Articles tagged with Animal Research
A recent study found that marketing insect-based food as pleasurable and enjoyable is more effective in changing attitudes towards these foods. The research team asked participants to view advertisements highlighting either the environmental or health benefits of insect-based food, or those promoting its taste and luxury.
Researchers at UNIGE discovered that African elephant skin channels are true fractures of the animal's brittle skin, created by local bending mechanical stress. This unique adaptation allows them to absorb and retain more water than flat surfaces, cooling down through evaporation.
A new mathematical model describes the distribution of sensory errors in learning, revealing that animals explore and track a range of possibilities to compensate for variabilities. The study found that birds combine their hypotheses with new information from their ears while singing, surprisingly accurately.
A study by Oxford University found that individual personalities of male great tits influence their bonding with future breeding partners. Bold, proactive males choose partners sooner and invest more effort in relationships before breeding begins.
A new study published in the journal Science reveals that killer whale populations are severely affected by PCBs, with over half of studied populations showing significant declines. The research predicts that these populations may disappear within 30-50 years if current levels of pollution persist.
A new study reveals that Hox genes play a role in regulating the body plan of radially symmetrical animals like sea anemones. The research found that disrupting Hox gene function led to defects in segmentation and tentacle patterning, suggesting an ancestral role for these genes in controlling body development.
Researchers describe new species Ledumahadi mafube, a giant relative of Brontosaurus that walked on all fours. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of sauropods and reveals that massive body sizes were possible in early four-legged dinosaurs.
A new vaccine against deadly foal pneumonia has been developed after decades of research, with the potential to save thousands of foals' lives. The vaccine protects against Rhodococcus equi infection, which can cause severe pneumonia and fatality rates ranging from 20% to 40%.
A mathematical model by BfR reveals that publishing all studies, regardless of results, accelerates knowledge acquisition and reduces unnecessary follow-up studies. Using more test animals in a single experiment increases the likelihood of achieving correct and reproducible results.
Developed by City University of Hong Kong, the mini delivery-robot can carry heavy loads and adapt to adverse environments. Its unique design with hundreds of pointed legs reduces friction significantly, enabling efficient movement inside the human body.
Researchers at Purdue University have found that red and blue LED lights can lead some birds to fly away, potentially preventing bird strikes. The study used a single-choice test to measure avoidance behavior in brown-headed cowbirds.
Scientists find DEET confuses critters by messing with neurons that help sense surroundings. Researchers also discover genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying response to the chemical.
Researchers analyzed the motion of lizards to develop new insights into bipedal locomotion. The study found that some species run bipedally sooner than expected, thanks to tail movement, which could improve obstacle negotiation for robots.
A team of scientists has identified a molecule called SynuClean-D that can inhibit the aggregation of alpha-synuclein protein, a key contributor to Parkinson's disease. By administering SynuClean-D to Caenorhabditis elegans worms, researchers were able to reduce alpha-synuclein aggregations and prevent neural degeneration.
Researchers at ZSL's Institute of Zoology have reclassified the world's largest bird as a distinct species, Vorombe titan. The giant elephant birds, thought to be extinct for over 1000 years, had unexpected diversity across three genera and four distinct species.
A team of scientists discovered why brown tree snakes have become successful invasive species by studying their toxin and biology. The snakes' venom is 100 times more toxic to birds than mammals and was responsible for devastating native bird populations on Guam.
The Atlantic Forest's biodiversity loss is attributed to 500 years of human disturbance, with more than half of local species assemblages disappearing since the 1500s. Apex predators and large herbivores are among the groups whose numbers have suffered most due to farming, logging, and fires.
Researchers identified SynuClean-D as a potential therapeutic for neurodegeneration, which disrupts amyloid fibrils and inhibits alpha-synuclein aggregation. The compound reversed degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in animal models, offering hope for halting Parkinson's disease-related neurodegeneration.
Researchers discovered termite populations with all-female colonies that can successfully reproduce and maintain social order without males. Queens in these colonies had empty spermathecae, indicating no fertilization of eggs.
New evidence supports the idea that fruits develop eye-catching colors to attract animal dispersers. Fruits eaten by mammals have higher reflectance in the green spectrum, while those dispersed by birds reflect more in the red. The study also found a link between fruit color and environmental factors such as UV light.
Researchers discover birds evolved a new vocal organ, syrinx, instead of modifying an existing one. The syrinx raises questions about changes in bird vocalization over time and sheds light on mechanisms driving new structure development.
The Morris Animal Foundation is providing $850,000 in grants to support critical health challenges facing wildlife, including lead poisoning and a newly discovered cancer. These studies will help ensure the survival of endangered species through improved veterinary care and disease prevention.
Researchers from NUST MISIS and TU Dortmund University developed a technology to study orthopedic implants in laboratory conditions close to the human body without involving lab animals. The technology uses biomimetic UHMWPE and synthetic plasma to accelerate wear tests, allowing for predictions of implant life.
Researchers found that mammal backbones gained distinct regions during evolution, enabling adaptation to various lifestyles such as running, flying, and digging. The study analyzed fossil records and living animals' vertebrae, challenging the notion of specialization in early land animals.
Scientists have discovered molecules of fat in an ancient fossil, confirming that animals existed on Earth 558 million years ago. The discovery of the strange creature Dickinsonia, which grew up to 1.4 meters in length, reveals a long-standing mystery about its true identity.
Researchers have identified biomarkers in Dickinsonia fossils, confirming it as an early animal and challenging previous interpretations. The findings suggest complex organisms emerged over 542 million years ago, paving the way for the Cambrian explosion of life.
Researchers analyzed fossilized backbones and reconstructions to better understand the evolution of mammals' distinct spinal regions. The study found that forelimb reorganization played a crucial role in driving regionalization across the spine, leading to the varied forms of modern mammals.
Researchers analyzed fossilized Mesosaurus bones to determine the species' lifestyle and behavior. The findings suggest that mature adults spent more time on land, while juveniles were semi-aquatic.
Researchers found that giant jararacas are more abundant in an urban park with fewer predators than a nearby nature reserve. The study suggests that the lesser presence of predators is the key factor explaining this phenomenon.
Researchers estimate 4 billion birds migrate through the US each year, with an average return rate of 76% for short-distance migrants and 64% for long-distance migrants. The study reveals that tropical wintering species survive better than those in the US, despite longer migrations.
A new study reveals that getting smaller was crucial for mammalian evolution, reducing jaw stresses while maintaining feeding power. The research used CT scans and computer simulations to analyze fossil skulls and lower jaws, providing a new explanation for the mammalian jaw's unique structure.
A new framework outlines how to measure key characteristics of animals and plants to inform policymakers' decisions. The study aims to provide data-driven insights into species' responses to climate change, habitat loss, and other human impacts.
Researchers found that re-engaging the brain immediately after injury can help recover from brain damage or stroke faster. The study suggests that other primitive brain regions may be involved in touch perception and that patients could benefit from earlier reintroduction to activities.
Researchers created a database of over 500 dragonfly specimens and developed an algorithm to differentiate unique wing shapes. They found similarities in distribution across families and species, proposing a developmental model for pattern formation involving inhibitory signals and random zone emergence.
A new study confirms that three viable explanations exist for detection dogs collecting non-target scat, including natural behaviors of non-target species altering the genetic profile of target scat. This finding has important implications for conservation projects using scat-detection dogs to track animal populations.
The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument is a critical hotspot of biodiversity, with an aerial survey revealing over 600 animal sightings in just four hours. The monument's protected resource status is under review by the Trump administration.
Researchers developed an autonomous, free-flying robot that mimics fruit flies' aggressive escape manoeuvres, demonstrating exceptional flight qualities and power efficiency. The DelFly Nimble has a top speed of 25 km/h and can perform agile maneuvers, making it suitable for future applications in drone technology.
Researchers have found that BPA replacements in plastics cause reproductive problems in lab mice, including chromosomally abnormal eggs and sperm. The study suggests that exposure to these chemicals could carry over to future generations through their effects on the germline.
Ecologists from UMass Amherst report documenting rare Asian wild goat species markhor and Siberian ibex in northern Afghanistan. The species are found along the Amu Darya River, with populations declining due to hunting, making conservation efforts necessary.
Researchers found that Corexit 9500 caused negative effects on Eastern oysters, affecting their immune functions and feeding rates. The study highlights the importance of considering the impact of oil dispersants on marine species.
Researchers found evidence of captive jaguar and puma in ancient Mesoamerica, used in rituals and trade networks across the region. Stable isotope analysis suggests some animals originated from distant regions, confirming earlier research on animal captivity and trade.
A new study published in mSphere found that FMDV carriers can transmit the virus to naïve animals under controlled conditions. The findings impact global foot-and-mouth disease management and highlight the need for better vaccines to prevent carrier states.
Scientists from TUM discovered that individual nerve cells create parallel connections to three areas of the brain, establishing feedback loops that reinforce salient stimuli while suppressing others. This automatic attention control mechanism is also shared by humans, revealing insights into perception and consciousness.
Researchers discovered that mice lacking a key gene, CMAH, can run stronger and longer with less fatigue. This gene loss may have contributed to humanity's ability to run long distances relatively tirelessly.
Biologists have discovered that amphipods carry pteropods piggyback to avoid predators, but these pteropods starve due to limited access to food. The association may provide protection for both animals, but its benefits are still unclear.
New research found that for every one-degree-Celsius increase in temperature, mountaintop species shift upslope by 100 metres, resulting in shrinking inhabited areas and dramatic population declines. This supports predictions of extinctions among top species due to global warming.
A University of Exeter study found captive flamingos engage in significant foraging and roam more widely at night compared to daytime hours. The birds tend to be more active at night, mirroring their natural behavior in the wild, suggesting an innate need to remain active.
Researchers found a decline in snakebites during droughts and an increase after rainy periods. Climate change exacerbates extreme weather events, leading to more snakebites.
A team of scientists found that big game animals like bighorn sheep and moose learn to migrate by passing cultural knowledge across generations. The researchers used GPS tracking data to show that translocated animals took decades to learn how to navigate their new habitats, and those that did became more likely to migrate.
A study at the University of Exeter found that larger garden birds, such as house sparrows and greenfinches, dominate access to better food sources like sunflower hearts. Smaller bird species like blue tits and coal tits face limited access to quality food, pecking quickly to make the most of their time.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine found significant differences in male and female mice microglia structure and function. Male microglia are more active and respond differently to injury, but may also be less protected against environmental insults.
Research team analyzed thousands of features across all living animal groups to create a 'shape space' for animal body plans. The results show that fundamental evolutionary change occurred in fits and starts, with animal designs continuing to evolve to the present day.
Gonorrhea is a rapidly worsening public health threat with over 550,000 new cases reported in 2017 and global yearly incidence estimated at 106.1 million cases. Researchers warn that animal models, like mouse models, may not accurately reflect the infection's severity or human immune responses.
Researchers found that a single dose of cannabidiol eliminated symptoms of depression in rats and maintained benefits for up to seven days. The study's findings suggest that cannabidiol rapidly triggers neuroplastic mechanisms to repair damaged neuronal circuitry, providing new hope for treating broad-spectrum depression.
Researchers found that dominant meerkat breeders exhibit accelerated aging due to the physical and social stresses of leadership, yet they consistently outlive their subordinate counterparts. This study suggests that being a dominant breeder is key to longevity in meerkats.
A new study predicts that rising insect populations will lead to significant crop losses due to increased metabolic rates and population growth with temperature. Global yield losses for major crops are expected to increase by 10-25% per degree of surface warming, threatening the already fragile global food supply.
A new study has developed highly sensitive and specific assays to detect infectious agents in pigs, a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of xenotransplantation. The assays were validated on over 300 pig specimens and showed promising results, suggesting they can identify potential pathogens in donor pigs.
Researchers created a new algorithm to safely herd flocks of birds away from airports, reducing bird strikes and potential damages. The drone-based system successfully diverted entire flocks without fragmenting their formation.
A recent study found that Fiordland penguins travel up to 7,000km in just eight weeks to reach sub-Antarctic waters for food. The authors believe the birds may be following an instinct rather than a need to forage in this region.
Researchers identified two essential genes involved in regulating REM sleep duration in mice. The knockout of these genes resulted in drastically decreased REM sleep and altered sleep patterns. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying REM sleep, a crucial aspect of maintaining mental and physical health.