Articles tagged with Animal Research
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that most vertebrates, including humans and fish, share a common electroreceptive system. The researchers found that the sensory organs develop in the same pattern from the same embryonic tissue, confirming their evolutionary heritage.
Researchers are exploring why warm places have more species by studying brown food webs and their impact on biodiversity. The four-year project will test mathematical models on trees, small animals, and microbes to predict the effects of global climate change.
A new species of fossil silky lacewing insects has been discovered in China, providing insights into the evolutionary history of the family Psychopsidae. The newly found species, Undulopsychopsis alexi, exhibits unique characteristics, including an undulate wing margin and unusual venation patterns.
Researchers observed dense groups of Wels catfish in the Rhone River, estimating a total biomass of up to 1132 kilograms. These aggregations could excrete large amounts of phosphorous and nitrogen, creating potential biogeochemical hotspots.
Researchers from USDA's Animal Disease Research Unit have identified the cayenne tick as a vector of equine piroplasmosis in a 2009 Texas outbreak. The discovery highlights the potential for the disease to spread internationally, prompting efforts to prevent its spread.
Scientists have discovered 'superfast' muscles in bats that allow them to navigate and hunt in total darkness using echolocation. These muscles can contract up to 100 times faster than typical body muscles, enabling the rapid succession of calls needed for successful hunting.
A new study examines the impact of climate change on amphibian species, finding that rapid temperature swings can trap species at different points in their travels. The research suggests that many species will become endangered due to their inability to tolerate unfavorable climate conditions for extended periods.
University of Alberta researchers identified a key regulator controlling the speed of development in fruit flies. Blocking this regulator sped up development, leading to faster maturation. The study defines a novel mechanism for regulating steroid hormone pulses, crucial for human health and disease.
Researchers at NTNU's Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience discovered that memory is divided into discrete packets, with each packet lasting around 125 milliseconds. The brain switches between these packets rapidly, allowing it to 'flip' between different maps of location and experience.
A new study by Utrecht University found that living close to livestock farms increases the severity of asthma and COPD symptoms in people with lung conditions. The research also showed that the risk of contracting Q fever increased with the number of animals kept near farms, particularly mega farms.
A new study reveals that global warming can lead to a phenomenon where animals shrink due to the decoupling of growth rate and development rate. This effect is observed in marine planktonic copepods, which show increased growth but mature faster at warmer temperatures.
University of Texas at Austin researchers have discovered an optimal algorithm to extract information from individual images to determine focus error. This breakthrough could improve auto-focusing in digital cameras and deepen understanding of human depth perception.
Researchers found that individual birds varied their technique and dropped blades of grass less often as they gained experience. The study suggests that birds have the mental capacity to learn and develop skills through repetition.
Researchers have created a large DNA matrix representing 99% of mammalian families, providing a robust framework for understanding evolutionary history and classification. The study reveals key diversification events in response to environmental changes, including the Cretaceous-Tertiary Mass extinction.
A large and robust DNA matrix represents all mammalian families, covering their earliest history and deepest divergences. The dataset enables biologists to take the next leap in understanding mammalian evolution and biodiversity.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found that a common cancer protein, cyclin E, plays a crucial role in memory formation and may be implicated in Alzheimer's disease. By inhibiting the activity of cyclin E, researchers believe they can improve memory function.
Researchers found that penguins can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar odors, using smell to guide behavior and avoid kin recognition. This study provides important insights into bird social recognition and has potential applications for conservation and breeding programs.
A study published in Nature found that sirtuin genes do not affect animal longevity, contrary to previous claims. Instead, dietary restriction was shown to increase lifespan independently of sirtuins.
Three Johns Hopkins researchers, including Andrew Feinberg, Gyanu Lamichhane, and Thomas Hartung, have received NIH Director's Awards for their groundbreaking work in epigenetics, tuberculosis, and toxicological testing. Their research aims to revolutionize cancer treatment, develop new antibiotics, and improve human health.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that songbirds' ability to learn and remember songs is linked to the size and proportion of their brain regions. The research suggests that species with larger higher brain areas relative to lower areas can learn dozens or hundreds of different notes.
Researchers describe a new 20-foot extinct species found in the same coal mine as Titanoboa, shedding light on the diversity of animals in the oldest known rainforest ecosystem. The discovery reveals that these ancient crocodile relatives competed with giant snakes for food and habitat.
Researchers aim to combat diseases like zoonoses, transmitted from animals to humans, using models to predict and control outbreaks. Projects funded by $17M in US-UK collaboration will draw on biological and social sciences expertise.
Jörn Coers is honored by the American Society for Microbiology for his work on immune responses against intracellular pathogens. His research focuses on host-pathogen interactions and has revealed key insights into diseases caused by Chlamydia.
Zachary A. Klase has been awarded the ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research on HIV-1 pathogenesis and RNA interference mechanisms in mammalian cells. His work focuses on understanding HIV transcription regulation, microRNA processing, and innate immune signaling.
A novel software system developed by SDSC researchers was used in the first global camera trap study of mammals, documenting 105 species across seven protected areas. The study confirms that habitat loss and smaller reserves have a direct impact on mammal diversity and survival.
The study estimates $1.7 billion in local government expenditures and $830 million in lost residential property values each year from invasive tree-feeding insects like the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle. Strengthening regulations and enforcement are crucial to mitigate future costs.
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed a DNA test that can identify deer poachers by detecting low levels of human DNA on deer carcasses. The test has been shown to be effective in recovering DNA profiles from poached deer remains, with a success rate of less than one in a billion.
A recent study by the USDA Forest Service estimates that non-native forest insects, such as the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle, are causing significant economic damage to urban trees. The study reveals that homeowners and local governments are bearing the greatest share of costs associated with these insects.
Researchers from Caltech and UCLA found that the human amygdala responds preferentially to images of animals, with no emotional content influencing this response. This hemispheric asymmetry suggests an early evolutionary specialization for processing unexpected stimuli in the right hemisphere.
New research reveals that birds pollinate Babiana plants with specialized perches, and these perches can be smaller or larger depending on geographical location. This unique adaptation allows the plant to adopt different mating strategies depending on the availability of sunbird pollinators.
The Pacific leaping blenny, a marine fish living on land, has a complex social life that thrives during the brief mid-tide period. The study found males use visual displays to warn off rivals and attract mates, while females defend feeding territories.
Low-income populations may be deprived of essential nutrients due to unfounded fears about pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. Bruce N. Ames explains that most pesticides are naturally present in plants to protect them, and at low doses, they are not a concern for human health.
The Perspectives in General Physiology series provides an in-depth look at the mechanisms of sensory information processing, including visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile processes. The series reveals key strategies used by researchers to quantify and characterize sensory information across multiple systems.
A team of Stanford researchers has developed a sutureless method for joining blood vessels, which appears to be faster, safer, and easier than traditional suturing. The new technique uses a poloxamer gel and bioadhesive to reconnect severed blood vessels without causing inflammation or scarring.
Scientists have developed a new skin test that can determine the age of wild animals while they are still alive. The test detects advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in skin tissue, providing valuable information for wildlife management and population control.
A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that preserving just 9 key sites could protect habitat for 84% of all marine mammal species on Earth. The study identified critical conservation locations off the coasts of Mexico, Canada, Peru, and other countries as areas with high species richness.
New research reveals that human beings can visually detect living presence through specific movement cues, including those close to the ground and mimicking real gravitational acceleration. The visual system is keyed into these cues to determine a moving object's life-detection.
Researchers found that hyenas can count individual voices and assess their numerical advantage, supporting the concept of complex social groups leading to big brain evolution. Hyenas were more cautious when outnumbered and took risks with a numerical advantage.
New research on male helminthomorph millipedes has uncovered the intricate process of leg-to-gonopod metamorphosis, essential for their reproductive success. This complex transformation involves significant reorganization of the exoskeleton and muscles, altering the animal's body plan.
Species have moved towards the poles at three times the rate previously accepted and to cooler, higher altitudes at twice that rate. On average, species have shifted 12.2m per decade in elevation and 17.6km per decade in latitude.
Researchers found that male rock ptarmigans can run up to 50% faster than females due to superior physiology, enabling them to defend larger territories and successfully breed. This study highlights the importance of considering physiological factors in understanding animal behavior and breeding success.
A Tufts University study found that analyzing bird feathers can detect corticosterone levels, a hormone linked to avian stress response. The technique provides a long-term snapshot of stress exposure and has implications for conservationists studying human impacts on wildlife.
A new study has recovered and analyzed the oldest fossil evidence of fingernails in modern primates, confirming that small body size led to nail development. The discovery provides direct evidence for the evolution of nails in primates and sheds light on the origins of human-like characteristics.
Researchers at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute have discovered that older females are rarely able to reproduce due to abnormal cell growth, infections, and cysts in their uterine tracks. The study's findings offer hope for introducing new genes into the cheetah population through embryo transfer.
A new study uses advanced analysis to predict reaction time by assessing neural firing rates in the brain. The research found that the degree of neural activity advancement at the 'go' cue significantly affects reaction time.
Researchers studied flatworms to understand how they regenerate their excretory systems from scratch, providing clues about the evolutionary origin of mammalian kidneys. They found that flatworm protonephridia, a complex epithelial organ, shares structural similarities with mammalian nephrons.
New research provides key clues to looping morphogenesis, helping diagnose conditions like gastric torsion in large breeds and malrotation in babies. The study's findings could also aid in understanding the formation of other organs, such as hearts and vascular systems.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have shown that chimpanzees exhibit a significant bias for prosocial behavior, particularly towards partners who are patient. The study's findings confirm the altruistic nature of chimpanzees, suggesting human altruism may not be as rare as previously thought.
Researchers developed a cell-based test that can classify chemicals as sensitizing or non-sensitizing, predicting the strength of allergic responses. This alternative to animal testing aims to reduce suffering from skin conditions such as eczema.
Two new rodent fossils, Mesoprocta hypsodus and Quebradahondomys potosiensis, were discovered in southern Bolivia's highlands. The rodents likely lived in forested habitats, with the larger species possibly foraging on the ground and the smaller one being arboreal.
A study by LSUHSC researchers found that two different species, frogs and bats, share similar perception of auditory cues driving basic biological functions. This universal perception may limit the evolution of communication signals.
Dr. Ray Semlitsch has been awarded the 2011 Fitch Award for Excellence in Herpetology for his groundbreaking research on amphibian ecology and wetland conservation. His studies have shown that tolerance to contaminants varies among species, and he established the importance of aquatic environments for semi-aquatic amphibians.
Environmental assessments need to examine a broader reach, as displaced species migrate to neighboring habitats, causing competition for resources. Researchers tracked the movements of raptors in the Judean Foothills, finding that buzzards are taking over eagles' nests and diminishing their food supply.
Research by Thomas Marler and Karl Niklas examines environment's influence on Guam cycad reproduction, finding wind's role in seed production is less crucial than initially thought. The study suggests insects play a more significant role in pollination, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect the endangered species.
Researchers are studying early reptiles' movement using a fast X-ray video system and comparing it with modern animals. The goal is to create animated studies of the early saurians and gain insights into their movements.
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has received a $2.1 million grant from the National Center for Research Resources to develop additional basic research models for cystic fibrosis (CF). The researchers aim to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms causing CF and explore potential therapeutic approaches.
A recent review article highlights the positive effects of exercise on brain health and cognition, with aerobic exercise improving cognitive abilities in children and elderly adults. Strength training also shows promise, particularly for executive functions and memory.
A combination of strategies, including eliminating stagnant water and removing vegetation, significantly reduced the number of tiger mosquito eggs in treated areas. The study, published in Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, demonstrates a substantial reduction in eggs compared to control areas.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have discovered two general rules for ecosystem abundance: one based on body size and food chain position, and another that biomass production is independent of animal size or type.
A study by Spanish researchers found that spur-thighed tortoises in Mediterranean environments can withstand fires if they occur every 30 years. However, young tortoises are more susceptible to fire and disappear after each fire due to their limited shell development.