Articles tagged with Animal Research
Using genomic data from three lizard species, City College of New York-led researchers gained insights on the impact of climate change on animal populations in South American forests. The findings improve ways to model biodiversity distribution in the past and future.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology suggests that larger brains are more susceptible to mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease due to weaker long-distance connections. The researchers found that the global architecture of cortical networks in primates and rodents follows common principles, with primate brai...
A high-temperature superconducting coil developed by UH scientists boosts signal-to-noise ratio, revealing brain structures not easily visualized with conventional coils. The new technology can also acquire images in a shorter time than conventional coils.
A study by UC Riverside researchers found that bed bug shed skins retain four pheromone compounds that can be used to detect and combat infestations. The findings suggest the development of small, inexpensive monitor traps to catch living bed bugs at early stages of infestation.
Hummingbirds process visual information uniquely to navigate through dense vegetation at high speeds. They rely on the size of objects to determine distance and use image velocity to assess altitude.
Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a potential gene-based treatment for Candida albicans, which can cause deadly hospital-acquired bloodstream infections. By targeting the CBLB gene, the immune system can be boosted to effectively combat the infection.
Researchers harness 3D x-ray imaging technology and computer simulations to understand the effect of stainless steel horseshoes on skeletal stresses in horses. The method was used effectively in a preliminary case study, paving the way for new research directions to minimize foot injuries.
Kansas State University researchers are investigating whether people have the same emotional connections with animals when watching them through live webcams and in real life. The study uses a
Researchers have created biohybrid robots that crawl like sea turtles on the beach, combining tissues from a sea slug with flexible 3-D printed components. The robots are designed to be compliant and interact with their environment, making them suitable for tasks such as searching for toxic leaks or lost flight data recorders.
Researchers found that newly hatched ducklings can distinguish same and different objects without training, demonstrating relational concept learning. This ability to identify logical relationships increases a young duckling's chances of recognizing its mother and siblings in the wild.
A research team led by Florida State University Professor Scott Steppan has cataloged 56 non-flying mammal species on Luzon Island, 52 of which are endemic to the island. The team's findings reveal exceptional diversity and suggest that there may be many more species in other tropical regions.
A new study found that constant artificial lighting leads to severe disruption of health parameters in mice, including pro-inflammatory activation of the immune system, muscle loss, and early signs of osteoporosis. However, the effects are reversible when the environmental light-dark cycle is restored.
A newly released study analyzed the lives of 255 African and Asian elephants in 68 accredited North American zoos, revealing that social interactions and having an array of opportunities to engage with their surroundings may be more important for elephants than space. The research found that spending time alone was a risk factor for el...
Researchers found city birds exhibit higher levels of territorial aggression than rural counterparts, possibly due to limited space but better resources to defend. The study, published in Biology Letters, measured bird responses to simulated intrusions at urban and rural sites.
A new study reveals that artificial sweeteners can stimulate appetite by integrating sweetness with energy content in the brain, leading to increased food consumption. Researchers found that chronic exposure to sucralose increased the animal's motivation to eat more food, even when they had enough calories.
Researchers studied African mudskipper fish and a robot modeled on the animal to understand how early terrestrial animals moved 360 million years ago. The study suggests that tails may have played a key role in propelling these early land animals forward, especially on sloping granular surfaces.
Researchers from UEA's School of Biological Sciences found that female birds are choosing busier breeding locations with more abundant males, leading to skewed sex ratios in small populations. These findings suggest that conservation efforts should focus on maintaining large populations with equal sex ratios.
A large study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that consuming higher amounts of unsaturated fats was associated with lower mortality. Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats conferred substantial health benefits and should continue to be a key message in dietary recommendations.
A report by University of Illinois professor Susan Schantz highlights dozens of common chemicals posing risks to fetal and child neurodevelopment. The report criticizes regulatory lapses allowing toxic chemicals into everyday products.
Research funded by NIAID found that Zika virus lingers in pregnant animals for at least 57 days, but provides immunity against future infections. Non-pregnant monkeys cleared the virus within 10 days of infection.
A vaccine developed by Brazilian and US researchers has been successfully tested in mice trials, preventing viral replication and inducing a protective immune response. The vaccine targets the premembrane protein and external envelope protein of Zika virus, offering hope for humans in the near future.
A recent study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that calorie restriction can help delay age-related disorders. The researchers discovered that mice on low-calorie diets had reduced oxidative stress, improved lipid metabolism, and altered gut-microbial metabolites compared to those on high-calorie diets.
Johns Hopkins researchers discovered a root cause of lung damage in up to 10% of premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis, a disorder that damages the intestine. A potential treatment, a sugar-like compound similar to breast milk, was successfully tested in mice and may one day be offered to human infants.
Researchers found that rats given midazolam, an anti-anxiety medication, were less likely to free trapped companions due to reduced empathy. In contrast, control rats and those treated with a beta-blocker showed no such limitation, suggesting emotional reactions drive helping behavior.
Rabies tests fail to yield accurate results in over half of positive samples, raising concerns for human safety. The study highlights the need for improved quality control measures among producers to ensure the reliability of these tests.
Scientists from Wits University discovered that mammal-like reptiles evolved hair around 240-246 million years ago, assisting their survival. This discovery suggests a possible link between the evolution of hair and whiskers with the development of mammals.
Researchers found that cancers in several species of bivalves are caused by independent clones of cancer cells with distinct genetic profiles. In one species, cross-species transmission was observed, revealing a previously unknown mechanism of disease spread among marine animals.
Researchers found that seven of ten populations selected high-quality forage in early stages of growth, while others favored leading or trailing edges. This study provides insights into how animals track plant growth and will aid in understanding impacts of climate change on big game habitats.
USC scientists have created a comprehensive map of the dorsal striatum, a part of the brain responsible for motor learning and coordination. The study identifies 29 distinct areas and hubs that coordinate complex limb movements, potentially leading to new treatments for autism and Huntington's disease.
Researchers developed a technique to coat polymer implants with a bioactive film that significantly increases bonding between the implant and surrounding bone. The coating improved bone formation, density, and toughness of the implant, leading to better implant fixation.
Recent breakthroughs in creating artificial systems that outplay humans in games are rooted in neural networks inspired by information processing in the brain. The complementary learning systems theory explains how humans and animals learn, highlighting its potential importance as a framework for AI development.
Researchers have created summative world maps of mammal-to-human diseases, revealing understudied patterns and insights into zoonotic disease emergence. The maps show that hotspots of zoonotic diseases don't match hotspots of biodiversity closely, with more zoonotic hosts in the tropics but more zoonotic diseases in temperate regions.
A study by Australian National University has found that pythons and boas, two snake families, evolved independently to share similar traits due to living in the same habitat. This demonstrates the power of natural selection and adaptation in reptiles.
Researchers found that females in the Chinese Hume Warbler species prefer males who sing simple songs over those with complex songs. This preference may be driven by the need to minimize predation risk and optimize nesting behavior.
A global mass extinction event killed off most life on Earth, but marine life quickly recovered 3.35 million years later, according to a new study led by University of California, Davis researchers. The recovery was attributed to changes in ocean circulation and mixing that allowed nutrient-rich waters to reach the surface.
Researchers found long-term damage to the blood-spinal cord barrier after ischemic stroke, leading to a 'toxic environment' in the spinal cord. This damage can cause further disability and exacerbate disease pathology, including motor neuron deterioration and motor dysfunction.
A diet lacking in zinc is detrimental to human and animal health due to impaired digestion. Even slight zinc deficiency impairs pancreatic digestive activity and results in significant digestive impairment at an early stage.
Researchers found that birds flee from predators at longer distances when their eggs are well-camouflaged, and adjust their behavior to shade their eggs during the day. This suggests that camouflage can mitigate both predation risk and thermal risks in animals.
A Yale-led team of researchers identified how altered gut microbiota causes obesity by stimulating insulin secretion through acetate production. The study suggests a causal link between changes in the diet, gut microbiota, and increased food intake, driving a positive feedback loop.
Researchers found that archerfish can distinguish between up to 44 new faces, demonstrating impressive visual recognition capabilities. The study suggests that simple brains may be capable of complex tasks like facial recognition.
Researchers discovered sea snakes use scale sensilla to sense vibrations in water, allowing them to detect objects at a distance. This hydrodynamic sense is not possible for land animals and could be impacted by man-made disturbances.
Researchers analyzed head shapes of 1,073 python and boa specimens from diverse habitats to understand the independent evolution of similar characteristics. The findings suggest that pythons and boas can serve as a new model system for studying various aspects of evolution.
Human parthenogenetic stem cells derived from unfertilized oocytes can be used to generate unlimited supply of neural stem cells for transplantation. The study found that grafting these cells into non-human primates with Parkinson's disease promoted behavioral recovery and increased dopamine concentrations.
A new study found that the metabolism of giant pandas is higher than previously reported, but China's existing reserves and other areas in the wild can support their appetite. Rising global temperatures pose a significant threat to panda populations due to heat stress.
Researchers from Tomsk State University have discovered that bats can act as transmitters of infections, including those caused by bacteria and nematodes. The study found gamasid mites in bat samples, which are common among rodents, indicating close contact between the two species.
Researchers from Museo de Zoología at Catholic University of Ecuador discovered two new species of rain frogs in the park, characterized by spiny appearance and direct-developing traits. The findings highlight the region's rich biodiversity and the need for further exploration of unexplored regions.
Researchers suggest a long-term memory test combined with a brain scan can detect early Alzheimer's disease. Long-term memory tests reveal deficits in the brain's ability to remember, which may be reversed by new treatments.
Research by McGill University scientists found that juvenile zebra finches learned adult songs better when interacting with an adult, mimicking human-like speech adjustments. The study suggests social interaction can enhance vocal learning, which may have implications for treating autism and other developmental disorders.
Researchers observe thousands of Hemiphlebia mirabilis in Australia, revealing a unique mating system and high sperm competition mechanisms. The species displays elaborate abdominal flicking displays, suggesting an advanced courtship behavior.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a new blood test that detects Mycobacteria in blood with high sensitivity. The test delivers results within 48 hours and has been shown to detect the bacterium M. bovis in cattle diagnosed with bovine tuberculosis (bTB) with high accuracy.
A study published in Acta Neuropathologica shows that abnormal protein from Huntington's disease (HD) can spread to the brain of normal animals, leading to behavioral abnormalities. The findings provide new insights into how HD develops and may lead to novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study suggests that a fasting-like diet can reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis by triggering a death-and-life process for cells, which appears critical for the body's repair. The diet promotes regeneration of myelin, the sheath of proteins and fats that insulate nerve fibers, and improves immune function.
Researchers at the Buck Institute discovered a small molecule that tricks C. elegans into a state of caloric restriction, extending its lifespan by 50%. This study suggests that primary sensory pathways represent new targets for human pharmacology to mimic the positive effects of a Spartan diet.
Researchers tracked harbour porpoises with tiny computers, revealing they hunt small fish nearly continuously at ultra-high rates, catching up to 550 fish per hour. This success rate of over 90% makes them vulnerable to disturbances, as there's no room for compensation.
Researchers at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine found different injury patterns in abused animals and those hit by cars, with abused animals showing more head injuries and rib fractures. The study aims to help uncover animal abuse and provide a tool for forensic veterinarians.
Researchers develop model that suggests mucus plays crucial role in dolphin sonar click production. The model accurately reproduces two distinct parts of a dolphin click: an initial loud thump and extended ring.
A newly compiled database of insect-fungi interactions has revealed that 65 percent of insect orders can be infected by fungi and Oomycetes. Sap-sucking insects, such as cicadas, are the most frequently attacked by fungi due to their specialized mouth parts for sucking sap.
Researchers developed a code of best practices to reduce disturbance to wildlife from drone use. The guidelines emphasize the need for consultation with experts and adherence to relevant regulations.
Using gene editing technology, Temple researchers successfully excised large fragments of HIV-1 DNA from the genomes of living animals, including transgenic rats and mice. This breakthrough is a significant step towards developing a potentially curative strategy for HIV infection.
Researchers have identified the genes responsible for producing the red pigment in bird species, linking it to detoxification processes and suggesting a link between mate quality and genetic fitness. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution and ecology of red coloration in birds.