Articles tagged with Animal Research
Scientists have found that animal chromosomes consist of nearly identical building blocks, which mix and combine to form diverse species. This discovery reveals a fundamental principle in evolution, allowing for predictions about genetic changes over time.
Researchers discovered multiple levels of torpor in hummingbirds, including shallow and deep states, as well as a transition stage between normal sleep and torpor. This flexible control allows hummingbirds to conserve energy while minimizing potential costs, such as increased vulnerability to disease or predation.
Researchers discovered that a hormone called FGF21 suppresses alcohol consumption in primates by altering neural transmission in the brain. This finding provides a mechanism for a liver-to-brain endocrine feedback loop to protect the liver from damage and may lead to potential treatment options for alcohol use disorder.
Researchers discovered increased activity in the hippocampus during anesthesia and sleep, preceding Alzheimer's symptoms by years. This abnormality may enable early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Dartmouth researchers identified a new type of neuron in the rat brain that facilitates visual and spatial processing by tracking visual landmarks. The postrhinal cortex neurons can fire in two directions depending on the environment, allowing rats to estimate their direction.
Research shows that cow-calf pairs can be managed in drylots throughout the summer grazing period without significant negative effects on growth performance, lactation, and reproductive rates. Calves raised in drylots had increased performance compared to pasture-raised calves, but still showed signs of stress during weaning.
Killer whales have been observed hunting and killing blue whales, with three documented events in Australian waters. The attacks were coordinated and resulted in the whale's flesh being stripped off, highlighting the apex predator's influence on marine environments.
A new study reveals that microbes in the guts of hibernating ground squirrels play a crucial role in recycling nutrients and maintaining muscle mass. The discovery could have significant implications for humans with muscle-wasting disorders and astronauts on extended space voyages.
A Zika virus vaccine candidate has been shown to prevent fetal malformations and detect maternal antibodies in pregnant animals. The vaccine has demonstrated high levels of protection against Zika infection in both mice and marmosets, with over 90% effectiveness observed.
Researchers discovered all-female, forest-dwelling drywood termite colonies in Japan and found they evolved through human-assisted hybridization, leading to stronger offspring and double breeding. This can outcompete incumbent species, posing a risk to homeowners with drywood termite infestations.
A new study by WVU researcher William Walker found that the blood-brain barrier is dynamic and more receptive to chemotherapy at night. This could lead to better treatment outcomes for patients with brain metastasis.
New research reveals that zoos and aquariums can prioritize evidence-based environmental enrichment to benefit a wider range of species. The study highlights the need for greater diversity in enrichment types and species researched, as well as more attention to social enrichment.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that changing climate conditions 23,000 years ago expanded food options for humans in Israel's Sea of Galilee region. The research analyzed animal remains at the submerged archaeological site of Ohalo II, revealing a diverse diet with multiple prey sources.
A study in Current Biology found that hippos recognize individual voices, responding more aggressively to strangers than neighbors. The researchers hope to learn more about what hippos communicate through their calls, exploring how they recognize sounds and whether voices reveal characteristics like size or sex.
A new study published in Mammalian Biology analyzed the life history data of 13 North Atlantic right whales using genetic samples and photo identification. The researchers found that four calves previously thought to be dead survived, revealing a significant variation in calf separation time from mothers and physical development.
Researchers at TTUHSC developed novel hydrophilic nanoparticles that target bacterial membranes, killing pathogens while sparing mammalian cells. The nanoantibiotics' size-dependent activity reveals a new blueprint for developing non-toxic and environmentally friendly antibiotics.
Researchers at UAB successfully transplanted genetically modified pig kidneys into a brain-dead human, demonstrating the feasibility of xenotransplantation. The kidneys functioned for 77 hours without immediate rejection, paving the way for potential treatment of thousands suffering from kidney failure.
Researchers discovered that lunge-feeding whales have an 'oral plug' in their mouths, which seals off the upper airways during feeding. This mechanism prevents water from entering their lungs and allows them to gulp down large amounts of krill without drowning.
A team of researchers describes a novel flight style in the smallest free-living insects, beetles of the featherwing family. They found that these insects use a bristled wing style and rowing movements to excel at flight, defying conventional wisdom about insect aerodynamics.
A high protein diet may harm polar bears, with captive bears showing signs of kidney disease and shorter lifespans. Researchers propose adopting a diet with a fat-protein ratio similar to that found in the wild to improve bear health and longevity.
The English Channel prevents many rockpool species from reaching the UK due to unfavorable ocean currents. This could lead to a decrease in intertidal wildlife richness in the UK as warmer-water species fail to replace threatened ones. As climate change causes sea temperatures to rise, this barrier may prevent species from adapting.
A study of 118 conservation units in Brazil found that 60% use unsuitable methods to detect deer presence. Visual analysis of droppings, fur, and footprints is a reliable method for most species, but others require DNA testing or camera traps.
Researchers found that giant pandas' gut microbiota shifts in season, helping them gain weight and store fat. The team used a fecal transplant experiment to show that the metabolic product of Clostridium butyricum can upregulate lipid synthesis and storage.
Researchers used owl wing characteristics to inform airfoil designs and significantly reduce trailing-edge noise in aeronautical and turbine engines. The study found that asymmetric serrations reduced noise more than their symmetric counterparts.
A recent study published in Experimental Neurology suggests that the accumulation of a fragment of the synaptic protein neurexin in the adult brain causes specific losses of memory. The researchers observed that this accumulation triggers defects in associative memory and presynaptic plasticity, particularly affecting the amygdala.
A ketogenic diet has been shown to improve spatial memory and visual memory, lower brain inflammation indices, and cause less neuronal death in individuals with traumatic brain injuries. The diet may also slow down the rate of cellular aging, offering hope for those suffering from this condition.
A study by Kyoto University found that migratory shrimp significantly enriched streams with nutrients, outperforming aquatic insects. The research highlights the crucial role of these small crustaceans in maintaining ecosystem balance and suggests integrating landscape management to support nutrient cycling.
A team of scientists found that a specific species of jumping spider lacks the ability to see red colors, despite having vibrant red and black coloration. The study suggests that these colors may be used for defensive camouflage rather than mate attraction.
Researchers at West Virginia University are investigating the link between chronic stress and Alzheimer's disease using animal models. They aim to understand how xanthine oxidase may sabotage brain blood vessels in Alzheimer's patients, and explore whether a medication can block this pathway to keep the brain healthy.
A recent comprehensive assessment reveals drastically increased species extinctions and declining populations, indicating the onset of the Sixth Mass Extinction. The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts and a recognition of humanity's common responsibility to mitigate the crisis.
This article discusses the 100-year-old concept of pecking order dominance hierarchies in animals, with researchers Elizabeth Hobson and Eli Strauss exploring its relevance to human behavior. The study highlights that dominance often relates to circumstance and opportunity rather than genetics or size.
A recent study reveals that lead poisoning from eating contaminated carcasses has reduced bald eagle population growth by 4-6% annually in the Northeast. The researchers emphasize the need for hunters to choose copper-based ammunition to mitigate this issue, which could impact other species as well.
Young dairy calves are motivated to seek full social contact, even with partial interaction, according to a new study. The researchers found that calves pushed more weight to access pens with a social partner compared to empty pens, highlighting the importance of socialization for calf development.
A new study by UBC researchers found that larger farms lead to a 15% decrease in bird diversity in the farmland bordering the former Iron Curtain. Maintaining diverse habitats within agricultural landscapes is crucial for conserving bird diversity.
Research from LSU and University of Florida found a correlation between lunar phases and shark attacks, with more incidents occurring during periods of higher illumination. The study analyzed global data from the International Shark Attack File and suggests that lunar forces may play a role in shark behavior.
The regent honeyeater's population is on track to decline to fewer than 300 individuals due to habitat loss and predation. To save the species, conservation efforts must focus on protecting nests from predators, increasing zoo-bred bird releases into the wild, and preserving and restoring habitats.
Regrowing healthy cartilage in damaged joints is a promising approach to treating arthritis. UConn bioengineers successfully regrowed cartilage in a rabbit's knee using piezoelectricity, a phenomenon that also exists in the human body.
Researchers have successfully developed CRISPR-Cas9 inheritance control in male mice by shifting the gene editing window to match the timing of meiosis. This achievement expands the potential for human disease research and environmental applications, offering benefits such as laboratory efficiency improvements and cost savings.
A team of researchers found that animals with strong site fidelity, which is returning to the same places to eat, travel, and raise their young, may not survive or reproduce as well in changing landscapes. This can lead to population declines, especially in species like mule deer affected by human development.
A UCLA-led team has improved a method to kill HIV-infected cells, using natural killer cells to target and eliminate them. The approach could lead to reducing or eliminating the virus from infected individuals who rely on medication.
Researchers used artificial intelligence to predict which bat species are likely to carry betacoronaviruses, including SARS-like viruses. The study found that machine learning models can optimize wildlife sampling for undiscovered viruses and identified over 400 potential hosts globally.
A study published in PNAS reveals that dengue-infected mosquitoes are more attracted to mammals and bite more often, increasing disease transmission chances. The research found that infected mosquitoes have difficulty locating blood vessels for feeding, leading to increased biting attempts and transmission events.
A study by University of Exeter scientists found that pheasants' heads cool rapidly before a fight, indicating a stress response. After the confrontation, their heads heat up again as normal blood flow is restored.
Two independent research groups use airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect a wide range of animal species, including those in zoos and beyond. The technique shows promise for monitoring biodiversity and conservation efforts, especially for vulnerable or endangered species.
Researchers developed a color-coded test that quickly signals whether medical nanoparticles deliver their cargo into target cells. The tool, tested in mouse cells and living mice, assesses nanoparticle formulations on their ability to escape cellular defenses and reach the cell's interior.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University successfully trained a goldfish to drive a robotic car in new research exploring animal navigation abilities. The study found that goldfish's innate navigational skills surpass their aquatic environment, demonstrating universal cognitive abilities.
Researchers sequenced ancient DNA to understand lion and bear movement between continents. The study found that warm temperatures before the last Ice Age may have caused a change in plant abundance, affecting herbivores and predators.
Researchers found that local gravitational tides modulate the cyclical behavior of organisms, even in the absence of other rhythmic influences. The study questions the validity of free-run experiments and highlights the importance of considering gravitational oscillations in biological research.
A team of international researchers, led by Jenny McGuire from Georgia Tech, aims to understand the long-term relationships between animals, their traits, and environmental changes. The project will use the late Cenozoic fossil record in Africa to forecast future changes and inform conservation biology decisions.
Researchers developed an injectable, adhesive surgical gel that prevents postoperative adhesions and improves wound healing. The gel, dubbed HAD, was tested in rats and rabbits with promising results, showing a significant reduction in inflammation and mortality rates.
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has successfully cultured the pygmy zebra octopus, a new model organism for biological research. This species offers unique features, such as small adult body size and predictable breeding schedule, making it an ideal candidate for further exploration and research.
Researchers found that sulphur mollies create surface waves to deter predators, with the wave number decreasing capture probability. The collective behavior has anti-predator benefits, providing protection from bird attacks.
Researchers analyzed the largest cross-species database to assess species-specific cancer mortality rates and found conclusive proof that cancer risk is largely independent of body mass and life expectancy. The study highlights potent mechanisms of cancer resistance in larger species, contradicting intuitive expectations.
A new species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Enterococcus innesii, has been discovered by researchers at the John Innes Centre. The strain is resistant to vancomycin and may cause hospital-acquired infections.
A study by the University of Exeter found that older male elephants help keep younger, more aggressive males calm by policing their behavior. Without these older bulls, adolescent elephants become more fearful and aggressive towards non-elephant targets, posing a threat to humans.
A new study reveals that New Caledonian crows prioritize the storage of complex and efficient foraging tools over basic ones. The research suggests that these birds have an understanding of the relative value of different tool types, similar to humans when handling valuable items.
A groundbreaking study reveals early humans preferred to hunt the largest available animals to provide the greatest quantities of food. Over 1.5 million years, humans repeatedly overhunted large animals to extinction, and then shifted to smaller animals, improving their hunting technologies.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University successfully treated autism in animal models with medical cannabis oil, improving behavioral and biochemical parameters. The treatment showed significant improvement in compulsive and anxious behaviors, and a decrease in the concentration of the arousing neurotransmitter glutamate.
A new study published in Science Advances has shown that transcranial ultrasound (TUS) can disrupt the brain's credit assignment processes, leading to more exploratory decisions. The study also found that TUS selectively alters behavior without affecting other brain regions.
A new study from Australian National University challenges long-held scientific beliefs about the biological basis of gender differences in intelligence and achievement. The researchers found that males and females have similar levels of variability, contradicting the idea that male animals are more variable than females.