News on the use of animals, and their alternatives, in biomedical research. Covers animal models, primate studies, tissue chips, research ethics, and disease modeling.
New research from Binghamton University reveals that Mexican jumping bean larvae respond differently to various lighting conditions, with red light stimulating the most vigorous jumps. However, damage to their 'bean' hosts hinders their ability to jump away from stressors.
Researchers at Rice University have developed adhesive bacteria and proteins that can help efficiently decompose PET, a notoriously resistant type of plastic. The engineered microbes demonstrate a 400-fold increase in adhesion to PET surfaces, making them a potential solution for tackling plastic pollution.
Researchers identified AM-101 as a potential new way to enhance radiation therapy for patients with lung cancer that has spread to the brain. The drug's ability to activate GABA(A) receptors increases autophagy in lung cancer cells, making them more sensitive to radiation treatment.
Researchers found that geckos utilize the saccule, a part of their inner ear traditionally linked to balance, to detect low-frequency vibrations. This 'sixth sense' plays a complementary role in the geckos' normal hearing and sensory perception.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a new subtype of aggressive prostate cancer and identified a potential degrader to target it. The study found that a genetic alteration in the CDK12 gene drives cancer development, and a degrader targeting this gene shows promise in destroying cancer cells.
A study from Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that venomous crustaceans, specifically remipede crabs in Mexican cenote caves, contain a variety of toxins with pharmacological potential. The xibalbines peptides effectively inhibit potassium channels and activate signaling pathways involved in pain sensitization.
A new publication provides essential guidance for conducting rigorous systematic reviews on studies with animals and cells. Regular narrative reviews are prone to biases, but systematic reviews follow a rigorous and transparent methodology, helping researchers make sense of conflicting reports and identify gaps in the field.
A new study explores a promising combined therapy for multiple sclerosis, using tolerogenic dendritic cells modified with myelin antigens. Researchers found that these cells from patients have a persistent pro-inflammatory signature, making them less effective compared to those derived from healthy individuals.
A new study reveals that ant agriculture and fungus farming originated 66 million years ago, with colonies of ants beginning to cultivate fungi in the aftermath of the asteroid impact. This partnership has evolved over time, with some fungal crops becoming completely reliant on ants 27 million years ago.
Researchers have developed a promising new drug, RI-AG03, that successfully targets and blocks both major aggregation-promoting 'hotspots' of the Tau protein. The peptide-based approach shows significant potential in preventing the build-up of Tau proteins and neurodegeneration, addressing a critical gap in current treatments.
Researchers have created the largest and most complete map of the fruit fly brain, detailing over 50 million connections between neurons. The study provides critical information about brain wiring and underlying signals, paving the way for future studies on larger-brained animals.
Researchers discovered a cache of rare monkey fossils in the Dominican Republic, providing new insights into the anatomy and ecology of the extinct Antillothrix bernensis. The study suggests that male and female monkeys were monomorphic and weighed up to five pounds, with a diet mainly consisting of fruit.
A team of scientists has successfully mapped the entire brain of Drosophila melanogaster, a fruit fly, using electron microscopy dataset and connectome analysis. The complete map will help researchers understand how different circuits work together to control behaviors like motor control, courtship, and decision-making.
Researchers create a complex model of nematode worm behavior, accurately mimicking its movements and offering insights into animal behavior. The findings have significant implications for medical research, particularly in the study of movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, and could also improve robotics.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have developed six lines of humanized mice to study human cases of COVID-19, shedding light on SARS-CoV-2's movement through the body and varying symptoms. The models help understand how different genetic backgrounds influence disease progression.
A study by University of Potsdam researchers analyzed the data of 1585 wild animals fitted with GPS collars, finding that 30 species changed their behavior significantly after release. The animals generally recovered within four to seven days, with larger ones and those in human-influenced habitats returning more quickly.
A new study reveals that bais, vast treeless clearings in the Congo Basin, are home to numerous endangered species, including Western lowland gorillas and African forest elephants. The researchers found over 2,000 distinct bais, covering less than 0.2% of the national park's landscape.
Researchers at Baylor University found that coyotes possess a well-developed muscle for raising their inner eyebrow, similar to dogs, contradicting the idea that this feature evolved specifically during domestication. The study suggests that 'puppy dog eyes' may be an ancestral trait shared by multiple species in the Canis genus.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh discover that deep brain stimulation instantly improves arm and hand strength and function weakened by traumatic brain injury or stroke. The therapy stimulates the motor thalamus, a key relay hub of movement control, and significantly improves activation of muscles and grip force.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have identified a key gene, glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4), that enables Syrian hamsters to survive extreme cold by limiting cellular damage. The discovery could lead to new treatments for human health, such as improving organ preservation and using hypothermia as a therapeutic tool.
Northern elephant seals nearly went extinct due to overhunting but have since recovered to around 225,000 individuals. The recent study found the species' genetic diversity was reduced during this period, which may impair their ability to cope with future environmental changes.
Researchers discovered a unique change in cardiac troponin I that enables shrews to achieve heart rates up to 17 beats per second. This evolutionary loss removes brakes on heart relaxation, allowing for faster heartbeats. The study provides insights into the evolution of high-heart-rate mammals and potential biomedicine applications.
Veterinary scientists at Université de Montréal have created a way to scan the brains of cats while they're awake by concealing electrodes in crocheted wool caps. This new technique uses electroencephalograms (EEGs) and can help alleviate chronic pain in cats.
Researchers discovered phytoene boosts nematode lifespan by 10-18.6% and reduces amyloid plaque formation by 30-40%. The study uses Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism.
A DNA-collecting drone has been developed to identify species in tree canopies, providing insights into remote habitats. The drone's specialized fabric probe collects environmental DNA from leaves and branches, allowing researchers to identify organisms such as arachnids, insects, and monkeys.
Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute discovered that the balance of bacteria in the gut influences symptoms of hypopituitarism in mice. Treating mice with aspirin reversed symptoms by increasing NG2 glia, a type of brain cell involved in hormone production.
The study reveals that sea robin legs are sensitive to both mechanical and chemical stimuli, and are covered in papillae similar to human taste buds. The research provides new insights into the evolution of this unique trait, which could offer clues about how humans developed bipedalism.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University mapped variation in human stem cells, revealing unique developmental patterns and gene expression traits that modify conserved steps. The findings may aid personalized regenerative therapies and advance understanding of cellular variation in humans.
Researchers used drone footage to study gray whales' foraging behaviors, finding that younger whales use forward swimming while older whales headstand. The study also revealed that bubble blasts help regulate buoyancy while feeding in shallow water.
Chung-Ang University researchers have identified a potential anti-aging drug called IU1 that enhances proteasomal activity and autophagy, leading to improved muscle strength and extended lifespan in fruit flies. The study suggests that preventing disruption of protein homeostasis mechanisms could be key to increasing longevity and impr...
A Kansas State University study finds that milking equipment and procedures are likely routes of transmission for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus in dairy cattle. The research, led by Juergen Richt, reveals severe mammary gland infections and drastic increases in virus levels in milk.
Research highlights the urgent need for improved methods to reduce bird-vehicle collisions, which can be financially costly and dangerous. Mallards demonstrate reduced escape attempts at night but delay response times, making high-speed encounters especially hazardous.
Scientists have discovered a new species of predatory flatworm in North Carolina and Florida, which has been detected in residential landscapes across the Southeast. The researchers found that the flatworm has brownish-black color and feeds on soft-bodied organisms like earthworms and slugs.
New research on genetically modified crops reveals potential environmental impacts, including increased pesticide use, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the need for further research to support sustainable agriculture practices.
The study found a recent reversal of fortunes in the Adriatic Sea, with populations of marine predators and their prey plummeting and being replaced by a single species. The researchers used seafloor environments to determine interactions between species, showing a decline in biodiversity and excess nutrients.
Researchers aim to reduce PFAS contamination risk in agriculture by developing monitoring tools and strategies for remediation. The study focuses on comprehensively understanding PFAS uptake and bioaccumulation in plants, advancing strategies for PFAS remediation in biosolid/soil.
Researchers found that octopus-hunting groups have unique properties, including hierarchical structure and specialized roles. Fish play a crucial role in environmental exploration and prey detection efficiency, while the octopus determines timing and initiation of movement.
The unique polar light environment creates conditions for circumpolar hybrid zones, increasing reproductive synchrony among species. Microbes play a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity by adapting to light-sensitive environmental cues.
Researchers developed a compact 'gene scissor' tool, TnpB, which shows a 4.4-fold increase in efficiency of modifying DNA, making it more effective as a gene editing tool. The tool can be used to treat patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, reducing cholesterol levels by nearly 80%.
A 175-year-old experiment by Carl Linnaeus shows pigs are pickiest eaters, eating 32% of plant species, while cows and horses rank lower, with goats preferring legumes and grasses. The study also reveals animals generally struggle to avoid toxic plants.
The study reveals that the lack of muscle formation at the distal wings leads to bone reduction and asymmetry due to insufficient mechanical stress during development. This is caused by muscle progenitor cells with a dual identity undergoing cell death, preventing proper muscle formation.
Researchers at Fujita Health University have discovered a key signaling pathway involved in aversive learning, which may help develop treatments for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. By identifying 221 candidate substrates of ROCK, the study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying aversive learning.
UTHealth Houston researchers are exploring new pathways to treat Alzheimer's disease through multiple projects funded by the Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium. Studies aim to investigate ACSL4 gene, delirium's impact on disease progression, biological aging, and noninvasive diagnosis methods.
Researchers found that similar personalities in geese lead to better breeding outcomes due to consistency and responsiveness among parents. The study, published in Animal Behaviour, supports the idea that personality traits influence reproductive success in animals.
A study published in Nature Communications found that the MYC gene is a common culprit driving prostate cancer progression. The research reveals how MYC activation attracts immune cells to the tumor but later helps hide it from immune detection, making it undetectable.
A research team has successfully recreated wrinkle structures in biological tissue in vitro, revealing the mechanisms behind their formation. The study found that compressive forces and dehydration play a crucial role in wrinkle formation, mirroring aging skin effects.
A study published in the journal Insects found that hemp leaf extract containing cannabidiol (CBD) is effective in killing mosquito larvae, including those resistant to typical insecticides. The research suggests CBD's potential as a safe and sustainable alternative for controlling mosquito populations.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that South African rock art from the 19th century may be inspired by an extinct species of tusked animal called a dicynodont. The artwork, created by the San people, features a long-bodied animal with downward-turned tusks that is comparable to fossilized remains found in the region.
A recent study by FAU researchers links copper regulation to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's. The team discovered that a specific gene, swip-10, plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of copper in cells, which can prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
Researchers have developed a novel platform for testing radiation therapy effects on brain cells, providing insights into how the brain reacts to cancer treatment. The study aims to improve treatment strategies by understanding the impact of radiation on neural circuits, ultimately leading to personalized care for patients.
Researchers comprehensively reviewed cerebellar involvement in Parkinson's disease, highlighting the pathophysiological role of the cerebellum in motor and non-motor symptoms. Studies showed abnormal α-synuclein aggregation, neurodegeneration, and altered functional connectivity between the cerebellum and other brain regions.
A new study of 21,000 marine animals reveals that even pristine habitats are at risk due to human activities and climate change. The research highlights the impact of cumulative human stressors on global marine fauna, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts.
Scientists have created carbon dot nanozymes that reduced oxidative stress, rebalanced gut microbes and alleviated stress-induced depression in rats. The treatment restored the balance of microbes, which can trigger inflammation and alter brain function, highlighting the link between gut health and mental health.
The European Reference Genome Atlas pilot project successfully assembled high-quality reference genomes for 98 European species, including the Cretan wall lizard and Aristotle's catfish. These genomes will enable scientists to make accurate assessments of endangered species' genetic status and inform conservation actions.
Researchers at Binghamton University discovered that water anoles produce a special bubble over their nostrils to breathe underwater and evade predators. The study found that the bubble serves a functional role in respiration, allowing lizards to stay submerged for longer periods.
A new study reveals that possum shrimp rely on distinctive chemical cues from their underwater caves to find their way back. Researchers found that each cave had a unique water-borne odor bouquet, which helped the shrimp navigate between them.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that the public only discovers 58% of decoy dolphin carcasses, suggesting a higher number may be dying but not reported. The results point to habitats where staff should focus their efforts and highlight the importance of accurate estimates for understanding cause-specific deaths.
A new study reveals that palaeolithic hunter-gatherers on Cyprus are responsible for the disappearance of two species of megafauna: dwarf elephants and hippos. The research suggests that these small human populations could have driven both species to extinction due to their hunting practices.
A new monoclonal antibody drug has been developed to prevent infection with A. baumannii, a common cause of hospital-acquired infections. The treatment was shown to be effective in reducing bacterial load in mice, and could potentially become a powerful new weapon against antimicrobial resistance.
The VICT3R project, led by UPF, uses data from pharmaceutical industry and AI to create virtual control groups for preclinical drug safety studies. The initiative aims to reduce animal usage by up to 25% and contribute to the 3Rs of animal testing.