Tag Archives | mammal science

Drug-Sniffing Dogs Sniff, Sniff, Pass

May 9, 2013

(POLICE DOGS) Dusty, a Washington state drug-sniffing dog, won’t nark you out for just a little herb. In November 2012, the state’s laws changed in support of marijuana legalization, and subsequently, the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission began training their canines to ignore the scent of marijuana, and instead focus their efforts on busting those in possession of dangerous narcotics. Continue reading below to find out more on how Washington state law is handling their K-9 units. — Global Animal

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Dolphins, The Ultimate Sleep-Swimmers

April 26, 2013

(OCEANS) The things that keep most of us up at night, may have dolphins sleeping easy. But interestingly enough, our marine mammal friends might not need it. Dolphins have a unique ability to sleep with only half of their brains, keeping the other half alert while they rest. This function allows dolphins to avoid predators, and surface for air, while they remain at rest. Continue reading below in order to find out more about this interesting study. — Global Animal

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Changing Polarities

April 17, 2013

(POLAR BEARS) According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the polar bear population has decreased by over 30 percent over 45 years. Not only do these bears suffer from a dwindling environment, but they face other pressures as well. The good news is that polar bears seem to be finding a way to adapt to their conditions. However, whether or not that adaptation leads to the disappearance of what we know as the polar bear today, remains in question. Continue reading to find out what the future holds for the polar bear. — Global Animal

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Look Who’s Talking

April 17, 2013

(ANIMAL SCIENCE) It looks like Doctor Dolittle might not have been so special after all—as it turns out, animals really can talk! According to a new study, bottlenose dolphins can actually identify the vocal patterns of other dolphins familiar to them. What’s more, scientists have observed variations in these patterns that imply bottlenose dolphins may in fact be sharing additional information with one another. However, this news really comes as no surprise seeing as though dolphins are the second smartest animal in the world—second only to humans. Regardless, this level of communication between species is uncommon and could mean big news for the future understanding of animal communication. Continue reading to find out what scientists believe this could mean for the animal world. — Global Animal

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Fungus Makes Cave Dwellers Go Batty

April 10, 2013

(ANIMAL WELFARE) Hibernating gray bats, native to cave systems in Alabama, have received a rude wake-up call.  Already suffering from endangerment, these gray bats are just one of seven species, who have contracted a life-threatening fungus. The fungus, known as white-nose syndrome, specifically targets cave dwelling bats, and is thought to have derived from Europe. Precautions to prevent the further spread of the disease westward, includes the desired closing of caves around the Rocky Mountains. Continue reading to find out what people are doing in order to protect uninfected bat populations. — Global Animal

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Why Chimpanzee Research Must Be Banned

December 6, 2012

(ANIMAL RESEARCH) Did you know the U.S. is the only country in the world that currently conducts invasive medical experimentation on great apes? Even though chimpanzees and humans share 98.7 percent of their DNA, supporters of chimpanzee research argue that chimpanzees are not humans and therefore do not deserve the same rights. However, chimpanzees are highly intellectual and emotive creatures, capable of suffering from PTSD and depression. Read on to learn more on why medical research on chimpanzees must be banned and take action: support the Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act. — Global Animal

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Mammoth Resurrection Approaching?

September 19, 2012

(ANIMAL SCIENCE) The long-extinct woolly mammoth may soon roam the Earth again. Researchers have recently found well-preserved woolly mammoth bone marrow, which contains undamaged nuclei. With nuclei in possession, scientists now have the complete genetic makeup of a woolly mammoth. If researchers are able to find living cells in these long-dead samples, then they will be one step closer to cloning a prehistoric species. — Global Animal

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Monkeys Exposed To HIV For Human Advancement

September 16, 2012

(ANIMAL TESTING) — Scientists are experimenting with vaginal rings containing anti-HIV drugs to develop a protection for women against the deadly virus. To test the effectiveness of the rings, scientists are exposing Rhesus macaques to the virus and seeing if there are significant results of infection between monkeys with rings and those without. While condoms are very effective at preventing HIV transmission, these studies are carried out with the philosophy that males should not have the responsibility to stop the spread of the virus. Instead, scientists have “ethically” decided that the risk of infected monkeys with HIV is worth the cause. Read on to find out more about the new vaginal rings being tested. —Global Animal

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