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 discovered a wide range of organisms, including microbes and humans, exhibit similar movement patterns to navigate their surroundings. These patterns are thought to be linked to uncertainty management in the brain.
A study shows pigeons tackle complex problems using associative learning and error correction, similar to AI models. Researchers used an AI model to replicate the pigeons' behavior, finding strong evidence for the similarities between pigeon and AI learning mechanisms.
Researchers found changes in microglial cells, a specialized subset of immune cells, that may worsen schizophrenia risk in adolescents. The study, published in Nature Communications, suggests that THC exposure during adolescence can lead to long-lasting negative effects on brain development and function.
A new study found that Zika virus infection during pregnancy slows fetal growth and affects how infants interact with their mothers in the first month of life. The study also suggests that reducing viral load may be beneficial for infant development.
Researchers discovered a bacterium, Bisgaard taxon 45, responsible for the deaths of six elephants in Zimbabwe and possibly more in neighboring countries. The finding highlights infectious diseases as a threat to endangered African elephant populations.
A study led by primatologist Gisela Kopp identified the Horn of Africa as the region of origin for ancient Egyptian mummified baboons. Genetic analysis and comparisons with historical records linked Punt to Adulis, suggesting two names for the same place used at different times.
A Curtin University-led study has identified three new species of mulgara, a small carnivorous marsupial, but four of the proposed species are already extinct. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding Australian wildlife and the growing threats to ecosystems.
Researchers found that male golden rocket frogs choose to defend bromeliad pools with lower mucilage levels, which improves tadpole survival. This suggests a reproductive resource defense strategy where males prioritize their future offspring's success by securing high-quality nurseries.
A new study has identified specific genes associated with diet and brain structure in kingfishers, which are capable of diving at high speeds. The findings suggest that these birds have evolved unique traits to protect their brains from concussive forces.
Researchers found 13 mummified leaf-eared mouse cadavers atop 4-mile-high volcanoes, with DNA analysis revealing a distinct population from lower-altitude mice. The discovery suggests the rodents ascended without human assistance and have adapted to extreme conditions.
Scientists at UNSW Sydney have created a new material that can mimic human tissue, fight bacteria, and heal itself. The hydrogel material is made from simple peptides and has implications for biomedical research, medicine, and manufacturing technology.
A study found that invertebrate abundance and diversity decreased near human activities like shellfish harvesting and heavy metal pollution. In contrast, environmental factors like water temperature and salinity impacted invertebrates further away from human settlements.
Researchers discovered that a single mutation in a key synaptonemal complex protein can cause infertility in mice and is likely to have the same effect in humans. This finding may lead to new technologies for treating male infertility by pinpointing the exact location of the defect.
Archaeological findings suggest that First Nations people buried dingoes alongside humans, indicating a close relationship and almost-human status. The care taken to bury the animals reveals a diet heavily influenced by human scraps, highlighting substantial relationships between humans and dingoes prior to European colonization.
The WVU School of Medicine and Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources will support clinical trials and engineering technology development. The project aims to improve care and rehabilitation for people with neurological disorders through novel physician-engineer programs and human research.
Researchers create a novel type of nano engine made of DNA, powered by RNA polymerases and nucleotide triphosphates. The motor performs pulsing movements using a mechanism similar to a hand grip strength trainer, but scaled down to one million times smaller.
Researchers at Sainsbury Wellcome Centre find frontal and parietal cortex play key role in encoding value of economic choices when faced with uncertainty. The study provides foundation for understanding neurobiology of risky decisions.
Scientists have determined the common octopus' genome structure, consisting of 30 chromosomes with 99.34% sequence consistency. This high-quality reference genome will aid in understanding biological properties and evolutionary history of Octopus vulgaris.
Researchers at Kyoto University have found three new species of animals living together in harmony with worms in dead coral rocks. The discovery highlights the importance of community structure and biodiversity patterns in cryptofauna, suggesting that symbiotic relationships are omnipresent in the ocean.
A recent University of Florida study found that nine out of ten dogs chose food over toys in a simulated training experience. Dogs responded more strongly to the food reward and gave up earlier when offered a preferred toy reward.
A new genomic study reveals that whaling in the 20th century destroyed 99% of the Eastern North Pacific fin whale breeding population, but genetic diversity remains high enough to support conservation efforts. The study's findings highlight the importance of enforcing the international whaling ban to aid fin whale recovery.
Researchers have assembled the entire genetic code of the brushtail possum, revealing population diversity, reproduction, and origins. The study's findings provide valuable knowledge for managing the animal's populations in both New Zealand and Australia.
Researchers found that mitochondrial protein CHCHD2 is associated with increased tumor growth, invasion, and resistance to chemotherapy in glioblastoma patients. CHCHD2 interacts with mutated EGFR to increase sensitivity to cytotoxic drugs, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Researchers will study the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among deer, including captive and wild populations, as well as its relationship with humans and the environment. The project aims to understand disease ecology in whole systems and inform better management practices for deer producers.
Researchers developed a human in vitro model of radiation-induced lung injury, closely mimicking the complexities of the disease. The Human Lung Alveolus Chip recapitulates hallmarks of RILI, including DNA damage, inflammation, and injury to lung cells and blood vessels.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered that bat genomes contain unique adaptations to defend against infection and cancer. The study highlights the interconnectedness of immunity and cancer response, revealing potential new treatments for human diseases.
Purdue University scientists examine the bio-impact of toxic chemical cocktails in the environment, finding reduced growth in tadpoles exposed to PFAS mixtures. The study highlights the need for research on mixture toxicity in aquatic organisms, as each chemical interacts with others in complex ways.
A new study reveals that innate CD8+ lymphocytes play a crucial role in limiting tuberculosis infection, and an inflammatory molecule called Interleukin-15 could be used to boost vaccine efficacy. Researchers found that these cells create a 'bottleneck' preventing bacteria from establishing active infection.
Research suggests that eating habits in winter may be better for metabolic health than in summer, especially in mice exposed to 'winter light'. The study found that these mice had less body weight gain and more rhythmic eating patterns, leading to benefits in metabolic health. Further studies in humans are needed to confirm this finding.
Pioneering work on bacteriophages to combat disease has received an £800,000 boost from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. The grant will advance production of phages to combat disease in the veterinary field and bring them to market.
The MOBIOS+ database is a comprehensive platform for Mindanao's biodiversity information, comprising over 12,813 specimen occurrences. It aims to support researchers and conservationists in identifying species and areas requiring immediate prioritization and action.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have published a guide for prioritizing the next steps in completing the human genome catalog. The study highlights the importance of cataloging non-coding RNA genes and enhancing databases of gene variations that cause illness and disease.
A team of scientists presents a five-step approach for governments to plan a just transition away from high levels of industrial meat production and consumption. The approach aims to balance the health of people, animals, and ecosystems while addressing environmental and public health concerns.
Researchers found that honey bee drones exhibit synchronized hyperactivity periods, coinciding with their flight periods, and adapt their behavior to reduce energy consumption. This study reveals the complexity of drone behavior in the hive.
A study of 162 killer whales found that their diet played a significant role in contaminant levels and potential health risks. The researchers analyzed the animals' diets and found striking differences in legacy and emerging contaminant concentrations across the North Atlantic.
Research reveals that the illegal killing of orangutans on Borneo remains a significant threat to the species, with 30% of villages reporting killings in the last 5-10 years. Conservation efforts may not be effectively preventing killing and addressing human-orangutan conflict is crucial.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst team demonstrates a protein antigen from a childhood vaccine can be delivered into malignant tumor cells to refocus the immune system against cancer. The bacteria-based intracellular delivering system shows promise in treating pancreatic, liver, and metastatic breast tumors.
Scientists have discovered a TB vaccination strategy that prevents lung infection in monkeys infected with SIV, despite the vaccine being contraindicated for people living with HIV. The results show promise for protecting people with HIV against TB, which is the leading cause of death among them.
Researchers develop a phase shift parameter to describe animal locomotion, combining forces of inertia, gravity, elasticity and viscosity into one dimensionless number. This new parameter predicts muscle activation patterns in a wide range of animals during locomotion.
The American Ornithological Society (AOS) has awarded four $15,000 Kessel Fellowships to support the research of Dr. Lucia Mentesana and three others focused on conservation, behavior, evolution, and ecology. The fellowships aim to advance ornithology globally by funding innovative projects.
Researchers found tropical forest ecosystems rely more on aquatic insects than temperate forests, making them vulnerable to disruptions in land-water connections. This increased reliance poses a threat to tropical environments, which are already under pressure from human activity and climate change.
A new study provides comprehensive genomic resources for pangolins, helping protect these threatened mammals from extinction due to habitat loss and trafficking. The data will aid in conservation priorities and management plans, as well as tracing the pangolin trade.
A new study reveals that bumblebees can effectively fend off Asian hornets by dropping to the ground, a strategy that has not been observed in other pollinators. However, despite this successful defense mechanism, bumblebee colonies still experience reduced growth rates in areas with high numbers of Asian hornets.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute found that pregnancy hormones oestrogen and progesterone act on a small population of neurons in the brain to switch on parental behaviour. This adaptation results in stronger and more selective responses to pups, enabling mothers to care for their young.
Researchers tracked Bewick's swans using GPS data and found that the birds' wintering areas shift northeast as temperatures rise. The swans' migration patterns are influenced by temperature and wind, with warmer winters allowing them to hibernate further north.
A recent study found that animals in the Greater Kruger National Park react with alarm to hearing human voices, fleeing waterholes and abandoning their habitat. The researchers used custom sound systems to compare the fear response of mammals to humans versus lions.
A new analysis estimates that switching all pet dogs and cats to vegan diets could spare nearly 2 billion land-based livestock animals yearly in the US, and nearly 7 billion globally. This could lead to significant reductions in environmental impacts such as land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at the University of Vienna discovered that domestic cats can produce low-pitched purring sounds without cyclical neural input. This finding contradicts previous theories and suggests a more complex brain-body connection in cat vocalization.
A study by Annika Avedik and Marcus Clauss found that hippos' prominent tusks and wide gaping mouths restrict grinding jaw movements, making chewing inefficient. This limitation may have restricted common hippos to a semi-aquatic lifestyle.
A recent study by the University of Melbourne found that severe bushfires followed by heavy rainfall are causing platypuses to abandon their homes. The research used environmental DNA sampling to track platypus movement before and after the 2019-2020 megafires, revealing a significant decline in platypus populations in affected areas.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have conducted a study on rats, showing that small doses of psilocybin can increase resilience to stress and reduce compulsive behaviors. The study lends support to the benefits of microdosing as a therapeutic intervention.
Holford's research will focus on developing new directions for using cephalopod venoms in drug discovery and exploring their evolutionary dynamics. Her study has broad applications for science, including understanding venom gland biology and the molecular mechanisms behind bioactive compounds.
A new study published in Exp. Mol. Med. has identified Thrap3 as a key player in exacerbating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by inhibiting AMPK, a crucial regulator of fat metabolism. Inhibiting Thrap3 expression presents a promising avenue for treating NAFLD.
Researchers discovered a synthetic plant biology approach to prevent protein aggregation in human cells and nematodes, using the plant enzyme stromal processing peptidase (SPP) derived from chloroplasts. This finding opens the door to testing SPP as a potential therapy for Huntington's disease.
A recent study on Roosmalens' dwarf porcupine has revealed new information about its distribution in the Madeira biogeographical province of the Amazon Forest. The research found that the species is likely endemic to this region and has a wider distribution in southern Amazonia than previously thought.
Scientists have developed a trivalent vaccine candidate that provides broad and long-lasting protection against COVID-19 infection by delivering the vaccine via the nose. The vaccine triggers a strong neutralizing antibody response and protects mucosal areas, preventing disease symptoms.
An international team sequenced nearly 4,000 Darwin's finches' genomes to understand evolutionary change in natural populations. The results showed that only a few genetic loci explain variation in the beak of the finch, with genes transferring between species contributing to adaptation.
Researchers found that genetic recycling enabled the emergence and adaptation of 500 cichlid species in Lake Victoria over just 16,000 years. The study identified unique ancient genes and hybridisation as key drivers of this unprecedented biodiversity explosion.
An international team of scientists is recruiting microbes to reduce methane production in cows, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project involves tracking hydrogen production and utilization during fermentation to redirect excess hydrogens towards more productive end-products.
Researchers have created the first-ever map of a single animal's early visual system, reconstructing it from the eyes to neurons in a tiny parasitic wasp. The study reveals complex behaviors such as flight in an insect with just 8,600 cells compared to the human brain's 171 billion.