Articles tagged with Animal Research
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 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.
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.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a new way animals can modify their vision, found in the photoreceptors of larval mantis shrimp. The structure resembles a human-made optical device and may help the mantis shrimp larvae see bioluminescence.
An interdisciplinary group of scholars urges animal behavior scientists to engage in growing ethical conversation, highlighting broader impacts on moral standing and conservation. Greater integration between animal ethics and behavior communities may benefit ethical theory and practice.
Researchers have developed an implantable optrode array capable of exciting below-surface neurons in large mammal brains. The new device addresses challenges in optical stimulation and neuroscience, enabling studies to link neural activity to specific cognitive functions.
Researchers identify VPS13A gene associated with migratory behavior in golden-winged and blue-winged warblers, shedding light on the complex genetic factors behind bird migration. The study's findings may have important conservation implications for declining populations of these species.
A recent study published in Diversity and Distributions found that beaver-built ponds have a higher biodiversity than other wetlands in the same region, with 50% more species. This research suggests that reintroducing beavers to their native habitat could benefit wider biodiversity and help solve the freshwater biodiversity crisis.
Researchers have developed a nanotherapeutic called S-HDL that reduces inflammation in blood vessels, halting plaque accumulation and vessel wall inflammation in animal models. The new production method boosts therapeutic yields by up to 80-fold, paving the way for human application.
Researchers have identified key immunological changes in people who develop a meat allergy triggered by tick bites, which can lead to mild hives or life-threatening anaphylaxis. The study provides important insights into why otherwise healthy individuals can suddenly become allergic to mammalian meat.
Researchers tested the 'island rule' on plant species colonizing islands in the Southwest Pacific and found that their stature and leaf area followed the rule. However, plant seed size did not conform to the rule, suggesting a more nuanced relationship between island habitats and organismal traits.
Researchers discovered that crystallization by particle attachment (CPA) is a common skeletal formation mechanism among diverse animal taxa. This structure was found in some of the oldest known calcium carbonate skeleton fossils, dating back 500 million years or older.
A new study from the University of Oxford suggests that blockbuster movies like Finding Nemo and Zootopia do not drive demand for live animals, but instead increase information-seeking behavior. The research found that exposure to these films can bring attention to lesser-known species and environmental threats.
The newly discovered Clevosaurus hadroprodon is the oldest known fossil of its kind in Gondwana, dating back to around 237-228 million years ago. Its unique dentition features a mix of primitive and derived teeth, challenging current understanding of sphenodontian evolution.
A new study at the University of Hawaii found that a tropical marine sponge obtains essential nutrients from its symbiotic bacteria, not from filtering seawater. This discovery provides insight into the biology of sponges and highlights the importance of marine microbes in their diet.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that crocodiles have thin tooth enamel, unlike humans and other hard-biting species. This discovery could lead to new approaches for dealing with people's teeth.
Researchers found that female Tasmanian devils can be polyandrous, having multiple male partners, which could increase genetic diversity but also pose challenges for captive breeding programs. The study's findings offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against devil facial tumor disease, which has devastated wild populations.
Researchers at Clemson University examine the effects of feral hogs and elephants on livestock and livelihoods, highlighting the importance of including non-traditional culprits in human-wildlife conflict discussions. They found that these species can cause significant damage to farming infrastructure and affect local communities' perc...
Despite temperature fluctuations, treehoppers' mating habits remain intact. Researchers at Saint Louis University found that male treehoppers' songs and female preferences adapt together in response to changing temperatures.
Researchers found that invasive plants have a negative impact on native animals, reducing their abundance and altering ecosystem functions. In contrast, exotic animals are unaffected by invasive plants.
Camera trap surveys reveal 28 mammal species in protected forest and 21 in fragmented habitats, including critically endangered species like Sunda pangolin and Sumatran tiger. These findings suggest conservation value for small patches of remnant forest and the importance of further research.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that gall midge larvae use a hydrostatic legless jumping mechanism, which allows them to launch themselves through the air with incredible speed and efficiency. This remarkable behavior is made possible by sticky patches of skin on the larva's body, similar to those found on geckos' feet.
New research provides a more accurate way to measure pain in mice using slow-motion video and artificial intelligence. The 'mouse pain scale' assesses the degree of pain, increasing confidence in therapeutic effectiveness in humans.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a gel that reduces scar tissue and adhesions after cardiac surgery in animals, outperforming current methods. The gel, PNP 1:10, is safe and effective in preventing adhesions, with few side effects.
A new study examines the effects of feral hogs and elephants on livestock, finding significant impacts on farming livelihoods. The research highlights the importance of considering non-carnivore species in mitigating wildlife impacts, with potential consequences for conservation efforts.
The study, published in eLife, reveals that birds adapt their grip by wrapping their toes and curling their claws to stick the landing. Researchers aim to apply this knowledge to develop more nimble flying robots with bimodal capabilities.
A recent study in Nature Ecology and Evolution found that gene arrangements in the genome have played a key role in animal evolution. The researchers discovered that genes present together in several species are also active in the same cells, highlighting a new perspective on investigating cell type identities.
A study has found high concentrations of lead in the livers of Amazonian wildlife, with 91% of analyzed samples exceeding suitable levels for human consumption. Lead contamination is linked to oil extraction and the use of lead-based ammunition, posing a significant health risk to local indigenous populations.
Researchers investigated how insects, such as crickets and locusts, respond to different dry feed variants containing cornstarch, protein-rich cowpea leaves and vitamin-enriched carrot powder. The study found immense species-specific differences in metabolism and digestion between the two insect species.
Researchers found a positive correlation between economic growth and wildlife abundance, as well as more gender-equal societies and lower corruption levels. However, denser human populations reduced wildlife numbers, and some aspects of urbanization had negative impacts on certain species.
Researchers have identified an unusual hepatitis B virus in shrews, which lacks a key protein essential for chronic infection. This discovery offers new insights into the disease's pathogenesis and may lead to the development of effective treatments.
Researchers recreated barn owl brain circuitry in electronics, mimicking the ability to locate prey using sound to within one to two degrees. The electronic circuit can supersede the owl's precision by orders of magnitude and may lead to more accurate and energy-efficient navigation devices.
Researchers propose three concepts from complex systems science to study animal social complexity: scales of organization, compression, and emergence. These concepts may help researchers better understand the level of complexity in animal societies across different scales.
Researchers found that baby spiders have the same number of photoreceptors as adults but packed differently to fit in a smaller space. This allows them to maintain high visual acuity and distinguish objects at a distance, even when they're small.
A new insect-sized robot created by UC Berkeley researchers can scurry across the floor at nearly the speed of a cockroach and withstand the weight of an average human. The robot's design allows it to 'leapfrog' forward using electric vibrations, enabling it to navigate through tight spaces.
Tracy Langkilde has been recognized for her research on how animals adapt to changes in their environments. She has studied the behavior of lizards towards fire ants and explored the impact of noise pollution on frogs' communication abilities.
The study provides insight into how the Komodo dragon's DNA encodes its astounding characteristics, including its ability to detect prey from far away. The team discovered changes in genes that increase the lizard's aerobic capacity, allowing it to achieve near-mammalian metabolism.
A study led by UC Riverside professor David Reznick found that female fish with placentas form new species twice as fast as those without, due to their ability to choose mates. This connection between mothering and evolution suggests a key role for females in shaping the formation of new species.
Boston University researchers found specialized brain cells in rats that provide personal maps of their surroundings. These cells could help create smarter autonomous vehicles by allowing them to navigate complex environments like humans do.
A new study suggests global warming may have played a pivotal role in the emergence of Candida auris, a serious public health threat. The fungus can grow at higher temperatures than its closely related species, adapting to climate change and breaking through human protective temperatures.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a novel genomics-based method to detect the simultaneous presence of hundreds of organisms in a stream. The study used water sampling for environmental DNA, capturing biodiversity and ecosystem health data from hundreds of organisms in a single sample.
Researchers found that fruit flies compare their current direction to a goal direction, calculate the difference, and adjust their next step. The animals' brain activity suggests they aim to keep their neural compass needle at an internally-generated goal angle.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed an automated, robotic training device that allows mice to learn at their own pace. They found that cortical synapses are more plastic than expected and maintain a pathway for fast sensory input.
A new skin test can accurately differentiate between cattle infected with tuberculosis (TB) and those that have been vaccinated against the disease. This breakthrough has significant implications for reducing TB transmission from cattle to humans through unpasteurized milk or co-habitation with infected animals.
Researchers discover that a gut infection can trigger symptoms of Parkinson's disease, suggesting an immune component to the disease. The study found that infection caused auto-immunity, leading to the killing of dopaminergic neurons.
Researchers developed an AI technology called STEFTR to estimate animal behavioral states and extract features from trajectories. The method achieved over 90% accuracy using only tens of animal trajectories, revealing experience-dependent changes in specific behaviors.
Researchers at CNIO have developed a method to isolate haploid mammalian cells with half the number of chromosomes, enabling efficient genetic research. Chemical compounds like DAB selectively favor haploid cells over diploid ones, promoting cell growth and replacement.
Researchers found high densities of flies in primate social groups, recapturing marked flies up to two weeks later. Flies carried anthrax and Treponema pallidum pertenue bacteria, which cause severe lesions in mangabeys.
A study found grasshoppers and silkworms have antioxidant capacity similar to fresh orange juice, while crickets offer 75% the same antioxidant power. Insects are a sustainable alternative to meat and animal products, with minimal land, water, and carbon footprint.
Researchers found baby eastern blue-tongue lizards learn at adult levels from a young age, outperforming their adults in cognitive tasks.
Researchers found that brain activity patterns encode prior beliefs, which bias behavioral responses towards the middle of expected time intervals. This warping effect provides insight into how experience alters synaptic connections and embeds knowledge.
Five Alberta-based projects have received funding from GlycoNet's Alberta Partnership Program to advance research on various health issues. The projects aim to develop new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer, and inflammatory intestinal diseases.
Research in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases reveals that house mice have dramatically shaped Toxoplasma gondii populations globally. The study found four main lineages of the parasite, one newly described, which differ between inland and coastal regions.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have found a way to regenerate hair cells in the inner ears of mice, allowing them to recover vestibular function. The technique shows promise for treating vestibular disorders, such as dizziness and balance problems caused by damaged or lost hair cells.
Research by UCL and Yale University reveals that platelet cells were crucial for the evolution of eutherian mammals, including humans. The discovery suggests that these cells enabled haemochorial placentation, allowing mothers to prevent haemorrhaging at birth.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have made a breakthrough discovery in genetic sex selection, allowing for the production of only female offspring in mammals. The study uses a CRISPR-protein approach to guide gene editing, eliminating male embryos while leaving females unaffected.
A radio-tracking study by University of Guelph biologists found that wind and temperature are more important influences than precipitation on daytime insect migration. The study revealed that insects can fly faster as it warms up, but flight is impeded when it gets too hot.
Researchers found Snowball's movement diversity is not limited to humans, suggesting an innate ability to respond to music with intentional movements. The study proposes five traits that may explain the shared natural ability to dance in humans and parrots.
Experts like Lincoln Taiz conclude that plants don't possess the threshold brain structure for consciousness. They argue that plants' responses to stimuli are genetically encoded and not indicative of intentional choice or learning.
Researchers have pinpointed restoration hotspots in 15 countries across four continents, offering the biggest carbon, water, and wildlife benefits. The study identifies over 100 million hectares of lost lowland tropical rain forests that can be restored to overcome rising global temperatures.