Topic Review
Comparing Environmental Enrichment in Kenneled Shelter Dogs
Dogs in shelters are often exposed to unavoidable stressful events. Finding effective and novel enrichment for dogs, especially the longer they stay in that environment, is a significant welfare concern. Researchers wanted to compare the effectiveness of enrichment items as a stress buffer for shelter dogs during the acute stressor of the morning cleaning and to support a proposed prescription system of enrichment. This new system would focus on post-enrichment behaviors. Tactile items, such as blankets and the scent of lavender, were the most effective at reducing stress-related behaviors seen in kenneled dogs rather than the more commonly used food enrichment items. The results suggest that the type of enrichment item should be thoughtfully chosen during acute stress events, which would then optimize a shelter’s limited resources, decrease stress-indicative behaviors, and indirectly reduce the need for euthanasia by increasing adoption rates. 
  • 339
  • 26 May 2023
Topic Review
Bat Lyssaviruses in Europe
Bat lyssaviruses have become the topic of intensive molecular and epidemiological investigations. Since ancient times, rhabdoviruses have caused fatal encephalitis in humans which has led to research into effective strategies for their eradication.
  • 335
  • 09 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Zoo Animal Welfare Assessment
Zoological institutions, such as zoos and aquariums, have made animal welfare a top priority, as it is not only a moral obligation but also crucial for fulfilling their roles in education and conservation. Thus, there is a need for science-based tools to assess and monitor animal welfare in these settings.
  • 313
  • 27 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Structural Organization of Mutable Collagenous Tissue
Echinoderms (starfish, sea-urchins and their close relations) possess a unique type of collagenous tissue that is innervated by the motor nervous system and whose mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and elastic stiffness, can be altered in a time frame of seconds. Intensive research on echinoderm ‘mutable collagenous tissue’ (MCT) began over 50 years ago, and over 20 years ago, MCT first inspired a biomimetic design. MCT, and sea-cucumber dermis in particular, is now a major source of ideas for the development of new mechanically adaptable materials and devices with applications in diverse areas including biomedical science, chemical engineering and robotics. 
  • 263
  • 12 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Hibernation on the Gut Microbes of Mammalian Animals
Hibernating mammals confront seasonal and harsh environmental shifts, prompting a cycle of pre-hibernation feeding and subsequent winter fasting. These adaptive practices induce diverse physiological adjustments within the animal’s body. With the gut microbiota’s metabolic activity being heavily reliant on the host’s diet, this cycle’s primary impact is on this microbial community. When the structure and composition of the gut microbiota changes, corresponding alterations in the interactions occur between these microorganisms and their host. These successive adaptations significantly contribute to the host’s capacity to sustain relatively stable metabolic and immune functions in severe environmental conditions. 
  • 189
  • 26 Feb 2024
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