Toxoplasmosis: Propagation of parasite in host cell stopped
A new method blocks the protein regulation of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and causes it to die off inside the host cell. Read more
Scientists discover new tools to fight potentially deadly Protozoa that has pregnant women avoiding cat litter boxes
Many doctors caution their pregnant patients to avoid cat feces; even the family pet's litter box is off-limits. Now a group of researchers from Clemson University have discovered a promising therapy for those who suffer from toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by the microscopic protozoa Toxoplasm Read more
Study of ancient predators sheds light on how humans did -- or didn't -- find food
A new analysis of the remains of ancient predators reveals new information about how prehistoric humans did -- or didn't -- find their food. Read more
Pathogens can hitch a ride on plastic to reach the sea
Microplastics are a pathway for pathogens on land to reach the ocean, with likely consequences for human and wildlife health, according to a new study. This study connects microplastic pollution in the ocean with land-based, diseases-carrying pathogens. The study, published April 26 in the journal S Read more
Weed-killer compounds also kill parasite sometimes found in cat feces
Researchers have discovered that common herbicides and some of their derivatives can kill the parasite Toxoplasma gondii when it infects human cells in a petri dish, without harming the cells themselves. Read more
Aromatic amines in pet feces and urine may signal threats to human health
Dogs and cats may be exposed in their homes to a potentially toxic group of chemicals, with their discovery in the pets' stool being a sign of health issues for humans living with them, a new study shows. Read more
Oxytocin treatment can take lions from ferocious to friendly
Lions typically aren't keen on making new friends. The giant cats guard their territory fiercely and can mortally wound a foe with a single swipe. While aggression is an advantage for apex predators in the wild, it poses real challenges for lions on reserves or in captivity, a number that is gr Read more
New, possibly arboreal rice rat species discovered in Ecuador
Three expeditions led an international research to the Cordillera de Kutukú, an isolated mountain range in Ecuador, to find just one specimen of the previously unknown species. The find in the Amazonian side of the Andes underlines the valuable biological role of this mountainous region. Read more
Cellular rejuvenation therapy safely reverses signs of aging in mice
Age may be just a number, but it's a number that often carries unwanted side effects, from brittle bones and weaker muscles to increased risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Now, scientists have shown that they can safely and effectively reverse the aging process in middle-aged and elder Read more
COVID in a cat
A study has confirmed what is believed to be the first published account of the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a house cat. The viral sequence was a close match to strains circulating in the Philadelphia area at the same time, underscoring the virus's ability to jump from one species to another Read more
Older Japanese dog owners may face lower risk of disability than non-dog owners, study finds
An analysis of data from more than 11,000 older Japanese adults suggests that seniors who own a dog may be at lower risk of disability than those who have never been dog owners. Read more
Smelly ocelot habitats may scare off seed-dispersing rodents
An experiment in Panama's Parque Natural Metropolitano and Gamboa revealed that agoutis were less likely to disperse and pilfer seeds in sites where ferocious felines roam. Read more
Sequencing puts carnivore chromosomes in context
A new study shows how the three-dimensional scaffolding of chromosomes is related across several species of carnivores, offering a new approach of 'comparative scaffotyping' that could be used to identify related genes across species and place them in context. Read more
Notches on lions’ teeth reveal poaching in Zambia’s conservation areas
New research links notches on lion teeth with snare traps, revealing significantly more poaching in conservation areas than previously estimated. Researchers used photos of trophy-hunted lions and leopards -- especially of their teeth -- to do forensic work evaluating the effectiveness of conservati Read more
Data from thousands of cameras confirms protected areas promote mammal diversity
Researchers at UBC's faculty of forestry analyzed data from a global data set drawing from 8,671 camera trap stations spanning four continents. They found more mammal diversity in survey areas where habitat had a protected designation -- compared to forests and other wilderness areas that lacke Read more
Hostile takeover in the cell: Pathogens hijack host mitochondria
A research team reports that a parasite tricks mitochondria into shedding large structures from their 'skin', thus turning off their defenses. Read more
Exploring genetics of SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses in animals around the world
A genetic and geographic analysis of variants of SARS-CoV-2 -- the virus that causes COVID-19 -- and related viruses in humans and animals may provide evidence of interspecies transmission worldwide. Read more
