Articles tagged with Animal Research
Researchers will test electrically-small biomimetic antenna arrays inspired by insect ear systems to increase data rate and reduce size of mobile devices. The project aims to develop signaling techniques suitable for full potential of MIMO antennas, enabling faster communication speeds.
Saint Louis University researchers have tested a promising drug candidate that stopped fatty liver disease from progressing to severe liver damage. The drug, SR9238, suppresses lipogenesis and reduces the liver's ability to produce fat.
The study suggests reintroducing dingoes to Sturt National Park in NSW, Australia, to control invasive predators and native herbivores that degrade rangeland. By monitoring the results, researchers hope to address a national and international issue of significant concern.
Researchers studied remoras' ability to attach to surfaces securely yet release easily, finding a complex mechanism involving lamellar spinules and uniquely-structured blood vessels. This discovery could inspire designs for tags or bandages that don't harm hosts.
Researchers found that dogs could distinguish between emotional expressions in humans, even with unfamiliar faces. The dogs' discriminatory abilities were tested in four types of trials, including novel faces and previously trained faces.
A new species of hummingbird has been discovered in the Bahamas, characterized by its distinctive lyre-tailed plumage and unique courtship displays. Genetic analysis reveals that the two subspecies diverged around 400,000 to 1 million years ago.
Scientists from UNC-Chapel Hill have developed a groundbreaking research tool to investigate epigenetic mechanisms, shedding light on the critical role of histone proteins in gene regulation. This breakthrough may lead to new insights into diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
Researchers discovered that the heart of bluefin tuna adjusts its electrical activity and calcium cycling to maintain constant heartbeat despite temperature changes. This unique adaptation allows the fish to survive in cold waters, shedding light on how animals react to rapid environmental shifts.
Researchers found that chimpanzee grunts for 'apple' changed over time as they merged groups at the Edinburgh Zoo, sounding more similar to peers. This discovery suggests a shared building block of language between humans and chimps.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a light microscopy method to image protein synthesis and degradation in living tissues and animals. The technique, coupling stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy with metabolic labeling of deuterated amino acids, allows non-invasive visualization of protein metabolism.
Scientists have created a Stream Biome Gradient Concept to compare streams across continents, aiming to improve understanding of stream ecosystems and biodiversity. The concept takes a macrosystems approach, viewing systems on a continental or national scale, to develop hypotheses for testing at various aquatic sites.
Feral cats feed on a wide range of native species, including endangered birds and mammals. A study suggests that controlling rabbit populations could harm native mammals instead, highlighting the need for multi-species pest control approaches.
Researchers discovered that trap-jaw ants can tell who belongs in the nest and who doesn't by recognizing the distinctive blend of odors. The ants use chemical context to assess an individual's status, a hierarchical system that is fundamental to their social structure.
A new study by Oxford University scientists reveals that migrating birds 'share the pain' of leading a v-formation, allowing them to take turns saving energy. The research found that individual birds spend an average of 32% of their time benefiting from flying in the updraft produced by another bird's flapping wings.
The FibreLux is a small portable unit measuring average fiber diameter, comparable to the $75,000 OFDA2000 in accuracy with an 87% rating. Preliminary studies indicate the tool is user-friendly enough for growers to use on ranches.
Scientists studied the fly species Scaptomyza flava to understand its transition from a non-plant diet to herbivory. They found that genetic and neurological processes underlying behaviors were drastically remodeled, enabling the flies to seek out healthy plants and lay eggs on them.
The Centre for Evolutionary Genomics will train PhD researchers in a field that uses latest DNA science to study evolutionary history. The University has received £1 million from the Leverhulme Trust to fund five years of research.
Researchers have gathered rare photographs of the critically endangered Saharan cheetah, shedding light on its elusive behavior and habitat requirements. The study's findings suggest that these large cats are more nocturnal, wide-ranging, and occur at lower densities than other cheetahs in Africa.
Researchers have identified a novel brain pathway that produces the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK), which acts as a crucial sensor of blood glucose levels. The discovery may lead to new treatments for hypoglycemia and its side effects, particularly in patients who suffer from unawareness due to repeated bouts of low blood sugar.
Researchers found a correlation between human population density and vegetation cover in Africa, increasing the risk of animal-to-human Ebola transmission. In contrast, areas with low population density saw a decrease in risk, suggesting that landscape configuration plays a role in transmission.
Researchers have developed a new method for studying streams in different climates and continents, introducing the Stream Biome Gradient Concept. This concept can improve how researchers understand how to regulate and conserve streams and protect water quality.
Researchers have uncovered a critical role of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) in regulating heart rate frequency. Blocking MCU function in mouse hearts reduced heart rate increases in response to stimuli, suggesting its importance in physiological heart rate regulation.
A new study by University of Bristol researchers has significantly advanced the understanding of haemoplasma immunity in cats. The findings suggest that cats who have previously recovered from infection may be protected against re-infection, paving the way for potential vaccine development.
A new species of large reptile, Nundasuchus songeaensis, has been discovered with steak-like teeth and bony plates on its back. This carnivorous predator lived before dinosaurs took over the world, helping to fill gaps in the reptile family tree.
Researchers found evidence of arboreality playing a key role in primate evolution, suggesting subtle changes allowed for easier navigation and better access to food in the trees. The discovery challenges traditional textbook illustrations and provides the oldest fossil evidence to date for this concept.
A £90,000 research project is exploring the genetic basis of human diseases using Caernorhabditis elegans worms. The study may lead to the development of new treatments for kidney disease and age-related disorders.
Researchers discovered two new species of water monitor lizards in Manila's black market, which were previously unknown to science. Genetic analysis revealed distinct genetic variations from known local species, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
A research group studied the Alpine long-eared bat's geographical distribution and found five vertebrates with similar distributions, including birds and rodents. These species share similar ecological features, such as using rocks for hiding and open spaces for foraging, and are restricted to mountainous areas due to topography.
Researchers studied snake and lizard movement through sand, finding the snake's elongated shape and slippery skin reduce friction and increase energy efficiency. The study provides insights into evolutionary pressures on body shape among sand-dwelling animals.
Researchers discovered that hunting bats rely on echolocation calls from fellow bats to pinpoint insect patches. By aggregating and sharing this information, bats can improve their chances of finding prey despite the challenges posed by sparse distribution and long flight distances.
A study found that deworming medications reduced individual deaths from bovine tuberculosis but increased the potential for disease spread to other animals. The research suggests that treatments that aid an individual could come at the expense of a wider spread of disease in the larger community.
Disney Research creates a method for automatically reviewing nighttime giraffe behavior videos and creating a summary of unusual behaviors. The system can detect rare events in real-time, allowing wildlife experts to better understand giraffe health and safety.
Researchers are developing a new reference genome sequence for domestic horses to better understand genetics in animal health and well-being. The new sequence aims to improve the ability to identify diseases and traits in horses.
A novel treatment approach for Huntington's disease shows promise by adjusting key signaling protein levels in experimental animals. The study improves motor function, reduces brain abnormalities, and promotes metabolic health in mice bred to model the disorder.
A new study shows that focusing on biodiversity conservation can make current spending on threatened birds four times more effective. The research identifies the top 20 birds for safeguarding maximum biodiversity with minimum spend, including Botha's Lark, which currently receives no conservation spending.
Researchers found snakes' vertebral bones have the same number of regions and patterns as limbed lizards, contradicting the idea that snakes evolved from a simplified body form. The study suggests that Hox genes are functioning in snakes to control subtle changes in shape.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have found that feeding mice Neu5Gc promotes spontaneous cancers and systemic inflammation. The study suggests a potential link between red meat consumption and cancer risk, and may also explain connections to other diseases exacerbated by chronic inflammation.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have created a highly effective and affordable bait and trap for detecting and monitoring bedbug infestations. The innovative technology uses pheromones to lure bedbugs into traps, keeping them contained.
A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers has identified the acoustic range and minimum sound sensitivity of cuttlefish. The study found that cuttlefish hear in the same frequency range as fish and can react to sounds in a graded manner, using different behaviors to avoid predators.
Researchers found that non-model fish, the spotted gar, shares genetic machinery with mammals for building autopod structures. This study provides regulatory support for an ancient origin of Hox expression responsible for building tetrapod limbs.
A new study reveals the gold swift moth's intricate mating patterns and sexual positions, showcasing a 'Karma Sutra' of insect behavior. The research suggests that this complexity is an adaptation to the scarcity of mating grounds, driving the development of varied courtship strategies.
Scientists at NYU Langone Health successfully vaccinated deer against chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal brain disorder caused by prions. The vaccine holds promise against similar brain infections in humans and may prevent the spread of CWD to U.S. livestock.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a method to capture images of the molecular fireworks that occur when an egg and sperm meet. The study, published in Nature Chemistry, provides unprecedented quantitative information on the role of zinc in regulating biochemical processes during fertilization.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that an artificial deep neural network performs as well as the primate brain at object recognition. This achievement could pave the way for significant advancements in artificial intelligence and our understanding of primate visual processing.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that animals can make efficient decisions by controlling the amount of effort invested within each unit of time, rather than just speed and accuracy. This ability allows them to adapt to changing environments and gain a fitness advantage over those with limited flexibility.
Researchers tracked golden-winged warblers' migration and found they fled breeding grounds one to two days before powerful supercell storms. The birds sensed infrasound, a low-frequency sound wave that can travel thousands of kilometers, allowing them to alter their route and avoid severe weather.
A new study from Duke University finds that a combination of federal regulations and local community-based conservation measures are urgently needed to protect spinner dolphins in Hawaii. The research suggests that managing the bays where dolphins rest should be tailored to each bay's unique use, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-...
A recent article in BioScience assesses contrasting views on kin selection, a theory explaining animal altruism through genetic influence. The authors argue that vagueness about explanation, measurements, and modeling underlies many differences between critics and proponents.
The Paleolithic diet is unlikely to be a single entity due to variations in early human diets across time and space. Early humans were likely dietary 'jacks-of-all-trades' with diverse eating habits influenced by environments and lifestyle.
Researchers developed a sensitive test to detect antidepressants' toxic effects on mice, revealing Paxil's negative impact on reproductive health. The 'survival-of-the-fittest' test simulates wild conditions to expose hidden dangers in pharmaceuticals.
A major study has charted the burst of evolution that took place after the mass extinction of dinosaurs, giving rise to nearly all modern bird species. The research found that birdsong evolved independently at least twice, with parrots and songbirds gaining the ability to learn and mimic vocal activity.
A research team has found that tooth loss in birds occurred convergently with turtles and multiple mammalian lineages about 116 million years ago. The study used degraded remnants of tooth genes to determine when birds lost their teeth, suggesting a single loss of mineralized teeth in the common ancestor of all modern birds.
Scientists are exploring how bitter compounds cause airway constriction and searching for potential new treatments using a slime mould model. The study aims to identify cellular mechanisms that could reverse or prevent asthma attacks.
A recent Science study reveals that crocodilians have a slow rate of mutation, evolving about one-quarter the rate of birds. This discovery sheds light on how these species maintained their genetic diversity and survived for hundreds of millions of years.
Scientists at EMBL have developed a new technique called SNAP-tagging that allows researchers to study nerves in mice with unprecedented detail. This approach uses artificial tags to visualize complex structures and enable the tracking of activity in individual neurons.
A rare 520 million-year-old fossil shaped like a 'squashed bird's nest' has been discovered in China, providing new insights into life in ancient seas. The fossil, Nidelric pugio, is a probable 'chancelloriid', a group of bizarre, balloon-shaped animals with defensive spines.
A study published in The Lancet found that using insecticide-treated bed nets alone is sufficient to protect children from malaria in areas with low or moderate transmission. Researchers led by Durham University concluded that combining wall sprays and bed nets does not offer additional protection against the disease.
Climate change is expected to surpass ectotherms' capacity for acclimation, leading to catastrophic consequences for biodiversity. The rapid fluctuations in temperature will require animals to function across a broader range of conditions.
Researchers at UBC found that hummingbirds struggle to control their hovering when faced with visual stimuli like moving images. This phenomenon was observed in virtual reality experiments where birds were unable to adapt to dynamic visual input.
University of British Columbia researchers found that hummingbirds lose positional stability when exposed to moving visual patterns, even with prolonged exposure or combination of moving and stationary stimuli. This discovery highlights the complex relationship between a hummingbird's visual field and its ability to hover in place.