Articles tagged with Animal Research
Researchers discovered that Anaplasma bacteria alter the microbiota of mouse and shrew spleens, changing bacterial compositions. The study highlights wild animals as potential reservoirs for tick-borne diseases with public health importance.
The journal has published 4103 articles, 45 newly described animal families, and 8977 species, with a focus on open access and collaboration. Recent issues include a study on mid-sized carnivores in urbanized Europe and the discovery of a new shrub frog species in China.
Researchers at University of Bath and Cardiff University have developed a novel switch to control genome editing, enabling reliable protein expression on demand. The switch uses a cheap, non-toxic amino acid as the control mechanism, addressing concerns over antibiotic resistance and 'leakiness'.
Isoxazoline drugs have been found to be effective against various disease vectors including multiple mosquito and sand fly genera. A single dose of less than 500 mg could yield insecticidal plasma concentrations for at least 2 months, suggesting potential use in controlling vector-borne diseases.
Researchers tracked biodiversity changes in North America over 50 years, finding significant differences based on geographic scale. The study highlights the need to consider multiple scales when assessing biodiversity in a rapidly changing world.
Researchers used human stem cells to restore heart function in monkeys with heart failure, finding that new muscle tissue had grown within damaged regions and restored heart function. The study suggests a potential treatment approach for people with heart failure.
Researchers found that early animals caused a decrease in oxygen levels and increase in carbon dioxide, leading to global warming. This process had a massive impact on the environment, contributing to mass extinctions during animal evolution's first 100 million years.
A study on ring-tailed lemurs found that physical injury alters their natural scents, making them detectable to others. This change in scent allows males to detect weakness and aggression from injured peers, leading to more competitive behavior.
Researchers have discovered ancient Moroccan dental remains that shed light on the history of long-lost African fauna, including embrithopods. The fossilized teeth belong to two new species in the genus Stylolophus and provide evidence for the early evolution of these mammals.
Research found inbred beetles made bad decisions in response to environmental changes, leading to reduced offspring survival and increased risk of extinction. The study suggests impaired thinking ability may contribute to this poor decision-making.
Researchers at University at Buffalo developed a system for autonomous robots to behave like beavers, using surroundings to build complex structures and overcome obstacles. The robot continuously monitors and modifies its environment to create ramps and overcome uneven terrain.
Researchers found that creating a mild inflammatory response improves a rat's ability to relearn motor skills after a spinal cord injury. This discovery could have significant impact on treating nervous system injuries in the future.
Research shows that illegal lynx hunting is a major factor in declining populations in the Šumava national park, with mortality rates increasing from 3-4% to 15-20% between 1998-2014. The study suggests that stopping hunting and preserving habitats are crucial to maintaining the population.
A study found that Yellowstone wolves primarily hunt at dawn and dusk, allowing elk to access risky areas during nightly lulls. This challenges the idea that predators create a 'landscape of fear' in prey populations.
A study by University of Lincoln found that young turtle doves fed on seeds from non-cultivated arable plants outsurvived those relying on human-provided seeds. The research suggests conservation strategies should include providing anthropogenic seeds for adults early in the breeding season.
Researchers at Lund University found that certain nocturnally migrating insects can explore and navigate using the Earth's magnetic field. The study used a flight simulator with a system of magnetic coils to investigate how the Bogong moth knows in which direction to fly, revealing its use of both visual landmarks and the magnetic field.
A new study from the University of Kansas reviewed data from 22 preclinical studies and 14 clinical studies, finding no significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety in humans. However, researchers suggest that probiotics may have potential benefits for anxiety and cognitive issues in the future.
A new study finds that swamp sparrows create time-honored song traditions by faithfully copying the most popular songs, with some lasting hundreds of years. The birds' cultural conformity generates extremely stable traditions in their bird song, rivaling those of humans.
A study found that individuals who perceive vegetarianism as a threat to their way of life tend to exclude certain animal categories from their moral circle. Human supremacy beliefs and perceived vegetarianism threat both predicted the exclusion of fewer animals, with stronger human supremacy beliefs leading to broader exclusions.
Scientists use AI-powered tool to track songbirds' arrival patterns in Alaska's North Slope, providing insights into their adaptation to hotter temperatures and more erratic weather. The study's findings suggest that birds may time their migrations to local conditions, including day length, rather than just temperature.
A University of Guelph study found residues of neonicotinoids in the livers of nearly 10% of wild turkey carcasses, suggesting that free-ranging animals are ingesting these insecticides. The researchers also discovered corn and soybean seeds coated with neonicotinoids in some birds' digestive systems.
Researchers have mapped the feeling of cool touch to the brain's insula in a mouse model, providing an experimental model for studying conditions like pain and hypersensitivity. The study found that the region was activated in mice with functional TrpM8 receptors, suggesting a highly specific response to cold exposure.
Research suggests that smarter animals are more likely to cause conflicts with humans as they learn to exploit resources and evade deterrents. This includes learning to avoid human-made barriers and accessing restricted areas.
Two new Ediacaran era fossil animals, Obamus coronatus and Attenborites janeae, have been discovered by a UC Riverside-led team. These soft-bodied creatures represent the dawn of animal life and were named after President Barack Obama and Sir David Attenborough, respectively.
A study using household surveys estimated that 9.26 million metric tons of wild-caught freshwater fish were consumed in low-income and middle-income countries, compared to the reported 5.6 metric tons. This represents a significant underreporting of global freshwater fish catches, with potential implications for food security and susta...
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new mechanism for transporting water to the brain, challenging the long-held belief that osmosis is responsible. The co-transporter process could potentially be targeted with medicine to treat conditions like brain haemorrhage and hydrocephalus.
Scientists from Institut Pasteur and partners have developed a cellular test to verify the safety of live vaccines like yellow fever vaccine. The 3D culture model, BBB-Minibrain, detects rare mutant particles with neuroinvasive properties, paving the way for reduced animal testing in quality control.
Researchers have uncovered five new species of snail-eating snakes with peculiar dining habits, which are considered endangered or vulnerable due to habitat destruction. The study presents a new evolutionary tree for the diverse group of snail eaters in Central and South America.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing computational models, human tissue-based assays, and other advanced systems to assess the toxicity of inhaled materials without using animals. These novel approaches aim to improve safety and regulatory compliance in industries such as pharmaceuticals and personal care.
A study published in Science Advances found that ancient agricultural activity caused significant changes to soil nutrients and plants, leading to a lasting effect on the environment. Researchers analyzed animal bones from 90 archaeological sites in Ireland and discovered an increase in deforestation and agriculture during the Bronze Age.
Researchers found that the vagus nerve's connection to the brain's memory center, hippocampus, plays a crucial role in spatial awareness and food recall. The study suggests that gut-brain axis may have been used by early humans as a navigational system, enabling them to remember food sources and return repeatedly.
A new study finds that blues and whites are worst for wildlife, while yellow, amber, and green are more benign. The research provides a method for developers and policymakers to choose wildlife-friendly lighting colors.
Scientists in South America are adopting human-specific approaches for biomedical research, utilizing in vitro technologies like iPSCs and organs-on-a-chip. This shift aims to replace animal models, improving health research and developing tailor-made treatments.
Researchers suggest smaller, controlled experiments could demonstrate vaccine effectiveness with as few as 200 animals. A larger-scale natural transmission experiment using vaccinated and unvaccinated cattle could provide robust evaluation of the efficacy and mode of action of vaccination.
A new study published in Biological Reviews analyzed over 300 statements about pterosaur diets and found that most are based on inferences drawn from modern organisms or fossil environments. This lack of reliable evidence has led to a wide range of proposed diets, with some groups showing strong agreement while others remain uncertain.
A study published in Neuron has found that a neural precursor protein called PRDM16 plays a crucial role in shaping the organization of the cerebral cortex. The researchers discovered that when PRDM16 is active, it helps to regulate the migration of neurons and their ultimate positioning in the cortex.
A new study exposes the widespread practice of killing aquatic mammals like dolphins, sea lions, and otters for use as bait in global fisheries. The review highlights that more than 40 species have been utilized as bait since 1970, with over 80% deliberately killed for at least one fishery.
Researchers have found that fur seals spend most of their lives in the water and go without REM sleep for days or weeks, suggesting a functional connection between REM sleep and brain cooling. The study provides insight into the mysterious function of REM sleep and its potential role in regulating brain temperature.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed mathematical tools that determine when randomness emerges in stochastic systems, describing the kinetics before dissolving into randomness. The tools have potential to predict onset of chaos in nanoparticles to checking accounts.
Researchers found that appeals asking narcissists to put themselves in the recipient's circumstances were more effective at provoking concern and donations. The study, published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, suggests using vivid pictures and first-person stories to engage narcissistic donors.
Researchers at Kazan University's Department of Morphology and General Pathology are working on diagnostics and medication development for orphan diseases. The department aims to create medications to alleviate conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with a focus on rare genetic diseases.
An international team of academics reveals that turn-taking behaviour, a hallmark of human conversation, is remarkably widespread across the animal kingdom. The study proposes a new comparative framework for future research on turn-taking behaviour, which may shed light on the evolution of language.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that serotonin levels affect mice behavior when they believe there is a high probability of receiving a reward. When the reward timing was uncertain, serotonin stimulation increased mice's confidence in waiting for the reward, even if it took longer.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that mice housed in groups had better memories and healthier brains than those living in pairs. The study suggests that social connections can positively influence the aging brain and may be a key to preserving cognitive health.
Researchers used fruit flies to test the effects of TBX2 genetic variants in patients with congenital heart defects and skeletal abnormalities. The study found that the variants moderately affected eye development, retinal function, and lifespan in flies, suggesting their pathogenic potential.
A comprehensive analysis of fossil euarthropods suggests the 'Cambrian Explosion' was a gradual process, with the origin of animals dating back to around 550 million years ago. The study challenges two competing hypotheses on early animal evolution, presenting a middle-ground between slow and rapid evolution.
Researchers have discovered a previously undiscovered hepadnavirus in an immunocompromised cat and found it in banked feline blood samples. The virus is similar to the human hepatitis B virus and has been linked to liver cancers in other species.
Bats inhabit high altitudes, utilizing the troposphere as an important food source, but face threats from collisions with anthropogenic structures and light pollution. Conservation strategies, such as reducing wind power impacts and limiting artificial light emission, can help protect these habitats.
A new report reveals that limiting warming to 1.5°C would avoid half the risks associated with warming of 2°C for plants and animals, and two-thirds of the risks for insects. Species in Southern Africa, the Amazon, Europe, and Australia would particularly benefit.
Graptoloids' species evolution and extinction rates exhibit multimillion-year rhythms linked to periodic astronomical oscillations. Astronomical processes likely shaped the evolution of early complex life on Earth.
A recent study suggests that plants and animals in Latin America originated from the Amazon, highlighting a dynamic process of colonization and speciation. The research found that natural dispersal events played a crucial role in shaping the American tropics' exceptional biodiversity.
Researchers studied 4,450 species in American tropics, finding Amazonia as primary source of diversity, with over 2,800 lineages. The study highlights the role of dispersal in assembling regional biotas across Mesoamerica and northern South America.
Researchers studied rats' performance in a cognitive effort task, finding that brain regions involved in emotional responses and translating emotions into actions play key roles in decision-making. The study's findings have implications for understanding psychiatric disorders associated with defects in decision making.
Researchers challenge trophy hunting's effectiveness in wildlife conservation, citing moral concerns and advocating for ecotourism alternatives. They argue charging hunters to kill animals is a last resort rather than a fallback plan.
Researchers found that jackdaws respond to unique calls from fellow colony members and non-colony birds, but not female strangers. The size of the mob is influenced by caller characteristics and sex, highlighting individual bird discrimination.
A recent study funded by Morris Animal Foundation failed to find an effective nonsurgical contraceptive for free-roaming cats. Researchers tested GonaCon, a vaccine previously found promising in other species, but it only provided contraception for one year in 30 percent of treated cats.
A study found that female leopards have a significantly wider diet range than males, with a greater diversity of smaller prey species. This is thought to be due to the energy constraints and limited home ranges of females.
Researchers at Cornell University have combined weather radar and human observations to study bird migration patterns in North America. The study confirms key predictions of migration theory, including the role of body size, wind compensation, and behavioral shifts during migration.
Researchers warn that Alaska's songbird population may suffer significant losses if the invasive common cuckoo and oriental cuckoo expands its breeding range in the region. The cuckoos, known as brood parasites, lay their eggs in nests of other species, leading to the elimination of reproductive success for hosts.
Researchers used functional MRI to study Nile crocodiles and found that complex stimuli like classical music trigger activation patterns in the brain. This suggests that fundamental neuronal processing mechanisms of sensory stimuli formed at an early evolutionary stage.