Articles tagged with Animal Research
A new report highlights the need for better data recording on seized live wild animals, as only one in three CITES countries provide data. The study found that two out of three countries did not report any live wildlife seizures, despite poaching and the estimated $8-10 billion global wildlife trafficking industry.
Researchers from Virginia Tech discovered that birds' slender necks and pointed beaks reduce drag force during dives, allowing them to plunge safely. The team also found that contracting neck muscles before impact helps prevent buckling.
Researchers discovered that missing enhancers result in abnormal heart function, a finding that bolsters the significance of noncoding regions. A comprehensive genome-wide map of 80,000 human heart enhancers was also provided to facilitate interpretation of human genetic data sets.
Recent studies suggest that consuming red raspberries may help reduce weight gain and improve motor function. Animal models showed significant reductions in weight gain and improved motor skills with raspberry supplementation, potentially due to the presence of phytochemicals like ellagic acid and quercetin.
The University of Pennsylvania has been awarded a $24 million grant to establish a Science and Technology Center focused on engineering mechanobiology. This research will provide insights into embryonic development, stem-cell differentiation, cancer metastasis, and other clinically relevant topics.
University of Iowa researchers develop method to open insects' exoskeletons for studying living cells and organs. The technique allows scientists to access and observe sensory cells and other tissues in tiny, hard-to-reach spots.
A new study using genetic markers has found that urban Puget Sound shorelines support a denser array of animals than in remote areas. The researchers detected over 1,600 unique genetic signatures, including species such as clams, salmon, and eagles.
A study found that bees continue to use Lévy flight patterns when infected with viruses or diseases, indicating a possible innate ability to withstand pathogens. Researchers tracked individual bees using radar technology and discovered robust searching abilities even in unhealthy bees.
Researchers developed a brain-sensing technology that allows monkeys to transcribe passages at a rate of up to 12 words per minute. This breakthrough could provide a means for individuals with movement disorders to communicate their thoughts and emotions, overcoming limitations of existing approaches such as eye-tracking or muscle cont...
A new study has identified four highly distinct groups of giraffe, each with its own genetic profile, indicating they should be recognized as four separate species. The researchers hope this discovery will lead to targeted conservation efforts for the endangered species.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have named a new species of extinct reptile, Vivaron haydeni, discovered in New Mexico. The species, related to crocodiles and dinosaurs, is the sixth known rauisuchid found in the region.
A research team has discovered that male animals trigger female reproduction through their chemical signals, which also hasten females' aging process. The study found two distinct signals produced by males that affect female physiology, with one causing earlier puberty and the other slowing down aging.
Researchers found that 360-million-year-old Acanthostega fossils were immature individuals, indicating a possible aquatic juvenile stage. The study also revealed differences in limb ossification and size variation between individuals, suggesting potential adaptations for life on land.
University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers are developing a way to wrap insulin-producing cell-clusters from pigs in a thin protective coating to prevent immune rejection. The goal is to transplant these cells into humans to treat Type 1 diabetes, with promising results in preclinical work.
A group of James Cook University scientists has designed an inexpensive incubator to study the effects of climate change. The incubators, costing under $160 each, allow researchers to replicate realistic experiments with controlled temperature regimes.
Researchers found that older Whooping cranes are leading the way in changing migration patterns due to climate and land use change. The birds' long-term memory and ability to learn from experience enable them to innovate new behaviors, such as shortstopping, which involves shifting wintering grounds closer to breeding grounds.
Researchers have identified a new snake species, the 'ghost snake,' in Madagascar's Ankarana National Park. The snake's pale grey coloration and distinct genetic profile set it apart from other cat-eyed snakes found in the region.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet discovered that pneumococcal bacteria use a human-specific sugar molecule to enhance growth and resistance. This finding sheds light on why pneumococci cause more severe infections in humans than other animals, and could lead to the development of more effective vaccines.
Researchers in Northwestern China report ongoing transmission of rabies, highlighting challenges in reservoir animals such as dogs and wild foxes. The study emphasizes the need for oral vaccines for these animals, citing limited evidence on vaccination dosing and scheduling.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that climate change was not a primary driver of technological innovation among Stone Age humans. Researchers analyzed animal remains from South Africa's southern Cape, finding that human populations were able to absorb changes to the climate through resources like long-distance contact and ...
A Case Western Reserve University researcher proposes a framework to address ethical questions surrounding potentially revolutionary research on part-human, part-animal embryos. The researcher suggests prioritizing animal welfare while enabling scientific progress in areas of biomedical importance.
A Washington State University researcher has identified a mechanism in the cerebellum of the brain that influences an animal's likelihood of heavy drinking. This discovery offers a potential new target for drug therapies aimed at reducing excessive alcohol consumption, particularly among problem drinkers.
A new bioethical framework proposes addressing ethical concerns in human-animal embryo research by prioritizing animal welfare. The framework aims to balance scientific progress with animal protection, enabling research that can help patients in need of organ transplants.
Two studies find high levels of perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) in the blood of African crocodiles and American alligators, suggesting exposure to long-lived industrial chemicals. PFAA levels were higher at sites with past use of firefighting foams, indicating potential environmental contamination.
Scientists have identified a new multicomponent virus called Guaico Culex virus (GCXV) that can infect animals but not mammals. The discovery highlights the diversity of host ranges among viruses and underscores the need for continued research to better prepare for emerging diseases.
A new multicomponent virus, Guaico Culex, has been found to infect animals, a finding that challenges existing assumptions about viral transmission. The virus was isolated from mosquitoes and belongs to the Jingmenvirus group, which was previously thought to infect only plants and fungi.
A new study led by Lisa Feldman Barrett found that people's beliefs about how farm animals are raised can shape their meat-eating experience. Participants rated factory-farmed meat as less pleasant and consumed less of it than humane-farmed meat, suggesting that beliefs can influence eating behavior.
Research on the southern pied babbler reveals that dominant males preferentially treat their biological sons, while alienating their stepsons, which may have evolved as a survival strategy. This behavior has significant impacts on group dynamics and cooperative breeding habits.
Scientists have found that cell boundary elongation is driven by the activity of actomyosin networks in neighboring cells, not within the same cell. This discovery sheds light on the complex processes involved in tissue development and organ specialization.
A new study found that a human protein combined with stem cell therapy can repair brain damage caused by stroke. The treatment, known as 3K3A-APC, was tested in mice and showed promising results, including the growth of functional neurons and improved motor function. Researchers believe this could pave the way for a potential breakthro...
Researchers found that chimpanzees choose to cooperate five times more frequently than compete, using various strategies to overcome competition. The study suggests shared roots of human cooperation with other primates and provides insight into human evolution.
The American Ornithologists' Union has welcomed 21 new Fellows, selected by their peers for their significant contributions to the field of ornithology. The newly elected Fellows represent the most eminent members of the global ornithology community and are residents or citizens of the Western Hemisphere.
The American Ornithologists' Union recognizes five individuals for their outstanding contributions to science and service. Dr. Patricia Parker, Dr. Michael Sorenson, Dr. John Fitzpatrick, Dr. Mary Caswell Stoddard, and Dr. James Herkert receive awards for their work in ecology, conservation, behavior, systematics, and more.
Researchers found the proton pump enzyme activates to regulate blood pH levels in stingrays by transporting excess acid from cells to the bloodstream. This study's findings suggest a potential link between the enzyme's role in humans, particularly in regulating blood and urine functions.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that male Japanese termites form same-sex pairs when females are absent, allowing them to survive and potentially reproduce. This behavior is believed to be an adaptive strategy for future reproduction in the absence of females.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Vikas Khanna a $259,582 grant to investigate the impact of declining insect-mediated pollination on the US economy. The three-year project aims to expand previous research and explore the economic value of pollination services attributable to managed honeybees and wild insects.
Barbados bullfinches and Carib grackles can successfully pull strings to access food, but this skill is unrelated to performance on other cognitive tasks. The study also found that some birds improve their string-pulling ability with practice.
Researchers at Lund University found that larger flocks of birds travel significantly faster than smaller ones, with wind direction and turbulence playing a crucial role. This discovery provides new understanding of the complex factors influencing bird flight speeds.
The team's genome sequence will stimulate new research in molecular studies of insects and may lead to improved pest management methods. The sequenced genome provides insights into the tobacco hornworm's physiology, particularly its unique ability to evade insecticides.
The sequencing of the tobacco hornworm's genome marks a major milestone in understanding insect biology. The genome provides valuable insights into the insect's physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, with potential applications in developing new methods for insect pest management.
A biomedical engineer from the University of Houston is using a $1.2 million grant to develop technology platform for axonal regeneration in nervous system. The goal is to understand how shifts in chemical gradients affect axonal growth, with potential applications for neurodegenerative diseases and neural prosthetics.
Researchers analyzed thousands of insect species records to find areas of endemism, where unique animals and plants reside. The study highlights the importance of considering smaller organisms like insects when categorizing ecosystems.
Stressed-out birds are twice as likely to be bitten by mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus. Researchers also found stress hormones alter mosquito reproduction, potentially affecting disease cycles in nature.
A research team led by Moisés Mallo discovered the Oct4 gene as a key regulator of vertebrate trunk length diversity. The study found that snakes have an exceptionally long trunk due to changes in their genome during reptile evolution, which keeps the Oct4 gene active for longer periods.
Researchers recorded neural activity in human striatum, a key structure compromised in Parkinson's disease. The study provides new understanding of pathophysiology and potential treatments for PD.
Researchers have found the oldest evidence of protein residue on stone tools used 250,000 years ago in Jordan, providing insights into the subsistence strategies of early humans. The discovery reveals that these ancient humans were adaptable and capable of taking advantage of various prey sources.
The Southwest National Primate Research Center at Texas Biomedical Research Institute has received a $40 million NIH grant to continue its research programs using nonhuman primates. The grant renewal will support the Center's breeding and research colonies of NHP species, making them available to the global scientific community.
Researchers found that head partitions reduced agonistic interactions and increased the use of feeding places among high-ranking animals. This led to a more relaxed feeding environment, improved sense of well-being, and increased nutritional status among goats.
Spiders in large colonies can go extinct when they share food equitably, new UBC research reveals. The study found that large colonies struggle to capture prey, leading to massive die-offs.
Analysis of three types of Zika vaccines reveals they are effective at protecting rhesus monkeys from the virus. The vaccines induce strong antibody responses and provide complete protection against Zika when exposed to the virus.
A team from Griffith University monitored 130 koala crossings using retrofitted eco-passages and pinpointed individual koalas with RFID tags, camera traps, and audio radio transmitters. The study provides comprehensive insights into koala behavior and movements.
Research reveals green monkeys in The Gambia acquired S. aureus strains from humans, with most recent transmissions occurring three decades and seven years ago. Strains that jumped between species lost genes for human adaptation.
Researchers found that green monkeys in The Gambia acquired Staphylococcus aureus strains from humans through contact with contaminated food. The bacteria adaptation process was observed as strains lost genes associated with human adaptation, highlighting the risk of pathogen transmission.
A new ecotoxicological field test was successfully conducted to verify the toxicity of livestock medications, finding that earthworms can compensate for the loss of other organisms. The study provides important insights into minimizing the risks of drug residues in nature.
A USGS study reveals that video surveillance is the most effective method for detecting animals flying around solar power towers. Most observations involve insects, with only a handful of birds and bats seen near the towers.
A University of Maryland research team has discovered a regulatory protein named ERI-1 that helps ensure all cells in a tissue remain identical to one another. The finding could bring biologists closer to understanding some cancers and other age-related diseases.
A new study reveals an evolutionary universal brain structure that enables comparisons of cortical networks between species. This common architecture provides insights into brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.
Researchers have developed a new molecule that targets the SMN2 gene responsible for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neurodegenerative disease causing muscles to weaken. The compound effectively 'turns up the volume' on SMN2, allowing it to produce more of the correct SMN protein, which is essential for neuron function.
Researchers at University of Illinois successfully tested nanoparticle drug delivery in dogs with naturally occurring bone cancers, which are similar to human bone tumors. The study demonstrated anti-cancer activity and tolerance to high doses without toxicity in the dogs.
A study found that the dietary habits of rat fathers can influence their daughters' breast cancer risk, with high-fat diets increasing risk and vegetable fats reducing it. The researchers also discovered changes in microRNA and protein expression in male rats and their female offspring.