Articles tagged with Animal Research
Researchers analyzed cattle teeth and bones to uncover diverse farming strategies. The study reveals that Neolithic farmers implemented parallel strategies for grazing cattle, including keeping some close to settlements and others in distant pastures.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide and Lund University have discovered brain cells that enable dragonflies to predict the movement of their prey, allowing them to hunt successfully. This knowledge could lead to advances in fields like robot vision and artificial intelligence.
A team of researchers from Monash University has identified the Nkx2.5 gene as a key regulator of wing development in emus. This discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of limb reduction and may have implications for human limb development, particularly in individuals born with limb abnormalities.
Researchers found a molecular link between obesity, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. Targeting thrombin with dabigatran protected mice from diet-induced obesity-related disease.
Researchers at Wayne State University are developing new therapeutic treatments and targets for environmental remediation for cholera using a zebrafish animal model. The goal is to better understand the infectious cycle and genes involved in causing the disease.
Researchers found that northern elephant seal males use the memory of rhythmic patterns to identify rival calls, distinguishing between subtle changes in tempo and tone. This ability is crucial for their survival, allowing them to choose strategies in mating and territorial battles.
A recent study found that air travel stress has no effect on search and rescue dog job performance, but alters the canine microbiome. Despite physiological impacts, dogs overcome stress to save lives.
Researchers predict that 54% of English species can expand their populations into new areas, while 27% may not find suitable climate in existing sites. The study highlights the need to protect and enhance habitats for species to colonize new areas.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have made a breakthrough in human in vitro fertilization (IVF) after discovering a method to improve success rates in pigs. By adding specific growth factors to a special liquid medium, they were able to increase efficiency and quality of embryos, potentially reducing costs for IVF treatments.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism for silencing imprinted genes in cells, which could shed light on developmental disorders such as Angelman syndrome. The discovery also raises questions about the difficulty of cloning mammals, with potential implications for treating developmental failures.
Researchers at UNC and NC State found that acetylation promotes TDP-43 clumping in animals, leading to muscle degeneration. In mouse models, reversing protein clumping prevented sIBM-related muscle weakness, offering potential therapy reversal.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a unique combination of hormone-based drugs that can produce enhanced weight loss in obese animals. The study found that cycling through different drug therapies over a month led to greater body weight loss compared to single-drug treatments.
A research team has developed a universal model that accurately estimates the maximum speed of any animal, regardless of size or species. The model, which uses only an animal's weight and medium of movement, was tested on extinct dinosaur species and found to match complex simulations.
Researchers at UNIST have sequenced the whole genome of the Myotis rufoniger, a critically endangered bat species, to understand its genetic basis. The study provides valuable insights into the species' demographic history, genomic diversity, and evolutionary origins.
Researchers surveyed an environmentally protected area in southeastern Brazil and found over 1% of dogs and some opossums carry the parasite responsible for deadly leishmaniasis. The study also identified six species of sand flies that can transmit the disease.
Researchers discovered a neural circuit in mice that enhances social dominance, boosting chances of becoming an alpha male during aggressive encounters. Stimulating this circuit increased the mouse's winning rate to 90% without affecting motor performance or anxiety levels.
A recent study found that stress can amplify the health effects of toxic chemical exposure, leading to higher risks of low birth weight babies. The research suggests that poverty-related stress may make people more susceptible to environmental health hazards, highlighting an important consideration for policymakers and regulators.
Researchers have identified a rare pterosaur pelvis in Alberta's Dinosaur Provincial Park, showing that these ancient reptiles were well adapted for walking on land. The study provides evidence that azhdarchids likely used their powerful hindlimbs to transport themselves on the ground.
A new gene-editing technology, ReMOT Control, is being developed by a Penn State-led team to enable researchers to study gene function in diverse arthropod species. This method breaks down barriers to genetic modification, allowing for accurate and precise studies of gene function.
Researchers found that half of ships passing through Israel's Mediterranean coast carry damaging ascidians, which can harm marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. Dr. Noa Shenkar recommends regular maintenance to prevent ascidian infestations and emphasizes the importance of monitoring marine vessels for early detection.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus discovered a process protecting against autoimmune disease also prevents the body from creating antibodies that can neutralize HIV-1. By temporarily relaxing immunological tolerance, scientists believe they may be able to elicit protective antibodies with vaccination.
Research by the University of Lincoln and European scientists shows that individual characteristics, such as age and social hierarchy, significantly impact how quickly birds explore new objects. Neotic style, or fear of new things, affects when they choose to investigate but not their level of exploration.
Researchers used a deep-diving robot to study deep scattering layers, finding that they contain discrete groups or 'schools' of squids, fishes, and crustaceans. These groups have distinct boundaries and are formed by similar-sized animals, with smaller animals staying closer together.
Researchers have documented a rare phenomenon where humpback whales flap their foreflippers like penguins or sea lions to move forward. This novel behavior helps scientists understand the abilities and anatomy of these mysterious animals.
A new study by Colorado State University researchers provides the first biological map of priority areas that capture multiple dimensions of mammalian biodiversity. This approach can help safeguard vulnerable mammals and ensure their evolutionary potential to adapt in a rapidly changing world.
Researchers found that quails eat more and are happier in hot weather with a gentle breeze. This helps them maintain healthy egg production. In contrast, cold temperatures have little effect on quail behavior.
A new study challenges the long-debated 'late equals large' hypothesis, which proposes that brain proportions are shaped by a universal rule related to size. The research found that this hypothesis does not work when considering brain growth in different mammals, including marsupials.
A new study reveals that praying mantises from 12 species and 9 genera kill and eat small birds globally. The victims include birds from 24 different species and 14 families, with the Ruby-throated Hummingbird being a frequent victim.
A new study found that players who lost Wimbledon matches produced higher-pitched grunts than those who won. The researchers analyzed television footage of 50 matches and discovered that the likely match outcome became apparent from the outset, suggesting longer-term physiological or psychological factors at play.
Researchers linked mechanical properties of titin to animal size, revealing that larger animals had less stable proteins. By comparing ancestral protein sequences with fossil records, they estimated the weight of ancient mammals, birds, and tetrapods, finding them to be relatively small.
Researchers measured habitat fragmentation for over 4,000 species of land-dwelling mammals and found that species with more fragmentation are at greater risk of extinction. The study has implications for global mammal conservation, suggesting urgent action is needed to protect remnant habitats and restore connectivity.
A rare fossil of Eusaurosphargis dalsassoi has revealed the animal's complete skeleton, providing a clear idea of its anatomy and probable lifestyle. The species is thought to have been adapted for life on land, contradicting earlier assumptions that it was aquatic.
Researchers have discovered rat lungworm in five Florida counties, with nearly 23% of rats testing positive for the parasitic nematode. The parasite can cause meningitis in humans and animals if ingested, highlighting concerns over climate change's impact on its spread.
Researchers have captured footage of palm cockatoos playing the drums with almost perfect spacing between taps, mimicking human drummers. The bird's individual styles were distinct and may allow others to recognize their drumming signatures.
Researchers develop Affimer technology to replicate antibodies, providing a more robust, smaller, and easier-to-modify alternative. This tool enables scientists to study molecular behavior and reactions with ease, leading to breakthroughs in disease research.
A new study found that the differences between male and female mice impact on biomedical research, with sex having an effect in over half of studies. The results highlight the need to consider sex in future animal studies and clinical trials, as ignoring this difference can lead to missed scientific information.
Research found that population growth in birds is sensitive to male-to-female ratio, affecting mating behavior and survival rates. A male-biased population can lead to increased aggression, while a female-biased population can result in lower parental investment.
A new fossil discovery challenges our understanding of the early evolution of tetrapods, revealing a fish-like creature with a snake-like exterior. The Lethiscus stocki fossil shows immediate and dramatic evolutionary experimentation, dropping its position on the 'family tree' and impacting evolutionary biology.
The UK's hazel dormouse population has declined by 72% over the past two decades, with conservation efforts proving insufficient to stem the decline. The research team is now calling for an urgent review of dormouse conservation to protect this beloved woodland mammal.
In a recent study, researchers found that piglets exhibit differential exploratory behavior when presented with new toys. Females and 4-week-old piglets demonstrated better object recognition skills compared to males and 3-week-olds. The study's results have implications for future research on animal behavior and cognition.
Researchers discovered that humans have a superior capacity to deal with sequential information, making it easier to distinguish between stimuli sequences. This ability is crucial for language, mathematics, and strategic games, and may have evolved during human prehistory, supporting the later development of these traits.
A UTEP doctoral candidate has discovered three new species of chameleons in the Albertine Rift region of Central Africa. The reptiles were found to be endemic to specific mountain ranges, with two species named after their habitats and a third species named after herpetologist Krystal Tolley.
Neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine report that mouse eyes can constrict in response to light without involving the brain. Melanopsin, a light-sensitive pigment, is found in the iris sphincter muscle and causes it to contract.
A new study has classified nearly 3,500 confirmed exoplanets into two distinct size groups: rocky Earth-like planets and larger mini-Neptunes. The researchers used data from NASA's Kepler mission and the W.M. Keck Observatory to make this discovery.
A nationwide survey of hospitals, eldercare facilities, and therapy animal organizations reveals gaps in health and safety policies for therapy animal visits. Many facilities lack proper guidelines for animal health, behavior, and hygiene, posing risks to both humans and animals.
A new study found a connection between common household chemicals and neural tube birth defects in mice and rats. Exposure to these quaternary ammonium compounds, used as disinfectants and preservatives, was shown to cause birth defects even at low concentrations.
A recent study reveals that many plant species are resorting to 'last-stand' strategies, such as shrinking in size and suspending growth effort, to survive in deteriorating environmental conditions. The research found that these species are more vulnerable to further changes and disturbances due to climate change.
A study in 20 countries found that bats harbor over 3,200 coronaviruses, most of which have yet to be detected. The viruses are concentrated in areas with high bat diversity, suggesting coevolution or adaptation.
Researchers found high numbers of invasive species in island and coastal regions, particularly in the Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand's North Island, and Indonesia. The study highlights the need for effective measures to prevent further introductions of alien plants and animals into vulnerable ecosystems.
The study found that the highest number of alien species can be found on islands and in coastal regions, with Hawaii leading the way. The researchers also discovered that densely populated areas and economically developed countries are particularly vulnerable to the introduction of new species.
A new study reveals that lianas prevent canopy trees from producing fruit, reducing the availability of a critical food resource for tropical animals. The effects of removing lianas are dramatic, with a 173% increase in canopy tree production five years after removal.
Researchers studying space-traveling flatworms found that microgravity affects their regeneration, behavior and microbiome. The worms' bodies underwent permanent changes after exposure to space, including spontaneous fission and altered biological states.
A new study confirms that wolves and dogs refuse to cooperate when they don't receive a reward, showing an innate sensitivity to inequity. The behavior is similar in both species, indicating it's not solely due to domestication.
Researchers are using imaging mass spectrometry to improve drug development by visualizing how drugs interact with tissues and animals. This technique has been shown to help identify potential off-target effects and inform safety guidelines for children's treatments.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that the Lombard effect, a phenomenon where animals raise their voices to be heard over noise, occurs in just 30 milliseconds, making it a fundamental temporal reflex. This discovery sheds light on human speech control and reveals a shared auditory process among species.
Research by University of Exeter scientists shows motorboat noise reduces fish survival rates and changes parental behavior, with increased aggression and reduced feeding among affected males. Motorboat noise is considered a global pollutant, distracting fish from protecting their young.
A new study reveals a third species of flying squirrel in North America, known as Humboldt's flying squirrel. The species was previously unknown and inhabits the Pacific Coast region from southern British Columbia to southern California.
Scientists discovered a signaling system by which organs in C. elegans communicate their need for heme, an essential biological process. The study found that HRG-7 and BMP-5 proteins facilitate two-way communication between tissues, promoting systemic heme homeostasis.
A census of medium and large mammals found in 22 forest remnants surrounded by sugarcane plantations in São Paulo State, Brazil revealed that 90% of expected species were recorded. The study found rare animals such as the giant armadillo not present, but generalist species like white-eared opossums adapted to disturbed environments.
The AI system uses machine learning techniques to estimate pain levels in sheep based on five distinct facial expressions. It can detect conditions such as foot rot and mastitis with high accuracy, enabling early treatment and pain relief.