Why rats prefer company of the young and stressed
Researchers found a neural pathway that links adult rats' preference for stressed juveniles, triggering parental instincts. This parallels humans' empathy towards children over peers.
Animal Research
Articles tagged with Animal Research
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Brain tissue kept alive for weeks on an artificial membrane
Researchers developed a microfluidic device to keep brain tissue viable for months using a semi-permeable membrane, allowing gas exchange while preventing dehydration or drowning. This breakthrough enables long-term study of biological development and organogenesis, facilitating drug discovery and tissue research.
Antibiotic resistance in food animals nearly tripled since 2000
The occurrence of antibiotic resistance in disease-causing bacteria from animals to humans has nearly tripled since 2000. Researchers found that antibiotics showing rates of resistance above 50% increased in chickens and pigs in developing countries between 2000 and 2018.
Study finds prehistoric humans ate bone marrow like canned soup 400,000 years ago
Scientists have found evidence of prehistoric humans storing and consuming animal bone marrow at Qesem Cave, dating back to around 400,000 years ago. The discovery suggests that early Paleolithic people had a sophisticated understanding of food preservation, allowing them to store bone marrow for up to nine weeks before feasting on it.
Morris Animal Foundation awards more than $1 million for small animal studies
The Morris Animal Foundation is awarding over $1 million for research projects focusing on deadly diseases in dogs and cats, including canine cancer and feline infectious peritonitis. The grants will support scientists at nine universities in developing new treatments and tests to improve animal health.
Was early stick insect evolution triggered by birds and mammals?
A new phylogenomic tree reveals the early evolution of stick insects was likely triggered by birds and mammals. The study suggests that their remarkable camouflage abilities evolved as an adaptation to avoid predators, with most old lineages emerging after the dinosaurs became extinct 66 million years ago.
Brain tunes itself to criticality, maximizing information processing
Researchers confirm that the brain attends to criticality, a state of optimal excitation without disorder, to maximize information processing. This is achieved through the regulation of inhibitory neurons, allowing for efficient encoding and transmission of complex patterns.
Proximity to paths and roads is a burden for white-tailed sea eagles
Researchers found higher levels of stress hormone corticosterone in white-tailed sea eagles near paths or roads, but not on breeding success. Protection zone regulations may need adjustment to prevent negative effects on breeding performance.
Stanford scientists uncover genetic similarities among species that use sound to navigate
Researchers at Stanford University identified 25 convergent amino acid changes in 18 genes involved in the development of the cochlear ganglion, a key component in echolocation. This discovery resolves a long-standing debate on whether echolocating bats and whales independently evolved similar genomic changes.
Toxin promotes cattle-to-cattle transmission of deadly Escherichia coli strains
Researchers discovered that Shiga toxin subtype 2a enhances E. coli O157 colonization and facilitates effective cattle-to-cattle transmission. This finding highlights the importance of understanding Shiga toxin activity and its role in animal reservoirs to reduce human health threats.
New parents? Tired of nighttime feedings? Bees can relate
A recent study by Hebrew University researchers found that bumble bee workers sleep less while caring for young, even when not their own offspring. This suggests a mechanism allowing them to reduce sleep without a cost to health or cognitive performance.
Mounting brain organoid research reignites ethical debate
Researchers are expanding brain organoid research, raising concerns about the potential for consciousness in host animals. The authors propose an ethical framework grounded in scientific principles to address these issues and ensure responsible use of this technology.
Swimming toward an 'internet of health'?
The authors propose an 'internet of health' where wearable sensors provide non-intrusive data on a person's health, correlated with environmental factors. This could lead to early disease prevention and personalized medicine.
New method improves measurement of animal behaviour using deep learning
A new deep learning toolkit, DeepPoseKit, has been developed to measure animal body posture with high speed and accuracy. The tool can be applied to study wild animals in challenging field settings and provides an accessible system for non-experts to apply machine learning to their behavioral research.
Mob mentality rules jackdaw flocks
Researchers found that jackdaws can identify individual calls and assess group size when deciding to join a mob. While they use a form of counting, there may be cognitive limitations to their ability.
Collapse of desert bird populations likely due to heat stress from climate change
A new study from UC Berkeley finds that hotter temperatures in the desert are causing birds to need more water to cool off, exacerbating a decline in species populations. Larger birds and those with insect or animal diets are most threatened by this heat stress.
Great apes have you on their mind
A new study suggests that great apes, including chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans, possess a theory of mind, enabling them to understand others' mental states. The team observed that the apes anticipated an agent's actions based on their own experiences with different barriers.
Cooking food alters the microbiome
A new study reveals that cooking food fundamentally alters the microbiomes of both mice and humans. Cooking raw foods can harm certain microbes, while cooked foods may be more calorie-dense, affecting gut bacteria. In a human trial, participants showed significant changes in their microbiome after switching between raw and cooked diets.
Purple martin migration behavior perplexes researchers
Researchers have discovered that purple martins are roosting in small forest patches as they migrate from North America to Brazil. The birds seem to be intentionally seeking out these isolated habitats, possibly due to fewer predators than in larger forest areas.
What did ancient crocodiles eat? Study says as much as a snout can grab
Researchers analyzed ancient crocodiles' shapes, modern diets, and fossil records to reconstruct their diets. Slender-snouted groups eat various prey, while broader-snouted groups consume larger prey up to their size.
Morris Animal Foundation awards $940K for new studies benefiting horse/alpaca health
The Morris Animal Foundation has awarded grants totaling $940,000 to support research projects focusing on horse and alpaca health. The studies aim to develop better diagnostics and treatments for equine herpesvirus, strangles, and fungal infections.
A mouse or an elephant: What species fights infection more effectively?
Researchers found that big mammals have far more neutrophils in circulation than small species, a key defense against early immune responses to invaders like bacteria and parasites. Larger mammals may need more circulating neutrophils to overcome the advantage infectious agents have over them due to their size.
New species of crocodile discovered in museum collections
Researchers have discovered a new species of ten-foot-long crocodile in New Guinea, separated from another by the island's mountain range. The species, Crocodylus halli, was named after Philip Hall, who first investigated the reptile's lineage.
Jackdaws learn from each other about 'dangerous' humans
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that jackdaws can learn to identify dangerous people by hearing a warning call, and this knowledge helps them avoid humans who pose a threat. The birds that heard the warning call returned to their nests more quickly when seeing the human again, indicating they had learned to recognize danger.
Konstanz researcher Iain Couzin wins the 2019 Lagrange Prize
Iain Couzin, a renowned expert in collective animal behaviour, receives the 2019 Lagrange - CRT Foundation Prize for his groundbreaking work on collective sensing and decision-making. His research has had significant impact on various fields, including behaviour, ecology, psychology, and complexity science.
Bird droppings defy expectations
Researchers analyzed six different bird species and found no uric acid in their excretions. Instead, they identified ammonium urate, struvite, and two unknown compounds, suggesting that bacteria break down uric acid before excretion.
Uncovering hidden intelligence of collectives
Researchers discover that the physical structure of animal groups, not individual animals, plays a crucial role in processing information and responding to environmental changes. By changing the group's structure, individuals can amplify risk signals and respond effectively to threats, highlighting the importance of social connectivity.
Anthropologist contributes to major study of large animal extinction
A recent study published in Science explores how humans shaped species coexistence and biodiversity loss in North America, leading to the mass extinction of giant carnivores and herbivores.
BU researchers create new protocol to improve gene therapy tool production
Boston University School of Medicine researchers have developed a new protocol to produce large quantities of AAVs, which can deliver specific genes into humans and animals. The advanced technique bypasses developmental effects, saving time and reducing the number of animals used in research.
Division by subtraction: Extinction of large mammal species likely drove survivors apart
A study by Macquarie University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that the extinction of giant mammal species like mammoths led to a decline in their interactions with smaller mammals, such as deer and coyotes. The loss of these large species altered ecosystems, potentially making them more vulnerable to future extinctions.
Wild African buffalo provide key insights into the genetics of TB resistance
Researchers discovered genetic regions linked to TB resistance in African buffalos, highlighting the complex interplay between host immune responses and disease spread. The study's findings suggest a trade-off between fitness and disease resistance, with potential implications for wildlife management.
Increasing global antibiotic resistance in food animals requires immediate action
Researchers mapped global trends in antimicrobial resistance rates among food animals in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2018. The study found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are on the rise, with high rates of resistance identified in antibiotics commonly used in food production.
Study gives the green light to the fruit fly's color preference
Researchers at the University of Miami discovered that fruit flies have an innate time- and color-dependent preference for light, contrary to decades-long assumption that they are attracted to blue light. The study found that fruit flies prefer green light early in the morning and late afternoon, and avoid blue light throughout the day.
Heart cells respond to heart attack and increase the chance of survival
Researchers discovered that border zone cells in humans and mice develop a gene program that helps them survive a heart attack. This response is crucial for long-term recovery of the heart, but further research is needed to induce this response in humans.
Testing chemicals for birth defects using stem cells, not mice
Researchers at UC Riverside are part of a US EPA plan to eliminate animal testing by 2035. They're developing a way to test chemicals using lab-grown human tissue, not live animals, to identify musculoskeletal birth defects. This non-animal approach will help reduce animal suffering and improve the accuracy of toxicity predictions.
Scientists in New York City discover a valuable method to track rats
Researchers developed a new tracking method for urban rats using pheromones, revealing sex-specific scent preferences. This finding could aid in urban wildlife management and development of novel control tools, such as bait deployment or immuno-contraceptives.
Researchers find building mutations into Ebola virus protein disrupts ability to cause disease
A study by Georgia State University researchers found that creating mutations in the VP35 protein of the Ebola virus can make it unable to cause disease. The mutated virus was able to induce strong immune responses in non-human primates, protecting them from infection with wildtype Ebola virus.
Global warming makes it harder for birds to mate, study finds
Researchers found that high temperatures reduce snort-call display behavior in grassland birds, affecting mating success. The study suggests up to 10% decrease in display activity by 2100 due to global warming.
UM study abroad students fuel understanding of gaps in conservation data
A collaborative study between University of Montana and Universidad de Concepcion in Chile found substantial gaps in scientific information relevant to conservation planning for threatened and endangered terrestrial mammals. The research highlights the importance of developing strategic research agendas for at-risk species worldwide.
Elephant seal 'supermoms' produce most of the population, study finds
Most pups born in an elephant seal colony were produced by a small number of long-lived female seals, known as supermoms. These females dominated reproductive output, accounting for more than half of pup production.
Mysterious Jurassic crocodile identified 250 years after fossil find
A fossil skull found in a Bavarian town in the 1770s has been recognized as Mystriosaurus laurillardi, a now-extinct species that lived in tropical waters during the Jurassic Period. Researchers have also identified another skull discovered in Yorkshire, belonging to the same species.
Early detection is key: Screening test could improve lives of cats with heart disease
A new two-minute focused cardiac ultrasound protocol can help veterinarians detect heart disease in cats earlier, potentially saving lives. The test, developed by researchers at Tufts University, has been shown to be successful in detecting moderate and severe heart disease with high accuracy.
A promising treatment for an incurable, deadly kidney disease
A potential treatment for polycystic kidney disease has shown a significant reduction in kidney size in afflicted mice, with no evidence of toxicity in animal or human cell tests. The drug is now in early clinical trials in humans, offering hope for a new option for survival beyond dialysis or transplant.
Controversial insecticides shown to threaten survival of wild birds
New research at the University of Saskatchewan reveals that neonicotinoid pesticides can cause weight loss and delayed migration in wild birds, threatening their survival. Birds exposed to these insecticides suffered significant negative consequences, including appetite suppression and longer stopover times.
Female gorillas detect and avoid sick groups
A research team studied 593 gorillas over a decade, finding females migrate to healthier groups to avoid transmission of yaws, a contagious skin disease. The scientists discovered that females can detect one symptom of the disease: disfigurement.
A diabetes drug promotes brain repair -- but it only works in females
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that metformin promotes brain repair and improves cognitive function in adult female mice, but has no effect on males. The drug works through a sex hormone called estradiol, which enhances neural stem cells' ability to respond to treatment.
Insects as food and feed: research and innovation drive growing field
A new special issue of the Annals of the Entomological Society of America showcases research on insect agriculture for food and feed. More than 1 million insect species are known, offering room for growth in the field. Insect-based industries could reach $50-100 billion by 2050, bolstering global ag sector while protecting environment.
Existing drug could treat aggressive brain cancer
Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered a new use for an existing insulin compound to treat glioblastoma, a fast-growing and often fatal form of brain cancer. The study found that surfen-treated cells were blocked from tumor growth and the spread of tumor cells in the brain.
A new species of electric eel produces the highest voltage discharge of any known animal
Researchers have identified three species of electric eels, including one that can produce up to 860 volts, the strongest discharge ever recorded. The discovery opens new avenues of research into strong electric discharges in other fish species.
How brain rhythms organize our visual perception
A team of neuroscientists discovered that the brain combines visual features through high-frequency oscillations to achieve a unified percept. The researchers measured nerve cell activity in rhesus monkeys while performing a visual perception task, finding that faster responses occurred with stronger high-frequency oscillations.
Compound offers prospects for preventing acute kidney failure
Russian researchers have shown an antioxidant compound called peroxiredoxin to be effective in treating kidney injury in mice by tripling survival rates. The compound may also offer prospects for longer kidney transplant storage and improved treatment options for ischemia-reperfusion syndrome.
'Building blocks' of bird calls resemble human languages
Researchers identified two distinct sound elements in chestnut-crowned babbler calls that are shared across different arrangements and convey no specific meaning. The findings suggest that the capacity to generate meaning from meaningless building blocks is widespread in animals, similar to human language construction.
Female vets face 'outright discrimination' and sexism from colleagues and clients
A small qualitative study found female vets frequently face outright sex discrimination, with implications for practice sustainability and burnout rates. Women are often assumed to be on the 'mommy track', denied complex cases, and overlooked for promotion.
Artificial intelligence used to recognize primate faces in the wild
A new AI software developed by University of Oxford scientists can recognize individual chimpanzee faces in the wild, allowing researchers to track behavior over long periods. This technology has potential for conservation efforts and animal behavior research, offering a sustainable solution to monitor species.
Death march of segmented animal unravels critical evolutionary puzzle
A 550-million-year-old fossil found in China reveals that mobile and segmented animals evolved by the terminal Ediacaran Period, providing crucial evidence for the origin of segmentation. The discovery also helps scientists understand the producers of Ediacaran trace fossils.
Tropical sea snake uses its head to 'breathe'
Scientists have found that the blue-banded sea snake uses a vascular network in its head to absorb oxygen from the surrounding water, allowing it to stay submerged for longer periods. This unique adaptation enables the snake to thrive in tropical waters with minimal surface exposure.
Slowed metabolism helps migrating geese soar
Researchers have discovered that bar-headed geese are able to fly high for long periods of time by reducing their metabolism in low-oxygen conditions. The study found that six out of seven birds could fly in moderately low-oxygen levels and three were willing to fly in severely low-oxygen conditions.
Color-change urine test for cancer shows potential in mouse study
A simple and sensitive urine test has been developed to detect colon cancer in mice, changing the color of urine to signal growing tumors. The test uses nanosensors that break down when cut by enzymes released by tumors, producing a blue color change that can be seen with the naked eye.
Two ERC Starting Grants for the University of Konstanz
Two University of Konstanz researchers, Dr. Damien Farine and Professor George Walkden, have been awarded European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants to conduct pioneering research on group-living birds and the impact of language contact on grammar. The grants will fund their innovative projects over a five-year period.
New artifacts suggest people arrived in North America earlier than previously thought
Researchers have found stone tools and other artifacts at Cooper's Ferry site in Idaho dating back to 15,000-16,000 years ago, contradicting the 'Clovis First' theory of early human migration. The discovery supports the hypothesis that people entered North America via a Pacific coastal route.