News on the use of animals, and their alternatives, in biomedical research. Covers animal models, primate studies, tissue chips, research ethics, and disease modeling.
Butterflies with smaller or lighter-colored wings, such as those in the Lycaenidae family, are likely to face greater threats from climate change. These species have poorer thermal buffering abilities, which could lead to dramatic declines if temperatures rise.
A novel biomaterials-based approach enhances adoptive T cell therapy with cancer vaccine technology, providing strong and long-lasting effects against solid tumors. In mice carrying melanomas, SIVET enables fast tumor shrinking and long-term protection.
A study by the University of Portsmouth and The Donkey Sanctuary found that working equids with emotional bonds to their owners had significantly better health and welfare outcomes. Animals whose owners believed they felt emotions or pain were less likely to be lame, highlighting the importance of owner attitudes on animal health.
Researchers developed a flexible electrocorticography film and surgical technique to detect neural activity in the cerebral cortex, evoked by somatosensory and olfactory stimuli. The device enables simultaneous recording of neural activity from multiple brain regions, advancing research on large-scale electrocorticography.
A new study published in Developmental Cell reveals that a signal produced by neurons is essential for the proper formation of the blood-brain barrier during embryonic development and helps maintain its integrity throughout adulthood. The findings could lead to more effective ways of delivering cancer or psychiatric medicines into the ...
In a surprising twist, Trinidadian guppies showed cooperation increased with group size. In the 'volunteer's dilemma,' individuals are expected to be less willing to cooperate in large groups.
Internet search trends indicate a growing prevalence of biophobias worldwide, particularly in countries with large urban populations. Researchers analyzed search interest for various biophobia types and found an association between urban living and increased fear of certain organisms.
New studies show cow colostrum can reduce infant formula use and strengthen mother's milk in premature babies, providing essential nutrients like amino acids. Researchers hope to optimize cow colostrum product for critical first few weeks after birth.
Research suggests that air pollution particles can compromise insects' olfactory perception, making it harder for them to detect food and potential mates. This finding is particularly concerning as about 40% of Earth's landmass is exposed to high particle air pollution concentrations.
A mouse study using novel biosensing technology reveals that enriched environments increase neural connections and boost brain function. The findings could lead to new AI methods inspired by brain plasticity.
In a new study, Salk Institute scientists discovered that dopamine regulates anxious worm behavior in the presence of nipping predators. The findings illuminate how this dopamine-regulated brain pathway may be related to anxiety and could provide insight into human conditions like PTSD.
Researchers used machine learning algorithms to explain how calpain-1 activity is modified on the molecular level, finding that lipid peroxidation products like MDA and HNE can increase or decrease activity. The study provides new insights into protein modification and its role in meat tenderness.
Researchers investigated hepatic hydrogen sulfide production in a mouse model of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) and found reduced H2S levels in RC-fed mice, with partial rescue on high-fat diet. This study suggests that accelerated aging in HGPS may be partially explained by reduced hepatic H2S levels.
A long-term study of male macaques found that same-sex sexual behavior is common and correlated with coalitionary bonds, providing social benefits. The research also revealed a genetic link to primate SSB, challenging the idea that it defies nature and evolution.
Researchers found that migrant orangutan males use observational social learning to learn new ecological knowledge from local individuals after dispersing to a new area. They observed males peering at role models for at least five seconds, indicating attentive interest and learning how to process new foods.
A global study found that wildlife, including goats and coyotes, roamed freely in cities during the COVID-19 pandemic, while human activity decreased. The study tracked GPS data from 2,300 land mammals across 43 species, showing significant changes in animal behavior in response to human lockdowns.
Researchers at Flinders University use machine learning to identify species interactions and predict which species are most likely to go extinct. By analyzing species traits and interactions, the algorithm can help plan interventions before extinctions occur.
Researchers used machine learning algorithms to predict nest material use based on beak shape and size, correctly identifying broad materials in 60% of species. The study explores ecological and evolutionary context behind these relationships, with potential applications in understanding animal manipulation and evolution.
Leafcutter ants use a sophisticated system to grow fungi for food, feeding millions of creatures. A study found that ants use both body length and head angle to cut leaves, not just body length alone.
A vaccine originally developed to prevent bacteria-caused diarrhea has been found to also help infant nonhuman primates grow faster, according to a new study. The researchers found that vaccinated baby monkeys were taller than the unvaccinated when measured from head to toe, with a significant improvement in growth rate.
Research suggests that consuming THC during pregnancy can alter the placental and fetal epigenome, leading to changes in gene regulation and expression associated with neurobehavioral disorders. The study's findings highlight the need for better understanding of the potential long-term health impacts of prenatal cannabis exposure.
A mathematical approach using statistical methods can estimate when whales like narwhals and bowhead whales will return to their natural behaviour after being tagged. This method allows researchers to avoid discarding too much or too little data, reducing the risk of interfering with research results or animal welfare.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed an all-species coronavirus test that can detect exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus in any animal species. The new test focuses on antibodies against a protein called N-protein, which is more abundant and conserved across species, making it a good target for cross-species antibody tests.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a new target for treating HIV infection by blocking the neutral sphingomyelinase-2 (nSMase2) enzyme. Inhibiting this enzyme can prevent HIV replication and kill infected cells, offering a promising therapeutic approach.
Researchers used coastal surveys from 1993-2021 to find a dramatic delayed effect of warmer oceans on seabird mortality. Massive die-offs occurred roughly once per decade, with five events exceeding a quarter million birds between 2014 and 2019.
The study creates a network that maps domestic trades between holdings in Austria, revealing the most significant risks of disease spread. The analysis highlights the importance of monitoring and prevention strategies in regions with high animal density and frequent transfers.
A robotic system, WormPicker, autonomously detects and manipulates Caenorhabditis elegans for genetic research, increasing productivity for human researchers. The system accelerates studies in diverse areas of C. elegans biology.
A study by Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior found that American mink can regain almost full ancestral brain size within 50 generations after escaping captivity. This reverses the long-held assumption that domestication causes permanent brain size loss in animals.
UK schoolchildren aged 7-11 drew mammals and birds most commonly, with reptiles and amphibians appearing less frequently. The study suggests children's perceptions of local wildlife are skewed towards mammals and birds, hinting at a wider problem of nature disconnect.
A new study reveals the Mediterranean as the area most at risk globally for endangered seabirds, with areas like Portugal's Exclusive Economic Zone also showing considerable risk. Seabirds are already vulnerable or endangered, and plastic exposure worsens their fragile state.
A new method developed by the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior has counted Africa's largest bat colony using GoPro cameras and artificial intelligence. The estimate puts the colony at between 750,000 and 1,000,000 bats, making it the largest for bats by biomass anywhere in the world.
Researchers found that biting midges responsible for transmitting the virus are active on warmest days throughout the winter, contrary to previous theories. The discovery suggests that bluetongue virus transmission is likely ongoing year-round, with potential economic impacts for cattle farming.
Researchers discovered that a tiny sea creature, Hydractinia, regenerates its entire body with help from aging cells, providing insights into the interconnectedness of healing and aging. The study suggests that senescence may have evolved as a regeneration mechanism in ancient animals.
A novel therapy boosting honey bees' immune systems has shown significant success in reducing virus activity and improving colony survival. The treatment uses a compound called pinacidil to increase free radicals, signaling the immune system to fight off viruses.
Researchers warn that exploding wild pig and macaque populations in Southeast Asia pose significant zoonotic disease risks to humans. The study, led by the University of Queensland, found that these animals can carry diseases that can be transmitted to people, highlighting the need for urgent management solutions.
Researchers from IMBA identify a family of virus-like transposons called Mavericks that facilitate horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between reproductively isolated worm species. The study reveals the role of Mavericks in overcoming the species barrier, with potential applications in pathogen control and genomic innovation.
Researchers found no conclusive evidence of bird-honey badger cooperation in accessing honey from African bees' nests. Despite anecdotal reports, most communities surveyed denied seeing the two species interact, with only three communities in Tanzania reporting sightings.
Researchers discovered that squash bug nymphs are attracted to the feces of adults of their own species, even in the dark or from a distance. This behavior is crucial for the bugs' survival as they need a healthy microbiome to grow and stay alive.
Researchers found that precise repetition of song notes is key to attracting a female mate, while changing songs prevents habituation. A balance between consistency and diversity in birdsong may resolve the paradox of variability in singing styles.
Research from University of California San Diego scientists found that honey bee pollination results in inferior quality plant offspring compared to native bees. The study revealed that honey bees visit twice as many flowers per plant before moving to the next, leading to higher levels of self-pollination and lower-quality offspring.
A University of Queensland developed vaccine will protect farmed saltwater crocodiles from West Nile virus (WNV), providing economic benefits worth $10million per year. The vaccine is the first of its kind to achieve proven safety and efficacy in crocodiles, with a robust immune response induced after two doses.
New Zealand research reveals that males who lost at least one leg during development were more likely to grow up to be the smaller gamma males. This is because losing a leg impeded their hunting ability and may have led them to prioritize other traits like sperm count over investing in large fighting weapons.
Researchers discovered that a diet rich in the bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri can maintain associative learning ability in older nematodes. This finding suggests potential ways to use diet to reduce age-related cognitive decline in other animals, including humans.
Researchers have identified four species of coronaviruses in UK bats, including two novel ones, which are related to COVID-19 and MERS viruses. Regular monitoring of wildlife viruses is crucial for public health preparedness and biodiversity conservation.
Researchers found that restricting methionine intake via a low-methionine diet or oral administration of recombinant methioninase-producing E. coli reversed old-age-induced obesity in mice, leading to significant weight loss after just 14 days.
A groundbreaking study found that elephants' lack of testicular descent may have driven the evolution of potent anti-cancer genes. The research suggests that this adaptation allows elephants to safeguard their sperm production and DNA stabilization in the face of elevated temperatures.
A research group at Nagoya University used AI to determine that Piezo plays a crucial role in controlling the mating posture of male fruit flies. Inhibition of Piezo led to an ineffective mating posture, resulting in decreased reproductive performance.
Early Dalmatian farmers specialized in sheep husbandry, demonstrating a common animal economy across the region. Most births were concentrated in winter, indicating an annual agropastoral calendar.
Two closely related butterfly species have evolved distinct adaptations to cope with changing seasons. The small white butterfly is a 'summer specialist,' reproducing well but struggling in winter, while the green-veined white butterfly is a 'winter specialist,' thriving in cold conditions.
A new study reveals that female rats utilize scent marks to convey information and coordinate behavior, particularly in terms of reproduction and social hierarchy. The research, led by Guadalupe Gómez Baena, demonstrates the complexity of female communication through scent marks and highlights the need for further study on this topic.
Researchers found that orangutans can produce two separate sounds simultaneously, like songbirds or human beatboxers. This phenomenon may hold clues about the evolution of human language and its similarities to beatboxing.
A recent study in the Journal of Dairy Science found that dairy milk is a crucial source of essential nutrients like protein, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and phosphorus. The analysis revealed that 35% of global calcium consumption comes from milk, highlighting its unique contribution to human nutrition.
A new analysis reveals megalodon's ability to regulate its body temperature, with temperatures up to 13°F warmer than surrounding water. This suggests the shark was warm-blooded and had an evolutionary advantage that may have contributed to its extinction.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding osteoarthritis, linking degradation of articular cartilage to inflammatory and metabolic processes. Elevated levels of the protein c-Fos are found in human and mouse cartilage samples with OA, suggesting a new target for therapy.
A Virginia Tech study found that hellbender fathers are more likely to eat their eggs in deforested areas, leading to a drastic increase in filial cannibalism. The research suggests that protecting and re-establishing forest cover around streams is crucial for the species' survival.
A nine-year experimental study found that mowing and herbicide application did not benefit sage grouse populations in central Wyoming. In fact, reducing Wyoming big sagebrush cover may negatively impact the birds' food sources and nesting sites.
A research team at the Wyss Institute engineered a 3D model of extracellular matrix to study the impact of tissue mechanics on T cells. They found that viscoelasticity played a crucial role in shaping T cell traits and functions, enabling the creation of functionally distinct T cell populations for adoptive therapies.
Researchers found that an iron-rich diet can prevent deadly symptoms in mice during active infection, while a functional adaptive immune system is required for immunity against future infections. The study paves the way for the development of new vaccines that could promote immunity for those with diarrheal diseases.
New research from Duke University reveals that warmer temperatures increase the number of germ cells, which play a crucial role in determining the sex of turtles. This finding may explain why temperature-dependent sex determination persists in many animals, despite seeming like a risky strategy.
A study by John Innes Centre researchers has revealed how plants avoid cracking under stress by using a growth hormone called brassinosteroid to loosen the straitjacket effect on their skin. The findings, published in Science, have implications for our understanding of plant development and potentially improve crop yields.