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Mysterious Snippets Of DNA Withstand Eons Of Evolution
Small stretches of seemingly useless DNA harbor a big secret, say researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. There's one problem: We don't know what it is. Although individual laboratory animals appear to live happily when these genetic ciphers are deleted, these snippets have been highly conserved throughout evolution.
Ultra-Endurance Competitors: Lessons From Sled Dogs In The Iditarod
Racing sled dogs are best known for their "mushing" each March during the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the world's longest sled race. They are the premier ultra-endurance competitors, covering 1,100 miles from Anchorage to Nome, AK, sometimes in just nine days. It is unclear how they can keep running despite heavy blizzards, temperatures as low as 40°F, and winds up to 60 mph. An expert explains what he has discovered thus far.
Moths With A Nose For Learning
Researchers have discovered that when training insects, the process of building associations is not a simple matter of strengthening connections through reinforcement. Understanding how associations are built between stimuli and behavior gives insight into the nature of learning and could inform the design of artificial "noses," sensor arrays that can detect chemicals in the air.
'Artificial Nose' Progress: Engineers Mass-produce Smell Receptors
Biological engineers have found a way to mass-produce smell receptors in the laboratory, an advance that paves the way for "artificial noses" to be created and used in a variety of settings.
Helping Dogs With Cancer May Benefit People
A new study may one day help not only our canine friends with cancer, but also people with the human form of the disease.
Is The Salad Bar Safe? Produce Concerns Linger After Summer Scares
Widespread reports had most people afraid to eat tomatoes this summer and when tomatoes were vindicated, eating peppers became a fear. A food safety expert says there is only so much that can be done to assure produce is safe to eat.
Gene Linked To Common Ailment In Labrador Retrievers Identified
Researchers have identified a gene in Labrador retriever dogs highly associated with the syndrome of exercise-induced collapse.
Road Crossing Structures Important In Reduction Of Animal Mortality On Roads
Spanish highways are increasingly incorporating walkways specially designed for wild animals, or mixed use structures designed for other purposes, which connect wildlife from one side of the road to the other. Researchers have analysed 43 walkways used by vertebrates to quantify the importance of these structures, which facilitate animals’ natural movements and reduce mortality caused by vehicles and, consequently, traffic accidents.

Dog Rescue & Adoption Articles

Written by Melissa Halvorsen

You’ve done your research and carefully selected a new dog or puppy to bring home. The day of the big arrival is at hand, but are you really ready? There is some essential equipment that every dog owner needs, so before you bring home your new dog, take a minute to be sure you have these items on hand.

Grooming Tools

If you are bringing home a dog with a low-maintenance coat, you won’t need much in the way of grooming supplies. Make sure you have the following:

Bottle of dog shampoo for Fido’s first bath
Soft-bristled brush or hound glove for short-haired dogs or a wide-tooth comb for wire-haired breeds
Nail clippers
Cotton balls or special eye and ear wipes formulated for dogs
Toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs

If you opted for a long-haired or more high-maintenance breed of dog you will also need these:

Detangling conditioner that is safe for dogs
Pin brush
Trimming scissors
Electric dog clippers if you plan to cut your dog’s hair at home

Food

Be sure to find out what type of food your new dog has been eating. Even if you plan to switch to a different type of food, you should still buy some of what your dog is used to eating and mix the two foods gradually until the dog is eating only the new food. Additionally, you’ll want to get food bowls that are durable and easy to clean. Some dogs don’t like the taste that metal bowls can give to water, so ceramic or plastic bowls are the best choice. If you like to keep things neat, you may also want to get a plastic mat to put beneath the dog’s bowls.

Collar and Name Tag

It’s very likely that at some point your dog will go missing. Most dogs that have appropriate name tags are returned to their owners while those without identification seldom are. Most large pet stores have machines that can engrave name tags on demand.

When choosing a collar for your new dog, the most important thing to remember when buying a permanent dog collar is to avoid chain training collars which can become snagged when a dog is running loose. The best materials for a dog collar are leather and nylon.

Dog Bed or Blanket

Decide now, before your new dog even sets foot in your house, where your dog will sleep and stick to your guns. It’s easy to say, “the dog is not allowed on the couch,” but if the dog manages to get away with snoozing on the sofa even one time, you can kiss your rule goodbye. If you aren’t willing to share your furniture with your new dog, give him a comfortable dog bed as an alternative. If your dog has a nice, warm place to sleep, he’ll never miss the couch.

Toys

Toys are essential for every dog, but playful puppies are especially prone to destructive behavior if you don’t give them toys. Avoid giving your dog old children’s toys as small parts can break off and choke your new friend. The best option is to take your pet to one of the big chain pet stores like Pet Co or Petsmart and let him choose his own preferred style of toy. Interactive toys that dispense food or treats are an especially good way to keep your dog’s mind and body active.

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