News on the use of animals, and their alternatives, in biomedical research. Covers animal models, primate studies, tissue chips, research ethics, and disease modeling.
Researchers tracked spur-winged lapwings in urban and rural areas, finding that city-dwellers are more mobile, especially during nesting season. The study also reveals seasonal differences in exploration patterns between males and females, highlighting the complex impact of human presence on bird behavior.
A lone spotted hyena was found in South Eastern Egypt, marking the first recorded instance of the species in this region for thousands of years. The individual was tracked and killed after killing two goats, providing evidence of how regional climate change can affect animal migration patterns.
Juvenile dolphins possess specialized receptors for detecting fatty acids in their mother's milk, which plays a crucial role in energy and brain development. This 'fat taste' system may provide an evolutionary advantage in selecting high-quality milk from mothers.
The 'Under the Snakefluence' study surveys people in 20+ countries to understand public perceptions of snakes and assess educational efforts to promote safe coexistence. Research shows that delaying medical treatment can be fatal or cause permanent disability.
Researchers found that cavity-nesting birds are more likely to use shed snake skins in their construction, which helps deter predators from eating eggs. The practice is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation to reduce nest predation, with benefits most strongly expressed in cavity nests.
Researchers discovered that a species of foraminifera thrives in dark, oxygen-free environments by utilizing chemoautotrophy to take up carbon. This process allows eukaryotes to survive in conditions similar to those during the Precambrian era.
A deficiency of TLE6 protein, associated with female infertility, was also linked to abnormal sperm morphology and reduced motility in male mice. The study suggests that TLE6 plays a crucial role in energy production in sperm cells.
A Politecnico study proposes a global model that optimizes agricultural and water resources, making the EAT-Lancet diet a sustainable possibility. The model suggests crop redistribution and trade flow improvements could reduce global cropland by 37-40% and irrigation water use by 78%.
Researchers uncovered nearly 200 animal remains at Teotihuacán's Moon Pyramid, shedding light on ancient rituals and politics. The discovery highlights the importance of apex predators like golden eagles and jaguars, which were venerated and sacrificed by human communities.
A Tel Aviv University study finds that microplastic particles are excreted in the feces of marine animals, making them undetectable as plastic. This process can lead to increased carbon and nitrogen levels on the seafloor, promoting algal blooms and disrupting the marine food web.
An international research team found that gentle touch enhances social connection and trust, stress reduction, and better mental health. Caring touch can also evolve cooperation in animals, as observed in Apostlebirds and Siberian jays.
A global assessment of dung production has revealed hotspots in central Africa, Australia, and Eurasia, indicating the presence of herbivores. The study also highlights the importance of accurate livestock density assessments for agriculture and food security.
Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to significantly reduce disease markers associated with Alzheimer's, protecting healthy brain cells and restoring balance in the aging brain. The study highlights the potential for aerobic exercise to serve as a cornerstone in preventive strategies for Alzheimer's.
Researchers created new proteins using AI that bind to and neutralize deadly snake toxins, providing a safer alternative to traditional antivenoms. The study's results show an 80-100% survival rate in mice, offering potential benefits for people in developing countries.
Researchers developed a novel bioconversion system using mealworm and black soldier fly larvae to transform plastic waste into valuable by-products, including biochar and compost. The system has potential for large-scale adoption in sustainable waste management industries.
Researchers studied rats navigating an L-shape track with a food-guarding robot. The rats created neurological maps of places to avoid after experiencing negative events and thought about these locations even after leaving the area. This finding provides insight into the neuroscience of common psychological conditions like anxiety.
The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Spring Awards, honoring excellence in various fields of study. The awards include the Henry Gray Scientific Award, A.J. Ladman Exemplary Service Award, and others.
A team of researchers from Florida Atlantic University, San Diego Natural History Museum, and SeaWorld San Diego collaborate to digitize a rare vaquita skeleton, providing a valuable resource for conservation efforts. The scans resulted in three terabytes of data and will be used to create replicas for public display and education.
Two non-retinoid compounds were identified that improve cell surface expression of rhodopsin in 36 genetic subtypes of retinitis pigmentosa and protect against retinal degeneration in mice with the disease. The treatment showed improved overall retina health and function, prolonging photoreceptor survival.
A comprehensive survey predicts that 36% of anurans' habitats worldwide will be threatened by rising temperatures and water scarcity. The Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest, home to the most diverse anuran species, will face devastating effects from drought events.
A new study reveals that delta opioid receptor agonist KNT-127 has a rapid and effective antidepressant effect with minimal side effects. The research highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying its action, including mTOR signaling pathways and Akt activation in the medial prefrontal cortex.
A team of researchers from UniTrento examined how ants manage traffic congestion using pheromone trails and observed individual ant movements. Their findings could provide a model for optimizing autonomous vehicle traffic flow, reducing congestion and emissions.
Researchers will focus on novel non-plastic materials used for oyster reef restoration, evaluating their impact on surrounding marine habitats. The project aims to find solutions that bring the natural environment back after degradation from storms or human impact.
Lekking, a mating system where males display for females without forming lasting bonds, is found to be remarkably stable and rarely evolves into other systems. In contrast, resource-defense polygamy is identified as fragile and frequently reverts to monogamy, often associated with higher extinction rates.
A new self-destructing vaccine provides improved safety and protection against TB in macaque monkeys, outperforming the standard BCG vaccine. The 'kill switch' mechanism eliminates the risk of accidental infection, offering a safer vaccination option for immunocompromised individuals.
Researchers at the University of Parma and Sant'Anna School in Pisa developed a new approach to understand how the brain controls spontaneous movements in natural situations. The study used telemetric devices to record hundreds of neurons from the brains of monkeys, revealing complex synergies between individual neurons that allow for ...
Cricket frogs use a combination of underwater push and leg movement to propel themselves out of the water, resulting in a 'belly flop' motion. This discovery could lead to advancements in bio-inspired robotics and water testing systems.
Researchers have identified a 177-gene signature common to metastasis across cancers, allowing for personalized risk assessment and potential therapies. The discovery could lead to broader treatment options, faster drug access, and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered an antibody-like molecule, E10, that can protect mice from various influenza viruses. The molecule targets a conserved part of the virus's surface protein shared across multiple influenza types, providing effective protection against seasonal epidemics.
Researchers argue that zoos should adopt a rational approach to population management, balancing education and conservation goals with the reality of animal mortality. Planned culling can help maintain self-sustaining populations and reduce carbon footprint by utilizing in-house meat supplies.
Researchers found that carrots can enhance the body's ability to regulate blood sugar and positively influence the composition of gut bacteria. The study used mice with type 2 diabetes and found improved glucose tolerance after consuming carrot powder.
Scientists at Yale University have discovered that electrical synapses play a crucial role in filtering sensory information, enabling animals to make context-appropriate choices. The study, published in Cell, demonstrates how a specific configuration of electrical synapses enables animals to prioritize relevant details and focus on the...
Macronucleophagy helps maintain cell viability in nitrogen-starved yeast by modulating micronucleophagy. Uncontrolled micronucleophagy causes cell death, but a critical role for macronucleophagy was found to prevent this.
Researchers have reconstructed the evolutionary origin of the complex configuration of multiple sex chromosomes in echidnas using their nearly gapless genome sequence. The high-quality data helped trace genetic events that led to this remarkable chromosomal arrangement, including chromosome fusion and fission events.
The University of Texas at Arlington's Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center (ARDRC) has expanded its library with a donation of over 10,000 rare items, including books, scientific journals, and reports. This addition will provide scientists worldwide with access to a wealth of literature on reptiles and amphibians.
A team of scientists at USDA and Iowa State University used generative AI to identify compounds that can reduce enteric methane emissions in cows. Bromoform, a naturally occurring compound found in seaweed, showed promise in reducing methane production by 80-98% when fed to cattle.
Researchers developed a novel inhalable therapeutic delivery system for lung cancer using mucoadhesive protein nanoparticles inspired by marine mussels. The approach leverages the adhesive properties of mussel proteins to enable selective payload release and minimize adverse effects.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University experts found that male medaka can mate up to 19 times a day, releasing more than 50% of their daily sperm output in the first three matings. The fertilization rate decreases significantly after this point, with some cases showing no fertilization.
Researchers found significant functional variations between rodent and human PD-1 due to evolutionary divergence. The study reveals a unique motif present in most mammals but missing in rodents, leading to uniquely weaker rodent PD-1.
A new NIH-funded study uses advanced genetic analysis tools to map how aging affects different brain cell types. The results show that some cells, like hormone-controlling cells, undergo more age-related changes in genetic activity than others.
Neuroscientist Professor Raz Yirmiya reveals a vital link between inflammation and depression through groundbreaking research. His work suggests that both activation and suppression of the immune system can trigger depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.
Researchers at POSTECH developed an innovative injectable adhesive hydrogel that regenerates bone using harmless visible light. The hydrogel addresses limitations of existing treatments by simultaneously achieving cross-linking and mineralization without separate bone grafts or adhesives.
The BfR2GO issue highlights Campylobacter as a common pathogen behind foodborne infections in Germany, emphasizing proper food handling. The magazine provides an overview of kitchen hygiene and includes a pull-out poster with essential tips.
A collaborative study reveals distinct mechanisms of plant and animal response to climate change in their life-cycle phenology. The research team compiled a global phenological dataset, showing that plants' late-season phenophases advance more significantly than animals', potentially due to increased plant productivity.
Researchers at OIST have developed a customizable method for studying detailed dental characteristics of living fish and vertebrates without harming them. This approach allows for non-destructive examination of tooth replacement and development over time, revealing valuable information on feeding habits and comparative anatomy.
Scientists develop novel MST detection method using CrAss-like phages (CLPs) to detect human fecal contamination, showing high efficacy and accuracy. The method uses PCR to detect CLP DNA, offering a cost-effective and selective approach to monitoring water quality.
A new study found that a unique population of large fish-eating herring has evolved in the Baltic Sea, exhibiting faster growth rates and lower levels of pollutants. These herring have adapted to the brackish water by switching from plankton-eating to a fish diet, with potential benefits for human consumption.
Researchers used bioacoustics to identify individual leopards through their vocalisations, which proved 93.1% accurate in identifying each leopard's distinct 'sawing roar'. This technique has the potential to aid in population estimates and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
Researchers developed biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles that selectively target cancer cells with two approved drug pairs for skin and breast cancers. The treatment showed significantly enhanced therapeutic effects, reduced tumor size, and prolonged median survival in mice.
A comprehensive analysis of medical AI technologies highlights their potential in improving diagnostic accuracy and customizing treatments. However, challenges such as data collection and analysis, biases, and patient privacy concerns need to be addressed through standardized evaluation protocols and effective collaborations.
Scientists investigated the role of ancient VR type-1 (ancV1R) receptor in pheromone detection using knockout mice. The study found that ancV1R-deficient female mice had impaired pheromone detection and exhibited abnormal sexual behavior.
Researchers discovered a novel vulnerability in prostate cancer cells that starves them of critical nutrients called amino acids. By inhibiting two proteins, GCN2 and p53, the team found a way to effectively destroy prostate tumors.
Researchers at Cornell University have created mini virtual reality (VR) headsets called MouseGoggles, which allow mice to navigate virtual environments with greater immersion and accuracy. The technology has the potential to reveal insights into spatial navigation and memory function, shedding light on disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists at the University of Plymouth are creating a humanised meningioma model to study interactions between immune cells and tumour cells, enabling the development of effective therapies for NF2-related schwannomatosis. The model will be made available worldwide to test new treatments and reduce clinical trial delays.
A study by Durham University found that bonobos orphaned by the illegal trade in bushmeat and pets can develop social abilities despite early life trauma. Researchers observed 83 bonobos at different stages of their lives, finding that female bonobos' social skills increased with age, while males' decreased, similar to wild interactions.
A six-year study examining 38 clinical isolates of Cryptococcus found genes and gene alleles associated with disease severity. The research aims to develop new treatments targeting these genetic variations, predicting disease outcomes and improving patient care.
A new study highlights how small grants to local projects worldwide can yield success in advancing global ocean conservation and equity. The research examines the effectiveness of the Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF) in promoting social equity and supporting local leaders in addressing ocean health challenges.
A genomic analysis reveals eight different sex chromosomes in 11 species of the frog, indicating unique and newly evolved genes for male or female sexual differentiation. This unexpected variation allows researchers to explore rapid evolution in sex determination, with possible 'on-off switch' genes orchestrating sexual differentiation.
A new study suggests that the northern muriqui monkey population remains at risk despite being almost four times larger than it was in 1982. Habitat disturbances are thought to be a contributing factor to the population decline, with predation and environmental stressors such as climate change also playing a role.
Researchers developed a near-infrared light-responsive implant surface that accelerates bone-to-implant integration by reducing acute inflammation and promoting mesenchymal stem cell recruitment. Bone-to-implant integration was accelerated from 28 days to just 14 days, doubling the speed in animal experiments.