Articles tagged with Animal Research
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a unique population of cells that record both time and place in the brain, allowing for enhanced memory recall. These findings could provide the basis for new treatments to combat memory loss from conditions such as traumatic brain injury or Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discovered that Arctic ground squirrels recycle their body's own nutrients to survive during long, inactive winters. They convert free nitrogen into amino acids, allowing them to synthesize protein in vital tissues.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that certain animal species are susceptible to COVID-19 due to distinct structural features of the ACE2 receptor protein. The researchers used 3D modeling to simulate protein interactions and identified key features that enable viral entry into human cells.
Researchers analyzed protein sequences of SARS-CoV2 virus and host cell receptors to find commonalities among animals susceptible to infection. Greater cellular oxidation may predispose the elderly and those with underlying health conditions to more severe infection.
A study of extinct bird species reveals that flightlessness developed in many cases due to human impact, with 29% of extinct species lacking the ability to fly. The researchers found that if humans had not caused some extinctions, there would be over 150 independently developed flightless bird groups.
A study led by UCL researchers found that flightlessness evolved in birds at least four times as often as expected. With 166 extinct species lacking flying ability, the findings show how human-driven extinctions have biased our understanding of evolution, altering most ecosystems worldwide.
Researchers successfully restored vision in mice by turning back the clock on aged eye cells, reversing vision loss caused by glaucoma. The approach also reversed age-related vision loss in elderly mice, offering promise for treating various age-related diseases in humans.
A study published in Science Advances found that complex animal colorations can evolve through a simple mechanism: pattern blending by hybridization. This hypothesis is supported by an analysis of over 18,000 fish species, revealing strong associations between intricate maze-like patterns and simple spot patterns.
Researchers have discovered an experimental drug called ISRIB that can reverse age-related declines in memory and mental flexibility in mice. The study suggests that a
Researchers found that flashier lizards are more likely to be attacked by predators due to their bright colors. However, females prefer brighter males because they may possess high-quality genetic material or resources.
Researchers successfully edited SIV - a virus closely related to HIV - from the genomes of non-human primates using CRISPR gene-editing. The breakthrough demonstrates that the editing tool can reach infected cells and tissues, including viral reservoirs where the viruses integrate into host DNA.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new sensing method using deep learning and a structure-aware temporal bilateral filter. The system can track complex motions with higher accuracy, enabling applications such as tracking small animal movements, fluid flow, and virtual reality finger movements.
A study found mitochondrial dysfunction to be a common thread driving damage in astronauts' bodies during extended space travel. Researchers used data from various sources and identified alterations affecting biological function as the key issue.
A new study published in Science reveals that more than 4,400 species are at risk due to excessive or insufficient fire activity. The research highlights the impact of climate change, land-use changes, and invasive species on fire regimes, threatening biodiversity hotspots worldwide.
A study by German Primate Center found that coppery titi monkeys in Peru exhibit genetic monogamy, with none of the 18 offspring examined not sired by their social father. This suggests that mate choice is successful enough to outweigh potential genetic costs of infidelity.
A study by researchers at the University of Notre Dame found that global warming is likely to increase disease risk in animals, particularly those living in colder climates. The thermal mismatch hypothesis suggests that pathogens thrive in warmer temperatures, while cold-adapted animals struggle to cope with rising temperatures.
Researchers found that the medicinal plant Lu Bei has evolved camouflage in response to human harvesting, changing color from brown to green depending on collection intensity. The study suggests that this adaptation may weaken the plant's attractiveness to pollinators.
The Pneumask device uses full-face snorkel masks with 3D-printed filter-holders to create a comfortable and effective face shield. Researchers also designed filters inspired by the nasal cavities of animals like dogs and pigs, which have super-sensitive sniffers and can block micron-sized particles.
A study led by Edith Cowan University discovered that swamp wallabies are effective at dispersing truffle spores across the environment. The animals can move hundreds of metres from the original truffle source before spores appear in their poo, making them a key factor in forest survival.
A recent review of published studies found that male behavior causing harm to females during mating is a common issue in several mammalian orders. The most common response from females was grouping around a dominant male, suggesting that sexual aggression may not be as widespread as previously thought.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a group of gut microbes and a specific molecule that modulate immune responses to viral infections. The study found that these microbes, particularly Bacteroides fragilis, trigger the release of interferon-beta, which confers antiviral protection.
Researchers found that domestic cats can shed SARS-CoV-2 and spread it efficiently to other cats within two days, indicating a potential human-cat-human transmission chain. In contrast, pigs are unlikely to be significant carriers of SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have sequenced the male-determining chromosome of cattle, revealing evidence of a 'selfish' competition between sex chromosomes. The study found that bulls' Y chromosomes have evolved dozens of copies of genes to make more males, a move countered by females' X chromosomes.
Researchers found that migrants develop faster, produce offspring earlier, and die younger due to energy constraints. This could explain the decline of many migratory species as they may struggle to adapt to changes in habitats and climate.
The study found that the availability of invertebrates as prey is crucial for urban bird diversity, with higher prey abundance leading to more diverse communities. Bird species can be categorized into three groups based on their responses to environmental variables and prey abundance.
Research found that people in developing countries consume less bushmeat over time as they migrate to cities, possibly due to increased access to alternative protein sources and changing social norms. Children in urban areas tend to have lower appetites for wild game than their parents.
A study found that dairy cows exposed to contaminated water carried more pathogens with antimicrobial-resistance genes, which can tolerate various antibiotics. The research highlights a threat to human health and supports the World Health Organization's declaration of antimicrobial resistance as a global public health threat.
Researchers uncover fossil specimens of ancient walruses in Orange County, revealing five distinct species, including two new species without tusks. The study provides insights into the dental and tusk evolution of walruses, suggesting that feeding ecology played a key role in the origin and early evolution of tusks.
The San Diego Zoo Global biobanking project sequenced 131 new placental mammal genomes, bringing the worldwide total to over 250. This project catalogs and characterizes whole branches of Earth's biodiversity spanning 110 million years of mammal evolution.
The study reveals that mammal defaunation has wiped out over 40% of ecosystem services provided by mammals, such as ecotourism and disease control. Large-bodied mammals are disappearing fastest, while small-bodied species often perform the same services, with overlapping species among rodents, bats, and apex predators.
The Zoonomia Project has released a vast dataset of over 80% of all mammalian families, spanning 110 million years of evolution. This dataset captures mammalian diversity and includes genomes from endangered species.
The study provides a comprehensive genomic resource for the world's birds, enabling researchers to explore evolutionary relationships and traits. More than 92% of the world's avian families are represented in the dataset, which will aid in the conservation of threatened species.
Research at Humane Society International found that human organoid models outperform xenografts in predicting patient responses and developing new medicines. Funding for human biology-based approaches remains scarce, highlighting a need to accelerate the transition to more effective non-animal technologies.
Researchers found that competing groups of insectivores consume the same type of food, such as chironomids, which could lead to an unprecedented ecocatastrophe. The study sheds new light on the decline in insect populations and highlights the potential cascading effects on ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Exeter and Plymouth found that animal groups consider various factors, such as group cohesion, individual strength, and prize importance, before deciding to fight. This study highlights complexity in group conflicts and provides insights into conflict resolution in humans.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a DNA-based approach to forecast ecosystem changes, identifying complex networks of species interactions in terrestrial systems. The technique analyzes DNA left behind in animal feces, allowing scientists to quantify indirect links among species and predict impacts on biodiversity.
Northern Arizona University researcher Jeff Foster leads an international effort to study and track the spread of brucellosis, infecting an estimated 500,000 people annually. The team aims to understand how infected livestock transmit the disease to humans and develop effective control strategies.
Researchers have discovered embryo-like microfossils in Greenland, dating back 570 million years, which could provide new insights into the origin of animals. The finds are significant as they reveal that these organisms were dispersed throughout the world, challenging previous assumptions about their distribution.
Research suggests slow-living animal species are more likely to act as disease reservoirs due to higher demographic competence for persistent infections. The study highlights the importance of using ecological characteristics like lifespan and reproductive capacity to identify potential wildlife reservoirs.
The University of Montana researchers contributed to a global data archive for studies of animal migration in the Arctic and sub-Arctic. The archive contains over 200 projects and movement data of more than 8,000 marine and terrestrial animals from 1991 to the present.
Researchers discovered a nearly complete skeleton of a juvenile Plateosaurus, nicknamed 'Fabian', which showed a largely fully developed morphology at an early age. The young dinosaur was estimated to be around 7.5 feet long and weigh 40-60 kilograms.
Researchers used a large-scale data archive of animal movement studies to find surprising patterns and associations between climate change and the behavior of golden eagles, bears, caribou, moose, and wolves. The study demonstrates the feasibility and importance of studying animal ecology on extremely large scales.
A massive database tracking Arctic animal movements since 1991 reveals significant changes in behavior due to climate change. Golden eagles migrate sooner, caribou give birth earlier, and herbivores struggle to find food as temperatures rise.
The Arctic Animal Movement Archive provides a global dataset of animal migration patterns, revealing changes in behavior and ecosystem responses to climate change. Studies have found that golden eagles arrive earlier in spring following mild winters, while caribou herds are giving birth earlier in the north.
Researchers are pioneering a new type of antivenom treatment to neutralize venom toxins from the bloodstream with more efficacy, safety and affordability. The goal is to provide a low-cost, easy-to-produce, safe to administer, clinically effective and low dose type of antivenom that can be stored and used for community treatment.
Entomology 2020 features over 30 years of entomological research, including topics like invasive species, vector-borne disease, and pollinator protection. The virtual meeting offers on-demand sessions and live streams from November 11-25.
A recent study by researchers at WashU Medicine has discovered that the activity of specific brain neurons encodes the value of options and determines final decisions. The findings have significant implications for understanding decision-making in mental health conditions such as addiction, depression, and schizophrenia.
Researchers created an artificial skin equivalent that reproduces traction-force balance in the lateral direction, a property controlling skin structure and function. This human-skin equivalent enhances physiological skin function analysis, disease research, and reduces animal testing.
Researchers at Harvard University discovered a unique sensor system in octopus suction cups that allows them to detect and 'taste' molecules on objects, enabling the animals to identify prey. This novel chemotactile receptor system may also facilitate complex behaviors in octopuses and other cephalopods.
Researchers captured the first ocean recordings of remoras hitchhiking on blue whales, revealing their refined skillset for navigating intense hydrodynamics. The study shows remoras select optimal regions, such as behind the blowhole, to reduce drag resistance and freely move around to feed and socialize.
Researchers found that in fights resolved by judges' decisions, winners tended to fight more vigorously than losers. Conversely, fighting skills were essential for winning in fights determined by knockout or technical knockout. The study suggests that the rate of attack is a dominant factor in determining success in combat sports.
A study found that consuming omega-3 fatty acids from both animal and vegetable sources strengthens the heart's membranes, improving prognosis in patients after a heart attack. High levels of these fats at admission were associated with lower risks of complications and mortality.
Researchers found that reduced insect density influences plant composition and development, with dominant plant species becoming more prevalent. This can lead to mismatches between plant and animal species, causing adverse consequences for the ecosystem.
A new study found that fipronil compounds were more toxic to stream communities than previously thought, with 16% of sampled US streams exceeding safe concentrations. The Southeast region showed the highest prevalence of fipronil, while Pacific Northwest streams detected only around 9%.
Researchers found that apigenin improved cognitive and memory deficits in mice with Down syndrome-like characteristics, reducing inflammation and increasing brain growth. This study raises the possibility of a prenatal treatment to lessen cognitive deficits in fetuses diagnosed with Down syndrome through prenatal testing.
A new study by Washington State University researchers found that improving sleep after trauma exposure can improve function and alleviate PTSD symptoms. The study used optogenetic stimulation to increase REM sleep in rats, leading to improved memory extinction and reduced freezing behavior. This suggests that manipulating sleep immedi...
Researchers at University of Münster developed a new experimental design to improve reproducibility in animal experiments. The study found that this design resulted in better reproducible results compared to the conventional standardized design.
Researchers found that all species of lizards in Miami can tolerate temperatures as low as 42°F, despite previous individual tolerances. This unexpected finding provides evidence that tropical creatures can sometimes endure conditions beyond their established limits.
Virginia Tech researchers are exploring the biomechanics of snake flight, focusing on undulation patterns that allow the snakes to glide through the air. They aim to uncover the fundamental fluid mechanics underlying this complex behavior, which could lead to advancements in robotics and aerodynamics.
A team of researchers from Penn State and NYU has deconstructed the 'biological clock' that regulates birdsong, revealing delays within neuronal circuits play a critical role in timing. The study found a wide distribution of delays in the circuit, allowing for higher resolution and more precise control over complex behaviors.