Cryptococcal fungi are most naturally found in warm and humid environments, particularly where soil, decaying organic material, such as wood, leaf litter, compost and bird droppings are present. Dogs and cats can develop serious, even life-threatening, cryptococcal infections when they inhale the spores of the fungi, writes Sara Lawhon, DVM, PhD, DACVM. Infections are more … [Read more...]
Dog brains are tuned to dog-directed speech spoken by women (video)
Dogs show greater brain sensitivity to the speech directed at them than to adult-directed speech, especially if spoken by women, according to a new study in Communications Biology. The study shows that dog auditory brain regions responded more to dog- and infant-directed than to adult-directed speech, which is the first neural evidence that dog brains are tuned to the speech … [Read more...]
Researchers discover overlooked antimicrobial resistance gene is involved in antimicrobial resistance in livestock disease treatments
Veterinarians rely on macrolides to treat livestock diseases such as bovine respiratory disease. University of Sakatechewan researchers discovered the gene can break the ring structure of the antibiotic through hydrolysis which destroys the antibiotic's structure. Inactivation is concerning because it reduces the effective amount of antibiotics that are being delivered during … [Read more...]
Building rapport with cats; the eyes have it
The human animal bond continues to generate more questions and research. A recent study, “The role of cat eye narrowing movements in cat-human communication,” < link > has shown for the first time that it is possible to build rapport with a cat by using an eye narrowing technique with them. Source: PHYS.ORG, October 7, 2020. Link. This study is the first to … [Read more...]
Top livestock genetics closer to being available for all
Scientists have created cattle, goats and pigs that can serve as viable “surrogate sires,” male animals that produce sperm carrying only the genetic trains of donor animals. Published September 14 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, this feat may speed available of desirable livestock characteristics and improve food production worldwide. The study is the … [Read more...]
A bad boss can be an asset
While we all would prefer to work for a great boss, a bad boss can be a great learning opportunity and an asset in furthering our career. A recent University of Central Florida School of Business study provided encouragement for future leaders currently saddled with abusive bosses. Source: phys.org, December 3, 2018. Link. "The lesson here isn't to hire more abusive … [Read more...]
Delay weaning to reduce behavior problems in cats
The age at weaning affects a cat’s later behavior. Early weaning increases aggression and stereotypic behavior. Based on a study conducted at the University of Helsinki, the recommended weaning age of 12 weeks should be raised by at least two weeks. Source: Phys.Org, September 13, 2017. The detrimental effects of early weaning have been studied in other animal species, but … [Read more...]