Articles tagged with Animal Experimentation
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that alcohol strengthens emotional memories associated with fearful experiences and prevents mice from pushing aside their fears. The study identified the molecular mechanism responsible for alcohol-related fear relapses and used a drug to reverse its effects.
New research suggests that chimpanzees do not display a tendency to help others, nor are they spiteful, when there is no anticipated benefit to themselves. In two experiments, chimpanzees could determine whether or not a peer received access to food and showed no preference for either providing access or denying access.
Researchers found that only 20% of applications and publications reported use of bias-reducing methods, but 86% of participants claimed to assign animals randomly to treatment groups. The study recommends more education and training for those involved in animal research to ensure scientific rigor.
A new study from UC Berkeley found that young blood does not improve tissue health and repair in old mice. In contrast, older mice experience large declines when receiving younger blood, suggesting inhibitors in old blood may drive the aging process.
Researchers at NIH identified six Zika virus antibodies that recognize a particular Zika protein, the envelope or E protein. Two of these antibodies also protect mice from Zika infection, offering potential for prophylactic treatment approaches for pregnant women at risk of Zika virus infection.
Research reveals lower CD74 receptors on placental macrophages disrupt fetal nourishment, leading to abnormal placentas and preeclampsia. This discovery opens new possibilities for long-term therapy targeting root causes of the disease.
Researchers identified a possible intervention for age-related memory problems by exploring how the brain links two memories and whether time affects their connection. Boosting neural excitability may reverse age-related inability to link memories.
Researchers found that brain regions synchronize electrical activity in a specific rhythm, known as theta oscillation, to facilitate spatial choice and memory processes.
A new meta-research section in PLOS Biology examines the 'credibility crisis' in science, focusing on study transparency and reproducibility. The section aims to improve research standards in the biological sciences and beyond.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that tougher guidelines on animal research can lead to improved outcomes for developing new medicines. The analysis found that only a minority of studies reported using random assignment and researcher blinding, which are essential to minimize bias.
Researchers found that monkeys and humans perceive the Delboeuf illusion in a similar way, with both species misjudging dot size depending on outer ring size. This suggests that primates share similarities in their perceptual systems, making them an appropriate model for studying human perception.
Researchers created a miniature device combining optogenetics with wireless power delivery, enabling experiments involving free-moving mice. The breakthrough expands the scope of optogenetics research and offers new possibilities for studying social behavior and complex movements.
Researchers at Duke University have successfully established brain-to-brain networks in primates and rodents, allowing them to work together to complete simple tasks. The brain networks, or Brainets, enable animals to exchange sensory and motor information in real-time, controlling movement and even predicting weather patterns.
Researchers found that early-age exercise in mice had positive effects on adult levels of voluntary exercise, including a reduction in body mass. The study suggests that early-life exercise may increase the likelihood of adults engaging in regular physical activity.
Researchers found that innate lymphoid cells in males produce a protein that protects against the disease, while female mice remain inactive and do not produce this protein. This discovery opens up new avenues for investigation into sex-determined disease susceptibility.
A recent study analyzed 58 papers on inflammatory bowel disease and found inconsistent methods reporting, leading to difficulties in reproducing experiments. The researchers developed a critical checklist to address the issue, recommending its adoption as a publication requirement to improve study quality and standardization.
A new study by PETA found a staggering 73% increase in the number of animals used in US laboratories between 1997 and 2012, despite industry claims of reduced animal use. Mice usage accounted for a 72.7% increase due to genetic modification experiments.
The study found a sharp rise in the use of mice and unregulated species in US laboratory research, contradicting industry claims and government efforts. The data highlights the need for greater transparency and efforts to curb animal use in scientific research.
Researchers at CU School of Medicine have identified Muc5ac, a protein involved in airway hyperreactivity, as a potential target for reducing obstruction in asthma. The study found that genetic removal of Muc5ac eliminated airway hyperreactivity, offering new hope for treating this chronic respiratory disease.
A study by French researchers has found that dolphins are able to discriminate between objects based on their magnetic properties, indicating a magenetic sense. The findings provide new evidence for magnetoreception in cetaceans and suggest they may use this ability to navigate themselves.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that coral trout are as proficient as chimpanzees in determining when to collaborate and selecting the most effective partner. The study showed that the fish can learn quickly and make informed decisions about their collaborators, mirroring human-like abilities.
A new study identifies a novel gene, Inpp4b, that controls nerve conduction velocity and is linked to multiple sclerosis. The researchers found that polymorphisms in this gene affect nerve conduction speed in both mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and humans with MS.
Researchers found that improving lymphatic function can prevent the development of both chronic and acute inflammatory bowel disease in mice. Silvio Danese and colleagues discovered that administering VEGF-C prior to the onset of IBD relieved symptoms, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for humans.
Knocking down α-synuclein in a methamphetamine-induced model of Parkinson's disease reduced depression manifestations, increased striatal dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase levels, and decreased reactive oxygen species. This suggests that α-synuclein may exacerbate oxidative stress and apoptosis in dopaminergic neurons.
A new study on mice found that mothers eating a gluten-free diet during pregnancy and lactation can protect their pups from developing type 1 diabetes. The researchers hope that this knowledge can be used to develop new treatments for the disease, which affects over 1% of the Danish population.
A new experimental drug has been developed that inhibits the aging protein PAI-1, quadrupling the lifespan of rapidly aging mice. The drug, TM5441, also protects organs from accelerated aging and may one day be used to treat human diseases like chronic kidney disease and diabetes.
A study found that Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) at leading US institutions are dominated by animal researchers, with only 10% of members being non-scientist public representatives. This bias may contribute to deficiencies in the IACUC oversight system and marginalize input from public members.
Researchers monitored brain activity of monkeys during planned and unplanned arm movements to understand the neural control of movement. They found that neurons go into a 'prepare-and-hold' state when anticipating movements, but not when reacting unexpectedly.
A high-protein diet may increase the risk of developing kidney stones and renal diseases in rats. The study found that a high-protein diet can lead to a decrease in urinary citrate and an increase in urinary calcium, which can promote pathologies like nephrolithiasis.
Researchers found that chimpanzees can use gestures to coordinate actions in pursuit of a specific goal, such as finding hidden food. The study highlights the primates' ability to remember and communicate about their environment through directional gestures.
Research shows that orangutans and gorillas can form concepts beyond perceptual similarity, matching images by taxonomic class. This finding suggests a shared conceptual process with humans and refutes the notion that biological categories depend on scientific knowledge or labels.
Researchers found that mice consuming a diet of 25 percent extra sugar died at twice the normal rate and males had reduced territory and reproduction rates. The study suggests that added sugars can have dramatic adverse impacts on mammalian health, even at levels considered safe by regulatory agencies.
Researchers at Michigan State University found a link between the prefrontal cortex and learning and behavioral deficits in mice with mental illness genes. This study suggests targeting specific brain-behavior mechanisms may alleviate cognitive and motivational symptoms.
Researchers found that choline supplementation improved long-term memory retention and attention in rats, with prenatal choline intake also benefiting offspring. The study suggests a potential link between choline nutrition and cognitive function.
Researchers found that markets significantly lower moral standards, with subjects willing to accept killing a mouse for money. In market conditions, people focus on competition and profits over moral concerns, leading to an erosion of moral values.
Researchers successfully transmitted tactile and motor information between rat brains, enabling behavioral puzzle-solving. The brain-to-brain interface allowed for two-way communication, with the decoder rat achieving a success rate of about 70 percent.
Researchers are developing stem cell-based transplant technology to recreate complex tissues and organs, with successful trials in trachea, oesophagus and lung transplantation. Experimental attempts also show promise for brain regeneration and treatment of acute refractory lung failure.
Researchers have developed an experimental molecular therapy that crosses the blood-brain barrier to reverse neurological lysosomal storage disease in mice. The therapy uses a modified enzyme called IDUAe1, which penetrates the blood-brain barrier and delivers large-molecule therapeutic agents to treat brain diseases.
Researchers from RIKEN Brain Science Institute found that pairs of macaque monkeys modify their body movements to be in tune with others. This phenomenon may reflect bonding and facilitate human interaction, shedding light on conditions like autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers found that bonobos will share food with a stranger before an acquaintance in a series of experiments. In most cases, the test subject chose to release the stranger first, even when there was no social interaction afterwards. This behavior contrasts with chimpanzees and highlights the unique social dynamics of bonobos.
Tel Aviv University scientists discovered that lab mice do not actually experience chronic anxiety, but instead exhibit temporary responses to new environments. This finding could explain why most candidate drugs have poor therapeutic value in treating human brain disorders.
A new inhibitor has been shown to decrease relapses in ex-smoker rats by preventing the interaction of two neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. The study found that long-term nicotine exposure causes these receptors to interact, leading to increased cravings.
Researchers at NYU have devised a method to reduce afflictions associated with Fragile X syndrome in laboratory mice by targeting the protein synthesis process. The study found improvements in physical attributes and behaviors in FXS mice lacking S6K1, but not uniform reductions in repetitive behaviors.
Researchers found that IL-10 production by keratinocytes in donor skin is crucial for successful skin grafting between genetically identical mice. Monitoring IL-10 levels may improve therapeutic success in human patients.
Two independent research reports published in PLOS ONE show that chimpanzees use weight to choose the best hammer for cracking open nuts, a sophisticated tool use. In contrast, old world monkeys modulate their begging behavior based on whether an experimenter is paying attention to them, suggesting intentional communication.
Inhibition of PBEF has been shown to prevent and reverse monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats, suggesting its potential as a therapy. The study's findings imply that targeting PBEF activity could provide a new approach to treating patients with PH.
Researchers found that removing specific molecules can improve recovery from induced strokes in mice, even days after the event. The treatment may work as a long-term solution for patients who cannot receive current stroke treatment tPA.
A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that humans can build up memory T cell numbers over time without sacrificing old ones, unlike previous studies on mice that suggested space limitations. The discovery has significant implications for understanding human immune responses and potential treatments.
Researchers from Harvard University found that shark skin's denticles create a low-pressure zone that enhances propulsion, reducing drag. Swimsuits with similar surface properties have no effect on swim speed.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that acupuncture significantly reduces levels of neuropeptide Y, a protein linked to chronic stress, in rats. The study suggests that acupuncture may offer a proven therapy for stress relief, which is often difficult to treat.
Researchers have discovered a new strategy to treat Parkinson's disease by injecting a viral protein that stabilizes mitochondria in rats with a PD-like disease. The approach has shown promising results, as rats treated with the protein performed better on behavioral and motor function tests.
A new study by University of Chicago neuroscientists finds that rats exhibit empathy-driven helping behavior in a laboratory setting. The rats free their cagemates from restraint, even when given the option to eat chocolate instead. This observation suggests that empathy is not unique to humans and may be an evolutionary adaptation.
Researchers found that alpha-B-crystallin reduces brain lesion size and inflammation in mice after a stroke, even when administered 12 hours post-event. The protein acts as a brake on the immune system, lowering levels of inflammatory molecules.
A new study found that animal personalities are reflected in their oxidative stress profiles, with timid birds experiencing higher levels of damaging oxygen toxins and weaker defenses. In contrast, curious birds had better defences against oxidative damage.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine raised safety concerns about targeting the Notch1 signaling pathway in cancer treatment. The research found that mice developed vascular tumors, massive hemorrhages, and died after chronic disruption of the Notch1 signal, highlighting the potential risks of anti-Notch therapies.
Biologists at UC Riverside found that voluntary activity is a heritable trait that can be passed down genetically. Mice bred for high running ability produced high-running offspring, indicating the trait was inherited. The study suggests pharmaceutical drugs could be used to alter human activity levels.
Reducing Ago2-dependent microRNA expression reduces cocaine consumption in mice, suggesting a link between genetic regulation and addiction. Further research is needed to determine which microRNAs control cocaine addiction and whether similar pathways operate in humans.
Scientists have discovered that ovarian transplants from young mice can restore fertility and increase lifespan in aging female mice. The procedure, which has been performed with limited success in women so far, may also have a rejuvenating effect on their behavior. Researchers believe that similar procedures could be used to preserve ...
Mycobacterium vaccae has been shown to increase serotonin levels and decrease anxiety in mice, leading to improved learning behavior. The temporary effects suggest a potential role for the bacteria in anxiety and learning in mammals.
Researchers discovered that specific inflammasome components protect against colitis and cancer in mice. Mice lacking these components developed more severe colitis and larger tumor burdens, highlighting the complex role of inflammasomes in human disease.