Articles tagged with Animal Research
Research from Durham University suggests that brain frontal lobes are not disproportionately enlarged relative to other areas in humans and other species. The study found that supposedly 'primitive' areas like the cerebellum played an equally important role in expanding the human brain.
Research shows disrupted brain gene activity in depressed brains, out of sync with the usual daily cycle, offering a new target for diagnosis and treatment. The findings also reveal a previously unknown daily rhythm to gene activity across many areas of the brain.
Research from Monash University reveals that human hip evolution was simpler than previously thought, with key elements present in fish ancestors. The study found that major changes could be made in just a few evolutionary steps.
Research using GBIF data found nearly two-thirds of plants and half of animals could lose more than half their climate range by 2080. Swift action to limit emissions can reduce losses by 60% and buy additional time for species adaptation.
A large-scale study of mosquitoes in Kenya found a diverse range of arboviruses, including West Nile, Ndumu, and Ngari viruses. Over 450,000 mosquitoes were screened, revealing previously unknown viruses with similarities to the Chaoyang virus in China.
Scientists at the University of Strathclyde have identified the greater wax moth as capable of sensing sound frequencies up to 300kHz, surpassing human and dolphin limitations. This discovery has significant implications for air-coupled ultrasound technology and may lead to advancements in micro-scale acoustic systems.
A GWU biologist has created the largest-ever evolutionary family tree for all known snake and lizard groups, covering over 4,000 species. The study, published in BMC Evolutionary Biology, provides a comprehensive classification system for these reptiles.
Researchers found that rats' sniffing and whisking movements are synchronized even when running at different frequencies. This synchronization allows for efficient multisensory integration, which is crucial for decisions like locating food.
Researchers at Monell Center have identified a critical protein, Ggamma13, essential for mammalian odor detection. Mice lacking this protein were functionally anosmic, highlighting its role in smell disorders in humans.
A new species of theropod dinosaur, Aorun zhaoi, has been discovered in Western China, dating back over 161 million years. The young dinosaur is estimated to be around 1 meter long and weighed 1.5 kilograms.
Researchers discover nearly complete skeleton of ancient bird, Eocypselus rowei, which lived 50 million years ago. The fossil's well-preserved feathers reveal key characteristics of the bird's wing shape, providing insights into the evolution of swift and hummingbird flight.
A study by Yale University researchers found that traditional African ranching techniques create fertile glades that support high native animal populations. These glades persist for over a century after the initial use, influencing plant and animal growth across the entire savanna ecosystem.
A study proposes that a group of carnivores died intentionally in an ancient Spanish cave due to a lack of exit points. The researchers suggest that the scarcity of herbivore remains indicates the cavity was clearly visible and avoided by these animals.
Research reveals that males exposed to constant rivalry mate for longer, but ultimately die earlier and are less able to mate later in life. Fruit flies that were not exposed to rivals continued to mate into old age.
A study by Michigan State University scientists discovered sex differences in binge eating rates among female and male rats, suggesting biological factors contribute to eating disorder prevalence. The study's findings have implications for understanding risk factors and mechanisms in humans.
A study by Professor Ole G. Mouritsen found that dulse contains only extremely small doses of kainic acid, rendering it safe for consumption in moderation. The research also revealed low levels of heavy metals and other substances that may be harmful in large doses.
A new study published in PLOS ONE tracks the movements of individual humpback whales to their singing patterns on a Northwest Atlantic feeding ground. The researchers used passive acoustic tracking to localize whale songs and relate them to specific behaviors, providing valuable insights for marine mammal conservation and management.
A novel nuclear protein called Trnp1 triggers the expansion and folding of the cerebral cortex in mice, supporting tangential expansion and ordered formation of neurons. The findings imply that Trnp1 controls both expansion and folding and serves as a starting point for dissecting cellular and molecular interactions.
A Virginia Tech study found that humans are passing antibiotic resistance to wildlife, especially in protected areas where human numbers are limited. The research identified the coupled nature of humans, animals, and the environment across landscapes, posing a critical threat to human and animal health.
In a surprising finding, researchers found that pikas prefer vegetation grazed on by caterpillars, which acts as natural fertilizer. This unusual partnership could have long-term implications for competition and food resources in northern mountain environments.
A Canadian lynx, a carnivorous predator twice the size of a domestic cat, was found to have prowled the British countryside at the turn of the last century. The discovery provides evidence against a popular hypothesis that wild cats entered the country following the 1976 Wild Animals Act.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have successfully performed biopsies using hundreds of tiny, untethered grippers that can collect tissue samples without batteries or wires. The microgrippers, activated by the body's heat, hold promise for more effective cancer detection and disease diagnosis.
A new study by Queen Mary University of London found that rescued animals can recover from neglect. Researchers observed improved behavior in goats that had been mistreated, suggesting a positive impact of sanctuary care on their mental health.
Researchers studied baby sea turtles and a flipper-driven robot to understand movement on sand. They found that flexible wrists allow for effective locomotion by minimizing material yielding, reducing drag from belly friction.
Researchers analyzed social bonds in rock hyrax colonies, finding that balanced triads are more common than initially thought. Structural balance theory suggests that enemies of enemies can be stable configurations, contradicting classical human relationship dynamics.
Scientists track Egyptian fruit bat flights using miniature wireless devices and find that place cells respond to spherical volumes of space, suggesting uniform perception of all three dimensions. The study provides new insights into navigation, spatial memory, and spatial perception.
Researchers found that a small meat-eating dinosaur called Troodon likely hatched its young in a way similar to brooding birds. The study provides insights into how dinosaurs incubated their eggs and supports the close evolutionary relationship between birds and dinosaurs.
Research from North Carolina State University suggests that invasive kudzu bugs can spread beyond the southern United States to other parts of the country where soybeans are grown. This could lead to significant crop damage, doubling the impact on farmers as both generations of the bug attack soybean crops.
New molecular techniques offer insights into pet obesity, with a focus on understanding how nutrients affect gene expression. Researchers aim to prevent obesity by identifying key biological compounds and their impact on metabolism., Pet obesity affects over 50% of US dogs and cats, leading to chronic disease and reduced lifespan.
Researchers found that remains of dovekies were recovered from the stomachs of 14 goosefish caught during winters between 2007 and 2010. The study suggests that timing is key in bringing these deep-water fish and shallow-feeding birds together in offshore waters.
A new genus of bat, Niumbaha superba, has been identified in South Sudan with a unique pattern of spots and stripes. The discovery highlights the country's rich biodiversity and underscores the need for conservation efforts.
A meta-analysis of 161 studies on prey diversity found that mixed diets enhance animal fitness, but not as well as specialized diets. Generalized diets may offer flexibility and less risk of predation, rather than nutritional benefits.
Researchers have created a new genetically engineered rat model that closely represents the brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, including tau pathology and extensive neuronal cell death. The rats developed memory and learning problems with age, supporting the idea that increases in beta-amyloid causes the disease.
Researchers found that the drug combination resulted in a 70% decrease in tumor volume compared to single-drug treatment. The study suggests that MK-1775 and gemcitabine may represent a novel approach in treating sarcomas, offering new hope for rare cancer patients.
Scientists have discovered several new species of hepaciviruses and pegiviruses closely related to human viruses in frozen stocks of wild mice. These rodent viruses have genes and proteins similar to human strains, suggesting their potential use in studying hepatitis C disease and developing vaccines.
Nine undergraduate students presenting their research using Drosophila as a model organism discussed cell death, immunity and neural development. The students won the Victoria Finnerty Undergraduate Travel Awards to attend the 54th Annual Drosophila Research Conference in Washington, D.C.
Researchers have identified a gene in fruit flies that, when mutated, blocks self-destruction of damaged axons, which could hold clues for treating motor neuron diseases like ALS. The preservation of this signaling mechanism from flies to humans suggests its importance and potential as a treatment strategy.
Researchers found that mannitol improved the movement of fruit flies with Parkinson's-like symptoms by reducing misfolded protein aggregation. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in humans, but the findings suggest a possible novel therapeutic direction.
Researchers at the Lactation Biology Symposium discovered that drinking milk at an early age can change how certain genes are expressed. This epigenetic effect can have long-term implications for behavior and cell development in offspring.
Researchers at Georgia State University find chimpanzees can 'think about thinking,' using symbols to recognize their own cognitive states and seek information before responding. This ability challenges the idea of metacognition being unique to humans.
The launch of Animal Biotelemetry aims to provide a forum for discussion on telemetric techniques used in various animal species. Key findings include the two-year migration pattern of female white sharks and the use of UV radiation to prevent infections in tagged animals.
Researchers have mapped a two-year migration pattern of female white sharks in the Pacific Ocean, revealing widely separated nursery areas. The study highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable animals from commercial fishing and habitat disruption.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are developing a medical device that can quickly detect a suite of biothreat agents, including anthrax, ricin, and botulinum. The device will be used in emergency rooms to respond to bioterrorism incidents.
Scientists have developed a new method to create genetically modified mice that accelerates the process by four months, using TALEN enzymes. This technique allows for the efficient production of mouse models for diseases like dementia, reducing the need for numerous test animals.
Researchers found that high ozone levels interfere with pollinators finding flowers and predator insects finding host plants. Insects rely on volatile organic compounds to detect odors, but ozone degrades these compounds, leading to confusion.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that feeding growing pigs diets containing up to 30% corn germ does not affect their growth performance or carcass quality. The study tested different inclusion rates and found no significant differences in any of the measured outcomes.
Research by Alison Boyer found that nearly 983 land bird species became extinct between the first human arrival and European colonization due to overhunting, forest clearance, and introduced species. The study also reveals that flightless species were more likely to go extinct than those with flying abilities.
A meta-analysis of 62 studies across 48 species found that sticking around to care for offspring is the better choice for some males when faced with infidelity. Males tend to be more accepting of offspring fathered by other males in species where risk is low or caring doesn't harm reproductive success.
Research from the University of Gothenburg found that birds with few offspring and delayed reproduction have better-protected telomeres, leading to longer lives. This study sheds light on the correlation between reproduction and aging in animals, particularly species like barnacle geese and elephants.
A new study published in Nature Communications confirms the controversial worm Xenoturbella bocki as a key evolutionary organism. Genetic studies reveal that it belongs to the group of deuterostomes, to which humans also belong, sparking important biological and biomedical implications.
Scientists developed a cell-based alternative test that uses mouse skin cells in the laboratory to detect skin sensitisers. The test was found to be highly accurate, correctly identifying actual sensitizers in 92% of cases and producing no false positives.
Researchers found that environmental enrichment, including running and exposure to novel objects, improved neurobehavioral function in mice after transplanting adipose-derived stem cells. Exercise-induced fibroblast growth factor 2 enhanced brain repair by promoting angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and astrocytic activation.
German researchers use DNA sequencing and high-resolution photos to identify over 100 previously unknown beetle species in New Guinea's tropical rainforests. The study employs innovative methods, including utilizing the Papuan phonebook to assign names to newly discovered species.
Scientists identified how a chicken's genetic make-up affects its signals of fullness, shedding light on why some breeds overeat and affecting reproduction. The study could help develop diets reducing excess growth naturally in birds.
A meta-analysis of 62 studies across 48 different species found that males who stick around to care for offspring are more successful when females are promiscuous. This suggests that males make complex calculations about the benefits and risks of paternal care, and that natural selection favors tolerance in certain situations.
Researchers used acoustic monitoring to record cod grunts in the wild for the first time, finding that male cod produce low-frequency sounds during spawning season. The study provides insights into cod behavior and distribution, informing conservation efforts.
Researchers developed a new approach to predict how small legged robots move on and interact with complex granular materials like sand. The technique, called terradynamics, uses equations to describe and predict movement comparable to aerodynamics and hydrodynamics.
A compact wireless sensor recorded and transmitted brain activity data wirelessly for over a year in animal tests, representing a major step toward cord-free control of advanced prosthetics. The device has the potential to revolutionize rehabilitation options for people with physical disabilities.
Researchers found that tourist-fed stingrays at Stingray City show distinct patterns of activity, including daytime feeding and nighttime resting, compared to wild stingrays. Human interaction has drastically altered their behavior, with some stingrays abandoning their solitary nature and forming schools.
A study published in Current Biology reveals that cliff swallows have decreased their mortality rates due to road collisions over the past three decades. The birds with longer-than-average wingspans are more likely to collide with vehicles, indicating that shorter-winged birds may be adapting to reduce fatalities.