News on the use of animals, and their alternatives, in biomedical research. Covers animal models, primate studies, tissue chips, research ethics, and disease modeling.
A flexible microdisplay device can track and display neural activity in the brain, allowing neurosurgeons to visualize critical cortical boundaries and guide surgical interventions. The device reduces the need for a buffer zone, enabling more precise removal of harmful tissue.
A recent study sheds light on the genetic underpinnings behind color polymorphism in adult females of cuckoo birds, revealing a single mutation for female-only polychromatism over 1 million years ago. The study found that variations in gray or rufous coloration are associated with the full length of the female-limited W chromosome.
The study reveals that TM4SF19 protein inhibits a pump in lysosomes, impeding macrophage clearance of dead cells. Macrophages lacking TM4SF19 demonstrate enhanced efficacy in clearing dead adipocytes, reducing weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. The findings may open new avenues for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.
A study by North Carolina State University found that rates of Salmonella in fecal and environmental samples were more prevalent on larger commercial farms than on smaller backyard farms. The researchers also discovered multidrug resistance in Salmonella samples from both types of production systems.
Research found that male spear squid's mating tactic is determined by their birthdate, with earlier-born squids adopting a 'consort' strategy and later-born squids using 'sneaking' tactics. This study suggests that environmental conditions at birth may impact growth trajectory and reproductive success.
Researchers found that public parks and backyard spaces host diverse bird species in summer, while backyards play a crucial role in supporting winter bird populations. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts and habitat restoration in increasing bird diversity.
A team of Purdue researchers has developed a novel immunotherapy to combat glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor with limited treatment options. The treatment uses genetically engineered stem cell-derived natural killer cells that can target and eliminate tumors without the need for blood sourcing.
Researchers used a new integrated wireless system to record brain activity in frontal areas of macaques' brains while they foraged. The results indicate that foraging strategies are based on a cortical model of reward dynamics.
A study led by the University of Rhode Island found that the American woodcock, a migratory shorebird, overlaps its migration and reproductive periods. The bird was found to nest multiple times during migration, with some females nesting up to six times, allowing them to reduce energy costs.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that improving metabolic health in obese mice before flu vaccination but not after, protects against influenza virus. A healthy diet improved T-cell function and a robust anti-flu response during later exposure.
Researchers investigated how watching videos affects attitudes toward rattlesnakes, finding that younger people and those with more snake experience were less receptive to the change. The study revealed variations in response to different messaging styles, highlighting individual differences in perception.
Researchers found that ketogenic diets reduced plasma levels of total Tau in females, mitigated elevations in plasma lipids, and improved circulating lipids. However, neither continuous nor intermittent ketogenic diets improved measures of cognitive or motor behavior in the TgF344-AD rat model.
A newly described species of ichthyosaur, named Ichthyotitan severnensis, is believed to be the largest known marine reptile, with estimates suggesting it could have reached up to 82 feet in length. The discovery was made from fossilized jawbone fragments found in Somerset, UK.
Researchers studied rodent incisors and discovered tiny pockets of iron-rich materials that form a protective shield for teeth, but don't contribute to the orange-brown hue. This finding could lead to improved human dentistry by incorporating small amounts of iron minerals into dental care products.
Paleontologists have unearthed what may be the largest known marine reptile, a gigantic ichthyosaur measuring over 25 meters long. The fossilized remains of its second jawbone were found on a beach in Somerset, UK, and have been identified as belonging to a new species.
Researchers found that copper beads in pig feed reduced microbial pathogens, but unexpectedly increased Enterobacteriaceae levels, suggesting a more complex impact on the gut microbiome. The study aimed to improve animal health before slaughter by enhancing gut health through pre-harvest interventions.
A new study reveals that disease-resistant fish exhibit lower viral loads and higher survival rates compared to susceptible counterparts. The results demonstrate the benefits of breeding resistant animals for sustainable food production and animal welfare.
A new tagging method, Bioadhesive Interface for Marine Sensors (BIMS), provides a rapid, non-invasive way to track marine animal movements and behaviors. BIMS uses a soft hydrogel-based adhesive that forms strong bonds with animal tissues, allowing for long-term monitoring of fragile species.
Researchers investigate how early-stage Alzheimer's disease affects memory formation by examining synaptic connections and amyloid beta. The study aims to understand the role of NMDA receptors in synaptic plasticity and how they might be hijacked by amyloid beta, leading to memory dysfunction.
High levels of plastic pollution can kill the embryos of a wide range of ocean animals, preventing healthy development in all seven tested species. This study highlights the
Researchers discovered that rats without prior knowledge of numbers can develop a sense of numbers when trained with sounds representing two or three numbers. The study found that the brain has a specific area for dealing with numbers, which is separate from the processing of magnitude.
A recent study found that even simple marine polychaete worms, such as Platynereis dumerilii, have unique daily rhythms and behavioral patterns. The researchers discovered that these individual differences can provide an evolutionary edge and increase the resiliency of the species.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill have found that tardigrades can increase DNA repair genes' production in response to radiation, making them more resilient to damage. This discovery could lead to new ideas on protecting other animals and microorganisms from damaging radiation.
Researchers from Flinders University have described three new species of giant fossil kangaroo, finding them more diverse in shape, range and hopping method than previously thought. The new study reveals that these ancient kangaroos were adapted to live in differing environments and even hopped in different ways.
Research reveals specific lipids accumulate in tissues as we age and can be decreased through exercise, according to a recent study published in Nature Aging. The findings suggest that exercise may have a role in reversing age-related changes in human muscle tissue.
Researchers found proteasomes in neurons near the skin that convey sensory signals from the central nervous system. The protein grinds down proteins and helps differentiate between pain and itch sensation.
A new project investigates how and why groups of animals fight each other, with implications for human evolution. The study focuses on warlike species like mongooses and termites to understand the factors that lead to extreme aggression and peace.
Researchers found DNA traces of placozoans in the stomachs of predatory snails that live in seabed sediments, contradicting previous theories. The discovery indicates a more diverse genetic makeup than previously thought, with five genetically distinct lineages identified in just two snails.
Researchers have developed a method to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into cell populations that form patterns resembling the facial primordium. This allows for the creation of an in vitro model to study early facial development and potential treatments for craniofacial disorders.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Brain Science discovered neural circuitry in the spinal cord that enables brain-independent motor learning and recall. The study found two critical groups of neurons: one necessary for new adaptive learning and another for recalling adaptations once learned.
Researchers found that geraniol reduces oxidative stress and neuroinflammation-mediated cognitive impairment in a mouse aging model. Geraniol treatment improved spatial learning and memory by enhancing anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Researchers found termites use humidity to guide their nest-building activity, not relying on pheromones. The study used artificial structures with varying heights and shapes, tracking termite behavior and correlating it with changes in the 3D structure.
Researchers at INRAE discovered that female sex pheromones can remotely modulate the circadian rhythm of males in the African cotton moth, Spodoptera littoralis. This finding paves the way for exploring biocontrol methods targeting the pest.
A landmark study by Macquarie University researchers shows that juvenile 'taster toads' can teach goannas to avoid eating poisonous cane toads, preventing population collapse. Goanna populations increased by up to 140% in areas where the 'taster toad' method was trialled.
Researchers found that human-made noise reduces whales' ability to hear acoustic communication, generates an avoidance response, and lowers detection of environmental cues. This can lead to increased journey time or failure to arrive at destinations.
Researchers discovered that KMT2C haploinsufficiency leads to ASD-related symptoms, with genes associated with increased risk showing higher expression. Vafidemstat, a brain penetrant inhibitor of LSD1, improved social deficits and rescued expression levels in mutant mice.
A Mediterranean marine worm has evolved massive eyes, rivaling those of mammals, to see in the dark. The worms use their exceptional vision to detect bioluminescent signals and may have a secret language through light communication.
Researchers at NTU Singapore successfully grew 'mini kidneys' in the lab, grafted them into live mice, and found a potential treatment for polycystic kidney disease by boosting autophagy. The study suggests that minoxidil could be used to reduce cysts in the novel mouse model.
Researchers at UTEP used prairie voles to study depression, finding they exhibit changes in behavior similar to humans, including weight loss and anhedonia. The study suggests that social defeat stress can activate the voles' stress response and lead to symptoms of depression.
The study revealed three genetically distinct populations of rusty-patched bumblebees, highlighting the need for tailored conservation efforts. The analysis showed low colony abundance and high rates of inbreeding, threatening the long-term viability of the species.
A new study led by York University found that frogs' visual pigments reflect the diversity of their environments, with little difference between diurnal and nocturnal species. The research suggests that even diurnal animals may have inherited night vision adaptations from their ancestors to survive in low-light conditions.
Researchers recorded the first documented case of an amphibian using ultrasound for self-defense against predators. The frog's distress call has a frequency range of 7 kHz to 44 kHz, inaudible to humans. This behavior is likely used to scare away potential predators, such as bats and rodents.
Octopuses' vision is impaired under projected ocean warming conditions, affecting their survival in the wild. The study found significant reductions in key proteins essential for vision, leading to increased predator risk and lower foraging success.
A study by researchers from the University of Gothenburg found that shy sea anemones can outlast bold ones during extreme heatwaves due to their slower metabolism. This survival strategy may be beneficial for other cold-blooded marine species exposed to rapid temperature changes.
A study found that early Mesozoic animals, including dinosaurs, grew quickly around 230 million years ago. This feature is not unique to dinosaurs but was shared by several non-dinosaur reptiles as well.
Researchers have discovered a virus that infects the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which causes heart failure in frogs and toads. The virus could be engineered to control the fungal disease and potentially save amphibian species.
Researchers have developed VespAI, an automated system that attracts hornets to a monitoring station and captures standardized images using an overhead camera. The system uses AI algorithm to identify the species with almost perfect accuracy, allowing authorities to mount a rapid response.
Researchers have discovered fossilized water striders in copulation, providing a rare glimpse into the mating behaviors of ancient insects. The study reveals strong sexual conflict between males and females, with males using specialized morphological adaptations to overcome female resistance.
Researchers found that attaching red flags to crickets made them less appealing to predatory birds, suggesting a warning signal. The experiment supported the chemical defense explanation, as matador bugs were actively avoided with or without flags.
Research at the University of Gothenburg reveals a link between maternal protein intake during pregnancy and the formation of facial bone structures in offspring. The study found that a particular signaling pathway, mTOR, plays a crucial role in shaping the face.
Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have discovered a novel compound, 11c, a 5HT2A antagonist, which exhibits robust biological activity and a favorable safety profile. The compound has shown promising efficacy in preclinical models and is poised to advance the treatment of metabolic liver diseases.
Research at the University of Oxford discovered that socially connected great tit birds are more likely to use new foods, consuming twice as much novel food as less sociable individuals. This trend suggests that social birds expand their diets to mitigate competition costs, not increased exploratory behavior.
Researchers discovered a class of cerebellar inputs, called climbing fibres, are essential for associative learning to occur. These
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a novel therapeutic strategy using existing medications to inhibit bone metastasis in breast cancer patients. The combination of drugs improved survival rates and reduced bone metastases in animal models and human tissue samples.
A new study found that postmenopausal women exhibit smaller cortical surface areas in certain brain regions, reduced thalamic subnuclei volumes, and decreased functional connectivity, suggesting a link between menopause-related symptoms and brain changes.
A recent study has uncovered new insights into the evolution of microsatellites in ancient and modern Adélie penguin genomes. The research found that microsatellite length remained remarkably stable over thousands of years, with some loci persisting for over half a billion years.
A team of scientists has unveiled a new gecko species, Cnemaspis vangoghi, named after Vincent Van Gogh's iconic painting The Starry Night. The species was discovered in the Southern Western Ghats of India and features striking colouration reminiscent of one of the artist's most famous works.
A new bioluminescence imaging technique allows researchers to observe oxygen movement in the brains of mice in real-time, providing insights into diseases such as Alzheimer's and strokes. The method reveals that small areas of the brain, called 'hypoxic pockets,' can be denied oxygen for brief periods, increasing risk for these diseases.
Researchers discovered compounds with untapped therapeutic potential for treating BPH, melanogenesis, and nerve damage. Metformin restored sex hormone homeostasis, epimedin B stimulated pigmentation function, and hydralazine suppressed ferroptosis to aid in axon regeneration.
A new study finds that BCG vaccination reduces TB transmission in cattle by almost 90%. Vaccinated cows also develop significantly fewer visible signs of TB than unvaccinated ones. The vaccine has the potential to control bovine tuberculosis and put herds on a pathway towards elimination.