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.
Researchers at Princeton University genetically modified mice to have improved learning and memory by adding a single gene, NR2B. The results show that the brain uses a common biochemical mechanism for forming associations, and this finding could lead to human gene therapy for dementia.
A Purdue University researcher has discovered a natural plant toxin that can stop invading fungi by triggering programmed cell death in fungal cells. This finding could lead to the development of genetically engineered crops that are resistant to fungal infections, reducing the need for fungicides and saving farmers money.
Researchers at UNC-CH have developed a new gene mutation detection method that is simple and inexpensive. This technique allows scientists to screen for minute changes in the genetic makeup of humans, animals, plants or viruses.
Three tiny teeth found in a piece of lower jawbone from a small Jurassic period mammal on Madagascar's island, contradicting widely-held ideas on mammalian evolution. The discovery more than doubles the age of the oldest known mammal from Madagascar and provides new insights into early branching events in the family tree of mammals.
Researchers developed a technique to visualize nerve fiber bundles in the living human brain, providing detailed maps of connections between different areas. This study may lead to improvements in brain surgery, diagnosis, and understanding of neurological diseases, such as schizophrenia.
Scientists have developed a new 'Knockout' mouse model that closely mimics the human kidney disorder IgA nephropathy, providing a promising lead for treatment. The researchers found that supplying deficient mice with uteroglobin prevented the disorder from occurring, mirroring human cases.
Researchers found aggressive cancer cells generate their own vascular networks, potentially changing how cancers are treated. The discovery may lead to new non-invasive imaging tests and targeted therapies.
A team of scientists has discovered a new primate genus, Equatorius, which helps reshape the complex evolutionary tree around the time when the ancestor to humans and great apes arose. The research reveals that one species, Kenyapithecus wickeri, is more closely related to this ancestor than previously thought.
Researchers have identified four new limonoids in Spanish cedar leaves that repel a specific insect pest, potentially helping protect endangered primary forests. Selecting seedlings with high concentrations of these substances may aid plantation-raised Spanish cedars and reduce the need for synthetic insecticides.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Craniofacial Development and Disorders will investigate the genetic causes of oral clefting, craniosynostosis, and other craniofacial malformations. Researchers will also study the interactions between children with craniofacial disorders and those whose skulls developed normally.
A new hybrid of corn with more highly available phosphorus and an enzyme that helps chickens digest the mineral has been developed. Studies have shown a 41% reduction in total phosphorus levels and an 82% decrease in water-soluble phosphorus, which can help mitigate nutrient pollution in waterways.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified key genes that govern critical biological tasks, revealing how a low-calorie diet slows aging. The study provides insight into the genetic basis of aging and holds promise for developing age-retarding drugs.
Sixty experts agree that half of the world's turtle species are at risk of extinction due to human consumption. The main causes of decline are linked to ecological change, while exploitation drives 50% of threatened turtles to extinction.
Heavy drinking depletes dopamine, gamma aminobutyric acid, opioid peptides and serotonin systems, while promoting stress chemicals like corticotropin releasing factor (CRF). This imbalance leaves alcoholics vulnerable to relapse after stopping drinking.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences have developed a new long-acting treatment to block the psychoactive effects of phencyclidine (PCP) in drug addicts. The therapy uses monoclonal antibodies to prevent or slow PCP entry into the brain, providing immediate protection.
A potential vaccine against cocaine addiction has been developed by attaching a cocaine derivative to a larger protein, inducing the immune system to create specific antibodies that attack the molecule. The research team hopes to begin human clinical trials by the end of the year.
A symposium on treating drug addiction will feature four new studies on the chemistry of addictions, including an antibody-based drug to prevent PCP abuse and a non-addictive medication for cocaine addicts. The research aims to understand the brain chemistry behind addiction and develop effective treatments.
Researchers have confirmed that catnip repels German cockroaches, specifically through the action of nepetalactone. The study also found that male cockroaches are more sensitive to the repellent activity than females.
Researchers investigate ways to prevent brain cell death, explore the role of vitamin C in stress reduction, and develop new fibers with antimicrobial properties. The study also sheds light on children's exposure to environmental contaminants and potential indicators for future health problems.
A study found that large doses of vitamin C can reduce levels of stress hormones in the blood and boost the immune system. Vitamin C also reduced indicators of physical and emotional stress, such as loss in body weight and enlargement of the adrenal glands.
A new study by psychologist Harold D. Fishbein, Ph.D., and sociologist Neal Ritchey, Ph.D., found no significant effects from the attitudes of friends on an adolescent's prejudices or stereotypes. The researchers administered questionnaires to 426 ninth and eleventh graders at two nearly exclusively white Catholic schools.
Scientists have developed a genetically engineered animal model of schizophrenia, displaying behaviors consistent with the disease. The new model targets NMDA receptors, which may lead to improved treatment options and better understanding of the illness.
Researchers found that genetic variation significantly impacts an individual's sensitivity to estrogen, challenging traditional laboratory-animal-based safety tests. The study suggests that genetic makeup should be considered when prescribing estrogen and related hormones for medical purposes.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a potential new approach to treating glaucoma by inhibiting an enzyme that produces excessive nitric oxide, leading to cell damage. The study found that rats with elevated eye pressure lost less than 10% of their retinal ganglion cells when treated with the inhibitor.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a complex domino effect that causes cardiomyopathy in limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). The study suggests that drug therapy targeting vascular smooth muscle could prevent or stabilize cardiomyopathy in some cases of LGMD.
Newborn infants who experience painful and stressful treatments exhibit long-term effects on their pain perception and stress response. These effects can be permanent, altering the infant's physiological and behavioral reactions to pain.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that anti-diabetic agents can significantly reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease in mice. The study suggests that these compounds may be an effective treatment for humans with ulcerative colitis, a debilitating disorder affecting millions worldwide.
Research suggests that herbivores prefer northern salt marsh plants over tropical ones, with a striking trend of consuming greater quantities of northern plants regardless of species or time of year. The reasons for this preference are unclear but may be linked to physical and chemical defenses.
Researchers will investigate whether azithromycin reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with documented heart disease. A total of 4,000 volunteers will be recruited nationally to participate in the Azithromycin and Coronary Event Study.
Researchers discovered a connection between a brain hormone called orexin and narcolepsy, a severe sleep disorder. The study found that mice lacking the orexin gene exhibited abnormal sleep patterns and behaviors similar to those of humans with narcolepsy.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center created mice with narcolepsy by removing the neuropeptide orexin. The mice exhibited rapid eye movement (REM) sleep at the beginning of a sleep period, unlike normal mice, indicating a potential link to treatments for the disorder.
A new imaging method is being developed to show images of plaque deposits in the brains of Alzheimer's patients as the disease progresses. The technology uses technetium-based probes to detect amyloid plaque deposits, which could allow for definitive diagnosis before death.
Researchers found that cinnamon is lethal to E. coli O157:H7 bacteria in liquid, including unpasteurized juices. The study suggests that cinnamon may help control foodborne illnesses and potentially replace preservatives.
Scientists at the University of Chicago Medical Center have discovered a key gene that enables skin to acquire its barrier function, which is crucial for preventing dehydration and infections in premature babies. The study uses genetically engineered mice with a mutated Klf4 gene to demonstrate the importance of this factor.
Researchers found that oxygen supplementation can significantly reduce the effects of retinal detachment by protecting photoreceptor cells and limiting cell abnormality. This breakthrough suggests that ophthalmologists may want to consider providing oxygen therapy to patients diagnosed with retinal detachment while awaiting surgery.
Researchers suggest that a rare radioactive isotope found in deep-sea sediments may be evidence of a nearby supernova. The explosion could have caused a 'cosmic-ray winter' leading to mini-extinctions about 5 million years ago, with effects still detectable today.
Scientists used peptide injections to divert the immune system and prevent disease progression in mice with type-I diabetes. The study suggests peptide-based immunotherapy may be effective for people at risk of developing the autoimmune disease.
Researchers found that tamoxifen causes the estrogen receptor to form a unique pocket that changes its response to the drug. New drugs targeting this pocket may offer hope to patients with breast cancer resistant to tamoxifen.
Researchers identified two genetic elements, AE5' and AE3', that regulate human Factor IX expression, leading to increased coagulation capacity with age. The study provides insight into the molecular basis of age-related changes in blood clotting.
Research suggests that stress can alter key biochemical markers in the body, weakening the immune response and increasing susceptibility to infections. Stress may also lessen vaccine effectiveness and confound studies of certain illnesses.
Researchers found that Slit repels young cells from their target destination, guiding them through the brain via concentration gradients. The discovery has implications for understanding neural migration and potentially treating neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's.
A decade-long primate study on diet and aging will be extended with a $6.75 million NIH grant, exploring mechanisms of aging in rhesus macaques. The research aims to answer whether calorie restriction can slow or prevent aging, building on existing studies in rodents.
Scientists identify a key gene responsible for pain sensitivity, revealing potential for tailored pain medications and predicting addiction risk. The study's findings suggest that individual genetic variations in the mu opiate receptor gene can affect pain perception and response to morphine.
Researchers have discovered a new form of ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia ewingii, previously known to infect dogs, in humans in Missouri and other states. The disease can be fatal if left untreated, causing symptoms similar to the flu, and can lead to serious liver and lung problems.
Researchers found neurons in parietal cortex that carry signals correlated with reward probability and amount, reflecting the value a monkey places on an action. This discovery reveals a viable biological alternative to the Cartesian reflex paradigm.
University of Michigan scientists have found that salicylate can prevent deafness in guinea pigs exposed to aminoglycoside antibiotics. The study suggests that moderate doses of aspirin could be effective in preventing hearing loss and damage caused by these antibiotics.
Researchers have produced two blood factors that treat most patients with blood clotting disorders. The production of human blood proteins in plants eliminates disease transmission risk, making lifesaving treatments more accessible. This technology is expected to be 10 times cheaper than current methods and provides a stable production...
Researchers have identified the molecule transported by Rim protein in photoreceptor cells, a key factor in the development of Stargardt's disease and age-related macular degeneration. By understanding this process, scientists may be able to develop new treatments to slow or prevent the progression of these diseases.
A five-year study of female monkeys will examine how chronic, low-level stress affects brain function and may lead to depression. The research aims to understand why some individuals are more susceptible to depression than others and may provide insights into treating depression in humans.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a natural compound called pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) that offers nearly complete protection against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). PEDF is a potent neurotrophic factor that may significantly protect spinal motor nerves against injury.
A study of 5,888 senior citizens found that only those with high levels of atherosclerosis or diabetes and the ApoE4 gene are at high risk for cognitive decline. The majority of elderly people showed no significant decline in cognitive function over 10 years.
Researchers have identified principles for insect flight that will help design and construct tiny robotic flies. The Micromechanical Flying Insect project aims to develop a robotic fly that can fly short distances and maintain stable hover
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have delivered therapeutic genes to a rabbit's heart, boosting its function and increasing sensitivity to heart-stimulating drugs. The breakthrough is a key step towards developing a genetic treatment for congestive heart failure.
Researchers found that iguanas recognize individuals through both visual and auditory cues, with head bobs indicating familiarity. The study demonstrated human recognition by a lizard for the first time in scientific research.
A new study found that nicotine alters activity levels and exploratory behaviors in male rats but not female rats. Female rats who lived in groups showed increased time spent in the center of an open arena after nicotine administration, suggesting reduced anxiety. The findings may reflect human sex differences in reasons for smoking.
Pharming Healthcare Inc. plans to invest $37 million in Virginia to produce Human Factor VIII and Fibrinogen in the milk of transgenic animals, treating patients with hemophilia and controlling bleeding in surgery and trauma. The company's production techniques are partially based on technologies developed at Virginia Tech.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that fluctuations in the hormone Insl3 influence testicular descent in mice, a finding they believe applies to human cryptorchidism. The study also revealed that Insl3 regulates gubernaculum development, leading to underdevelopment and sterility in mice with no Insl3 activity.
Researchers have successfully eliminated human brain tumors grown in mice using a toxin produced by E. coli bacteria, providing a potential breakthrough in treating astrocytoma and glioblastoma, two common types of brain cancer. The next phase of research will focus on preliminary clinical trials in older children and adults.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that blocking C5a, a protein that normally activates the immune system, provides significant protection against sepsis in animal studies. In sepsis-induced rats, blocking C5a resulted in more than half surviving compared to just 5% in a control group.
Scientists at Brandeis University and Children's Hospital Boston used video games to study the brain's sense of direction in teenagers with severe epilepsy. They found that theta oscillations, a special type of brain wave, play a crucial role in spatial learning and navigation.