Articles tagged with Animal Research
A new Jurassic pterosaur species, 'Monkeydactyl', has the oldest true opposed thumb, a novel structure previously not known in pterosaurs. This discovery represents the earliest record of an opposed thumb in Earth's history and adds to the list that darwinopteran pterosaurs evolved such a feature.
A study suggests that squirrels' bigger brains have enabled them to thrive in woodland environments, with improved vision and motor skills. The research found that tree-dwelling rodents' brains have evolved to include larger neocortex and petrosal lobules regions, allowing for better eye movements and tracking of objects.
Researchers successfully engineered a probiotic yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii to produce beta-carotene in the mouse gut. The production of beta-carotene was achieved using widely used genetic engineering tools, and its feasibility for human application is being explored.
Researchers discovered that bird blood functions as a central heating system when it is cold, thanks to the presence of mitochondria. The study found that birds produce more heat through their blood cells during winter, challenging the common assumption that shivering and fluffing feathers are the primary methods for thermoregulation.
Researchers have discovered a unique regenerative property of human early embryo cells, allowing them to regenerate trophectoderm and produce placental cell types. This breakthrough may benefit assisted conception treatments and help understand causes of infertility and miscarriage.
A new scientific review has found significant gaps in knowledge about how mammal populations respond to climate change, particularly in sensitive regions. The study highlights the need for more holistic approaches to understanding climate change impacts on animal populations.
A new venomous snake species, Suzhen's krait, has been discovered in Southwestern China and Northern Myanmar. The snake is named after the mythical figure Bai Su Zhen from traditional Chinese mythology.
Researchers found that populations of great tits can switch from one behavior to a more efficient alternative when group members are replaced with new birds. Fluid social groups were more likely to adopt the new behavior, allowing them to adapt to changing environments.
A new species of parasitic cuckoo wasp was discovered in Norway based on its unique use of pheromones. The researchers were able to distinguish between two closely related species by analyzing the chemical language used by the wasps.
Research suggests that biodiversity loss increases exposure to zoonotic pathogens. Restoring nature can prevent future pandemics by reducing the abundance of risky animal species. Biodiversity has a protective effect, and managing this risk requires understanding how human development and habitat conversion affect zoonotic hosts.
A new analysis found that only 84 of the 408 farmed species had available scientific studies on their welfare, while the majority lacked information. The researchers warn that aquaculture's expansion poses great risks to individual animal lives due to insufficient knowledge.
New study reveals that whales and hippos developed unique skin traits for aquatic life, contradicting current dogma. Genetic analysis shows that these traits evolved independently in both groups, with cetaceans losing more skin genes than hippos.
A new approach to genetic comparisons resolves a debate on the most distant animal relative. Sponges are identified as our closest relatives due to improved analyses and reduced errors in previous studies.
A proof-of-concept study shows that animal DNA can be collected from air samples, enabling new ecological and health assessments. The technique has potential applications in forensics, anthropology, and even medicine, such as understanding airborne diseases like Covid-19.
MIT neuroscientists have identified a brain circuit that stops mice from mating with others showing signs of illness. The circuit, controlled by the amygdala's COApm region, triggers a warning signal to stay away from sick animals.
A recent study by the University of Bath found that over half of Belgians are now satisfied with plant-based meat alternatives, up from 44% in 2019. Meanwhile, attitudes towards cultured meat remain stable, but also hold appeal for certain consumer groups.
Researchers at Temple University Health System discovered that blocking GRK5's nuclear activity can prevent cardiac hypertrophy and reduce maladaptive effects in the heart. The findings offer exciting avenues for developing therapies to prevent heart failure.
Researchers have proven that a sexually transmitted herpesvirus causes cancer in California sea lions, with parallels to human cervical cancer. The study suggests pollutants and viruses play a role in cancer development, making sea lions a valuable model for human cancer research.
Researchers found that monkeys exhibit same patterns as humans in learning from consciously experienced and subliminally presented visual cues. This suggests that monkeys possess two levels of processing, one of which is conscious.
Researchers at PNNL are developing explainable AI expertise to tackle national security challenges. They use techniques like feature importance to understand why AI systems make certain decisions, ensuring trust in predictions made with slim and incomplete data.
A team of Australian and German researchers found that GABA, a molecule associated with relaxation in animals, can control the size of plant leaves' pores to minimize water loss. This helps plants conserve water and survive longer during droughts.
Genetic sleuthing reveals that Indus and Ganges river dolphins are separate species, differing in tooth count, coloration, growth patterns, and skull shapes. This distinction is crucial for conservation efforts, with only a few thousand individuals remaining, making them critically endangered.
New research highlights the prevalence of animal-derived medications in common treatments, including blood thinners and hormones. Patients who object to using products from animals should be informed about their medication options.
An interdisciplinary team at Monash University discovered a new universal rule of biological growth that explains surprising similarities in the shapes of sharp structures across the tree of life. The 'power cascade' rule applies to various animals, including teeth, horns, claws, and even plant thorns, following a power law pattern.
A novel analysis of albatross and commercial fishing vessel encounters provides new understanding of seabird behavior and environmental conditions that influence these interactions. Researchers found that birds are more likely to engage with vessels in foraging states, and certain vessel characteristics do not impact bird-vessel intera...
A review of 126 marine mammal species reveals that accidental capture, climate change, and pollution are driving declines. Conservation efforts have saved some species, but many more are at risk, including the vaquita porpoise and North Atlantic right whale.
A new biorefinery method extracts beneficial pigments from purple corncobs, producing natural dyes, nutraceutical supplements and absorbent kitty litter, offering a sustainable solution with zero waste at the end. The process uses water as an eco-friendly agent and achieves higher pigment extraction rates compared to traditional solvents.
The BioRescue consortium has developed an ethical risk assessment framework called ETHAS to evaluate the use of assisted reproductive technologies in species conservation. The tool assesses animal welfare, safety, and ethics, helping the team make informed decisions.
CABI-led Plantwise plant clinics help farmers adopt safer alternatives to pesticides, including judicious use of pesticides within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans. Farmers who visit plant clinics are more likely to wear protective clothing while working with pesticides, indicating a shift towards more sustainable practices.
Researchers have identified a new, small-sized chameleon living on the edge of the forest in the Bale Mountains. The species, Trioceros wolfgangboehmei, has distinctive features such as enlarged spiny scales and is part of a larger species complex in Ethiopia.
Research finds that global awareness of biodiversity is growing, but its value is poorly measured. The Species Awareness Index tracked changes in Wikipedia page views from 2015 to 2020, revealing faster increases for certain species like reptiles and the long-tailed tit.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that flashlight fish use blink patterns resembling Morse code to communicate in schools. The frequency and intensity of these signals affect the animals' behavior, with faster blinking associated with increased attraction to group members.
Researchers from Aarhus University have developed an intelligent light trap that can count insects and determine their species, significantly boosting nature monitoring. The invention uses ultraviolet light to attract insects and image recognition to register them, allowing for more precise knowledge about insect populations and habitats.
Researchers attached an omnidirectional camera to a humpback whale to study its resting behavior. The whale was found to be inactive for half the recorded period, with active behavior in the latter half, suggesting it may have been recovering from foraging.
A camera-trap study found that black bears are adept at finding and stealing the remains of adult deer killed by pumas. This 'kleptoparasitism' reduces the calories pumas consume, causing them to hunt more often and eat smaller prey when bears are not active.
Marine animals including green sea turtles, sharks, and penguins exhibit similar circling movements at constant speeds, defying efficiency. This behavior may aid navigation or detection of magnetic fields.
Researchers developed a diagnostic test to identify virulent Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (Strep zoo) bacteria in pigs. The probe-based PCR assay reliably detected virulent strains while producing negative results for other pathogens.
Scientists have observed the collective movement of nanorobots in living mice, mirroring patterns found in nature. The nanorobots, powered by urease, induce fluid flows and display homogeneous distribution within the bladder.
Researchers at New York University discovered that birds' looped airways facilitate one-way flows of air, allowing them to perform complex tasks like flying across oceans and high altitudes. This finding offers new insights into aerodynamics and potential applications in flow engineering for respiratory ventilators and other technologies.
Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed nanozymes that produce surface-bound ROS to selectively kill bacteria. The selectivity is attributed to the surface-bound nature of ROS and an unexpected antidote role of endocytosis, a common process in mammalian cells but absent in bacteria.
The critically endangered regent honeyeater is losing its 'song culture' due to declining populations. Research found that males sing simplified or incorrect songs when birds are rare, affecting their ability to communicate with females.
A new study published in Polar Biology found that Arctic foxes adapt to changing food sources due to climate change, relying on larger prey during rodent 'bust' years. The research provides insights into the feeding ecology of Arctic foxes and potential impacts of changes in food abundance across space and time.
A study published in Neuron reveals that the brain learns from subconscious visual stimuli through the activation of dopamine-producing cells. The discovery has significant implications for developing targeted therapies for conditions like Parkinson's disease and improving brain plasticity in situations such as trauma or ageing.
Researchers have developed an automated silicon-substrate ultra-microtome to improve the speed and quality of brain neural connection reconstruction. The device reduces manual collection skill requirement and ensures high-quality imaging without post-processing operations.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a simulation model predicting snakebites based on interactions between farmers and snakes. The model was found accurate in Sri Lanka and plans to be implemented in other regions to reduce snakebite deaths by 50% by 2030.
A new paper argues that healthy ecosystems are vital in reducing the risk of future pandemics by managing invasive alien plant species. The study recommends practices such as removing invasive plants to balance wildlife-pathogen interactions and fostering 'landscape immunity' in conserved areas.
The Endocrine Society emphasizes the need to study biological differences between females and males in medicine and research to improve public health. Studies have shown that SARS CoV-2 infection disproportionately affects men, while failing to consider sex differences can lead to failure of promising drug candidates.
Researchers found that wing tags severely impair Cape Vultures' flight performance, causing them to travel shorter distances and fly slower. Leg bands are a less invasive alternative for marking individuals, prompting a shift towards this method in vulture conservation.
A new study reveals a close link between proteins causing Alzheimer's disease and age-related sight loss, with findings showing toxic molecules accumulate in retina cells. The research also suggests that anti-amyloid beta drugs may be repurposed to treat age-related macular degeneration.
Researchers at Hebrew University have developed human-on-a-chip technology that allows for real-time monitoring of drug treatments in humans. The technology has the potential to significantly reduce testing and production time for drugs, saving time, money, and unnecessary suffering.
The PrecisionTox project aims to develop a new approach to chemical safety management using genetics, genomics, and non-sentient organisms. By avoiding animal testing, the consortium hopes to accelerate discoveries and improve the regulation of harmful chemicals.
Researchers at Göttingen University have discovered that adult mice brains display increased experience-dependent spine removal, a hallmark of critical period-like plasticity. This study reveals structural changes in the visual cortex associated with silent synapses and sheds light on lifelong neural plasticity.
New research in mice reveals a crucial link between the gut mycobiome and host metabolic outcomes. The study found that exposure to processed diets led to persistent differences in fungal communities, which correlated with differential body mass deposition and metabolic disturbance.
A large-scale citizen science project in NC captured over 2.2 million wildlife photos, increasing verified mammal records by a factor of five. The project trained 580 volunteers to take candid animal photos and gathered data on wildlife abundance, reproduction, and behavior.
A combination of three gene drive technologies could effectively suppress a targeted grey squirrel population while limiting the risk to native species. The combined technology introduces genes that induce infertility in females, allowing for population control.
Researchers have discovered that catnip's active ingredient, Nepetalactone, activates the mosquito irritant receptor TRPA1, making it an effective repellent. This finding has significant implications for developing new, plant-based insect repellents.
A new study analyzes biological drivers of multiple paternity in sharks and rays, finding no conclusive evidence that male behavior drives the phenomenon. The researchers suggest that female advantages, such as thicker skin and larger size, may play a role in shaping multiple paternity.
Researchers found a rib fragment of the Mount Holly mammoth, dating back 12,800 years, which overlaps with the arrival of early humans in the region. The discovery raises the possibility that humans may have seen or interacted with these animals.
A new NASA-funded project aims to understand the effects of cities as ecological traps for migrating birds. Researchers will use radar data and community science tools to count up to 1.1 million birds in urban areas, measuring their behavior and impact on populations.
Wild greater mouse-eared bats use extremely weak prey echoes that are like whispers to humans, allowing them to focus on their next meal. The bats control the strength of their returning echoes by calling louder or weaker, using this strategy to simplify their information and process.