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.
Research suggests that venom-targeted proteins evolve rapidly in mammals that eat snakes, implying a defensive role for venom. This finding contradicts the traditional view that venom evolves as a feeding adaptation.
Researchers at UCLA found that the suprachiasmatic nucleus, or SCN, begins to decline in rhythmic neural activity by middle age. This decline may contribute to difficulties with sleep, adjusting to time changes, and performing shift-work in older adults.
The Hastings Center will use the grant to develop educational resources on ethical issues in biomedical research, including alternatives to animal models. The project aims to promote nuanced thinking on animal welfare and medical progress.
A new study published in Science found that high-ranking male baboons have higher stress-hormone levels than lower-ranking males, even during periods of stability. This suggests that life at the top has a real downside and being an alpha male comes at a cost.
The decline of apex predators has severe impacts on ecosystems, causing trophic cascades that affect habitat loss, pollution, wildfire, climate change, invasive species, and disease spread. This loss is driving the sixth mass extinction event, threatening human health and well-being.
Scientists have identified a mechanism that protects the brain from degeneration and aging processes. The discovery of CB1 receptors' role in preserving nerve cells and memory capabilities opens up new possibilities for developing therapies to combat age-related brain changes.
A new study examining climate change impacts on plant and animal species finds that predictions are generally accurate, with many species already declining. The research covers a wide range of species worldwide and confirms human-induced climate change as a threat to global biodiversity.
The Entomological Society of America has elected 10 new Fellows for 2011, recognizing their outstanding contributions to entomology. Dr. Susan J. Brown is a leading geneticist who established Tribolium as a model organism for insect development research, while Dr. James Carey is an authority on arthropod demography and invasion biology.
A study by cognitive psychologist Justin J. Couchman found that rhesus monkeys possess a form of self awareness, specifically the ability to understand they are the cause of certain actions. This sense of self-agency may help illuminate apparent self-awareness deficits in humans with autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.
Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to physical changes in the brain and negative effects on learning, memory, and mood. Mice exposed to polluted air showed reduced cell complexity, inflammation, and depressive-like behaviors.
Researchers have developed a new treatment approach to Usher syndrome, a debilitating disease causing congenital deaf-blindness. A small molecule called PTC124 (Ataluren) has been shown to ignore stop signals in mutated genes, allowing for continued protein synthesis and potentially reversing sight loss.
Researchers have designed a micro air vehicle that can flap, glide, and hover like a bird, combining the benefits of fixed wing MAVs with manoeuvrability. The design was inspired by swifts, which are known for their agility and gliding efficiency.
Scientists found that soccer players with superior skills in specific areas don't necessarily outperform those with average abilities if they can adapt and use different strategies on the pitch.
Researchers analyzed over 345,000 bird capture records to assess the risk of injury or mortality from mist netting. Frequently captured birds were found to be less at risk than those captured infrequently due to established adulthood and territory ownership.
The Roslin Institute has relocated to a new, purpose-built centre with partners from the SAC, focusing on improving livestock health and productivity. The institute aims to tackle complex problems such as diseases, animal welfare, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers analyzed the heads of pachycephalosaur dinosaurs and compared them to modern animals that engage in head butting. They found that the bony anatomy of pachycephalosaur domes is better at protecting the brain than in any modern head-butting animal.
Researchers tracked bird populations over 25 years in isolated forest fragments and found that many species returned after being thought extinct. The study suggests that local extinction is accompanied by continual recolonization, dependent on habitat size.
Researchers discovered a key difference in how fish and mammals chew their food. Fish primarily use their tongue muscles to transport food into the mouth, whereas mammals use them to position food for optimal chewing by teeth.
Ladybird beetles' ability to produce anti-ant defences has led to their high diversity, with most species having one or both of these defences. This evolutionary shift allowed ladybirds to successfully poach soft-bodied scale insects from under the noses of aggressive ants.
Researchers discovered a compound in cinnamon bark that can inhibit the development of Alzheimer's disease. The extract, called CEppt, slows down the progression of the disease and breaks up toxic amyloid fibers in the brain.
Researchers found that aged mice showed increased activity and anxiety-like behaviors before sleep, similar to sundowning in humans. Changes in brain regions associated with attention, emotions, and arousal were also observed, suggesting a biological basis for the syndrome.
A recent aerial survey of northern Botswana shows a significant decline in wildlife populations, with wildebeest populations plummeting by almost 90% over the past 15 years. Habitat fragmentation, drought effects, human encroachment, and poaching are major contributing factors to this decline.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) are working on non-chemical based ways to fight fruit flies, including lure and kill techniques using ginger essence. The team aims to develop sustainable pest management options to replace restricted insecticides dimethoate and fenthion.
Researchers at Yale and Cambridge found that birds' plumage colors only represent a fraction of the colors they're capable of seeing, thanks to additional UV-sensitive cones. The study suggests that structural colors produce most of the color diversity in bird feathers, with limitations preventing them from creating certain colors.
A new study has reduced the threat level for caribou in Alberta's oilsands country by revealing that their survival isn't as threatened as previously thought. The researchers found that it is not merely the presence of roads and cut lines, but the intensity of human activity such as noise levels that has the biggest effect on the animals.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are developing a touch-sensitive virtual reality simulator for next-generation natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). The simulator aims to accelerate the development of scarless procedures, which show promise for reducing pain and post-operative complications.
Researchers discovered a unique regulatory circuit in plants that controls their immune sensor, which could lead to new ways to understand and treat autoimmune diseases. By studying this mechanism, scientists hope to develop treatments for allergies and other ailments.
Scientists have discovered naturally occurring thiouracil in plant-based animal feed and food. The discovery challenges the assumption that the substance is solely of synthetic origin, sparking debate over its natural occurrence.
Research at Queen's University found that stressed birds have higher reproductive success and offer better care to their young. Female tree swallows with increased stress hormones fed their nestlings more frequently.
Despite scientific evidence linking BPA to human health problems, regulators question the accuracy of study methods. BPA is widely used in consumer goods and food packaging, raising concerns about exposure levels.
A study by Rosalia C. M. Simmen found that blueberry powder improved indicators of rat mammary gland health, including branching and biochemical markers like PTEN. The effects have not been shown in humans and may aid breast cancer research.
Researchers have found a link between methane production and levels of archaeol in the faeces of cows, sheep, and deer, offering a potential solution to quantify animal methane contributions. The discovery could enable more accurate assessments of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found that stressed bees display pessimistic judgment, expecting bitter tastes in unfamiliar scents, mirroring human-like cognitive bias. This study suggests that bees can be used as models for emotion research in invertebrates, potentially reducing animal welfare concerns.
Researchers at the University of Calgary discovered that urban life is far from ideal for Prairie bats, contrary to expectations. Despite the presence of roosts and food sources in cities, bat populations exhibit poor body condition, reproductive rates, and juvenile survival.
Researchers discovered that reindeer can see ultraviolet light, which helps them find food and avoid predators. This unique adaptation allows them to thrive in the harsh arctic environment where humans would be vulnerable to snow blindness.
A new drug, terutroban, was found not to prevent second strokes or TIAs as effectively as aspirin in the PERFORM study. Aspirin's efficacy and cost-effectiveness make it the gold standard for secondary stroke prevention worldwide. The trial stopped early due to lack of evidence for terutroban's benefits.
The CDC study found that a significant proportion of respondents had traveled to countries with reported prion diseases, increasing the risk of exposure. Hunting and venison consumption were also associated with increased risk of prion disease exposure, particularly in areas with chronic wasting disease.
A recent study published in Biological Conservation found that spider populations are negatively affected by human activities such as habitat fragmentation, fire, and pesticides. The research, which analyzed 173 scientific papers, suggests that spiders are not exempt from the risks caused by human action.
A team of researchers from Caltech and UCLA used an electrode array to stimulate a paralyzed man's spinal cord, allowing him to stand, step, and regain voluntary leg movements. The treatment improved autonomic functions such as bladder control, temperature regulation, and muscle tone over time.
The study suggests that an enhanced sense of smell was a key driver of brain evolution in mammals. Early Jurassic Period fossils reveal three stages of brain development, from improved olfaction to increased tactile sensitivity and neuromuscular coordination. These findings provide new insights into the evolution of mammalian brains.
Researchers discovered that Viagra reduces multiple sclerosis symptoms by reducing inflammation and facilitating myelin repair. A daily treatment resulted in a 50% practically complete recovery rate in animal models with the disease.
A University of Utah study shows that men can hit with far more force when standing upright than when on all fours, giving tall males a fighting advantage. This supports the theory that bipedalism evolved to allow humans to fight with greater strength, and may explain why women prefer tall men.
Researchers tracked six bird species to estimate seed dispersal distances and found that only one species ingested seeds. The study suggests that long-distance dispersal is critical for plants to establish new populations, and humans may need to create stepping-stone vegetation or forest corridors between fragmented habitats.
Sodium channels are a key component of animal nervous systems but evolved prior to their development, according to new research published in PNAS. The discovery suggests that complex traits like the nervous system can evolve gradually from pre-existing genes.
Researchers investigated snake venom's surface tension and viscosity, discovering that these properties facilitate the venom's entry into wounds. The team found that snakes developed optimal fang groove geometry and a special property of their venom to allow for efficient delivery of deadly poison.
A recent study by researchers at Seoul National University found that magpies can recognize individual humans, but only through visual cues. The birds showed aggressive responses to climbers and were able to distinguish them from non-climbers, suggesting a level of cognitive ability similar to that of domesticated animals.
Researchers discovered infected cats and wildlife with Toxoplasma gondii in a natural area, suggesting feral cats are the source of infection. The parasite is shed in cat feces and transmitted to animals through soil, water, or contact with infected animals.
Harbour seals use their whiskers to sense shapes and sizes of objects in murky water. The team found that the seal could distinguish between paddles with different widths and shapes, including triangular, cylindrical, flat, and undulating paddles. This ability may help seals optimize energy intake while hunting.
A new study reveals that some species are adapting to rising temperatures by migrating northward and upward, while others are struggling to keep pace. The researchers found that predicting which species will thrive in a warming world is challenging, as general traits such as body size or diet may not be sufficient to determine success.
Research by Smithsonian scientists reveals that seasonal changes in vegetation determine the distance migratory animals travel and whether they migrate independently or in herds. The study's findings have significant implications for conserving endangered species.
A new study at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging identifies N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) as a novel metabolic signaling pathway that coordinates the aging response to nutrient availability. This discovery suggests a link between endocannabinoids, dietary restriction, and aging that may be conserved across species.
Ingo Schlupp, OU Department of Zoology associate professor, receives top award for evolutionary biology and animal behavior research. He will spend a year at University of Potsdam in Germany working on genomics of the Amazon molly.
Scientists analyzed aphid movements and found they wander randomly, with some individuals moving very little or a lot. This discovery challenges the long-held idea of Lévy flights in animal behavior.
A new study found that cattle infected with foot-and-mouth disease are only contagious for 1.7 days, sparking hope for reduced culling and improved testing methods. Researchers recommend developing pre-clinical diagnostic tools to detect infected animals before symptoms appear, allowing for more targeted interventions.
MIT scientists have designed a new type of nanoparticle that can target nearly any type of tumor by utilizing the acidic environment shared by most cancers. The particles are designed to break down in the slightly more acidic environment near a tumor, revealing another layer that can penetrate individual cells.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that social stress can increase inflammation among brain cells, leading to anxiety-like behaviors. The researchers found that immune cells migrated to the brain in response to social stress, triggering an inflammatory response and a specific activation pattern of neurons.
A study by USDA scientists found that spinach leaves exposed to continuous light during storage were more nutritionally dense than those in dark conditions. The researchers discovered a significant increase in levels of carotenoids and vitamins C, E, K, and B9, or folate, in the continuously lit spinach.
Researchers at Brown University study thylacine bones and find they were solitary, ambush-style predators, unlike dogs that hunt in packs. Their unique arm structure allowed for subduing prey after surprise attacks, differing from other large canid species.
A comprehensive study of 20th century children's books found a significant bias towards tales featuring men and boys as lead characters. The findings suggest that even when animal characters are involved, they tend to be male, perpetuating the underrepresentation of females in literature.
A new study found that animal personalities are reflected in their oxidative stress profiles, with timid birds experiencing higher levels of damaging oxygen toxins and weaker defenses. In contrast, curious birds had better defences against oxidative damage.