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 new study led by Marc Veldhoen found that tissue resident white blood cells use glucose as an energy source and have a faster metabolism than circulating lymphocytes. This discovery highlights the importance of having a balanced diet for a healthy immune response.
A new University of Washington study found that bird behavior was not significantly affected by the reduced human activity during COVID-19 lockdowns. In fact, many birds were observed in highly developed urban areas, suggesting that green spaces may serve as important refuges for urban birds.
Researchers at HKUMed & CityU discover that transcorneal electrical stimulation can alleviate depression-like symptoms and improve cognitive function in animal models. The technique also induced the expression of genes involved in brain cell growth, offering a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
University of Cincinnati researchers are studying whether targeting an inflammation pathway can improve patient results for soldiers with burn injuries combined with traumatic brain injuries. The research focuses on a specific protein that causes inflammation, which can lead to complications such as anemia and death.
Climate change is driving the expansion of invasive insect species, such as the oak gall wasp, into more northerly oak savannas. This can lead to an imbalance in the ecosystem, as these insects can overwhelm native species without natural predators or competitors.
The US FDA is reassessing its need for animal tests in product development, exploring alternative methods that could improve efficacy and safety predictions. New technologies like microphysiological systems may replace traditional animal studies, enabling faster product approval.
A WVU researcher is studying corollary discharge circuits in fruit flies to better understand how the brain integrates sensory information and coordinate movement. The goal of this research is to shed light on human disease and human performance, with potential applications for improving fighter pilot safety.
Researchers have developed an ultrasound method that can screen for bucked shin in young horses, a condition that occurs in about 70% of animals during training. The technique uses axial transmission to detect irregularities in bone formation, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have found that spinosaurid dinosaurs had rapid tooth replacement, with up to three generations of teeth developing simultaneously. This trait likely contributed to their overabundance in Cretaceous sites.
Researchers at Aston University have developed a new approach to tackle one of the underlying causes of asthma, not just its symptoms. The treatment, which targets the structural changes made by asthmatic airways, shows promising results in mice, reducing symptoms within two weeks and returning airways to near normal.
A study led by UMD researchers found that hibernating big brown bats experience slower epigenetic aging, with their biological clock extending by nearly a year. The study established the link between hibernation and longer lifespans in small mammals.
The study investigated the effects of combined endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on liver function and metabolic homeostasis in mice models. Significant changes were observed at high EDC exposure levels, including liver weight increase, lipid buildup, and elevated blood glucose levels.
Researchers generated rat sperm cells inside sterile mice using blastocyst complementation, achieving a proof-of-principle for producing gametes from one animal species in another. This breakthrough may speed up the production of transgenic rats for biomedical research and potentially support animal species conservation efforts.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have made a groundbreaking discovery about the development of the visual system in mice. By studying the neural networks in cortical and thalamic regions, they found that parallel pathways from the retinas form earlier than connections within cortical areas, challenging current understanding of co...
A new study used artificial intelligence to create the largest global map of insect diversity, highlighting areas with high ant biodiversity and potential conservation priorities. The researchers also found that only a low percentage of these areas are protected.
A novel subset of CD8+ regulatory-like T cells (CD8+TRLs) has been identified as 'first responders' to stroke, providing fast-acting and lasting protection. These cells reach the brain within 24 hours after stroke onset, releasing molecules that provide direct neuroprotective effects.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that dog gut bacteria can change rapidly after introducing a new diet, with microbial turnover occurring in under a week. The research also confirmed previous findings on the health benefits of high-fiber diets over high-fat and high-protein diets.
A new study at the University of Missouri found that prenatal opioid exposure can trigger long-term neurological or behavioral effects in children. The research suggests that opioids impact the developing fetus' gut microbiome, leading to changes in metabolic pathways and potentially affecting overall health and wellness.
Scientists found parasite eggs in coprolites of giant short-faced hyena Pachycrocuta, dating back 1.5-1.8 million years. This discovery suggests that toxocariasis was a widespread disease among extinct hyenas.
A new study found that coral spawning events at deeper depths occur at lower intensities than those in shallow waters. The researchers suggest that deep reefs may more often rely on shallow-reef corals to survive.
A new study explores relationships between domestic cats' hormone levels, gut microbiomes, and social behaviors in cohabitating groups. The research found that low testosterone and cortisol concentrations enabled cats to share space, while high oxytocin levels were associated with less affiliative behavior.
A study in biomechanics measures the impact of head-first, hand-first, and feet-first diving to provide data-driven recommendations for safe diving. The researchers found that spinal cord and neck injury is likely above eight meters in a head-first dive, while knee injury is likely above 15 meters with feet-first diving.
Dinosaurs had high metabolic rates, suggesting they were endotherms, which allowed them to regulate their body temperature. This finding refutes previous ideas that dinosaurs were intermediate between ectotherms and endotherms.
A Dartmouth-led study found that urban gardens with rare plant species tend to attract rare bee and bird species. Women, older gardeners, and those living near the gardens are more likely to curate these rare plants, suggesting a cascading effect on biodiversity.
Researchers discovered that whale sharks eat a significant amount of plant material, including Sargassum seaweed. This challenges previous assumptions about their diet, revealing they are not just filter feeders on krill.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that positive YouTube videos of sharks can increase human tolerance and support for shark conservation. The study showed a significant increase in attitudes, acceptance, and intentions to help sharks after watching positive videos compared to negative ones.
A study by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin found that the scaly-breasted wren's song consistently kept time for its duration, even as pauses increased in length. The results suggest that birds can track time more accurately than expected, challenging conventional wisdom on animal cognition.
Research by the Animal Welfare Department of IZSAM found that horses living in the wild had higher cortisol levels than those stabled and employed in work activities. The study suggests that proper management by humans is more respectful of horse well-being than a pure nature condition.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems created a robot dog named Morti that can walk smoothly within an hour. The robot uses a Bayesian optimization algorithm to learn from sensor data and adapts its virtual spinal cord, allowing it to optimize its walking pattern and minimize stumbling.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that corals' fluorescence serves as a lure for plankton, which are then consumed by predators like corals. The researchers found that green-fluorescent corals were 25% more preyed upon than yellow-fluorescent ones.
Researchers have created a new mouse model that mimics brain damage caused by severe RVFV infection, enabling the study of disease mechanisms and high-throughput testing of next-generation drugs. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing therapies and vaccines for this devastating virus.
Researchers found that frog-eating bats could recognize ringtones indicating a food reward up to four years later. The bats learned to associate specific tones with rewards and were able to recall these associations even after long periods of time.
Researchers discovered that cats exposed to wildfire smoke and injuries are prone to forming deadly blood clots, associated with cardiovascular disease. The study also identified a novel receptor on cat platelets that may play a role in clotting.
Over 50 sightings of manatees have been reported between the Gatun Lake and Miraflores Locks since 1977, leading to speculation about their possible entry into the Eastern Pacific Ocean. A population of 20-25 manatees was estimated in the Gatun Lake in 2015.
A study analyzed the exposure to Hepatitis E Virus in Iberian lynxes, finding a higher risk of infection in captive animals compared to those in the wild. The study found seroprevalence rates of 33% in captive populations and 7% in free-ranging populations.
Scientists studied mute and whooper swans, finding a trade-off between aggression and rest. The study suggests that providing enough foraging spots can reduce the need for aggression, allowing birds more time to rest.
Researchers using 'blastoids' - in vitro models of the blastocyst - discovered that early embryonic signals induce placental development and prepare the uterus. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of human fertility and potentially improve IVF procedures, fertility drugs, and contraceptives.
Researchers found that socially isolated bumblebees exhibited an increase in affiliative behavior, unlike expected aggression. The brain development of isolated bees showed similarities with group-reared bees, suggesting controlled chaos in the absence of social environment.
A new gene therapy for sickle cell disease was tested in mice but proved ineffective due to the complex genetic make-up of the Berkeley mice. The study suggests that researchers should carefully consider the genetics of the mice used to test human diseases.
Researchers discovered that hippocampal place cells represent direction and distance to a goal in addition to current location. A vector field provides signal towards the goal, aiding flexible navigation.
Researchers have created the largest genetic atlas for zebrafish, which provides a comprehensive understanding of gene expression and developmental dynamics. The atlas, developed by the DANIO-CODE consortium, offers a broad picture of candidate DNA regions for transgenic breeding and genetic research into development and diseases.
The HenTrack project aims to breed healthier and more robust laying hens for cage-free housing while maintaining productivity. The project will monitor the behavior, health, and welfare of individual hens using novel tracking methods.
A study led by Imperial College London researchers discovered that certain types of stress induce sleep in mice, which subsequently relieves anxiety. The findings suggest that a specific set of neurons detected and responded to stress hormone levels, inducing both NREM and REM sleep.
Researchers at the Field Museum used innovative techniques to extract usable DNA from centuries-old specimens, including a two-foot-long greenish-brown snake from Borneo. The study successfully determined the snake's family affiliation, providing insights into biogeography and evolutionary history.
Researchers found that New Caledonian humpback whales can learn and accurately sing songs from Australian counterparts with remarkable accuracy. This cultural transmission is rare in non-human species and provides insight into the evolution of cultural communication in animals and humans.
Researchers found global redistribution of histone H3 modifications with time, particularly in intergenic regions and near transcription start sites. Caloric restriction diet feeding reduced the extent of changes occurring during the first year of life in these genomic regions.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia identified a new high-salt receptor, IR7c, in fruit flies that governs their ability to detect dangerously high concentrations of salt. This discovery provides insights into how animals sense and avoid excessive salt, which is essential for survival but can be toxic in high amounts.
Researchers found no association between social behavior and parasite infection in Asian elephants, despite studying three key aspects of their social life. The study suggests that social benefits may outweigh the costs of sociality for these animals.
Researchers found that the eyes of tadpoles undergo significant changes in gene expression and photoreceptor cell sensitivity to adapt to life on land. The study reveals that 42% of genes involved in vision changed between tadpole and juvenile frog stages, enabling better adaptation to a bluer light environment.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign created a high-resolution map of the bearded dragon's brain, providing a standardized protocol for future clinical cases. The study identified nine anatomic structures in the brain and developed a safe and efficient MRI and sedation protocol.
Researchers have discovered how sea cucumbers produce defensive chemicals using genome mining techniques. The animals' unique ability to biosynthesize toxins has been found to be linked to the diversion of a sterol-producing enzyme, resulting in the production of valuable medicinal compounds.
A new study suggests that heat waves can lead to avian population decline by altering gene activity in the testis and brain, affecting reproductive behavior and physiology. The research found that sub-lethal heat may change a bird's ability to reproduce via changes in motivational circuits for song production.
Researchers analyzed historical data from ice ages to understand how cold-adapted Arctic mammals responded to severe climate fluctuations. The study identified common patterns in the responses of different species and provided new models for interpreting their behavior.
A new study on bonobo social structure may hold clues to understanding human cooperation. Researchers found four neighboring groups of bonobos maintaining exclusive and stable borders, showing they interact regularly and peacefully with each other.
Alison Ravenscraft, a UTA assistant professor of biology, has received a $895,000 grant from the NSF's Faculty Early Career Development Program. Her research focuses on how gut microbiota helps insects break down plant toxins, potentially reducing crop losses and pesticide use.
A study from Tel Aviv University found that invasive marine species can survive in extreme conditions, including changing temperatures and salinity. The researchers' experiment demonstrated the importance of regulating trade routes to prevent the spread of invasive species, which can harm local environments and resident species.
A UC Riverside genetic discovery found that mosquitoes lack the primary ecdysone transporter, allowing researchers to develop a mosquito-specific insecticide. This breakthrough could help control Zika, dengue, and other virus-carrying mosquitoes without harming beneficial insects.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that dog-assisted interventions can significantly reduce stress levels in elementary school children, both with and without special needs. The research used salivary cortisol levels to track the effects of dog interactions on stress levels, revealing a decrease in cortisol levels after dog sessions.
A new standardized method for measuring calcium carbonate on ocean floors can help researchers compare coral reef health globally. The 'how-to' guide enables the collection of comparable data from coral and oyster reefs worldwide, providing insights into the impacts of climate change and human activities.
A new study finds that the quality of dog-owner relationships is similar between Canadian-born dogs and internationally sourced dogs. Owners reported equal satisfaction, attachment, and problematic behaviors, suggesting owner attitudes play a greater role than dog characteristics.