Articles tagged with Animal Research
Researchers have developed a new method for detecting bovine paratuberculosis using lymphatic fluid, which yields more positive results than traditional methods. The test has shown to be effective in identifying infected animals, with about 70% of tested animals being culled from their herds after one year.
Female northern swordtail fish are attracted to specific patterns visible in polarized light, increasing mating chances for males with higher polarization. The camera developed by Viktor Gruev captures real-time polarization properties of light, revealing new insights into vertebrate behavior.
A Dartmouth-led study finds that tropical reptiles can adapt quickly to climate change through natural selection. Researchers measured the thermal physiology of brown anole lizards and found that those who ran fastest at warmer temperatures had a higher survival rate, suggesting they may be better equipped to cope with heat stress.
Researchers at MIT have created a robotic cheetah that can run at high speeds using an algorithm inspired by the biomechanics of real cheetahs. The robot's legs are programmed to exert a certain amount of force in the split second during which it hits the ground, allowing it to maintain speed and stability.
Researchers discovered a simple scaling law that describes how the speed of an organism changes with its size, movement speed, and other factors. The study found that all animals, from tiny fish larvae to massive whales, can be described by one of two equations, indicating general principles at work.
A team of researchers challenged traditional views on how birds ended up in the Neotropics, proposing speciation driven by bird movements across physical barriers. The CCNY analysis suggests that geological changes may not have been the primary driver of biodiversity.
Researchers found that parts of the brain continue to make word classifications even while asleep. This ability may help explain everyday experiences like being sensitive to one's name or alarm clock sounds during sleep. The study also suggests unconscious processing isn't limited by task complexity but rather by automation.
Researchers at the University of Montana discovered each species' weapon is structurally adapted to its own functional demands of fighting. Horns are found to be stronger and stiffer when exposed to species-typical fighting styles, suggesting performance in battle played a crucial role in their diversification.
The 2014 ESA awards honored Dr. John C. Palumbo for his translational research and outreach program, providing innovative insect management solutions in desert vegetable crops. Dr. Peter C. Ellsworth received the Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management for his work on IPM science-based solutions and cotton agroecosystem rese...
The Entomological Society of America has announced the winners of the 2014 Monsanto Research Grant Awards and Student Travel Awards. Flor Edith Acevedo, Carrie Deans, and Zachary DeVries are among the recipients, recognized for their research projects on insect-plant interactions.
A new study reveals that tropical bird speciation is driven by movements of birds across physical barriers, contradicting the long-held view that it's linked to geological and climate changes. The research found most speciation occurred in the Pleistocene era, long after the origin of mountain ranges.
The discovery of three new extinct squirrel-like species confirms that mammals originated at least 208 million years ago in the late Triassic period. The findings support earlier research suggesting a common ancestor for mammals existed during this time, and provide new insights into ancient mammalian evolution.
A long-term study of over 200 wild female baboons found that females who socialized with both males and females lived the longest. Socializing with males gave females a bigger longevity boost than socializing with other females.
Researchers successfully harness a mouse's immune system to remove toxic proteins in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. The treatment approach, which stimulates the natural immune system, showed promise in reducing amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles.
A new study found that sleeping on animal fur in the first three months of life may reduce the risk of asthma in later childhood. The research, presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress, suggests that exposure to animal skin and fur could have a protective effect against asthma and allergies.
Researchers reveal that archerfish actively control the dynamics of their water jets to hit targets at varying distances, employing a unique tool-using behavior. This adaptability has potential applications in human-built nozzles and industries.
A University of Kentucky research team has made a surprising discovery about oxidized LDL's role in cholesterol transport. The findings indicate that mildly oxidized LDL may actually prevent increases in cholesterol accumulation in arterial walls, potentially leading to new treatments for heart disease.
Professor Javier Alba-Tercedor from the University of Granada won an international award for his innovative 3D video of a cicada's interior using microtomography. This non-invasive technique provides high-resolution images without damaging the sample.
Researchers have found exceptionally well-preserved fossil insects in the French equivalent of the Tithonian Konservat-Lagerstätte, comprising a new species representing the oldest known water treader. The fossils provide crucial insights into the evolution of terrestrial environments during the Upper Jurassic period.
UMN researchers have created an animal model for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle loss. The model allows for the testing of potential therapies and has revealed new insights into the disease mechanism, including a possible link to skeletal muscle regeneration.
Researchers found baby birds can right themselves in midair by pumping their wings asymmetrically, a talent that could have helped early birds develop flying skills. This innate ability, present in 25% of day-old chicks, suggests that dinosaurs took flight from trees before developing flapping flight.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine reveals that surgical researchers rarely use female animals or cells in their published studies, despite evidence showing sex differences play a crucial role in medical research. The five major surgical journals will now require authors to state the sex of animals and cells used in their studies.
Researchers found that brain activity patterns can be combined in new ways to learn a skill more easily, but there are limits to cognitive flexibility. This discovery could lead to improved treatments for stroke and other brain injuries.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully treated lysosomal storage disease MPS I using gene therapy, reducing harmful protein accumulation and improving symptoms. The treatment involves direct gene transfer into glial and neuronal cells in the brain and spinal cord.
A 560-million-year-old fossil discovery in Newfoundland, Canada, has provided the oldest evidence of muscle tissue in animals. The find, named Haootia quadriformis, is a rare example of an Ediacaran animal with bundles of fibres similar to those found in modern cnidarians.
Research at the University of Adelaide found that providing daily contact with boars during lactation stimulates oestrus in sows, allowing for increased piglet weaning age without compromising litter frequency. This could lead to improved post-weaning growth and better welfare for piglets.
Salmon that force themselves to move quickly through fast-moving water are more likely to die after passing through turbulent waters. Researchers found that burst swimming, a behavior similar to sprinting, can lead to impaired oxygen supply and increased stress metabolites in the blood.
Researchers have identified marmosets as an ideal animal model to study Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS-CoV) due to their DPP4 protein's similarity to humans. The marmoset model recapitulates severe respiratory symptoms seen in human patients, making it a promising candidate for future therapeutic studies.
Researchers at the NIH have developed a new animal model of severe Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in marmosets. This model closely mimics the severe pneumonia experienced by people infected with MERS-CoV, making it an ideal option for testing potential treatments.
Researchers found evidence that Mycobacterial tuberculosis genomes in Peru's human skeletons match animal lineages from seals and sea lions. This suggests marine mammals brought the disease to South America before European arrival. The study provides strong evidence for a complex history of tuberculosis transmission in the Americas.
Early Jurassic mammals in Wales developed specialized diets, with some favoring harder food like beetles and others softer foods like scorpion flies. This discovery suggests that competition drove the evolution of unique mammalian features, such as precise chewing and better hearing.
A new variety of Philippine tarsier has been genetically confirmed, shedding light on the species' taxonomic diversity and distribution. The discovery highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered primate's genetic diversity and habitats.
Johns Hopkins scientists develop a new material that binds slippery molecules, potentially delivering long-lasting lubrication and easing painful joints. The material, inspired by natural functions lost in synthetic materials, has shown promise in animal tests.
Researchers estimate potential combined impacts of climate and land-use change on biodiversity and ecosystems nationwide. The study reveals varying regional priorities for policy efforts based on unique climate and land-use patterns.
A comprehensive review article reveals shared nervous system mechanisms governing mammalian parental motivation, including the role of oxytocin and testosterone. This understanding can lead to improved social development and benefit future generations of humans and animals.
Researchers found that mowing and prescribed burns increased plant density and flowering percentage of gentian species, a rare find due to human suppression of wildfires. Northern pine snakes struggle to cross roads, with only small patches of habitat left to support populations.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge created detailed reconstructions of ancient organisms called rangeomorphs, which were among the earliest large animals on Earth. The creatures thrived in ocean environments during the Ediacaran period but went extinct due to changing conditions and competition from emerging animal groups.
Researchers developed novel, ultrathin coatings called nanosheets that can cling to body's most difficult-to-protect contours and keep bacteria at bay. The nanosheets protected burns from infection for three continuous days and up to six days with an additional coating.
A new species of frog was discovered in Malaysian swampland, genetically distinct from its doppelganger on Siberut Island. Genetic analysis using Next Generation Sequencing confirmed the separation, making it a unique finding in herpetology.
A Roundtable Discussion explores the application of novel toxicology models to predict adverse health effects and environmental exposures. The discussion covers human cell models, high-throughput screening methods, and three-dimensional tissue culture models.
Researchers have developed a new technique to measure insulin levels in fruit flies with high sensitivity and reproducibility. This breakthrough is expected to transform the field of diabetes research by bringing the power of fruit fly genetics to bear on the devastating condition, enabling rapid testing of diabetes risk factors.
Research from the University of Guelph reveals that arctic mammals like caribou can metabolize current-use pesticides ingested through vegetation, limiting their impact on humans who consume them. The study found significant biomagnification was not observed in this food chain.
A new study suggests that burrowing animals played a key role in stabilizing the Earth's oxygen reservoir around 540 million years ago. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, links data from the fossil record to established connections between the phosphorus and oxygen cycles.
A new fusion molecule has been developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis in mice, with promising results showing the animals' symptoms disappear completely. The therapy targets specific immune messengers and reduces side effects by concentrating the active substance at the site of disease, offering a potential long-term cure.
Scientists from the Salk Institute discovered a protein that promotes nerve regeneration by disrupting a pair of proteins that inhibit growth. The finding could lead to therapies for thousands of Americans with severe spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
Researchers at Clemson University are developing probes that can siphon liquid out of single cells using the proboscis of butterflies. The technology has the potential to revolutionize medical testing and treatment, allowing doctors to replace defective genes with healthy ones.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a new drug compound, TC-2153, that inhibits the negative effects of STEP protein and reverses cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease. The compound was found to improve cognitive function in mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for treating the disease.
Researchers in Brazil developed a non-lethal strategy to reduce shark encounters with humans, increasing protected species survival rates and decreasing attacks. The 'simple and humane' approach has been shown to be effective over 8 years, making swimmers safer without harming threatened shark populations.
Researchers uncover the evolutionary roots of animals' ability to quickly absorb critical life lessons, a phenomenon known as the Garcia Effect. The study found that statistical reliability across generations determines what animals can learn and what they can't, with different environments favoring specific associations.
Researchers at Harvard University have found that mice can distinguish between specific odors even when surrounded by multiple background smells. The team used fluorescent proteins to create images of how different scents activated neurons in the brain, revealing a neural explanation for how animals separate relevant from irrelevant se...
Researchers have developed a new method to detect multiple-source signals in real-time and three-dimensional space, improving localizing birdsong data. The study uses approximate maximum likelihood algorithms to determine the direction of arrival of birdsong sources, yielding more accurate results than conventional methods.
A deep-sea octopus species has been observed brooding its eggs for four and one-half years, a record-breaking duration. The female kept the eggs clean and guarded them from predators, while also ensuring the young octopuses developed fully within their eggs.
The Jackson Laboratory will establish a new Neurobehavioral Biometry Center with a $1 million pledge from the Cornelia Cogswell Rossi Foundation. The Center aims to accelerate research in neurological and neurobehavioral disorders by assessing behavior related to disease characteristics and therapy responses.
The article introduces a proof-of-concept figure that generates data 'on the fly' when an online article is viewed. Readers can select parameters to alter the generated figure, allowing for self-evaluation of the data. This innovation aims to improve transparency and reproducibility in scientific publishing.
A review of climate change impacts on species and ecosystems reveals a gap in conservation science focusing on indirect effects, such as seasonal changes and extreme weather events. Most studies (89%) exclusively examine direct threats, with no studies solely focusing on indirect threats.
Researchers have successfully reproduced morphological changes in mice teeth that occurred over millions of years, mirroring those found in fossil records. The study used genetic modifications to induce changes in tooth development, providing insight into the mechanisms driving evolutionary transitions.
Scientists have identified a specific electrical pattern in the brains of genetically identical mice that predicts how well individual animals will fare in stressful situations. This finding may help prevent mental illnesses linked with stress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
A 15-year analysis of blue whale movements off the West Coast found that their feeding areas are bisected by shipping lanes, increasing the risk of injury and mortality. Researchers suggest moving shipping lanes to reduce collisions, similar to a previous study that reduced right whale strikes in the Bay of Fundy.
Researchers found that greater mouse-eared bats can calibrate their inner compass using the polarized light of the evening sky. The bats deviated from the control group when exposed to a 90-degree shifted polarization pattern, indicating they used this visual cue for orientation.
New research from North Carolina State University reveals that urban heat is killing red maples by boosting pest populations. Warmer temperatures lead to a 300% increase in young gloomy scale insects, resulting in 200 times more adult scales on urban trees. This stress can also limit tree growth and kill trees.