Articles tagged with Animal Research
A recent study found that tree swallow females who absorbed a stress hormone through their skin had lower survival rates and smaller offspring. Another study showed that birds with stronger stress responses were more susceptible to lingering effects of stress.
A new study published in EClinicalMedicine found that the loss of treated bed nets between mass campaigns significantly increases malaria transmission. Continuous distribution approaches can help maintain access to effective nets.
A study published in Frontiers in Zoology found that traffic noise may contribute to aging in Zebra finches, with birds exposed after fledging having shorter telomeres. The researchers suggest that this period is critical for song learning and development, making birds more sensitive to noise.
Researchers discovered a brain-heart biomarker that can identify mice at risk of developing post-cerebral malaria epilepsy. This finding could translate to humans and improve therapeutic approaches for patients recovering from traumatic brain injury or stroke, which are estimated to develop epilepsy in up to 15 percent of survivors.
A study by Duke University researchers shows that slow and steady animals actually have a faster average speed over their lifetimes than fast but erratic ones. The analysis also applies to modern aircraft design, where jet fighters are surprisingly slow when averaged over their service lifetime.
Researchers have successfully created 3D human liver tissue from human stem cells and implanted it into mice with liver disease, demonstrating improved liver function. The study showcases a promising approach to developing human liver tissue implants that could reduce the need for animal testing.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation - Insight found that cardio exercise increases the production of the hormone FGF21, which has positive effects on metabolism. In contrast, strength training with weights had no significant impact on this hormone or another muscle-building hormone called FGF19.
A recent EU research project ALEC found that all age groups have declined in starting to smoke except for 11-15 year olds, who increased significantly over the last decade. Young women in Western Europe are particularly at risk, with 40 per 1000 starting to smoke annually.
Researchers found that martens on Isle Royale were genetically linked to populations in Ontario, suggesting they arrived in the 1990s. The population's low genetic diversity indicated a severe bottleneck, with estimates suggesting two individuals repopulated the island just before their reappearance in 1993.
A study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that fresh and raw diets for dogs can be more digestible than traditional kibble, leading to lower blood triglyceride levels. The diets also showed major shifts in the microbiota of the dogs' gut, but all diets were considered healthy and palatable.
A recent study published in Nature found that even small groups of genetically identical ants exhibit greater stability and division of labor when compared to solitary individuals. This research challenges the long-held assumption that competition is more attractive than collaboration when resources are scarce.
A new paper uses social and ecological theory to analyze human-black bear conflicts in Colorado, highlighting the importance of understanding both animal and human behavior. By incorporating efforts to study humans alongside animals, researchers can better address conservation challenges.
Researchers at the University of Illinois created a unique study environment for cats to advance science and test an injectable contraceptive vaccine. The hybrid facility, dual-licensed as a USDA research facility and animal shelter, provided enriching conditions with furniture, toys, and outdoor enclosure.
Researchers at USC have found that the Southern California coast has some of the world's highest concentrations of domoic acid, a neurotoxin produced by microscopic algae. The study suggests that man-made sources of nutrients and environmental conditions contribute to the formation of algal blooms.
Researchers at the University of Leicester conducted longitudinal ultrasound studies on mice with vascular disease to track disease progression. The study showed that ultrasound imaging can detect early changes in blood vessel function that may serve as a marker for detection of disease.
ReMix uses wireless signals to pinpoint the location of ingestible implants inside the body with centimeter-level accuracy. This technology has the potential to improve proton therapy cancer treatment by allowing doctors to track tumors in real-time and deliver targeted radiation.
Researchers discovered that neonatal pig hearts can functionally and structurally recover from experimental heart attacks. The ability to regenerate heart muscle is short-lived, disappearing by day three after birth.
Researchers studied the skin microbiome of eastern massasauga snakes to understand how environmental microbial communities promote disease resistance. Infection with snake fungal disease alters the bacterial and fungal diversity of infected snakes, making them more susceptible to the pathogen.
A new class of proteins called E3 ubiquitin ligases has been shown to reduce drug-seeking behaviors in a preclinical study. Smurf1, one of these proteins, is targeted to prevent cocaine addiction relapse.
Researchers found that fruit fly wings are not optimized for aerodynamics but rather help detect scents, which is crucial for survival. The wings' unique motion 'scoops' streams of odor right to the insect's antennae, enabling it to find food and mates.
Dr Ariana Strandburg-Peshkin has established the first Gips-Schüle Junior Research Group at the University of Konstanz, researching animal social networks and collective behaviour. With €875,000 funding over five years, her team aims to characterize and understand these complex systems.
New study finds that 40% of plant material is removed by insects and fungi each year, supporting diverse communities of organisms. Contrary to expectations, plants don't face trade-offs in defending themselves against different consumers, with some species protected against everything and others devoured.
Researchers found that marine mammals lost the functional Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene, which protects land-dwelling mammals from pesticides. This loss may have allowed marine mammals to adapt to a marine environment, but also makes them vulnerable to organophosphate poisoning.
Researchers found a new approach to stop Ebola virus by disabling its infection machinery and boosting the immune system. Nine antibodies that protect mice without neutralizing in test tubes were identified, offering hope for therapeutic cocktails.
A recent study surveyed university counseling centers about student requests for letters to allow emotional support animals, finding that most schools struggle with handling such requests. The research also explores the role of courthouse dogs in providing emotional support to witnesses, but raises concerns about their impact on trials.
Researchers at MIT found that stimulating the caudate nucleus, a brain region linked to emotional decision-making, induces animals to make more negative decisions. The study suggests that this type of pessimistic thinking could influence approach-avoidance decision-making and may be related to depression and anxiety.
Working memory is a crucial aspect of cognitive function, and researchers are trying to understand its underlying mechanisms. A recent study suggests that brief, coordinated bursts of neural activity may be essential for maintaining working memory. This finding challenges the traditional view that neurons fire continuously during this ...
Researchers created a comprehensive family tree and atlas of mammals, connecting nearly 6,000 living and recently extinct species. The database includes human-induced regional range losses and provides new baselines for restoration, changing scientists' beliefs about what is 'natural' or not.
A global study using camera trap data found that large-bodied mammalian carnivores exclude other carnivore species, shaping local communities. This leads to a chain reaction affecting prey species, plant communities, and even insect populations.
Researchers from four international universities analyzed cichlid fish DNA to understand the formation of new species. They found that hybridization between species led to rapid evolution and adaptation, boosting innovation and species development.
A new study by the University of York found that dilute concentrations of Prozac make female starlings less attractive to males during courtship. The researchers discovered increased male aggression towards females receiving the medication, leading to a higher risk of mate failure and population decline.
A highly flexible and stretchable sensor can measure blood flow in brain aneurysms, reducing the need for expensive diagnostic procedures. The sensor uses capacitance changes to detect fluid flow, enabling real-time monitoring of hemodynamics after surgery.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health successfully guided the regrowth of missing bone in lab animals using chemically coated ceramic implants. The implants, made from beta tricalcium phosphate and dipyridamole, were naturally absorbed by the test animals' bodies as new bone gradually replaced the devices.
Scientists found aphids change the quality of plant sap depending on the infested plant part, benefiting from these changes. This 'niche construction' enables aphids to thrive on specific host plants.
Researchers identified 27 unique amino acid replacements in 27 different proteins of hot-spring snakes, which were associated with functions like immunity and DNA repair. These mutations enable the snakes to thrive under extreme conditions such as intense radiation and hypoxia.
In a recent study, biologists found that great tits possess remarkable impulse control, beating 80% of attempts to access food in a test. This cognitive ability surpasses many other animals and is comparable to intelligent species like ravens and chimpanzees.
A human study found that short training sessions spaced out over weeks improved retention of arbitrary associations, unlike a single 20-minute session. Neuroimaging data showed increased brain engagement in learning-related regions.
New studies demonstrate that chemical exposure can alter animal behaviour, impacting food chains. Researchers designed experiments using amphipods to investigate effects of tank size and shape on exploratory behaviours, finding variations between species in response to light stimuli.
Engineers at Rice University have developed methods to study the neural patterns driving muscle movements in freshwater hydrae, a species that appears ageless and can regenerate its body parts. By analyzing neural activity and muscle responses, the team hopes to uncover similarities with other animals and gain insights into their nervo...
Researchers found no evidence that a single mosquito species is vital to the ecosystem, reducing its removal would not significantly impact local animals. Locally eliminating this mosquito could drastically cut cases of malaria, but more research is needed.
Researchers found that sperm's small RNA from the epididymis plays a crucial role in embryo development, and changes to this RNA can affect implantation rates. The study provides new insights into paternal contributions to offspring and has implications for assisted reproduction.
New research reveals that night-time lighting from streetlights and other sources can change the way different species interact. Low levels of artificial lighting enhance the hunting advantage of parasitoid wasps, leading to a reduction in aphid populations.
Researchers found that survivors had larger toe pads on forelimbs and hindlimbs compared to pre-storm populations. Survivors also had proportionately longer fore legs and shorter back legs with smaller bodies. These findings suggest natural selection favors certain characteristics in response to extreme weather events.
Researchers at Swansea University have identified a new species of venomous snake found only in Australia. The Weipa bandy-bandy, a small black and white banded snake, poses no risk to humans but its venom may hold potential for future drug developments.
Golden-crowned sparrows have different ways to assess dominance status depending on whether the interaction is with a familiar bird or a stranger. With familiar birds, social recognition governs dominance relationships, while with strangers, crown plumage takes center stage.
Researchers have developed a hybrid origami drone that can switch between stiff and flexible structures depending on the situation. The drone's unique structure allows it to absorb shock upon impact, reducing damage and increasing safety.
Researchers created a female mouse model with limited MECP2 gene expression, extending lifespan and reducing symptoms. The study suggests that partial reactivation of the inactive X chromosome may be therapeutic for Rett syndrome.
Researchers from the Santa Fe Institute developed a new algorithm called SpringRank that analyzes wins and losses in networks to predict outcomes. The algorithm outperformed others in efficiency and accuracy, even when applied to diverse datasets such as NCAA basketball teams and animal social behaviors.
A new study published in EcoHealth confirms that plague vaccine bait is safe for thousands of small rodents, including mice species, without apparent ill effects. The findings support the use of this vaccine bait to help recover endangered black-footed ferrets and protect prairie dog populations from plague.
A review of available evidence suggests that older children who abuse animals are two to three times as likely to have been abused themselves. Girls are less likely to engage in animal abuse, but when they do, child abuse may be more prevalent.
Researchers found that tree shrews have a unique mutation in their TRPV1 ion channel, which lowers sensitivity to capsaicinoids, allowing them to consume chili peppers. This adaptation is thought to be driven by strong selection for this residue due to its prevalence in spicy plants.
Researchers at Oregon State University identified a previously unknown contact zone between the northern and southern Rocky Mountain lineages of American pikas. The discovery suggests that the subspecies are interbreeding, which has important implications for conservation and management.
Researchers found that sodium nitroprusside prevented behavioral alterations associated with schizophrenia in rats, suggesting a potential preventive treatment for young people at risk. The study used an animal model that mimics the condition in children and adolescents considered at risk for development of the disease in adulthood.
A study published in Toxicological Sciences suggests that computer algorithms can predict toxic properties of chemicals more accurately than standard animal tests. The researchers developed a large database of known chemicals and used machine-learning algorithms to create a map of chemical structures and their associated toxic properties.
Researchers use drones to remotely photograph wilderness areas, then analyze images using object recognition software and verified by humans. The AI system learns to distinguish wildlife from inanimate features, making it possible to cover vast areas economically.
A new study by neuroscientists at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory helps explain why strong synapses are stronger. The team found that strong active zones have higher calcium ion channels and more of the protein Bruchpilot, which clusters these channels, maximizing signal transmission. By studying how strong synapses dev...
Researchers from Harvard University and others demonstrated that deep learning can identify animal images with 99.3% accuracy, automating a laborious process. The technology has the potential to revolutionize fields like wildlife ecology and conservation.
Insectivorous birds consume between 400 and 500 million metric tonnes of insects per year, mainly beetles, flies, and other arthropods. This helps keep plant-eating insect populations under control, supporting forest ecosystems.
A comparative study found that rats use a different approach to solve visual discrimination tasks compared to shrews, monkeys, and humans. Researchers suggest that this difference may indicate distinct brain function in rats.
Researchers have found that widespread transfer of genes between species has radically changed the genomes of today's mammals. L1 and BovB jumping genes were transferred between 759 species across various domains of life, including plants, animals, fungi, reptiles, and insects.