Veterinary Science

Bats use blood to reshape tongue for feeding
05/06/2013 - 16:45

Brown University scientists have found that a species of bat uses blood flow to reshape its tongue while feeding. The quick dynamic action makes the tongue an effective “mop” for nectar and could even inspire new industrial designs. Findings are reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

 

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Researchers ID Queens, Mysterious Disease Syndrome as Key Factors in Bee Colony Deaths
03/04/2013 - 10:22

A new long-term study of honey bee health has found that a little-understood disease study authors are calling “idiopathic brood disease syndrome” (IBDS), which kills off bee larvae, is the largest risk factor for predicting the death of a bee colony.

 

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Study finds essential-oil blend reduces salmonella contamination
11/15/2012 - 09:36

Oil and water may not mix, but a University of Georgia study found feeding chickens a blend of plant-based oils in their drinking water can help prevent salmonella contamination before the meat reaches the dinner table—or even the grocery store.

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Where Does a 500-Pound Sea Lion Spit?
10/29/2012 - 11:09

Anywhere it wants. OK, they don’t really expectorate. So Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (JHUSON) saliva expert Douglas Granger has done a bit of improvisation. Now, few humans would drool at the chance to swab the inside of a quarter-ton sea lion’s mouth. There's the fishy breath, naturally. And did we mention the canine teeth? Gumdrops and lollipops it isn't.

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Selective dairy breeding could help prevent lameness, boost productivity
10/25/2012 - 13:57

Dairies could increase their efficiency, reduce their carbon footprints and improve the health of their herds if they considered foot warts and other hoof ailments when they develop breeding plans, suggests a new study led by UC Davis researchers.

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Pigs Look Healthy But Test Positive for Flu at Fairs; Flu Transmission Seen Between Pigs and Humans
10/25/2012 - 09:17

More than 80 percent of pigs that tested positive for influenza A virus at Ohio county fairs between 2009 and 2011 showed no signs of illness, according to a new study. Ohio State University researchers tested 20 pigs each at 53 fair events over those three summers and found at least one flu-positive pig at 12 fairs – almost a quarter of fairs tested.

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