Animal research

News

Latest news on animal research at the University.

Multi-species study aids understanding of bird flu

Response to infection in birds from chickens to crows points to biological factors linked to disease resistance.

Gene activity and digit structure define fingerprint pattern 

close up of human fingerprints detailing arch, loop and whorl features
Fingerprint formation is initiated by a specialised molecular process, influenced by the anatomy of the developing hand, research shows. 

Cockle shell colour governed by region of DNA

Two halves of a cream-coloured cockle shell lie on a pebbled beach.
Detailed analysis of shellfish species points to heritable factors linked to shell colour and markings.

An excess of salty food seasons the body with stress

A pile of salt on a black background with a salt shaker above pouring more salt on
A diet containing lots of salt can contribute to increased levels of stress, a new study shows.

Enzyme therapy shows promise for childhood dementia

Studies involving sheep demonstrate potential benefits of enzyme replacement therapy for neurological disease with no cure.

Diabetes drug has potential to treat hardened arteries

Scientists determine processes by which metformin therapy can protect against calcification of cells in blood vessel walls.

Drug shows promise for motor neuron disease

Computer artwork of nerve cells or neurons firing.
A drug typically used to treat enlarged prostates and high blood pressure has shown promise as a potential new therapy for motor neuron disease, according to a new study.

Treatment for fatal lung disease in babies closer

A computer generated image of a pair of lungs
The fight against a devastating lung condition in newborn babies could be helped by the discovery that it is caused by a deficiency in a particular protein.

Brain immune cell limits impact of degenerative disease

Activated microglia in brown intersected by a blue band of nerve cell nuclei
Understanding the natural process that limits the impact of neurodegenerative conditions could help develop therapies.

Fluorescent probe can track cancer drug progress

Animal Welfare and Ethics
Early diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients could be helped by new imaging technology that sheds light on the effectiveness of immunotherapy drugs.

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