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 found that 15% of obese people carry antibodies to Ad-36, a virus known to induce obesity in animals. Antibody-positive individuals had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than antibody-negative counterparts.
A team of physicians from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the University of Rochester's Cancer Center have developed a herpes-based gene therapy that recruits the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells in the liver. The vaccine has shown promising results, with laboratory rats achieving complete remission and few...
Researchers studied chimps' reaction to hand-held mirrors, finding they acted like young children when dressing up. The capacity for playful self-expression appears to exist before it's expressed, suggesting a strong influence of social background on sense of self.
Research at the University at Buffalo has provided a biochemical explanation for obesity, showing that chronic hyperinsulinemia precedes obesity in rat pups. The study suggests that early metabolic setpoints program rats to overproduce insulin, leading to obesity later in life.
A comprehensive 23-year study of the Kibale rain forest in Uganda reveals that heavy logging severely reduces species diversity and hinders forest recovery. Sustainable logging is only viable if tree falls are spaced far apart, limited to large trees, and harvested with minimal machinery.
Studies found that certain oligosaccharides in fruits and vegetables can enhance digestion, increase beneficial bacteria, and prevent bowel disease. Researchers suggest these compounds may serve as a substitute for dietary fiber, offering potential health benefits without the need for high-fiber diets.
Coral reefs face an alarming decline due to unknown causes, including coral bleaching and diseases. The loss of these ecosystems could have severe consequences for thousands of species and the global economy.
A study has found that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) reduces HIV viral protein production and protects against skin lesions in transgenic mice. The hormone may also explain the low rate of mother-to-infant HIV transmission, and has potential for treating wasting syndrome in children and adults.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have modified established drugs to stimulate nerve growth without suppressing the immune system, a critical step toward treating neurodegenerative diseases. The new compounds were able to regenerate lost branches of nerve cells and cause recovery of functions in lab animals.
A Cornell University study found that overweight cats are more likely to develop diabetes mellitus, lameness, and non-allergic skin conditions. The study also showed that obese cats are twice as likely to die in middle age compared to optimal weight cats.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to trigger saliva production in rats with damaged salivary glands, a condition similar to that experienced by head and neck cancer patients. The treatment involves infecting ductal cells with an adenovirus carrying the aquaporin gene, which allows them to produce fluid and secrete saliva.
Researchers described the crystal structure of aldehyde dehydrogenase, a vital enzyme involved in animal and plant health. The study provides insights into how the enzyme metabolizes aldehydes, which are highly reactive compounds that can poison cells and trigger cancers.
A new avian DNA 'marker' technique has been successfully adapted to determine the sex of marbled murrelets from blood samples collected in the field. Results show a ratio of almost two males to one female, raising concerns about declining populations and logging practices.
A study of wild guppies in Trinidad found they can evolve between 10,000 to 10 million times faster than the fossil record. This suggests short-term experiments can provide insight into evolutionary changes over millions of years.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a reinforced polymer composite material with embedded Nitinol fibers, which can dissipate energy to withstand great impacts. The material's most effective use is seen in toughening airplane composite structures and improving protection against mine fragments and vehicular impact.
A groundbreaking study has identified a gene responsible for primary congenital glaucoma, a condition affecting 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 10,000 births. The discovery holds promise for early diagnosis and treatment, potentially preventing blindness, with the potential to be applied to adult-onset primary open angle glaucoma.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are investigating soybean component genistein's potential to prevent and treat cancer. The study aims to determine safe doses and treatment efficacy in humans, building on existing evidence from Japanese diets rich in soybeans.
A recent study published by Duke researchers has found that the toxic marine organism Pfiesteria piscicida causes severe learning impairment in rats. The toxin was shown to affect spatial learning, with injected rats performing poorly on new tasks even after training had begun.
Researchers are evaluating potential health effects of long-term mercury exposure on former workers and employees. The study aims to characterize how mercury affects the nervous system, kidney function, and reproductive system.
A study found that serotonin function declines with age, particularly in the hippocampus region, leading to impaired cognitive function and increased risk of depression. Researchers hope to develop new therapeutic approaches based on these findings.
A CU-Boulder professor is developing artificial habitats for captive-born Aruba Island rattlers to promote fear of predators and rattle behavior. He's also studying lab-raised Aruba rattlers' ability to locate suitable temperature and humidity conditions in the wild.
A 16-month study will assess genetic diversity in beaver and spruce grouse populations in Acadia National Park, aiming to understand how habitat fragmentation affects their long-term viability. The project aims to develop conservation strategies based on the findings.
A new study by Cornell University researchers reveals that plants require vitamin C to withstand environmental stresses, such as high ozone levels and ultraviolet radiation. This finding has significant implications for improving crop foods with low vitamin C content, which can help address nutritional deficiencies in humans.
Researchers at ORNL and Columbia University are developing a radiation-based technique to prevent restenosis in coronary arteries. The method uses low doses of radiation to inhibit the rapid proliferation of smooth muscle cells that can form inside newly unclogged arteries.
Researchers identify key signaling pathway involving glutamate, nitric oxide and CREB that resets biological clocks in animals. A five-minute flash of light can permanently alter gene expression and adjust daily rhythms.
A University of Georgia researcher's study found that many PCBs in the environment may not be as carcinogenic as previously believed. The project aimed to re-evaluate the toxicity of PCBs based on new scientific information and changes in cancer classification.
Researchers at UPMC's Musculoskeletal Research Center found that the oral prescription drug alendronate can prevent bone destruction around failed joint implants. This breakthrough could reduce the need for repeat surgeries and save an estimated $200 million annually.
Researchers are developing innovative control concepts, such as electrically-actuated piezoelectric structures and tiny jet turbine engines, to build MicroFlyer aircraft. The vehicles must be autonomous, inexpensive, and able to withstand harsh environments.
The U.S. Geological Survey's 1998 budget allocates $6.5 million more to address pressing demands on natural resources and mitigate hazards. The funding boost enhances biological science research, expands earthquake monitoring, and improves drinking water quality information.
The vaccine aims to prevent HPV-related warts and cervical cancer in women, with 5,000 deaths occurring annually in the US. The study will verify safety and immune response, paving the way for a broader vaccine protecting against multiple HPV types.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have found that birds can accurately pick out and concentrate on specific bird songs mixed with other songs, even during the 'dawn chorus'. This ability, known as the 'cocktail party effect', is similar to humans' ability to focus on one voice in a noisy environment.
Scientists found that 65% of alcoholics preferred sweetest solution compared to 16% of non-alcoholics, linking liking sweets to increased propensity for alcohol consumption. Researchers hope to develop a predictive test using the sweet test to screen youngsters at risk of developing alcoholism.
The Penn State Cooperative Wetlands Center aims to develop specific guidelines for evaluating and restoring wetlands in Pennsylvania. The project has identified 51 reference wetlands and categorized them into types, such as riparian depressions and forested wetlands.
A new Cornell University study warns that water shortages will worsen globally unless resource-management practices improve. The report suggests ending irrigation subsidies and rewarding conservation to manage water more efficiently.
The two miniature water worlds, designed by former Biosphere 2 crew members, have been safely transferred to the American space shuttle Atlantis for comprehensive testing of their effects on plants and animals in space. The experiments aim to provide insights into long-term human spaceflight and pharmaceutical research.
A 10-year study found that men and women taking selenium supplements had 41% less total cancer compared to those taking a placebo. The study also showed significant reductions in specific types of cancer, including prostate, esophageal, colorectal, and lung cancers.
Scientists from The Scripps Research Institute investigated how moderate and low doses of alcohol impact brain function. They found that c-Fos protein levels were stimulated in regions involved in emotions, motivation, and sensory processing, while selectively decreased in the hippocampus.
Scientists have discovered a basic gene-for-gene resistance mechanism in plants, triggered by the interaction of proteins produced by both a resistance gene and an avirulence gene in the disease-causing microorganism. This finding has wide application for understanding how plants identify and resist diverse pathogens.
The primary visual cortex, V1, is found to process optical illusions and complex images, contrary to previous beliefs. This discovery provides insights into how the brain cooperates to process different aspects of vision.
Scientists confirmed decades-old notion that plant disease resistance is linked to protein interaction between a plant's resistance gene and a pathogen's avirulence gene. The discovery may lead to genetically engineered disease-resistant crops, as researchers suspect the mechanism occurs in many other plants.
New HIV treatments and basic research advances offered new weapons against the virus, potentially making it a chronic disease. Other breakthroughs included discoveries about the origin of life, online publishing, and genetic sequencing of yeast.
Researchers discover large areas of non-volcanic carbon dioxide vents in Italy, contributing significantly to atmospheric CO2 levels. The 200-mile area between Florence and Naples produces an enormous amount of carbon dioxide, but its measurement has never been attempted before.
Dr. Patricia Gensel and her husband discover ancient arthropods in Canada, including scorpions and millipedes that lived on land over 200 million years before dinosaurs appeared. The fossils provide conclusive proof of large land-dwelling arthropods existing early in the Paleozoic era.
Researchers are inserting prosthetic heart valves into pigs to study their interaction with blood and hearts, aiming to reduce or eliminate the need for anticoagulants. The goal is to develop more durable valves that can last longer than current mechanical and tissue valves.
In a new study, biologist David Anderson found that masked boobies kill their own young to maximize reproductive success. By laying two eggs, the birds decrease their risk of total reproductive failure to about 16 percent.
Researchers at UNC-CH and Penn State University have identified a gene called KiSS-1 that controls the spread of malignant melanoma in laboratory mice. This finding may help doctors distinguish between tumors that will colonize other organs and those that will not.
A twin study by Yale University psychologist J. Steven Reznick found that environment plays a greater role in how many words a child understands than genetic factors. The study also showed that language comprehension rather than spoken language at ages 14 and 20 months predicts intelligence test scores at 24 months.
Researchers have developed a new imaging technique to visualize brain cells releasing serotonin in humans, potentially resolving the safety debate over two popular diet drugs. The method could provide valuable information on the risks of fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, and its applications extend beyond diet drug studies.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a novel group of compounds without nitrogen that recognize the same molecular targets as common drugs, including Prozac and Ritalin. These experimental compounds appear to be as powerful as their traditional counterparts.
Valery Terwilliger's research on plant growth in Central America aims to inform reforestation efforts and capitalize on native species. The study reveals how well plants use carbon dioxide and water in tropical forests, which can aid in restoring lost ecosystems.
Researchers at Ohio University found evidence that memory loss with aging may be connected to malfunctioning genes controlling spatial memory. The study identified unique DNA sequences in old mice brains, which could lead to the development of therapies targeting age-related cognitive decline.
Scientists at Yerkes Primate Research Center of Emory University found that cocaine significantly alters the activity of nearly 20 genes in the brain, many of which have never been identified. The changes occur during transcription and may have serious long-lasting consequences for addiction.
Researchers found that naked mole-rats prefer to recruit family members to new food sources rather than eating them themselves. The rodents use a unique recruitment chirp and chemical trails to guide their kin to the food, even in pitch-black tunnels.
Researchers have discovered that changing as few as six genes can rapidly change the pattern of spots on a butterfly's wings, leading to new species formation. This study provides insight into the genetic and molecular basis of animal evolution, seasonal variation, and geographical separation.
Researchers at Duke University found that small amounts of alcohol can inhibit learning and memory in young rats, while having little effect on adult brains. The study suggests that as little as two drinks could cause significant damage to a young person's brain, reinforcing the need for legal bans on under-age drinking.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease carried by rats, poses a significant risk to urban residents in the US. Studies have shown that up to 10% of infected individuals develop severe Weil's disease, which can be fatal.
Researchers at Caltech found that the brain uses temporal activity patterns of neurons to represent odors, with specificity arising from considerations of their timing. This coding principle may be common to most animals, including humans, and could have implications for understanding odor perception.
Researchers have developed a rapid nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test that can measure heart cell damage from heart attacks in living animals. The new method quickly measures damage to the heart when blood flow stops and restarts, producing sodium 'maps' of the heart.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Medical School have shown that vaccination can reduce or prevent fatal immune responses to a virus in mice, even though the virus continues to live in the animals. This finding has important implications for treating chronic and latent viral infections such as AIDS, herpes, and tuberculosis.
Two new classes of organic compounds show promise in limiting damage caused by lung disease and other inflammatory diseases. By blocking enzymes that cause connective tissue damage, the compounds reduce inflammation and potentially prevent further tissue harm.