News on the use of animals, and their alternatives, in biomedical research. Covers animal models, primate studies, tissue chips, research ethics, and disease modeling.
Dr. Chris Morrison's research aims to understand how the brain detects changes in protein intake and adapts to dietary protein restriction. The study will focus on a specific population of neurons in the hindbrain that respond to FGF21, a hormone produced by the liver in response to protein restriction.
Researchers developed a microscopic technology that can grow cells in three dimensions, enabling more accurate assessment of toxicity of drugs, nanomaterials and pollutants. The device, manufactured from PDMS, enables the automated conduct of multiple experiments and recovers intact cellular models for further analysis.
Researchers found that venetoclax effectively targets and blocks Bcl-2, reducing SIV reservoir levels in nonhuman primate model. The study results, reported in Nature Microbiology, offer hope for accelerating the timeline to cure HIV.
Researchers from the University of Rochester's TraCe-bMPS have developed tissue chips that can predict dangerous immune reactions to cancer therapies. The technology, which uses human cells and sensors, has been accepted into the FDA's Innovative Science and Technology Approaches for New Drugs pilot program.
Researchers at Kyoto University successfully eliminated hepatitis C virus in six chimpanzees using direct-acting antiviral therapy, improving their liver function and health. However, two chimpanzees died of liver cancer, highlighting the need for further study and potential drug resistance.
Researchers at Kyushu University identified a molecule that strengthens hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a key muscle-repair signal. The compound, lipoic acid trisulfide (LASSS), enhances HGF's binding affinity for satellite cells, restoring its ability to repair muscle fibers and counteracting age-related muscle loss.
A global analysis of zoo records shows a 21-44% increase in life expectancy for African and Asian elephants since 1960, mirroring improvements in their wild counterparts. These gains are attributed to advancements in management standards, veterinary care, and socialisation strategies.
A University of Auckland scientist has uncovered the fates of chimpanzees who starred in seminal psychological studies. The apes were transported to Europe after the research centre closed down, where they faced harsh conditions, inadequate diet and social upheaval, leading to their premature deaths.
A UK-based National Honey Monitoring Scheme has collected data from over 3,500 beekeepers, revealing insights into environmental changes, invasive species, and pesticide risks. The study identified over 800 plant species used by honeybees, providing a valuable resource for monitoring pollinator activity.
A long-term study reveals how the red-necked nightjar's annual cycle follows the moon's light, influencing feeding, migration, and breeding patterns. The research highlights the vulnerability of nocturnal animals to changes in light levels, with potential consequences for conservation.
A new AI system called GrimACE uses automated facial recognition to detect subtle signs of pain and discomfort in laboratory mice. The system has been shown to accurately detect pain and provide comparable results to human raters, improving animal welfare in labs.
Researchers found that squalene-based adjuvants activate distinct pathways for vaccine protection and reactogenicity, including the role of IL-1β in enhancing efficacy and IL-1α in triggering local swelling. The study's findings could lead to safer vaccine design by targeting specific immune mechanisms.
A new study shows that poststroke environmental enrichment reduces chronic inflammation and promotes sustained sensorimotor recovery in mice. The study found that enriched environment mice had better neurological scores and stronger recovery compared to standard environment mice.
Researchers discovered a new layer of defense in the lungs, where specialized immune cells coordinate a local response to viral infections. The study found that these cells produce a protein called HIF-1α, which activates neighboring immune cells to mount a coordinated defense.
A Purdue University-developed contraceptive vaccine reduces fertility in feral horses, deer, swine, and other animals, overcoming limitations of existing models. The vaccine, based on a male sperm protein, induces a long-lasting immune response and infertility in female mammals, with promising results for wildlife management.
A new genetic study found that domestic pig maternal lineages accelerated genetic turnover in wild boar populations after the Fukushima nuclear accident. This mechanism, likely occurring in other regions where feral pigs and wild boars interbreed, has practical implications for managing invasive species.
Researchers at Tulane University have developed the first vaccine able to protect nonhuman primates from melioidosis, a long-neglected and deadly tropical disease on the rise. The vaccine uses outer membrane vesicles to trigger a powerful immune response.
Professor Sarah Bailey received an award for her career-long work promoting openness and transparency around animal research. She has championed openness, openly discussing her research with animals since the 2000s, and led the University's Openness Strategy to implement the Concordat's commitments.
Recent genetic advancements have created a biodiversity library, offering untapped opportunities for solving global challenges. Researchers are exploring unconventional models, such as electric eels, octopi, and bacteria, to develop new therapeutics and tackle environmental issues.
Researchers warn that advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness, with potential serious ethical consequences. A better understanding of consciousness could have major implications for AI, prenatal policy, animal welfare, medicine, mental health, law, and emerging neurotechnologies.
A research team has identified a molecule that can prevent the onset of peripheral neuropathies caused by chemotherapy, which are common and persistent neurological complications. The molecule promotes cellular energy production and nerve cell resilience, reducing painful symptoms without affecting cancer treatment.
The European Society of Endocrinology has released the EndoCompass Research Roadmap, a major new initiative to align research efforts and improve funding strategies for hormone-related health challenges. The roadmap identifies specific research needs across eight endocrine specialties and five cross-cutting areas.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that semaglutide reduced both cocaine use and relapse in rats, with motivation to keep taking cocaine decreasing by 52%. The study suggests that semaglutide may blunt cocaine's ability to raise dopamine levels in the brain.
Researchers found that chronic stress triggers the release of immune cells in the brain's protective layer, contributing to depression symptoms. Blocking these cells' signaling pathway shows promise for improving behavior and alleviating depressive symptoms.
A promising African swine fever vaccine candidate offers strong protection against one strain but fails to protect against others. The study highlights the need for region-specific vaccines and calls for further research into matching vaccines to virus types.
A previously mistaken moth has been identified as a new species, Carcina ingridmariae, with significant genetic differences from its lookalike relative. The species was discovered using DNA barcoding and has a wingspan of about 2 cm, found across the eastern Mediterranean.
The American Ornithological Society (AOS) has awarded 2025 Kessel Fellowships to Dr. Teresa Pegan and five others, while seven LACCR Grants were given to researchers from Latin America and the Caribbean for conservation-related research on migratory or resident birds.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made a groundbreaking discovery on how neural stem cell grafts can restore myelin in MS lesions in mice. The study provides critical evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of human induced neural stem cell transplantation as a potential new treatment for progressive multiple sclerosis.
Researchers created a powerful cell culture model using induced pluripotent stem cells from a patient with MDS, confirming that the CEBPA mutation drives disease progression. The model could lead to new ways to treat and diagnose MDS and avoid more serious conditions.
The study identifies the need for more widely adopted non-animal methods to identify endocrine-disrupting substances in the EU. The researchers advocate a balanced approach that includes both developing and validating alternative methods and refining animal testing.
The American Ornithological Society (AOS) recognizes outstanding contributions to ornithological research, conservation, and publication. This year's awardees include Kristen Ruegg and Hugh Drummond for their work on bird genomics and behavioral ecology.
The American Ornithological Society recognizes outstanding contributions to ornithology and bird conservation by three early-career researchers, Teresa Pegan and Valentina Gómez-Bahamón, who will deliver plenary talks at the 2025 AOS annual meeting in St. Louis, Missouri.
Researchers identified a dual learning system in the brain that enables habits to form and provides a scientific basis for breaking bad habits. The study suggests that replacing an action consistently can lead to the APE system forming a new habit, offering a potential strategy for overcoming addictions.
Scientists have developed the most broadly effective antivenom to date, neutralizing the neurotoxins of 19 deadly snakes including black mambas and king cobras. The antivenom combines protective antibodies and a small molecule inhibitor, offering a potential universal solution for snakebite victims.
Scientists used virtual reality to mimic schooling behavior in zebrafish, discovering a simple and robust control law that enables coordinated motion. This natural algorithm was then applied to swarms of robotic cars, drones, and boats, achieving performance comparable to state-of-the-art autonomous systems.
Researchers at Washington State University found that animals exposed to ticks developed resistance, dramatically shrinking the tick population. This natural immune response could be replicated through a vaccine, offering new insights into tick ecology and dynamics.
A study by scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that juvenile fringe-lipped bats do not initially differentiate between palatable and unpalatable frogs and toads, but learn to identify toxic species through experience. As they mature, adult bats respond more strongly to palatable prey.
Researchers analyzed a rare fossil bone and found it shared characteristics with platypuses, suggesting that ancient echidnas originated from a semi-aquatic ancestor. This discovery adds weight to the idea that stem-monotremes started off as semi-aquatic animals.
Scientists at Cornell University and Washington University found that selective breeding of domesticated cat and dog breeds has led to remarkable similarities in skull shape, including brachycephalic breeds. This phenomenon, known as convergence, has occurred within each species and between them, with flat faces and tilted muzzles.
Studies suggest that straight-tusked elephants ( Palaeoloxodon antiquus ) could still inhabit Europe today due to the continent's suitable climate. The species helped shape Europe's landscape, maintaining open spaces and light woodlands that still support native plant species.
Scientists at the University of Sheffield discovered long-tailed tits' remarkable family bonds persisting throughout migration. The study found that these tiny birds migrate in family units and become crucial helpers for related pairs, mirroring human support systems.
Researchers found that African social spider behaviour fluctuates dramatically over time, challenging previous assumptions about individuality. The study reveals that commonly used methods for assessing personality in social spiders may be flawed.
Scientists developed an injectable therapy that protects the heart from damage after a heart attack by blocking the interaction between two proteins, Keap1 and Nrf2. The study showed decreased inflammation, cell death, and improved cardiac function in animal models.
Scientists successfully grow chimpanzee naive-type pluripotent stem cells, revealing key mechanisms for self-renewal and differentiation. The study's findings shed light on the evolutionary conservation of these properties, offering a powerful tool for investigating early developmental processes.
The 2025 BioOne Ambassador Award recognizes exceptional early-career researchers who are advancing public understanding of science through effective communication. The award highlights their outstanding research and commitment to sharing their work with a broader audience.
The CDC has awarded a $3 million grant to the Texas A&M School of Public Health to investigate avian flu among dairy farm workers in Texas. The team, led by Dr. David Douphrate, aims to identify the scope of exposure and workplace factors involved in transmission.
Scientists have discovered a 113-million-year-old hell ant fossil in Brazil, representing the earliest undisputable geological record of ants. The find showcases highly specialized anatomical features, suggesting unique hunting behaviors in ancient insects.
A UNIGE team has identified a single gene, CLCN2, that determines the corn snake's diverse skin pattern diversity. The study found that variations in this gene lead to distinct coloration patterns, including red blotches and stripes.
A large-scale database of macaque behavior is driving a shift towards open science, bringing together researchers from across the globe to share data on social lives of over 3,000 individual monkeys. The platform has grown into a collaborative effort promoting culture of sharing within the research community.
Researchers found that on islands with more space and competition, rattlesnake venom became more specialized, suggesting that animals may evolve finely tuned traits to specific prey. This challenges traditional views of evolution in fragmented environments, offering fresh insight into species adaptation.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have found that the brain forms memories of cold experiences and uses them to control metabolism. The discovery may lead to new treatments for conditions such as obesity and cancer, which are influenced by thermoregulation and metabolism.
A team of researchers from Syracuse University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has discovered a new surface texture on sculpin fins that may enhance their grip in harsh environments. This finding could lead to the development of bio-inspired adhesives for robots, medical devices, and other applications.
Researchers successfully treated atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease using DT-109 in nonhuman primates, which has potential as a dual therapy for two common conditions. The compound reduced the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and stopped critical processes that lead to vascular calcification.
A new study by Prof. Ariel Chipman provides a novel model for understanding the development and evolution of arthropod body plans, tracing patterns back to ancient embryonic processes. The research uncovers a deep evolutionary logic behind the segmented body plans that define the world's most diverse animal group.
A groundbreaking study has uncovered the first physical evidence of human-animal gladiatorial combat in the Roman period. Researchers found distinct lesions on a skeleton's pelvis, identified as bite marks from a large feline species, confirming the brutal nature of these spectacles.
A new study found that a pay-to-release programme increased live releases of endangered species caught as bycatch, but also encouraged some vessels to increase their catches at the expense of conservation goals. Adjustments have been made to improve the programme's effectiveness.
Researchers used fossil data to predict the home range of Protemnodon, an extinct giant kangaroo, finding it had a smaller foraging range than expected. Climate change and habitat disruption led to local extinction when this small range could not find enough food.
Researchers have found that mice can instinctively exhibit rescue-like behavior toward anesthetized conspecifics without prior training or external rewards. Oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus are activated when detecting distress signals, releasing OXT and coordinating emotional and motor responses.
A study found that dog owners rate their bond as the most satisfying, with dogs scoring high in nurturing and relationship security. However, there is a power imbalance towards the owner, with full control over the dog's decisions.
Researchers at the University of Florida have created a new type of cattle feed that reduces methane gas emissions from burps and flatulence, making dairy farming more environmentally friendly. The feed, made with flaxseed and pea protein, also improves overall digestion and may increase milk production.