News on the use of animals, and their alternatives, in biomedical research. Covers animal models, primate studies, tissue chips, research ethics, and disease modeling.
Researchers found that dopamine signals in two key brain areas respond differently to negative experiences, helping the brain adapt based on predictability and controllability. This study sheds light on how excessive avoidance can lead to decreased quality of life and why the 'dopamine detox' trend is too simplistic.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found a gene mutation in bed bugs that may contribute to their resistance to insecticides. The researchers, led by Warren Booth, discovered the mutation in 134 unique populations of bed bugs collected from North America between 2008-22.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a potential new treatment for chronic low back pain by targeting 'zombie cells' in the spine. Two drugs, o-Vanillin and RG-7112, were found to clear zombie cells, reduce pain and inflammation, and slow or reverse damage to spinal discs after eight weeks of treatment.
Researchers found that pheasants released in the UK can carry Lyme disease bacteria in ticks, increasing the risk of human exposure. The study suggests 'spillback' from non-native species can lead to the emergence of zoonoses.
A study found DDT residues in trout from Canadian lakes, with levels up to ten times the recommended safe limit. The persistence of these residues poses a risk to wildlife that consumes the fish.
Adding an experimental cancer drug to standard TB treatment reduces lung damage and prevents post-TB lung disease in mice. Researchers found that the drug doubled pulmonary apoptosis and reduced lung scarring by 40% compared to standard treatments.
Scientists successfully fabricated micron-scale metal patterns on living tardigrades, enabling controlled movement through magnetic fields. This breakthrough opens doors for micro/nanofabrication of living organisms and bio-inorganic hybrid systems.
A study by the University of Konstanz found that individual bees within a colony exhibit different stinging behaviors, with some defending and others remaining calm. Social factors play a role, but personality is a key factor in determining group dynamics.
A new vaccine platform developed at the University at Buffalo has demonstrated complete protection in mice against a deadly variant of bird flu. The vaccine, which combines key proteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, shows promise as a versatile and easy-to-produce vaccine that could be effective against evolving bird flu strains.
A study co-authored by an Iowa State University professor identified a single protein that triggers chemical signals called effectors in cyst nematodes, which hijack plant cells. Disrupting this protein could severely reduce nematode infections, making it a powerful method for reducing crop damage.
A global study using camera trap data from over 8.9 million images across 445 species in 38 countries found that many species do not stick to a single daily rhythm. Mammals' diel activity patterns are influenced by factors such as body size, location, and human presence, particularly in areas with higher human development.
A study found that UK dog populations decreased by 0.9% annually from 1990 to 2021, with a rise in crossbreed and imported dogs. The research highlights concerns about inherited diseases due to limited genetic diversity in pedigree breeds.
A new study revealed that crocodylian ancestors thrived through two mass extinctions due to their adaptable dietary habits and varied habitats. This discovery may help scientists and conservationists better protect vulnerable species today.
A study by University College London anthropologists found that macaque mothers experience a short period of physical restlessness after the death of an infant, but do not exhibit typical human signs of grief. In contrast to human bereavement, macaque mothers spent less time resting in the first two weeks after their infants' deaths.
A new brain imaging study found that age and brain shape significantly impact the strength of connections between olfactory brain regions in dogs. Younger dogs and those with elongated brains had stronger functional connectivities, while older dogs and rounder-headed individuals performed worse in smell tests.
A new study published in Royal Society Open Science explores the relationship between individual personality and song complexity in wild superb fairy-wrens. The research suggests that both male and female birds can advertise their personality traits when singing, which may be important for mate choice.
Researchers found that foraging behaviors, physical characteristics, and diet are more nuanced than previously thought. The birds partition their habitat by foraging in different areas of the tree, but diet differences are minor.
A research paper proposes an earthworm-inspired soft robot with a novel wire-winding transmission mechanism, achieving multimodal motion and superior motion efficiency. The robot surpasses other robots of the same type in planar crawling speed by an order of magnitude.
The FDA plans to phase out animal testing in favor of human-relevant methods, reducing the need for painful and deadly experiments. The agency's announcement marks a significant shift towards safer, effective, and cost-effective drugs.
A study found 3,196 poisoning events in European raptors, with scavenging birds disproportionately affected by carbofuran and aldicarb. The most commonly poisoned species was the Eurasian Buzzard, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts.
Researchers have discovered footprints of ankylosaurid armoured dinosaurs, known as Ruopodosaurus clava, in the Canadian Rockies. The 100-million-year-old fossilized footprints provide evidence that tail-clubbed ankylosaurs were alive and well in North America during a previously unknown period.
Researchers found that fruit flies that successfully evade mite attacks at night lose valuable sleep, sacrificing energy and nutrients. The study's lead author noted that sleep deprivation can have detrimental effects on animal health and behavior.
Scientists at UNIGE identified a defect in communication pathway between two brain structures, leading to rapid redirection of attention deficits. The discovery paves the way for better prediction of development and more targeted interventions.
A new autonomous drone system, WildWing, provides ecologists with deeper insights into animal behavior in the wild by collecting dense animal behavioral data. The system has been shown to improve accuracy and reliability compared to human-driven attempts, enabling scientists to focus on scaling up research objectives.
Researchers have identified new candidate genes that could be responsible for congenital deafness, a condition affecting around one in 1,000 babies born in the UK. The study suggests that understanding these gene mutations may hold the key to devising effective treatments.
Researchers identified three hotspots of hantavirus circulation in wildlife, including Virginia, Colorado, and Texas. The study found 15 rodent species as carriers, including six new hosts, and explored the impact of climate change on transmission.
A study by Kyoto University researchers found that captive otters in Japan are coming from Thailand, highlighting the country's role in illegal trade. The discovery sheds light on the risks posed by otter demand and aims to protect vulnerable species.
Researchers have shed light on how a new type of antibody treatment works against ovarian cancer by reactivating patients' immune cells. The study shows that MOv18 IgE reverses the suppression of immune cells and induces them to kill cancer cells, providing new insights into this therapy.
A study found that temperature and rainfall partly explain regional variation in snake venom composition, with snakes in drier regions having higher protease activity. This data can be used to create maps of expected venom types across Russell's viper's range in India.
Researchers discovered that Purkinje cells in the cerebellum signal to stop tongue movement as it approaches a target, allowing for precise control of tongue movements. This understanding is crucial for developing treatments for symptoms linked to cerebellar dysfunction, such as vocal muscle spasms and speech disorders.
A new study found that more 'optimistic' medical detection dogs performed better overall on detection tasks, while 'pessimistic' dogs had higher scent detection specificity. The researchers suggest that judgment bias testing could be a screening tool for potential detection dogs.
Researchers studying ancient rhino teeth found at Nebraska's Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park discovered that prehistoric rhinos lived in large herds. The animals' limited mobility suggests they didn't respond to the volcanic eruption or migrate seasonally, instead likely dying from prolonged exposure to ash and lack of food.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered a molecule that helps more mitochondria function properly, improving energy production in cells from patients with POLG mutations. This breakthrough paves the way for a new treatment strategy and may have broader therapeutic use for other mitochondrial diseases.
Researchers have identified a potential precision medicine approach to prevent chronic kidney disease progression by targeting type 5 collagen, a minor component of scar tissue. A repurposed anti-cancer drug, Cilengitide, has been shown to slow kidney scarring and disease progression in high-risk individuals.
This study reveals NAT10 is crucial for spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation. In Nat10-deficient mice, infertility occurs with reduced testicular sizes, germ cell depletion, and a loss of spermatogonial homeostasis.
A comprehensive atlas of gene activity in chickens has been created, revealing how millions of genetic variants affect gene regulation and giving researchers tools to understand agriculturally important traits. This knowledge could lead to healthier flocks, more resilient farming systems, and fewer economic losses for poultry producers.
Fiddler crabs use vibrational signals to communicate during courtship, and a new study reveals that signal features are influenced by the male's claw size. Researchers found that males with larger claws produce higher-energy signals, allowing females to assess their quality from afar.
A new study maps how specific lactic acid bacteria can reduce off-flavours and degrade anti-nutrients in plant-based dairy alternatives. Fermentation with these bacterial strains increases nutrient bioavailability and enhances product nutritional profiles.
A new study published in Brain Medicine found that administering Osanetant shortly after a traumatic event significantly dampens fear expression in female mice. This suggests that targeting fear memory at its roots may be an effective intervention to reduce PTSD-like behaviors.
A new Northwestern University study finds that NU-9 improves neuron health in animal models of Alzheimer's disease by addressing the underlying mechanisms of misfolded proteins. The drug reduces protein buildup and prevents inflammation, showing potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that mouse brains process active and passive touch through different pathways, with one region responding to surprise at touch. This distinction may help mice navigate their environments more effectively.
A team of HKU ecologists led an international initiative to study declining tropical insect populations, highlighting alarmingly limited knowledge and threats from urbanization, habitat loss, and climate change. The review emphasizes the need for more research and conservation interventions to maintain tropical biodiversity.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that decreased ceramide levels in blood vessels can cause chronic illnesses. Ceramides regulate blood vessel tone and prevent blood clots, but low levels increase inflammation, high blood pressure, and glucose levels, leading to cardiometabolic conditions.
A new framework helps scientists predict where and when animals will move in rapidly changing environments, addressing a pressing problem in the field of animal ecology. The study focuses on incorporating biological mechanisms into models to develop better predictions, which can inform effective wildlife management and policy.
A recent study published in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology reveals that Long-eared Owls have fluorescent pigments in their feathers that can only be seen under ultraviolet light. The amount of pigment varies within a population and is correlated with age, sex, and size, suggesting alternative functions beyond sexual signaling.
A group of long-lasting compounds called PFAS are ubiquitous in everyday products and the environment. Researchers hope to learn which ones are more toxic, and for whom, by using tiny worms to test their health effects.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new understanding of how brain blood vessels react after a stroke. By mapping the molecular changes, they hope to find targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered how a group of proteins linked to Parkinson's and ALS act as 'guardians' of mitochondria, maintaining their normal size and function. The study found that when mitochondria become too large, they leak mitochondrial DNA into the cytosol, triggering an inflammatory response.
The International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) will hold its 24th Annual Meeting in Seattle, featuring 1600 posters, 28 oral sessions, and keynotes on topics such as daily challenges faced by the autism community and implementation science aimed at enhancing systems of care.
A multidisciplinary survey in the eastern Indian sector of the Southern Ocean found that the southern boundary of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current has shifted southward, causing a change in water temperature and mac zooplankton composition. The survey also estimated the biomass of Antarctic krill in the area, with comparable results t...
The Greater Mouse-Tailed Bat uses its long tail as a dynamic sensing tool to avoid obstacles and orient itself in complex environments, especially when vision and echolocation are limited. The study found that the bats' ability to navigate decreased significantly when their tail was numbed.
An 11-year-old Asian small-clawed otter developed left-sided paralysis after a fall, but improved with treatment for a suspected fibrocartilaginous embolus. Follow-up MRI showed a diminished lesion one year later.
Researchers have discovered that planarians can regenerate body parts and even grow new heads, reversing signs of aging such as lost neurons and muscle mass. This finding has implications for understanding age-related decline in mammals, including humans.
A UMaine study compares two scallop farming methods to determine which approach yields the best results. Ear-hanging culture was found to have slightly larger shell heights and up to 12% more adductor muscle weight, a key factor in market value. The research provides new insights for commercial growers aiming to maximize profitability.
Researchers from TU Graz and Vellore Institute of Technology have developed a 3D-printed skin imitation with living cells to test nanoparticles from cosmetics. The skin imitation mimics human skin's three-layer tissue structure and biomechanics, made possible by hydrogel formulations printed together with living cells.
A study reveals widespread overlap between feeding grounds for seabirds, marine mammals, and regions with high wind potential. Researchers propose developing risk maps to predict conflicts and recommend expanding marine protected areas and strengthening spatial planning tools.
The study reveals that animal behavioral diversity is at risk due to declining biodiversity, which can be linked to human activities. Preserving cultural behaviors, such as tool use in primates, could aid in developing comprehensive conservation strategies.
A new electrochemical process has been developed to recover valuable industrial chemicals, such as volatile fatty acids, from animal waste. The system is 80% more energy efficient than traditional methods and can be used to produce a wide range of products, including cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
A new study in PLOS One reveals over 130 dinosaur footprints on the Isle of Skye, providing insight into their distribution and behavior. The trackways suggest large theropods like Megalosaurus and sauropods like Cetiosaurus strolled through ancient subtropical lagoons.
Researchers develop sustainable passive cooling solution using mycelium-bound composites, outperforming conventional insulation materials in tropical climates. The 'fungi tiles' mimic an elephant's ability to regulate heat from its skin, improving cooling rates and thermal conductivity.