Articles tagged with Animal Research
A new approach to assessing species vulnerability considers genetic variation, reducing overestimation of extinction risk. The study found that bats can adapt to changing environments, allowing them to breed with populations in different climates.
A study found that transplanting gut bacteria from vulnerable rats to non-stressed rats altered depressive-type behaviors, while also causing brain inflammation. The researchers believe this may lead to probiotic treatments for human psychiatric disorders like depression.
Researchers discovered a new gene mutation that reduces fear and anxiety and increases social interaction in mice, according to a study published in Neuropharmacology. The P4h-tm knockout mice showed striking courage and a lack of learned helplessness compared to control mice.
Researchers have successfully grown 3D paper organs with artificial blood vessels that can be populated with cells, providing a more complex structure than traditional 2D cell cultures. The paper organs can mimic the architecture of real tissues, influencing how cells grow and respond to external stimuli.
Scientists have developed a new method to quickly map brain connections, enabling systematic study of connection patterns within single individuals. The technique, combining infrared laser stimulation with functional MRI, reveals the direction of information flowing in the brain, critical for understanding brain processing.
A research team has identified the Sex-lethal gene as essential for the formation of apyrene sperm, a type of non-nucleated sperm found in some animals. Apyrene sperm are required for eupyrene sperm migration in female organs, indicating their importance in fertilization.
A pilot program investigates human-animal interactions (HAIs) in reducing suffering of children with cancer undergoing debilitating treatments. Children are randomly assigned to a group receiving usual care or a group receiving HAI plus therapy dog visits.
Research reveals that reindeer on Svalbard island are adapting to climate change by eating seaweed during harsh winters. Stable isotope studies show that the reindeer eat seaweed as a supplementary source of nutrition, but not exclusively, as they need normal food to sustain themselves.
Researchers developed a new snake-inspired soft robot using programmable kirigami metamaterials, enabling responsive surfaces and smart skins. The robot can now change its shape in response to programmed sequences of pop-ups, improving speed and accuracy.
New research by Albert Kao and Iain Couzin found that information loss due to modular groups can actually enhance accuracy, especially in complex environments. This challenges previous assumptions about the benefits of free-flowing communication among group members.
Researchers have discovered that Araguaian river dolphins use hundreds of different sounds to communicate with each other, including short calls for mother-child interaction and longer whistles for maintaining distance. The unique acoustic characteristics of these sounds may have evolved to avoid echoes in their aquatic habitat.
A new study by Penn State researchers finds that male fence lizards' physical traits and behaviors used to attract mates remain unchanged under low levels of stress. This suggests that these traits are more resilient to stress than previously thought.
Researchers have developed a high-tech support system called BrainEx that can preserve limited brain function in isolated postmortem brains. The system delivers an artificial blood substitute to prevent degradation and allows for the study of cellular and molecular functions, but without functional activity in brain circuits.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a low-cost, high-speed algorithm to test chemical toxicity without animals. The algorithm uses massive amounts of data from PubChem and achieves a 62-100% success rate in predicting oral toxicity for several groups of chemicals.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that a beetle's diet during sexual development affects its adult breeding habits. Females prefer to mate with well-fed males to optimize offspring health.
Google searches have identified popular North American bird species, with large birds and those visiting feeders drawing more attention. The study found that owls were the subject of public curiosity, while conservationists can use this information to focus efforts on lesser-known species.
A new study found that female rats exposed to maternal immune activation during pregnancy exhibit autism- and schizophrenia-like behaviors, similar to their male siblings. The researchers argue that this limitation may contribute to conflicting results in the field of psychiatric disorders.
Spiders, including wolf spiders, react to irritating chemicals like allyl isothiocyanate in a similar way to mammals and humans, who have transient receptor potential channels that activate sensations like pain and taste. This reaction causes them to avoid eating insects coated with these chemicals.
A diet high in animal protein and meat is associated with a greater risk of death, according to a 20-year follow-up study. Men who primarily consumed animal-based proteins had a 23% higher risk of mortality compared to those with a balanced ratio of animal and plant-based proteins.
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan found that even tiny amounts of neonicotinoid pesticides can severely impact flying insects' motion detection abilities. The study's results suggest that very low doses of these widely-used neurotoxins can profoundly affect a flying insect's ability to detect movement, making it crucial for...
Research in mice and rats reveals a molecular pathway stimulated by physical activity that promotes nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury. A key molecule called CREB-Binding Protein (CBP) is identified as a therapeutic target to increase regeneration, with promising results in animal models.
Researchers discovered that sex-determining genes control beetle horns and identified the timing of sex differences appearing at 36 hours after a reference point. The study found that transforming gene suppression during larval stages leads to male-like horn formation in females.
A recent study published in Conservation Letters reveals that working with Indigenous rangers produced significant improvements in conservation research outcomes. The study, led by Dr Georgia Ward-Fear, demonstrates the value of culturally diverse teams and local knowledge in scientific research.
Researchers discovered female bottlenose dolphins have well-developed clitorises with erectile tissue similar to humans. The location of the clitoris near the vaginal opening suggests it can be easily stimulated during copulation.
A global team of scientists has identified possible causes of diversity among modern bird species, focusing on perching birds. The study found that changes in geology and climate played a role in the evolution of these birds, with evidence suggesting that glaciations and warming periods impacted their development.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect mosquito-borne viruses in the wild by collecting and testing mosquito waste. The technique, which has been proven effective in detecting three types of viruses, could speed up virus detection and provide an early warning system for public health officials.
Researchers developed a behavior recognition model using biomechanical principles to accurately determine an animal's activity, such as resting or searching for food. The model uses wearable accelerometer signals to provide detailed information about specific behaviors, which can inform conservation efforts.
German scientists discovered two new species of rare giant stick insects in Madagascar's dry forests, with males exhibiting dazzling blue or multicolored armor. Genetic tests confirm the existence of two new species, challenging previous theories on stick insect evolution and raising questions about their reproductive strategies.
Researchers from Colorado State University found that dogs with omega-3 fatty acid supplements or hypothyroidism are less likely to develop T-zone lymphoma. The study also revealed a link between defective genes and the disease, suggesting potential new avenues for research and prevention.
A recent study found that climate change can have long-lasting negative impacts on dolphin populations, with a 12% decrease in survival rate following a heatwave in Shark Bay, Western Australia. The researchers also observed fewer births among female dolphins, which persisted for at least six years.
Researchers found that cities like Chicago, Houston, and Dallas have the highest levels of exposure to artificial lights, disrupting nocturnal bird migration patterns. A study also showed that humans' connection to nature decreases with age, particularly in teenagers and males. Meanwhile, a network for tracking urban wildlife and using...
Konstanz researchers Dina Dechmann, Alex Jordan, and Ariana Strandburg-Peshkin receive HFSP grants to study seasonal brain change in shrews, coordination in animal groups, and network design inspired by plant societies. The projects aim to uncover new approaches to fundamental biology problems.
A study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that rats' spatial maps change depending on their behavior and memories. The researchers suggest this process could play a role in addictive behavior in humans, as the brain's internal map is redrawn when rewards are associated with certain locations.
Researchers at University of Göttingen investigated how different data sources can be integrated for biodiversity research. They found that higher data resolution is crucial for accurate studies, but detailed data often have smaller global availability and representativeness.
Research in mice reveals the existence of brain cells called hD2R neurons that curb an animal's impulse to eat. These cells play a role in regulating memory and are part of a larger brain circuit that promotes balanced eating.
Researchers at U of T Mississauga have identified SOX2 as a key regulator of the biological clock, responsible for coordinating gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The study found that mice lacking the SOX2 gene displayed disrupted circadian rhythms and irregular sleep patterns.
Researchers have captured high-speed videos of kangaroo rats defending themselves against rattlesnake attacks, showcasing their record-breaking reaction times and evasive maneuvers. The data suggest that the kangaroo rats' powerful legs and mid-air kicks allow them to avoid being envenomated.
A new study suggests that the brain uses sensory signals from the mouth and throat to temporarily quench thirst, but also relies on gut sensors to review this decision based on a drink's hydration potential. This helps regulate fluid balance within the body and may provide insights into diseases like high blood pressure.
Researchers studied 250 mammals in zoos to investigate the connection between digestive systems and resting postures. They found that body size plays a significant role in determining the animals' resting posture, with larger animals more likely to lie on their sides and smaller ones on their chests.
Researchers at Oxford University have developed a method to produce eggs from ovarian tissue in labs, providing new hope for the critically endangered Northern White Rhino. The technique could enable conservationists to pull species back from extinction by utilizing ovarian tissue from old or injured animals.
Research suggests genetic tagging is a powerful tool for ecology and conservation, providing non-invasive methods to track animal populations. The method offers benefits over traditional approaches, such as scalability, precision, and cost-effectiveness.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that people who feed birds notice natural changes in their backyards and respond to these events. Most often, they take action against cats or sick birds, but some also adjust their feeding habits based on weather conditions.
Researchers found that the carnivorous waterwheel plant catches a wide variety of prey, including fast-swimming animals and slow-moving snails. The plant's diverse diet may be an adaptation to its fragmented habitats.
Damage to parts of the orbitofrontal cortex increases defensive responses to threats in monkeys. The study suggests that specific symptoms of anxiety disorders may arise from dysfunction in distinct subregions of OFC.
Researchers found that low-dose BPA exposure during gestation alters circadian rhythms, leading to increased activity and disrupted daily patterns in mice. This study suggests a potential contributing factor to hyperactivity observed in BPA-exposed mice.
Research found that females who received assistance from other female helpers benefitted from a longer, healthier lifespan. The findings provide insight into why social species often have longer lifespans, and suggest cooperative breeding may be key to ageing slower.
A study conducted at the University of Toronto found that elevation plays a major role in determining which species can survive as human land use changes. The research suggests that species in highland areas are more likely to go extinct when forests are cut down, while lowland species can adapt and thrive in warmer environments.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh has successfully restored fertility in a non-human primate model using cryopreserved immature testicular tissue. The breakthrough, reported in Science, offers new hope for childhood cancer survivors who are at risk of infertility due to chemotherapy or radiation.
A new study reveals that high numbers of tourists can lead to aggressive behavior in free-ranging African elephants. Elephant herds are more likely to move away from multiple vehicles and tourist areas when stressed by human presence.
A team of researchers detected the Zika virus in feces of nonhuman primates in South America, revealing potential reservoirs. The study used a novel method to collect and test fecal samples, overcoming previous limitations in testing for the virus in other bodily fluids.
A new study reveals that blackpoll warblers breed in western North America may migrate up to 12,400 miles roundtrip each year, crossing the entire continent before making a nonstop trans-ocean flight. The research provides detailed data on the species' migration routes and stopover locations.
Researchers found a wide variety of different forelimb shapes evolved within the therapsids 270 million years ago. This discovery helps explain how mammals evolved traits that have made us what we are today, from simple tasks like holding a phone to more complex behaviors.
A new study published in PLOS ONE has found that parrots in San Francisco's Telegraph Hill are being poisoned by bromethalin, a common rat poison. The research team detected the toxin in brain, liver, and fecal samples of affected birds, suggesting they may be ingesting a sublethal dose.
Scientists at University of Sydney have successfully used 50-year-old ram sperm to impregnate 34 Merino ewes, demonstrating the viability of long-term frozen storage. The resulting live birth rate was comparable to that of recently frozen semen.
Researchers found that when fewer mates were available for brown-headed nuthatches, these birds opted to stay home and help their parents or other adults raise their offspring. In areas with skewed sex ratios, more birds became helpers, including both males and females.
A team of researchers from Harvard University has discovered genetic switches that control the process of whole-body regeneration in animals. Using three-banded panther worms, they found that a non-coding DNA section activates a 'master control gene' called early growth response (EGR), which controls various processes by switching othe...
Research at Princeton University reveals that a DNA-building block limitation is key to embryo survival, preventing catastrophic development. Excess material leads to defective offspring.
New research from University of Wyoming scientists found that hungry moose are less likely to change their behavior to avoid wolves as winter progresses. Moose movements increased in early winter following encounters with wolves, but only when wolves were within a specific distance.
Researchers at WashU Medicine developed a pain killer that blocks kappa opioid receptors to restore motivation in rodents. The compound dampens the negative emotions associated with pain without causing euphoria, offering a potential approach to less addictive pain treatment.
A study by Cardiff University reveals that people and animals traveled extensive distances to participate in prehistoric feasting rituals near Stonehenge. The research found that pigs were sourced from locations as far away as Scotland and North East England.