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. 
  • 44
  • 26 Feb 2024
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. 
  • 72
  • 12 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Sheep Meat Processed Products
A concise review of the origin and type of the most important sheep and goat processed meat products produced in different countries and world regions is made. The manuscript also summarizes the most recent studies on sheep and goat processed meats on the physicochemical characterizations, sensory quality, microbiological quality and safety. Some conclusions and future trends in production, processing and commercial potentiality for sheep and goat processed meat products are discussed.
  • 3.1K
  • 06 Dec 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.
  • 174
  • 09 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Manatees
Sirenians are aquatic mammals that include three species of manatee (Trichechidae) and one species of dugong (Dugongidae). They are aquatic herbivorous mammals living in estuaries, swamps, rivers, marine wetlands, and coastal waters. 
  • 179
  • 01 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Toxungen
A toxungen comprises a secretion or other body fluid of one or more biological toxins that is transferred by one animal to the external surface of another animal via a physical delivery mechanism. Toxungens can be delivered through spitting, spraying, or smearing. As one of three categories of biological toxins, toxungens can be distinguished from poisons, which are passively transferred via ingestion, inhalation, or absorption across the skin, and venoms, which are delivered through a wound generated by a bite, sting, or other such action. Toxungen use offers the evolutionary advantage of delivering toxins into the target's tissues without the need for physical contact.
  • 233
  • 28 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Environmental and Human-related Factors Affecting Zoo-Housed Otters
Zoos and aquaria have the ethical responsibility to provide animals under their care with conditions that promote good welfare. This research evaluated the combined influence of human presence and environmental factors on the behaviour of zoo-housed Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus).
  • 475
  • 15 Aug 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.
  • 168
  • 27 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Drone Observation for Complex Multilevel Societies
Drones made it possible to obtain the identification, accurate positioning, or movement of more than a hundred individuals in a multilevel social group. In addition, in multilevel social groups, drones facilitate the observation of heterogeneous spatial positioning patterns and mechanisms of behavioral propagation, which are different from those in a single-level group.
  • 235
  • 20 Jun 2023
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. 
  • 169
  • 26 May 2023
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