Rabies viruses reveal wiring in transparent brains.

Rabies viruses reveal wiring in transparent brains.Researchers use a new method for assessing neural transplant integration .Scientists have harnessed rabies viruses for assessing the connectivity of nerve cell transplants. The virus coupled with a green fluorescent protein, show where replacement cells engrafted into mouse brains have connected to the host neural network. A clearing procedure which turns the brain into a 'glass-like state' and light sheet fluorescence microscopy are used to visualize host-graft connections in a whole-brain preparation are used to visualize host-graft connections in a whole-brain preparation. The approach opens exciting prospects for predicting and optimizing the ability of neural transplants to functionally integrate into a host nervous system. The results published in the specialist journal Nature Communications.

Researchers use weather radar to track migrating waterfowl, avian influenza.

Researchers use weather radar to track migrating waterfowl, avian influenza.Researchers are part of an effort that will use weather radar to identify wetland hotspots used by waterfowl during the winter, which in turn can alert poultry growers about the potential risk of avian influenza. The lab involved in the study is one of the only labs anywhere using weather radar data to map bird distributions at the ground level.The researchers are able to identify the birds' location based on their well synchronized take-off movements. In the case of waterfowl, they engage in feeding flights in the winter. They'll roost in the wetlands during the day and they fly out to agricultural fields -- primarily flooded rice fields in California -- at night. When they take off and fly into the radar, we get an instant snapshot of where they were on the ground.continue

5 Dogs Die After Ingesting Skin Cancer Cream.

5 Dogs Die After Ingesting Skin Cancer Cream. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning pet owners to keep fluorouracil,a cream used to treat and prevent skin cancer that is sold under the brand names Carac, Efudex, and Fluoroplex—away from pets after five dogs died after accidentally eating the medication. Fluorouracil destroys fast-growing cells, including skin cancer cells and pre-cancerous lesions. Pet owners should keep the cream away from pets and when accidental exposure occurs, visit your vet immediately.The risk of exposure in cats have not be classified,but caution is key. Keep all drugs,lotion and creams away from pets. continue

How to watch inauguration events, with or without TV.

The lack of a TV set shouldn't prevent you from following Friday's presidential inauguration ceremony, the pomp and circumstance surrounding it, and the many protests and marches planned around the country. Television channels carrying the inauguration live include ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, PBS, C-SPAN and Fox News, as well as Telemundo in Spanish. Without a TV, you can check their websites, apps or YouTube channels to watch the events and commentary. Switch among them to compare and contrast coverage. continue

Head pressing in pets.

Head pressing in pets is the compulsive pushing of the top of the head against a stationary object such as a wall, couch, a corner or another hard surface. The pet presses her head very intently against the object for an extended period of time, or repeatedly. A pet who is head pressing will often push continuously, moving along the item against which she’s pressing until she reaches a corner and gets “stuck” there with her head pressed against it. A pet exhibiting this sign shows a problem with the pet’s brain or central nervous system. There are a number of causes of head pressing, they include:1) brain tumor. 2)encephalitis 3)acute head trauma 4)stroke 5)toxicosis. Head pressing is quite different from the playful head butting of dogs and cats where they butt into you playfully or just kidding around with other pets. Head pressing is quite distinct as the pets presses the top of the head against an object this is usually accompanied by vocalization , pacing and running around aimlessly. The underlying cause will set the tone for treatment,whatever the cause its a medical emergency that needs to be accessed immediately.

Domestic Violence Shelters Adding On-Site Kennels for Pets.

In cases of domestic violence, pets are often victims too. Further, up to 65 percent of domestic violence victims have said they were unable to escape because they were concerned about what would happen to their pets. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 71 percent of pet-owning women who entered women’s shelters said their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or in order to exact psychological control over their victims. Thirty-two percent of children living in such households had also hurt or killed animals, which is the tragic outcome of the children witnessing animal abuse and becoming more likely to abuse animals themselves.continue

America’s Newest Dog Breed ,Pumi.

Originally emerging from Hungary (and named, alternately, the Hungarian herding terrier) the Pumi has a long history of that ability. This breed's plural designation is "Pumik." Pumik history is thought to have begun around 300 years ago when the Puli breed (dubbed "Rasta," with a "mop" of long, corded hair) was crossed with herding canines from France and Germany. As a general overview, Pumiks have wedge-shaped heads and corkscrew-type fur, which, according to the Pumi Club,1 looks and performs best when soaked and left to dry, with minimal shedding. Not necessarily a "lap dog," the Pumi loves having the time and space to play and run free. Exercise on a regular basis is a prerequisite for this breed, which gives you a chance to not only bond and interact, but reinforce the training he will need from an early age. One of the ways this dog's work ethic evidences itself is in the focused obedience they have when interacting with their "shepherd" — or more correctly, the humans who adopt them (who may or may not be shepherds). continue