News on the use of animals, and their alternatives, in biomedical research. Covers animal models, primate studies, tissue chips, research ethics, and disease modeling.
A team of researchers has developed Janus crystals that capture humidity from the air with high efficiency, enabling a spontaneous and energy-free process for collecting potable water. The discovery could provide an endless source of clean water, addressing global water scarcity issues.
Iain Couzin, a pioneer in collective behaviour research, has been honoured on the prestigious Global Highly Cited Researchers list by Clarivate Analytics. His work seeks to uncover core principles behind collective behaviour in nature, using cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality and imaging hangars.
Researchers aim to shed light on how hearing impairment affects auditory perception, particularly in complex environments. They will use animal models to examine neural mechanisms contributing to difficulties in sound localization.
A study of paper wasps found that species near the equator tend to be larger than those at higher latitudes. The researchers analyzed 429 specimens from 39 species and found a direct correlation between latitude and body size.
A new Harvard study finds humans possess higher metabolic rates than primates and apes, allowing for bigger brains, longer lifespan, and increased reproduction. Humans have 'escaped a tradeoff' between resting and active metabolism due to unique sweating ability.
Researchers at Uppsala University developed a mathematical model to understand how seabird species coexist on isolated islands. The model shows that different species use distinct fishing zones, maximizing energy intake based on traits like wing length and diving depth.
Researchers from UC Riverside have identified the oldest known ecdysozoan, Uncus dzaugisi, dating back to the Precambrian period. This discovery fills a significant gap in understanding the origins of this diverse animal group, which includes nematodes, arthropods, and scalidophora.
Research highlights edoxaban's effectiveness in reducing stroke and blood clots for patients after bioprosthetic heart valve replacement. Edoxaban was found to be equally or more effective than warfarin, with a predictable pharmacokinetic profile and reduced burden on patients.
A team of researchers analyzed historical marking data from the Discovery Marking Program to investigate Antarctic blue whale population structure. They found frequent mixing among ocean basins, indicating a single circumpolar population. This study provides valuable insights into the conservation of this endangered species.
Researchers from ETH Zurich developed an AI-powered method for mouse behavior analysis, reducing the need for more animals while maintaining meaningful results. The new approach focuses on transitions between patterns of behavior, providing a single, robust statistical value.
Researchers discovered that NMDA receptors set the baseline level for neural network activity, helping maintain stable brain function. The study's findings suggest potential innovative treatments for diseases linked to disrupted neural stability.
Researchers at Niigata University successfully generated rat offspring from ovarian oocytes transplanted into mice, overcame previous challenges in producing fertilized eggs and embryos.
New research reveals that 'cool' white lights used in modern car headlights cause moths to fly erratically and be more likely to collide with cars. By switching to warmer-coloured LEDs or different LED technology, the impact on moths can be dramatically reduced.
A new combination of immunotherapy and epigenetic drug may transform resistant pancreatic tumors into susceptible ones, according to a study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers. The treatment showed promise in a subset of patients, with tumor shrinkage and durable responses observed over several months.
Researchers have successfully transplanted human stem cell-derived heart cells into monkeys with a rare heart condition, offering a potential treatment for congenital heart defects. The study demonstrated the safety and integration of these cells into the host myocardium, paving the way for future clinical applications.
Researchers developed a cheap Bluetooth beacon to track animals in urban areas using mobile phones. The device provides regular updates on animal movements and social networks, helping unlock secrets of urban wildlife.
Scientists are exploring the use of fluralaner, an insecticide used to treat pets, as a larvicide against mosquitoes and flies. The study found that fluralaner is effective in controlling mosquito larvae for five weeks and midge larvae for eight weeks.
NeuroMechFly v2 simulates how a fruit fly navigates through its environment while reacting to sights, smells, and obstacles. The model can track moving objects visually or navigate towards an odor source, while avoiding obstacles in its path, enabling researchers to study brain-body coordination and animal intelligence.
A new study found that artificial light significantly disrupts the circadian rhythms of honey bees, leading to impaired behaviors and reduced sleep periods. This poses a threat to their essential role as pollinators, supporting ecosystem stability and global food security.
Researchers developed a high-fidelity computational model to capture octopus arm muscular architecture and its complex movements. The model uses topology, dynamics, and control to simplify muscle contraction patterns and replicate octopus arm capabilities.
A new study explores how different hypercarnivorous species adapt to declining bite efficiency due to tooth wear, with bone-cracking hyenas showing significant increases in bite efficiency. Meat specialists and scavengers do not demonstrate compensatory changes, instead relying on behavioral modifications.
Scientists successfully culture mature oocytes from underdeveloped oocytes in the lab, overcoming challenges in reproductive science. The innovative approach holds promise for human fertility treatment and conservation of endangered species.
Iowa State researchers discovered a surprising chromatin arrangement in two species of turtles, which may shed light on the evolution of vertebrate genomes. The study's findings could have potential biomedical applications, such as treating strokes or cryogenic preservation of human tissues.
A team of biologists at UT Arlington has discovered a new species of gecko, Pseudogonatodes fuscofortunatus, with distinct skeletal features and genetic data. The discovery highlights the unique characteristics of this tiny lizard, found in the Paria Peninsula of Venezuela.
A new PACT system offers rapid imaging of living organisms, enabling the tracking of whole-body dynamics and disease progression. The system achieves spatial resolution of approximately 212 micrometers and enables the visualization of oxygen saturation across complex biological systems.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that scarlet macaws purposefully neglect feeding the youngest chicks in most broods, resulting in only one or two chicks fledge. The parents' decision is based on the age difference between the chicks, with younger chicks being starved to death.
Researchers observed an Asian elephant named Mary systematically using a hose to shower her body, coordinating the water with her limbs. Another elephant, Anchali, displayed surprising tool-use behavior, including kinking and clamping the hose, suggesting possible sabotage.
Researchers developed an innovative automated wildlife camera network to monitor species in a Dutch coastal dunes nature reserve. The system, which combines autonomous cameras, wireless data transmission and AI-driven species identification, has been shown to be cost-efficient and efficient, providing new insights into the habitat use ...
A new study suggests that quieter zoo experiences can enhance visitors' understanding of animals and their habitats. By promoting silence, zoos can offer a more enriching experience for humans and non-human residents alike, while also restoring their original purpose as quiet spaces for contemplation.
Researchers found that honey bees create symmetrical patterns in their nests, with contents mirrored on both sides. This symmetry benefits the colony and is found across all species of honey bees studied.
Researchers trained an AI model on goat faces in pain, achieving 62-80% accuracy. This technology may help clinicians treat pain effectively in patients who cannot speak. The goal is to develop a more generalizable system for pain assessment in animals and eventually humans.
The University of Birmingham and DEFRA's Hazardous Substances Advisory Committee have published new recommendations for improving chemical testing. The report suggests that the UK can adopt a risk-based approach to regulation, using New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), to reduce animal testing and improve safety assessments.
Healthy mice swing their tails actively to counterbalance tilts, producing significant angular momentum. This study provides a new experimental setup for assessing mouse balance and improves understanding of neurological mechanisms behind balance issues.
A 2023 avian flu outbreak in Washington state killed 56% of a large breeding colony of Caspian terns and had significant impacts on the Pacific-coast population. The virus was also transmitted to harbor seals, causing an inflammatory response in their brains.
A new mechanism has been found by which tumor cells escape the immune system, involving a protein called IRGQ. Studies have shown that suppressing IRGQ can trigger a stronger immune response against cancer cells, leading to improved survival rates in liver cancer patients.
A new international study found that even wind-adapted albatrosses struggle to find food during very stormy weather, highlighting the impact of climate change on these birds.
Researchers discovered brain cells that map an animal's position in behavioural coordinates, helping understand how the brain generates complex behaviors. The findings may be useful in understanding psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University demonstrated that bats can navigate great distances in open areas with their eyes closed, using only echolocation. The study found that bats create an acoustic map of their environment, relying on distinct echoes to guide their flight paths.
Swallow populations infected with parasites exhibit altered movement patterns, including reduced home ranges and foraging activity. This can lead to decreased foraging success and increased mortality rates.
Researchers developed a method to visualize AMPA receptors using PET scans, revealing differences in density and distribution between healthy subjects and those with psychiatric disorders. This discovery may lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen aims to replace fecal capsules with a standardized treatment using fermented feces. The method employs fermentation to cultivate beneficial microorganisms, producing a complex mixture of bacteria and bacteriophages that can fight gastrointestinal disorders.
The JAX-Allentown partnership launches an AI-powered home-cage monitoring system to enhance preclinical research efficiency and improve translatability. The Envision platform captures digital measures of mouse behavior and physiology, promoting animal welfare and superior data quality.
A new study led by Arizona State University researcher Michael Lynch explores the substantial energy demands required to maintain and evolve multicellular life. Multicellular organisms require a tenfold increase in energy compared to protists, highlighting how respiration and metabolic processes are crucial for advanced life forms.
A fossilized leg bone of a massive terror bird, found in Colombia, provides new information about the region's wildlife during the Miocene epoch. The discovery suggests that this bird species was relatively uncommon among other animals in the area.
A new study calls for the adoption of new research ethics policies to foster learning and discussion of ethical issues. The guidelines aim to shift from compliance-based ethics to promoting ethical norms and practices.
Scientists have developed a polymer-based therapeutic for Huntington’s disease, which disrupts protein interactions to preserve cell health. The treatment successfully rescued neurons and reversed symptoms in mouse studies, showing promise as a potential delay or reduction of disease onset.
Researchers from The University of Texas at Arlington are conducting a DNA analysis project to determine the genetic differences between the rare Dixon's whiptail and the common checkered whiptail. If the two species are found to be distinct, Dixon's whiptail may become eligible for endangered species protection.
Researchers have discovered that a glaucoma drug, methazolamide, can clear tau build-up and reduce disease symptoms in zebrafish and mice. The study suggests that carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may be effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers are using deep learning to help protect chimpanzees in the Greater Mahale Ecosystem, Tanzania. A new acoustic detector has been developed to identify chimpanzee sounds and monitor population density more efficiently, allowing for better conservation strategies.
A Virginia Tech-led team is searching for signs of dark matter in billion-year-old rocks. By analyzing crystal lattice structures, they aim to uncover miniature trails of destruction left by long-ago dark matter interactions.
A recent study by Mizzou researchers found that infections are a significant problem for white-tailed deer on Missouri farms. The study identified the three most common types of bacteria causing pneumonia in farmed deer, providing actionable data for veterinarians and farmers to make informed decisions.
Researchers analyzed steroids from animal dung in lake sediments to determine the dominant large herbivores that lived in northern Yellowstone National Park. The study found bison and elk as primary species for the last 2,300 years, with impacts on local ecosystems.
Geneticists deciphered aurochs prehistory by analysing 38 ancient genomes from Siberia to Britain. The study highlights diverse wild forms and the impact of climate change and domestication on their evolution.
Ecologists argue that ethanol is naturally present in nearly every ecosystem and likely consumed by most fruit- and nectar-eating animals. This consumption could carry benefits for wild animals, such as a source of calories and potential medicinal benefits.
Scientists have successfully integrated chloroplasts from algae into hamster cells, allowing the cells to undergo photosynthesis and producing oxygen and energy. This breakthrough could lead to the development of artificial tissues that can grow in size without limitations due to low oxygen levels, paving the way for innovative biotech...
A group of international researchers presents a framework for using biologging data to test scientific theories and generate ecological insights. The framework emphasizes the power of theory-driven research and highlights the potential of biologgers to inform hypotheses and refine ecological theories.
Researchers found a specialized low-salt, fasting-mimicking diet (LS-FMD) slows deterioration of kidney structures and function in rodents with chronic kidney disease. In humans, the diet reduced proteinuria and improved endothelial function in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a new cancer mechanism that prevents the immune system from attacking tumors. The discovery was made by reversing this mechanism, which stimulates the immune system to fight cancer cells, including those resistant to prevailing forms of immunotherapy.
Researchers found that thalattosuchian sinuses reduced during semi-aquatic phases and then diminished further as they became fully aquatic. This allowed them to develop extracranial sinuses, which might have helped drain salt glands and alleviate 'encrustation' problems.
Researchers analyzed correlations between fruit fly and human data to identify key metabolites impacting lifespan. Threonine was found to extend lifespan in flies and show promise as a therapeutic target for aging interventions.