Articles tagged with Animal Research
Researchers found that bonobos will share food with a stranger before an acquaintance in a series of experiments. In most cases, the test subject chose to release the stranger first, even when there was no social interaction afterwards. This behavior contrasts with chimpanzees and highlights the unique social dynamics of bonobos.
Researchers have provided definitive evidence that NMDAR receptors are crucial for pruning synapses in newborn mammals' brains. This discovery sheds new light on the neural basis of autism and schizophrenia. The study used a mouse model with brain cells lacking or containing NMDARs to demonstrate the receptor's direct role in synaptic ...
Researchers sequenced bat genomes to find similarities with human genes, potentially leading to disease prevention strategies. The study found novel genes in bats that help deal with toxins produced by flight, which may also influence ageing and cancer.
Researchers found that mealworm farms produce more edible protein than traditional animal farms for chicken, pork, beef, or milk, using less land and similar amounts of energy. Mealworms also produce less greenhouse gas emissions than other animals grown for meat.
Researchers found that therizinosaurs had well-developed sensory abilities, including smell, hearing, and balance, which may have affected their behavior as herbivores. The study used high-resolution CT scanning and 3D computer visualization to analyze the brain and inner ear anatomy of a 90-million-year-old therizinosaur fossil.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a vaccine against human leishmaniasis that shows promising results, offering new hope for the fight against this devastating disease. The vaccine combines DNA and protein-based approaches, using insect larvae to produce the proteins at low cost.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that plants can detect and respond to insect odors, leading to improved defenses. The tall goldenrod plant's ability to sense the sex attractant emitted by male flies makes it less appealing to female flies, reducing damage and increasing seed quality.
A 44-member international team is conducting a comprehensive survey of fly species in a tropical cloud forest in eastern Costa Rica. The project aims to identify at least 3,000 new species and contribute to understanding complex ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Tel Aviv University scientists discovered that lab mice do not actually experience chronic anxiety, but instead exhibit temporary responses to new environments. This finding could explain why most candidate drugs have poor therapeutic value in treating human brain disorders.
A two-year study tracked elephant migration patterns to identify essential habitats for conservation. The study finds that male and female elephants share only a quarter of their ranges due to varying tolerances towards people.
A new study found that the asteroid collision that killed the dinosaurs also led to the extinction of a newly identified lizard species, Obamadon gracilis. The impact wiped out nearly 83% of all snake and lizard species, with no species larger than one pound surviving.
A team of researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital used innovative technology to identify the origins of new cardiac cells. They found that these cells primarily arose from existing heart muscle cells, rather than stem cells, in a process that may be limited by age.
Researchers found that prehistoric artwork showed a significantly lower rate of incorrect leg positioning compared to modern art, highlighting the accuracy of cavemen's animal depictions.
Four Kansas State University researchers, John Blair, Ruth Welti, Kun Yan Zhu and Ron Trewyn, have been named fellows by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for their distinguished contributions to science. The university celebrates this prestigious recognition as a testament to its commitment to scientific excellence.
A new study reveals that mixing oil with dispersants used in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico clean-up increases toxicity up to 52-fold, harming rotifers and potentially marine food webs. The study's findings suggest that natural dispersal may be a less toxic alternative to current methods.
Researchers at NIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that prenatal intervention with neuroprotective peptides reduces learning deficits in mice with Down syndrome-like characteristics. The study suggests potential therapeutic benefits for individuals with Down syndrome.
Researchers found elk become more vigilant and consume less food when humans approach, affecting health and calving success. Human activity type, not just numbers of people, influences elks' reactions.
Researchers developed a microneedle technique to dry and stabilize the measles vaccine, showing it remained effective for at least 30 days. The method could provide a new tool for international immunization programs against measles, which killed nearly 140,000 children in 2010.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered that a common canine virus, parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), can be used as a vector to deliver vaccines against deadly human diseases such as H5N1 flu, HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. A single dose vaccine using PIV5 has protected mice from seasonal flu and bird flu.
A new study by UBC researchers reveals that whales and dolphins require specific high-energy diets to survive, contradicting conventional wisdom. The study compared the diets of 11 species in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, finding differences in prey consumed and muscle performance.
A new strain of avian pox has been identified in British bird species, particularly affecting great tits. The disease causes severe growths that can prevent feeding and increase predation susceptibility, with survival rates significantly reduced.
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a robotic fish that can attract live zebrafish using real-time visual feedback. The study found that zebrafish are more attracted to robots that replicate the behavior of informed fish, demonstrating the effectiveness of real-time visual feedback in influencing live animal ...
Researchers are studying different methods to kill sand flies, including screening insecticides and developing diagnostic tools. Sand fly resistance to pesticides is also being studied, which could help protect military personnel and others affected by this pest.
After 121 years, researchers have correctly identified the 'grave robber' fossil as a unique branch in the evolutionary tree. The discovery pushes back the endpoint for the fossil's lineage by 45 million years and shows that this family of mammals survived the extinction event that marked the end of the Age of Dinosaurs.
Researchers discovered that up to ten percent of the active genes of bdelloid rotifers, a species that has survived 80 million years without sex, are foreign. These acquired genes play a crucial role in the organism's ability to survive desiccation.
Researchers have mapped the domestic pig's genome, uncovering genetic traits that could improve animal health and share similarities with human physiology. The sequenced genome includes genes associated with disease resistance, immune mechanisms, and protein abnormalities linked to various human diseases.
A multipurpose medical catheter using stretchable electronics replaces three devices in cardiac ablation therapy, making the procedure faster, simpler, and safer. The device provides real-time information on temperature, mechanical force, and blood flow to surgeons during surgery.
Scientists tracked the movements of 55 male robber crabs on Christmas Island for over three months, recording more than 1,500 days of activity. The data showed that the crabs used a combination of path following and homing to navigate, with long-distance movements possibly related to mating, foraging, and saltwater drinking.
Researchers found that captive mink in confined spaces showed increased interest in stimuli and spent more time seeking stimulation when given little to do. The study aimed to assess animal boredom scientifically and has implications for understanding its causes and effects across species.
A study published in Functional Ecology found that grasshoppers living beside noisy roads produce different songs with elevated frequency components. This adaptation helps them make themselves heard above road traffic, potentially disrupting the grasshopper's mating system.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University and the University of North Carolina discovered a way to create a safer live vaccine for SARS and novel coronaviruses by disabling the ExoN proofreading protein. The new approach accelerates viral mutation, crippling its ability to cause disease in animals.
Researchers found that global warming prevented plant and animal species from fully recovering from the largest mass extinction in Earth's history. The study, led by Ohio State University doctoral student Alexa Sedlacek, suggests that life on Earth today may face similar problems in trying to recover from current climate change.
Harvard scientists have solved the long-standing mystery of how some insects form germ cells, discovering that a cricket's oskar gene is far older than previously thought. The team found that the gene emerged in their last common ancestor and likely originated in the nervous system before being co-opted for germ cell formation.
A breakthrough in drug development has led to the creation of a vaccine against methamphetamine, which could potentially treat meth addiction. The vaccine, called MH6, was tested on rats and found to be highly effective at blocking the typical effects of meth intoxication.
Researchers have created the world's first family tree linking every known bird species and found that they are accelerating their rate of evolution. The study reveals that birds' speciation rate is increasing, not declining, with no drop-off in tropical regions.
Researchers have designed a compound that suppresses symptoms of Huntington's disease in mice by targeting mitochondria, potentially leading to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The synthetic antioxidant XJB-5-131 improves mitochondrial function and enhances neuron survival.
Researchers mapped out where birds live to show areas with most diversity, finding it accelerated in the Western Hemisphere. The 'phylogeny' could help prioritize conservation efforts by identifying species at greatest risk of extinction.
Researchers discovered that E. coli strains can form biofilms more readily on plant surfaces, using plant-derived sugars for survival. The findings provide insights into the evolution of E. coli populations and offer targets for preventing dangerous strains from contaminating vegetables.
Researchers found that animals can adjust their sniffs to target specific odors in complex blends. The study showed that rats learned to detect highly absorbent odors more quickly than less absorbent ones, highlighting the importance of physical properties and sniffing techniques in olfaction.
Researchers found a significant increase in migratory duck species in the region's reservoirs, which are linked to rice cultivation. The study suggests that these manmade wetlands play a crucial role in supporting bird populations during winter, providing a safe haven for ducks fleeing from declining natural habitats.
Researchers have developed a new technique to study how myeloids become white blood cells, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms at work during this process. This approach offers potential improvements in treating myeloid diseases like leukemia by identifying key regulatory pathways and developing therapeutic strategies.
A study published in PLOS ONE finds that climate patterns are more correlated with population growth in the contiguous United States than income or urbanization. The researchers found a pronounced shift away from cool and seasonal climates towards warmer and drier areas, resulting in a six-fold temperature increase over the last century.
A new study by NC State University and Duke University finds that flame retardant Firemaster 550 causes endocrine disruption, leading to rapid weight gain, early onset of puberty, and cardiovascular health problems in lab rats. The researchers also detected high levels of thyroid hormone and glucose regulation issues in exposed offspring.
Researchers have successfully created functional 'organoids' that can carry out kidney functions when implanted into rats. The breakthrough could lead to more options for individuals with kidney failure and better tools for understanding and treating complex kidney diseases.
A 16-million-year-old amber fossil reveals a surprising interaction between springtails and mayflies. The study, published in PLOS ONE, shows that springtails may have travelled on the wings of flying insects like mayflies, a previously unknown mode of transport.
Researchers found that fruit flies can shift their preference towards more nutritional food sources in as little as four hours when hungry. Blocking insulin signaling increased the flies' preference for nutritious sugars, highlighting the importance of metabolic roles in feeding behavior.
A study found that rats who had intermittent access to alcohol exhibited cognitive impairment similar to established alcoholism after just a few months. The researchers linked this impairment to the activation of a small group of neurons that inhibit executive control functions in the prefrontal cortex.
New animal studies demonstrate potential for stem cell treatments in Parkinson's disease, head trauma and spinal cord injury-related heart problems. Scientists are making progress toward using stem cells to repair neurological damage and produce healthy neurons.
A new study in rats shows that chronic stress during pregnancy prevents the formation of brain connections associated with learning, memory, and mood. The stressed rats' brains did not exhibit the same level of neural growth as unstressed mother rats, which had increased dendritic spines after giving birth.
Recent studies have begun to explore the connections between animal microbiomes and behavior, showing that beneficial microbes can influence animal behaviors such as feeding, mating, and predator-prey interactions. The study suggests that behavior plays a critical role in establishing microbiomes, which then influence animal behavior.
The NIH-sponsored workshop recommends that preclinical animal studies be reported with more detail, including randomization and data handling, to improve replicability and interpretation. This aims to funnel promising therapies to patients more efficiently.
A new study suggests that elephant skin hair plays a role in heat dissipation, allowing them to maintain a constant body temperature in hot regions. Researchers found that sparse skin hair increases heat loss from the skin, benefiting large terrestrial mammals like elephants.
Prominent microbiologists argue for and against lifting the H5N1 research moratorium, discussing biosecurity measures and public engagement. The debate highlights concerns over biosafety and biosecurity, with some experts advocating for standardized guidelines and others emphasizing the need for caution.
A new rearing technique for the parasitoid wasp Habrobracon hebetor has shown promise in conditioning the insects to survive storage at 41 degrees Fahrenheit. This method, which involves simulating reproductive diapause, could give commercial insectaries greater flexibility and reduce costs.
Coyotes have adapted well to urban life, thriving in small territories and changing their diet and behavior. The success of coyote communities in cities poses a challenge for human coexistence with larger carnivores like wolves, mountain lions, and bears.
A new study reveals that duck-billed dinosaurs had six types of dental tissues, four more than reptiles, allowing for advanced grinding capacity. Their teeth functioned perfectly if put back into a living dinosaur, opening doors for studying fossilized teeth.
A long-term study conducted in Belize found that manatees can indicate the overall health of marine ecosystems. The researchers tracked over 200 manatees for nearly a decade, monitoring their behavior, life history, and health. The study provides insight into the baseline health of this species threatened by human activities.
The HPV Chemicals Challenge Program initially had the potential to use 3.5 million animals but ultimately reduced the number to 127,000 through PETA's involvement and implementation of animal-saving measures. The program's data collection process was found to be lengthy, disorganized, and inefficient.
A team of researchers created the most detailed, three-dimensional rendering of the pulmonary acinus, a complex region in the mammal lung. The model, derived from mice, can help scientists understand where and how lung diseases emerge and how drugs are delivered.
Scientists at the University of Minnesota developed a new genome editing technology called TALENS to genetically modify livestock animals. This technique allows researchers to study human diseases in animal models, potentially leading to cure development.