Articles tagged with Animal Research
A study at the University of Pennsylvania found a significant increase in opioid prescriptions for small animals, driven by complex procedures and pain management needs. The results suggest that veterinary opioids could contribute to the human opioid epidemic if misused.
Researchers have discovered that fin whales may live in the Gulf of California year-round, with a resident population estimated to be between 100 and 700 individuals. The study suggests that the gulf provides an ideal habitat for the whales, allowing them to exploit a rich food source and potentially breed and calve.
Researchers found rutin reduces clotting and protects against snake venom's clotting action, minimizing bleeding and inflammation. Rutin inhibits tissue factor activity, a key player in the clotting process, to prevent secondary complications of viper bites.
A study comparing 100 venomous snake species found that venoms evolved to be more potent against closely related prey animals. The amount of venom also depends on size and environment, with terrestrial species having the most venom.
Researchers investigate the impact of skill levels on animal contests, focusing on hermit crab behavior. They aim to understand factors that influence fighting skill and its relationship with aggression, which can have implications for sports science and human training.
Researchers found that female Magellanic penguins are more likely to be stranded along the South American coast due to their northward migration. The study suggests that females are at greater risk of encountering threats such as water pollution and marine transport hazards, leading to increased stranding.
Researchers found that a specific set of genes and brain activity changes occurred in all species undergoing evolutionary transitions to monogamy, suggesting a universal formula for complex social behaviors. The study covers 450 million years of evolution, spanning multiple species, including mammals, birds, frogs, and fish.
A Tel Aviv University study has discovered the presence of microplastics and plastic additives in solitary ascidians along Israel's coastline. The research highlights the significant impact of human activities on marine life, with findings suggesting that these pollutants are present even in protected beaches.
A team of scientists has located the body's largest cell receptor, a mysterious structure that plays a crucial role in vitamin B12 absorption. The discovery, published in Nature Communications, sheds light on why people with specific genetic changes struggle to absorb the essential nutrient.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a novel method for counting Pacific salmon by analyzing DNA from the slime left behind in their spawning streams. This new approach, funded by The National Geographic Society, uses environmental DNA (eDNA) to accurately count fish in many more streams than currently monitored.
A team of neuroscientists and engineers has developed a tiny, implantable device that can detect overactivity in the bladder and use light to tamp down the urge to urinate. The device works in laboratory rats and may one day help people with incontinence or frequent urination needs.
Scientists at North Carolina State University and CDC develop technique to measure insecticide distribution on mosquito netting. This allows determination of how long the nets remain effective in killing mosquitoes.
Researchers developed LEAP, a neural network-based system that tracks individual body parts in video footage, enabling the study of animal behavior and neural processes. The tool has great potential outside of neuroscience, automating labor-intensive analysis to study diverse animal locomotor behaviors.
A new study reveals how the worm's digestive tract signals the brain when to linger in a plentiful spot. Researchers found that specialized nerve cells detect bacteria and release neurotransmitters to slow down or speed up locomotion.
The study reveals over 450 millipede fossils, including those from 13 main orders, with the oldest known fossils found within the studied amber. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of millipedes and their diversification over time.
New research by University of Alberta biologists found that wolves decrease their movement rates and travel shorter distances during snowfall events. The effects were most pronounced at night, when wolves hunt, and behavior returned to normal within a day.
A new study reveals a strong positive relationship between global extinction risk and the loss of forest intactness in bird distributions. Most global hotspots of restricted ranges now fall in degraded forests, highlighting the importance of restoring intactness to reduce extinction risk.
The study reveals that the two axonal fiber layers found in humans and monkeys also exist in ferrets, with different destinations in the brain. Additionally, a trace of axonal fiber bundles is found in mouse brains, suggesting evolution towards the second axonal fiber layer.
Geochemical analysis of fossil teeth reveals that prehistoric horses in coastal Florida lived and died within a small area, suggesting they were relatively sedentary. The study used strontium isotopes to track the animals' wanderings and found no evidence of epic migrations.
Researchers discovered that genetically vulnerable mice exposed to marijuana showed increased inflammation in brain cells linked to serious mental illnesses. The study suggests that marijuana's brain-damaging effects may be more pronounced in teens with a specific genetic mutation.
Researchers observed a hummingbird defending its nest against a caterpillar disguising itself as a snake, highlighting the complexity of animal interactions. A tiny robot designed to mimic a snake-like appearance could potentially test various responses from nesting birds and provide insights into defense mechanisms.
A study discovered that a microRNA cluster regulates synaptic strength and is involved in controlling social behavior in mammals. The researchers found that the absence of this microRNA cluster results in increased sociability in mice.
Researchers tested rats on GM maize MON 810 and NK603 for 6 months, using high-throughput biology techniques. No significant biological markers were found, and anatomic pathology examination revealed no alteration of organs. The study does not detect any harmful effects of the GMOs on rat health or metabolism.
A new drug candidate targeting a receptor in sarcoma cancer cells was found to be more than three times more effective than currently available drugs. The compound shrank tumors and hindered their ability to spread in mice and pigs, offering hope for a new treatment option.
Researchers found that high levels of oxygen encourage deep, restorative sleep by switching brains into a deactivated state. This stage is crucial for recovery, brain clearance, and memory consolidation, making it a key target for potential oxygen therapy in humans.
A new test method using lung lavage has been developed to improve tuberculosis diagnosis in rhinoceros, with minimal stress for the animals. The study found that lung fluids revealed only harmless mycobacteria, reducing the risk of false positives and improving animal welfare.
A new study from Lund University finds that heatwaves can lead to smaller offspring and lower survival chances for animals. Researchers observed that birds with easier access to cooling mechanisms have larger and more viable offspring.
Scientists have discovered red wolf genes in canids on Galveston Island, providing a potential reservoir for bolstering the North Carolina population. This finding is significant as it suggests that genetics from endangered species can be conserved through hybridization.
Researchers discovered that neurons in the motor cortex modify their activity as we reach and grasp for objects, allowing groups of neurons to work together to perform precise movements. This finding has significant implications for neuro-prosthetics and brain-computer interfaces.
The study found that animal-related injuries in the US result in over $5.9 billion in healthcare costs each year. The majority of these incidents are caused by smaller animals and insects, with dog bites, insect stings, and snake bites being among the most common causes.
A new study by the University of Konstanz and the University of Sussex found that animals can detect complex odor mixtures more quickly and reliably than individual pure compounds. This suggests that our olfactory systems may be better suited to handle mixed smells, which are a common aspect of our environment.
A new study reveals that animal movements can trigger direct or indirect feedback effects altering landscapes' capacity to absorb or release carbon. This integration of animal ecology and remote sensing can improve predictions and management of carbon cycling across ecosystems.
A new study reveals geckos use a unique combination of slapping, surface tension, and their superhydrophobic skin to scurry across the water's surface. This behavior is ideal for developing robots that can mimic the animal's aquatic agility in search and rescue missions.
A new study from the University of Washington and Stanford University reveals that global warming was the primary cause of the Permian mass extinction, which wiped out 80% of oxygen in the oceans. The research predicts that high-latitude species were nearly completely wiped out due to their high oxygen demands.
Otago researchers found a genetic factor, PLEKHG6, that drives unique aspects of brain development in primates and humans. This discovery could lead to better understanding of brain building and repair strategies.
Young aphids use this behavior to quickly return to a safe host plant after escaping from grazing animals. This helps them increase their chances of survival in hostile environments.
A new study suggests that real-world learning experiences, such as summer camps, can boost key components of learning in children. Researchers found that 4- to 9-year-old kids knew more about how animals are classified after a four-day camp at a zoo.
Researchers have developed a system that can decode neural activity in real-time, allowing them to understand how the brain represents space and navigate. This breakthrough enables new experiments on learning, memory, navigation, and cognition, opening doors to new insights.
A recent study has revealed that all seven species of sea turtles have ingested microplastics, with over 800 synthetic particles detected in just 102 turtles. The study's findings highlight the widespread presence of microplastics in marine ecosystems and raise concerns about their potential impact on turtle health.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology reveals that human environmental effects are favoring the same species everywhere, while unique species are disappearing. The researchers found that species occupying large areas tend to increase in places where humans use the land, while those species that occupy small areas are lost.
Researchers analyzed sperm from 58 South American rodents to find that distinct shapes can differentiate between closely related species. The study suggests that sperm shape may be an evolutionary advantage, providing a new method for identifying and conserving rodent species.
The PETA International Science Consortium and Epithelix award three researchers with 3D lung tissue models valued at up to $10,000 to study human respiratory health effects without harming animals. The tools will help accelerate the adoption of in vitro methods in inhalation testing.
A two-year study reveals pangolin hunting is a major conservation issue and devastating animal welfare concern in Assam. Interviews with local hunters found that pangolins are targeted for their scales, which are sold for a premium on the black market.
Researchers have developed an innovative 'elastic' contrast media that enhances MRI diagnostics without increasing contrast medium use. The new method utilizes a self-regulating protein structure that absorbs xenon to improve image quality, allowing for better detection of disease markers in low concentrations.
A reconciliation ceremony between the Kwaio community and Australian scientists has set a foundation for peace, collaborative research, and healing of historical trauma. The partnership, which began in 2015, involves the protection of Kwaio land for research and conservation entities, emphasizing local cultural processes.
A new study by Etienne Danchin and colleagues found that female fruit flies learn mating preferences from others and copy them when choosing a mate. This social learning can produce and maintain local traditions for potentially thousands of generations, with significant evolutionary implications.
Researchers simulated catastrophic environmental changes, leading to the extinction of all life. Co-extinctions amplify the effects of climate change, with a 5-6 degree warming globally enough to wipe out most life. This study warns humanity not to underestimate the impact of co-extinctions.
An Austrian-Danish research team discovered 44 new species of twirler moths in Europe, including 22 previously unknown species. The discovery highlights the need for further research into insect biology to identify their conservation status and preservation efforts.
Researchers demonstrate that fruit flies meet five criteria for culturally transmitted behavior: learned socially, copied from older individuals, memorized over time, involves individual characteristics, and conformist. Computer simulations also show the emergence of long-lasting cultural traditions through transmission chains.
The study estimates that by 2030, global fecal biomass could contain significant amounts of recoverable materials such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Animal waste from livestock outweighs human waste in many countries, posing a threat to public health.
Researchers developed a computer model that accurately identifies animal species in camera-trap images from across the US with a 97.6% accuracy rate, surpassing human volunteers.
Researchers discovered that ancient people used sophisticated astronomy to keep track of time, with dates accurate within 250 years. This advanced knowledge may have aided navigation and influenced prehistoric human migration.
A recent study has analyzed nearly 2,400 protein-coding genes to understand the family relationships and evolutionary history of Hemiptera insects. The findings reveal that piercing and sucking mouthparts likely evolved over 350 million years ago, providing insight into the group's diverse feeding strategies.
Researchers from Sechenov University found that the absence of cadherin 13 protein affects mice's response to early stress differently than its activation. This discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Research finds early human ancestors played no role in driving megaherbivore diversity, instead blaming environmental change and CO2 decline. The decline of these large mammals began 4.6 million years ago, before the emergence of tool-bearing hominin species.
Researchers developed a model predicting animal viruses capable of spreading among humans, highlighting potential targets for disease surveillance. The study identified 47 viruses with high transmissibility potential, including Carnivore amdoparvovirus 1 and Simian Foamy virus.
Researchers have developed a painless and efficient alternative to current treatment methods for eye diseases, using biodegradable microneedles that deliver drugs into the eye. The patch has been shown to be 90% more effective than eye drops in alleviating corneal vascularisation.
Researchers found that female birds-of-paradise prioritize a combination of characteristics, including the number of colors on a male's plumage and his singing ability. The study also revealed that males who display on the ground have more dance moves than those in trees or forest understories.
Researchers design robotic system inspired by jumping copepods and frogs, revealing the importance of body size and entrained water mass in achieving maximum jumping heights. The robot's limitations highlight the challenges of entering or exiting air-water interfaces.
A team from Arizona State University and Virginia Tech will work with 100 shelters to evaluate three types of fostering: check-outs, brief sleep-overs, and traditional foster experiences. The goal is to explore how to foster dogs most effectively and improve their adoption prospects.