The International DoGA Consortium has achieved a significant milestone in genetics research by creating a comprehensive canine promoter and gene expression atlas. The atlas is a database that shows which genes are active in different parts of the body and when they are activated. This helps researchers better understand how genes function in various situations and how they impact health and diseases.

Habitat loss and poaching have driven dramatic declines in African elephants, but it is challenging to measure their numbers and monitor changes across the entire continent. A new study has analyzed 53 years of population survey data and found large-scale declines in most populations of both species of African elephants. 

From 1964-2016, forest elephant populations decreased on average by 90%, and savanna elephant populations fell on average by 70%. In combination, populations declined by 77% on average. The study compiled survey data from 475 sites in 37 countries, making it the most comprehensive assessment of African elephants to date. 

A subadult male elephant seal can be seen near sea lions in October 2024. Subadult elephant seals and sea lions frequently intermingle at rookeries along Península Valdés in Argentina. Close contact between pinniped species may have facilitated the spread of HPAI in 2023.

Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT) in dogs is not only a fascinating medical anomaly but also a living relic from thousands of years ago. This tumor is unique because it is a contagious cancer, capable of being transmitted directly from one dog to another through direct contact. Unlike most cancers, which arise within the cells of the host organism, TVT cells are genetically distinct from the host’s cells. They are not a random mutation but a clone of an ancient cancer cell that has been passed down through generations of dogs worldwide. Here’s how TVT defies conventional oncology and what makes it a window into evolutionary biology.

in goats by analyzing facial expressions. This pioneering approach, led by Dr. Ludovica Chiavaccini, aims to create a more objective and reliable pain scale for animals and potentially humans. As pain management becomes increasingly vital in veterinary and farming practices, AI-driven pain assessment could transform care for non-verbal patients across species.

A recent study from the University of Jyväskylä found that dogs and their owners share synchronized heart rate variability (HRV), reflecting a deep emotional connection. The study revealed that owners and dogs experience similar emotional states, with HRV adapting during resting and activity periods. Owner temperament also impacts dog HRV, indicating that dog-owner relationships benefit both parties. These findings, involving breeds bred for cooperation, offer new insights into how emotional bonding with pets can enhance human wellbeing.