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
Scientists find SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses in Cambodian bats from 2010
Scientists have identified coronaviruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2 from two bats sampled in Cambodia more than a decade ago. Read more
Domestic cats drive spread of Toxoplasma parasite to wildlife
New research suggests free-roaming cats are likely to blame in the spread of the potentially deadly Toxoplasma gondii parasite to wildlife in densely populated urban areas. Read more
Helping smooth New Zealand sea lions’ road home
A team creates a new way of redefining New Zealand sea lions' habitat. The work will help take the surprise out of coming across sea lions on a forest hike. Read more
SARS-CoV-2 variant detected in dogs and cats with suspected myocarditis
A new study reveals that pets can be infected with the alpha variant of SARS-CoV-2, which was first detected in southeast England and is commonly known as the UK variant or B.1.1.7. Read more
A commonly found parasite could treat certain types of cancer, say scientists
Scientists have discovered that a deadly parasite, known to cause ill health in pregnant women and immunocompromised patients, could potentially be used to treat various types of tumors. Read more
These hips don’t lie: 3D imaging of a pelvis suggests social care for saber-tooths
A new study reveals saber-toothed cats suffered from hip dysplasia, an affliction common in pet cats and dogs, and points to supportive social structures for Smilodon. Read more
Cat’s meow: Robotic pet boosts mood, behavior and cognition in adults with dementia
Researchers tested the effectiveness of affordable, interactive robotic pet cats to improve mood, behavior and cognition in older adults with mild to moderate dementia. Mood and behavioral symptoms were measured along with cognition using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Intervention with t Read more
Cat bacteria treats mouse skin infection, may help you and your pets as well
Researchers identify a strain of bacteria on healthy cats that produces antibiotics against severe skin infections. The findings may soon lead to new bacteriotherapies for humans and their pets, wherein cat bacteria is applied via topical cream or spray. Read more
New active agent against parasites
Researchers have identified a chemical compound that may be suitable as an active agent against several different unicellular parasites. Among these are the pathogens that cause malaria and toxoplasmosis. The point of attack for this promising substance is the protein tubulin: It helps cells divide Read more
Ecology of fishing jaguars: Rare social interactions
Scientists have gained new insights into the diet, population density and social interactions of a group of Brazilian jaguars. Read more
Man's best friend could be a jaguar's next meal: A case study from the Mexican Caribbean
Events of jaguars predating on and attacking dogs are poorly documented throughout the Americas. Researchers from Mexico and Germany report in detail jaguar attacks on 20 dogs at a tourist site in the Mexican Caribbean. In addition, they describe an initiative proposed by locals as well as national Read more
Cats' whiskers reveal felines favor free lunch
Domestic cats that regularly catch wild animals still get most of their nutrition from food provided at home, new research shows. Read more
25-million-year-old ancient eagle ruled the roost in Australia
A 25-million-year-old eagle fossil found in South Australia adds to the long evolutionary history of raptors in Australia. Read more
Dog parasite is developing resistance to treatments
Right now, U.S. veterinarians rely on three types of drugs to kill the hookworms, but the parasites appear to becoming resistant to all of them. Dog hookworms can also infect humans. Read more
Cats less stressed after adoption by families with children with autism, study finds
While researchers have found that adding a shelter cat to the family can help lower stress and anxiety for children with autism, a new study shows that joining a family does wonders for the felines, too. Read more
