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Benchmark study tracks trends in dog behavior

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS One·DateSep 12, 2025

Eco-friendly treatment saves squid eggs from newfound parasite

Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have successfully treated a newly discovered parasitic copepod species that was killing squid eggs. The eco-friendly treatment uses peracetic acid to kill the parasites in under two minutes, with zero effect on squids or their generations.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

Nonlethal parasites reduce how much their wild hosts eat, leading to ecosystem effects

A study led by Washington University in St. Louis found that nonlethal parasitic infections reduce herbivory rates and trigger trophic cascades impacting plant communities. The research used a mathematical model and global meta-analysis to highlight the ecological consequences of common parasitic infections in wild animals.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 9, 2022