Articles tagged with Animal Research
A new study from the University of Chicago found that the shape and mechanics of fish fins evolve in parallel with the sensory system, tuned to swimming behavior. The researchers mapped fin shape on an evolutionary tree to determine how the mechanical properties and nervous systems of the fins evolved over time.
Tel Aviv University researchers studied whiteflies' takeoff method, finding they use wingtip air resistance to stabilize before spreading wings. This technique may be applied to miniaturized drones for improved stability during takeoff.
Researchers at Washington State University have identified a key gene involved in the quality of sleep experienced by humans and animals. The study found that a variant of the gene FABP7 is associated with poorer sleep quality, suggesting its importance in regulating sleep across species.
Veterinarians often use a directive style, which can limit client emotional connection and motivation. Research suggests that an evidence-based, mutually-driven approach can improve uptake of veterinary recommendations.
A team of French and Argentinian scientists identified a genetic mutation responsible for fleece variation in domesticated sheep. The study mapped and functionally validated the mutation using genomic sequencing data from over 2,000 lambs, shedding light on an ancient gene mechanism that may have occurred.
A collaborative study published in PLoS ONE found that fences with or without crossing structures can reduce roadkill by up to 54% across all species. Focusing on effective prevention methods, researchers also recommend increasing the duration and comparability of future studies to protect biodiversity.
A study of red-sided garter snakes reveals that males who prioritize mating over self-preservation age faster and die earlier than females. Females, on the other hand, maintain their body condition with age, allowing them to live longer lives and reproduce more effectively.
The fang blenny's opioid peptides inhibit pain rather than cause it, making them a potential source of new painkillers. The unique venom also gives the fish an advantage in the wild, allowing it to escape predators or defeat competitors.
Aging impairs immune performance by breaking down cell coordination and increasing gene expression variability. Single-cell sequencing reveals the impact on CD4+ T cells, with older tissues showing less coordinated responses.
Researchers have discovered that activating the endocannabinoid system of the brain can reduce or completely suppress epileptic activity in test animals. This finding has significant implications for developing new treatments for temporal lobe epilepsy, a common form of the condition.
Researchers aim to learn how to provide healthier aquatic environments for animals and plants by studying viruses in controlled aquariums. The study will explore unique relationships between fish, animals, and plants with microbes.
Researchers found that adult male common wall lizards exposed to humans become habituated and hide less, with yellow lizards being the most tolerant. In contrast, red lizards exhibit increased sensitivity to potential attacks, suggesting a relationship between coloration and antipredator response.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that disease spread varies depending on age at exposure and maternal age. Younger offspring were more susceptible to infection when mothers were younger, contradicting expectations that disease spreads in dense populations.
Researchers have developed a degradable bone scaffold from sea urchin spines that promotes bone formation and easily degrades, overcoming limitations of current bioceramics. The study's findings could lead to the design of new bone repair materials with improved strength and properties.
A new study reveals that mice handled by a 'mouse-friendly' tunnel exhibit more active exploration during cognitive tests compared to those picked up by the tail. This non-aversive handling method can improve test performance, save time, and enhance research reliability.
A team led by Dr. Dan Stowell is developing a new approach to machine learning using the dawn chorus, enabling computers to analyze sounds and identify patterns. The research has potential applications in areas such as climate change analysis, historic birdsong recordings, and improving human language understanding.
Researchers found that kea parrots can transmit playfulness through their vocalizations, inducing play in other birds. The findings suggest an emotionally contagious effect, similar to human laughter.
The study found that distortion of radial glial fibers leads to aberrant neuron localization and formation of periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH), a brain abnormality in thanatophoric dysplasia. This discovery paves the way for developing therapy using animal models with brain architecture similar to humans.
Scientists have identified a highly contagious disease threatening the endangered San Joaquin kit fox population. Researchers confirmed diagnosis of sarcoptic mange in 15 kit foxes and found no evidence of recovery from untreated infections.
Researchers studied a rare cricket family, grigs, to understand the evolution of sound generation in orthopterans. They found that grigs' wings represented an early transitional stage between fossilized ancestors and modern bush-crickets.
European monitoring programs lack sufficient historical data to accurately assess human impact on biodiversity, leading to underestimated consequences for nature conservation. This is due to data gaps from the 18th and 19th centuries, making it difficult to define targets for conservation efforts.
In a study published in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, researchers found that fully grown Galapagos penguins who have fledged from their nests continue to beg for food from their parents. This post-fledging parental care is thought to be an adaptation to the fluctuating availability of food in the Galapagos archipelago.
A new study from Rutgers University reveals that killifish played a crucial role in the food web, while terns, gulls, and wading birds were highly sensitive to oil due to their extensive connections as prey and predator. The researchers identified blue crabs as key species for future research due to their importance in the ecosystem.
Only about 300 jaguars remain in Brazil, with fragmented habitats and frequent human contact posing major threats. GPS tracking data reveals jaguars' limited mobility, with males having larger home ranges than females.
When parent little auks were stressed, they reduced feeding and spent more time searching for food, impacting their offspring's nutrition. Despite this, the birds still displayed a care response to their chicks' begging behaviour.
A new study published in Nature Communications found a chemical compound that extended the lifespan of thousands of roundworms by doubling their lifespan. The compound, Thioflavin T, worked in all genetically diverse species tested, possibly by preventing damaged proteins from accumulating.
Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology have discovered the critical role of RNA quality control mechanism NMD in longevity of C. elegans. Decreased NMD activity and downregulated yars-2 gene contribute to long lifespan, suggesting its potential in combating age-related diseases.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that mice scratch in response to seeing other mice scratch due to the release of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), a key transmitter of itch signals. This behavior is hardwired into the brain and not a form of empathy.
Scientists at UC Berkeley create a pill-sized technology called MucoJet that jet-releases vaccines inside the mouth, targeting immune cells in the buccal region. The device shows promise in delivering high-pressure streams of liquid and immune system-triggering molecules to stimulate an immune response.
A study investigating laboratory rats' behavioral needs has won the 2016 International 3Rs Prize. The research, led by Drs Joanna Makowska and Daniel Weary, found that providing rats with simple and natural behaviors like burrowing and standing upright improves their welfare.
A new study found that acorn ants can evolve quickly enough to endure city temperatures, with some species adapting within 100 years. The ants' ability to adjust suggests they may be able to cope with other sources of warming, such as climate change.
Researchers have obtained the first images of a calf and underwater video of True's beaked whales, revealing new coloration patterns and helping to identify the species. The study highlights the importance of accurate species identification for conservation efforts.
Researchers propose that fish first transitioned to land because of enhanced eyesight, which enabled them to see food on land. This hypothesis is supported by the discovery of large eyes in early terrestrial vertebrates, suggesting that vision played a key role in the evolution of limbs.
Researchers compared the genomes of a 45,000-year-old mainland mammoth with one from Wrangel Island, which had only 300 animals. The analysis revealed an excess of genetic defects, including loss of olfactory receptors and urinary proteins. This study provides insights into the effects of small population sizes on genome deterioration.
Researchers at Penn State are investigating the collection of viruses, known as the virome, in white-footed mice and black-legged ticks to better predict infectious disease outbreaks in humans. The team aims to identify new infectious viruses in these animals before they spill over into humans.
Researchers discovered a neuroprotective compound that reduces brain cell loss and boosts newborn neurons after stroke. The P7C3-A20 compound improves physical balance, coordination, learning, and memory in rats.
Researchers developed two new mechanistic models, Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs), to assess toxicological risk of chemicals without animal testing. The AOPs were recognized by PETA International Science Consortium for their contributions to non-animal approaches.
Researchers found that 83.7% of colic surgery patients returned to their previous activity level, with 78.5% regaining pre-surgical performance. Owners were highly satisfied with veterinary care (96.3%) and recovery (98.5%).
Researchers tracked two African elephant matriarchs for 35 days and found they slept an average of 2 hours a day, with some periods lasting up to 46 hours without sleep. This unique sleep pattern raises questions about when elephants experience REM sleep.
A new study reveals that stuffed animal sleepovers at libraries significantly increase children's interest in picture books and encourage them to read with their stuffed animals. The program's effectiveness in developing prosocial behavior is also demonstrated.
New animal research suggests that consuming walnuts can improve sperm motility and morphology in mice, key predictors of male fertility. Walnuts are predominantly comprised of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which may be essential for sperm function.
A new species of parasitic wasp, Poropoea africana, has been found in the eggs of leaf-rolling weevils in northeastern Gabon. The wasp measures less than 2mm and has unique physical characteristics that distinguish it from related species.
Dr. Junliang Tao receives $500,000 grant to apply burrowing strategies from nature in underground construction technologies and small-scale robots. His project aims to improve high-efficiency tunnel design and generate enthusiasm among K-12 students for STEM education.
Researchers found that Illinois' remaining prairie chicken populations are genetically isolated and lack sufficient habitat. Periodic human interventions, such as translocations of birds from other states, are necessary to preserve the species.
Researchers have identified adipose stem cells as a suitable alternative to bone marrow stem cells for treating orthopedic diseases and injuries in dogs. The study reveals that adipose stem cells exhibit similar functional properties to bone marrow stem cells, including tissue generation and immunomodulation, but grow at a faster rate.
A new method combining contact tracing with targeted indoor spraying of insecticide significantly reduces the spread of the dengue virus. The approach was found to be between 86 and 96 percent effective in controlling dengue fever during a 2009 outbreak in Cairns, Australia.
Researchers studied Anopheles darlingi mosquitoes in Amazonian Peru revealing that humans are the most common blood source followed by Galliforme birds. The study provides valuable information on malaria transmission and could help track potential changes in mosquito behavior.
Scientists have produced gene-edited pigs with a modified CD163 gene, showing complete resistance to infection with both major subtypes of the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus. The change is introduced using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and should not affect their ability to fight off other infections.
Scientists used DNA sequences to determine the evolutionary history of Asian Horned Frogs, discovering many new species and reestimating their family's age. The results suggest that scientists may have overestimated the age of many frog families by up to 35%.
Scientists at CU School of Medicine developed an animal model for studying paralysis caused by EV-D68 virus, a rare cause of polio-like illness. The model replicates the human disease, offering hope for therapeutics and understanding its development.
Research suggests that the unique shape of birds' eggs serves to protect against impacts and contamination rather than rolling off cliff ledges. The study challenges previous explanations for the Common Guillemot's elongated egg shape.
A new study from the University of Oxford found that cooperative breeding is driven by genetic bonds in family groups, rather than a survival strategy. Species with close familial ties are more likely to form cooperative groups and thrive in harsh environments.
The Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing Program (CITP) identified Thioflavin T as the most robust pro-longevity chemical, extending lifespan in all strains tested. Six out of ten compounds significantly extended lifespan in at least one strain, with three dietary restriction mimetics showing variable responses across species.
A new study from Lund University and international researchers reveals that cooperative breeding of offspring is key to successful colonization in harsh environments. By sharing genes, helpers and offspring benefit from monogamous breeding females, enabling species to invade previously inaccessible areas.
A world-first study has used custom-made non-invasive cameras to capture over 535 minutes of rare dolphin activities, including mother-calf interaction and social behaviors. The results provide unprecedented insight into the lives of these marine top predators.
Researchers found that high consumption of saturated fatty acids and animal fat increased the risk of type 2 diabetes by twofold. The study also showed that substituting saturated fats with vegetable sources like olive oil and nuts can help prevent chronic diseases.
Researchers develop LemurFaceID system to identify individual lemurs by facial characteristics, facilitating long-term studies and conservation efforts. The non-invasive method can help answer evolutionary questions and aid in population tracking.
A new facial recognition system, LemurFaceID, can correctly identify individual lemurs using photos of their faces, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods. The system shows high accuracy in identifying lemurs across different species, with potential applications for conservation and research.
A genetic study has sequenced the genomes of 50 top Brahman bulls in Australia to understand how genes from temperate cattle have influenced production traits. The research found that these genes, which account for 7-10% of the breed's genome, may be associated with fertility, growth and temperament.
Researchers found that a two-drug combination provided better protection against diabetes-related vision loss than a single drug in rat models. The treatment reduced capillary loss by 68% and decreased inflammation, slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy.