reintroduced Przewalski's horses have a different diet

Researchers found that Przewalski's horses, now protected in the Gobi Desert, consume only high-quality grass throughout the year due to improved human attitudes. In contrast, Khulan wild asses also live in the same habitat but are still hunted and have a more restricted diet.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 20, 2017
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.

Many pet owners unable to spot an out of hours vet emergency

A study found that 67% of pet owners surveyed couldn't accurately recognize veterinary emergencies, with many calling out-of-hours services for convenience or reassurance. Veterinary practices can help by providing guidance on emergency conditions and training receptionists in telephone triage.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateJul 19, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Sensitivity to inequity is in wolves' and dogs' blood

A new study confirms that wolves and dogs refuse to cooperate when they don't receive a reward, showing an innate sensitivity to inequity. The behavior is similar in both species, indicating it's not solely due to domestication.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 8, 2017

Declawing linked to aggression and other abnormal behaviors in cats

A study found declawed cats exhibit increased risk of pain, aggression, and behavioral issues such as inappropriate elimination. The research highlights the importance of considering long-term health effects and exploring alternative solutions to reduce welfare concerns.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMay 23, 2017

HHMI awards medical research fellowships to 79 students

The HHMI Medical Research Fellows Program has selected 79 medical and veterinary students for a year-long research experience, with 53% female awardees. The program provides a multilevel mentoring approach to help fellows establish a foothold in the research world.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Look to lactate to help predict ill cats' prognoses, Penn Vet study says

Researchers found cats with normal lactate levels had better survival rates than those with high lactate levels, with a five-day survival rate of 57% compared to 17%. The study suggests lactate can be a helpful measure in evaluating prognosis and making treatment decisions for critically ill cats.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateApr 12, 2017

You spy with your little eye -- dogs can adopt the perspective of humans

Cognitive biologists found dogs can correctly interpret cues by humans and find hidden food even if they cannot see it. Dogs adopt human perspectives by following gazes and understanding who knows what, enabling them to identify informants and successfully complete tasks.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateApr 7, 2017

Male poison frogs become cannibals after taking over territories

In a study, male Allobates femoralis frogs became cannibals when they took over new territories, eating all clutches to ensure only their own offspring survived. This behavior was linked to territorial status, rather than sexual motivation.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2017

Dogs share food with other dogs even in complex situations

A new study confirms dogs exhibit prosocial behavior, preferring to deliver treats to familiar partners. The complexity of the task influenced the frequency of food delivery, but social proximity played a significant role.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 27, 2017

Edible dormice: The older they get the more they rejuvenate their cells

In a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers discovered that edible dormice experience increased telomere length with age, contrary to human aging. The unique life history of the species and its remarkable longevity may hold the key to understanding cellular rejuvenation.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 24, 2016
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Skillful cockatoos filmed making the same tool from different materials

Researchers found that Goffin's cockatoos can make elongated tools of appropriate shape and length out of various materials, including larch wood, leafy beech twigs, and cardboard. The birds demonstrated problem-solving skills by anticipating tool requirements and adapting their techniques to produce functional instruments.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 15, 2016

Beer eases final moments for euthanized invertebrates, study finds

A scientist at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry has discovered that a dip in beer can sedate and immobilize tiny snails before a terminal dunk in ethyl alcohol, reducing physical distress. This humane method is similar to those used with domestic animals.

SourceSUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry·JournalJournal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science·DateOct 6, 2016

Edible dormice: High food availability slows down cell aging

Researchers from Vetmeduni Vienna found that high food availability during the active season in summer contributes to a long life. Telomere length at the end of the experiment was directly correlated with food availability, revealing that a full belly rejuvenates the cells.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 2, 2016

Lunar cycle affects timing of birth in cows

A study by University of Tokyo researchers found a statistically significant increase in cow births during near full and full moon phases. The study suggests that cows may be a suitable model for studying the lunar cycle's impact on animal births, with further research needed to confirm results.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 31, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

How however almost kicked but's butt: Linguistics study

A new analysis of over a century of literature reveals the life and journey of the word however, with common misuse as a synonym for but. Dr Andrew Hamilton's study shows that using however incorrectly has risen since World War II, often misusing it as a conjunction.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalEnglish Today·DateJul 20, 2016

Rare fungus product reduces resistance to antibiotics

Researchers have discovered a rare fungus that produces compounds effective against both normal and resistant Staphylococcus aureus pathogens. The six most active compounds, including the previously unknown cyclo-(L-proline-L-methionine), boost the activity of other antimicrobial compounds.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 15, 2016

Female blue tits sing in the face of danger

Researchers found that female blue tits sing when faced with danger, singing patterns resembling those of males. The birds' vocalizations may serve as a warning signal or indicate stress and the ability to escape.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Ornithology·DateJun 24, 2016
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Filarial nematodes taking a fancy to Austria

Austrian researchers found that nematode species previously limited to Southern Europe have spread to the country, infecting dogs and potentially affecting people. Monitoring of mosquitoes and wild animals is crucial to slow the spread of parasites.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 10, 2016

Bernard Rollin lauded with lifetime achievement award

Bernard Rollin, a renowned bioethics expert and philosopher at Colorado State University, has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Research Ethics. The award recognizes his seminal work in advancing research ethics, particularly in animal care and use.

SourceColorado State University·DateMar 31, 2016

Female frogs identify own offspring using inner GPS

Research shows that female poison frogs remember the exact location of where they laid their eggs, allowing them to transport only their own tadpoles. In contrast, males tend to transport both their own and unrelated tadpoles due to their territorial behavior.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMar 15, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

You can teach an old dog new tricks

A study by Lisa Wallis and Friederike Range found that older Border Collies perform slower in tasks requiring learning, logical reasoning, and cognitive flexibility. However, the dogs' long-term memory for touchscreen stimuli remained unaffected by age.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalAGE·DateFeb 2, 2016

Simulator-based training in veterinary medicine

A recent study by Vetmeduni Vienna's Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer found that simulator-based training in large animal gynaecology is nearly as efficient as animal-based training. Students who trained four times on horses scored best with regard to a correct diagnosis, while those trained solely on the simulato...

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalTheriogenology·DateJan 15, 2016
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.

First discovery of a hibernating primate outside Madagascar

Researchers found pygmy slow lorises in Southeast Asia exhibit multiday torpor to conserve energy during food scarcity. This discovery highlights the possibility that hibernation may be used by further primate species beyond Madagascar.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 3, 2015

Nanoparticles simplify DNA identification and quantification

Researchers developed a novel isothermal amplification method using gold nanoparticles and magnetic microbeads to detect DNA sequences characteristic of Leishmania infantum kinetoplast. The approach exhibits good reproducibility and sensitivity, outperforming other point-of-care tests.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalSmall·DateNov 25, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New environmental risk assessment of veterinary antibiotics applications

Researchers at Leuphana University developed a new screening-based procedure to assess environmental risks caused by veterinary antibiotics. The Usage Pattern-Based Exposure Screening (UPES) method aggregates data on antibiotic usage patterns and models consumption to predict environmental impact.

SourceLeuphana Universität Lüneburg·JournalChemosphere·DateAug 17, 2015

Riding a horse is far more complex than riding simulators

Researchers found that riding a horse increases the body's stress hormones and heart rate compared to simulator-based training, indicating a more complex movement experience for riders. This suggests that simulators could be an excellent preparation for beginners but may not fully replace traditional horseback riding.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Equine Veterinary Science·DateAug 4, 2015

Diarrhea in cats

A study found that intestinal parasites, such as Giardia, were the most commonly found parasite in cats across Austria, with over 56% testing positive. The parasites can be transmitted through contact with infected cat faeces, and households with multiple cats are at higher risk.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalParasitology Research·DateJul 17, 2015
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.

The rhythm cells must go by

Researchers investigated daily fluctuations in human buccal mucosa cells over a year, revealing significant daily rhythms in eleven fatty acids. The study suggests that the cellular changes may be linked to environmental conditions and could have implications for human health.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Biological Rhythms·DateJul 10, 2015

Racehorses at risk from misuse of cobalt, new study finds

A new study by the University of Surrey warns that excessive cobalt levels can cause severe side effects in horses, including long-term damage to vital organs. The researchers urge trainers to be aware of the dangers of cobalt misuse, as there is no evidence to suggest it enhances athletic performance.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalThe Veterinary Journal·DateJun 18, 2015

An evolutionary heads-up

A study by the University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna found that larger brain size confers a survival advantage to female guppies, but not males. The research, which released large- and small-brained guppies into semi-natural streams, revealed that large-brained fish are better at evading predators, leading to higher survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalEcology Letters·DateMay 22, 2015
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.

The hairy past

A team of scientists from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna developed a method to analyze horse tail hair to determine its ecological significance. By aligning hair segments to time using satellite information, they found that tail hair growth rates vary greatly between species and even within individuals.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalRapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry·DateMay 7, 2015

Can humans get norovirus from their dogs?

A study found that some dogs can mount an immune response to human norovirus, suggesting they may be infected. However, the risk of canine infection and transmission to humans is unclear.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateApr 10, 2015

Complete camel skeleton unearthed in Austria

Archaeologists have discovered a unique complete camel skeleton unearthed in Tulln, Austria, dating back to the 17th century. DNA analysis reveals the animal was a hybrid of a dromedary and Bactrian camel. The find provides insight into the use of camels as exotic animals during the Ottoman era.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 1, 2015

Female mice do not avoid mating with unhealthy males

A recent study found that female mice are more attracted to the odor of healthy males than unhealthy males. However, they also choose to mate with unhealthy males, defying expectations and suggesting alternative factors at play in their mating behavior.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMar 13, 2015
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.

Living in the genetic comfort zone

Fruit flies exhibit homogenous gene expression pattern at optimal temperature of 18°C, unaffected by genetic variation. Canalization mechanism acts as buffer against environmental or genetic perturbations, stabilizing organismal growth.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 26, 2015

Here's looking at you

Researchers found that dogs can discriminate between happy and angry human faces, even when only showing the eye region. Dogs trained to choose happy faces mastered the task faster than those trained to choose angry faces, suggesting they use stored memories to recognize emotions.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 12, 2015

Avian malaria also affects wild birds in Austria

A study by University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna researchers has identified avian malaria in 15% of examined wild birds in Austria, showing that native bird populations are susceptible to the disease. Three different Plasmodium species were also found, with one new species still requiring analysis and classification.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalParasitology Research·DateFeb 10, 2015

Sisters act together

Researchers studied the dispersal behavior of female and male cichlids in Lake Tanganyika. Females dispersed significantly longer distances than males, likely to avoid inbreeding and resource competition. Kin-shoaling also emerged as a key phenomenon, with small females tending to shoal with female siblings.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalOecologia·DateJan 23, 2015
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.

New treatment offers hope for headshaking in horses

A new study by University of Bristol researchers found that percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) therapy reduces signs of headshaking in horses. The treatment, also used to manage neuropathic pain in people, showed promising medium-term remission results for five out of seven affected horses.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateJan 6, 2015

A lot or a little

Researchers found that wolves can discriminate between different food quantities, but dogs struggled with this task, suggesting a loss of numerical competence through domestication. The study's findings have implications for our understanding of canine cognition and the effects of domestication on animal behavior.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateDec 16, 2014