Rat Model News and Research

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Exploring the vital connection between gut microbes, physical activity, and health

Our bowels accommodate billions of active microbes that affect the health, a fact that is arousing increasing interest also among athletes.

26 Mar 2022

First genetic rat model of Down syndrome offers better understanding of the condition

In pursuit of better ways to test new therapies and further explore the impacts of the unique genetics associated with Down syndrome, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and Tottori University in Japan have genetically engineered and characterized what is believed to be the first rat model of Down syndrome.

14 Mar 2022

Antibody treatment improves symptoms of neuromyelitis optica in a rat model

Autoimmune diseases are the molecular equivalent of "friendly fire": the body attacks itself instead of harmful invaders.

11 Mar 2022

Intermediate size nanoparticles may be effective at stopping internal bleeding

Traumatic injuries are the leading cause of death in the U.S. among people 45 and under, and such injuries account for more than 3 million deaths per year worldwide.

17 Feb 2022

Study shows chronic alcohol consumption as a potential risk factor for SARS-CoV-2-infection

In a study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, a team of researchers from Germany studied the expression data of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection-relevant genes such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), and the G-protein coupled receptor Mas in an alcohol-exposed rodent model infected with SARS-CoV-2.

7 Feb 2022

Study finds novel pathway for understanding why debilitating conditions happen for cancer patients

Severe and persistent disability often undermines the life-saving benefits of cancer treatment. Pain and fatigue - together with sensory, motor, and cognitive disorders - are chief among the constellation of side effects that occur with the platinum-based agents used widely in chemotherapy treatments worldwide.

9 Jan 2022

Researchers explore novel strategy to improve the reprogramming efficiency of human fibroblasts

Not too long ago the idea of taking, for instance a skin cell and transforming it into a muscle cell was unthinkable. About 10 years ago, however, revolutionary research showed that it is indeed possible to reprogram differentiated adult cells into other types fully capable of conducting new functions.

6 Jan 2022

An antiviral regimen based on biomimetic polymers for COVID-19

In a new study published on the bioRxiv* preprint server, scientists proposed the aforementioned mechanism of action (MOA) and have validated it using electron photomicrographs of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV), which were incubated with a nanoviricide.

30 Nov 2021

Study involving a rat model offers potential treatment for Alexander disease

Alexander disease is a progressive and rare neurological disorder with no cure or standard course of treatment. But a new study led by researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison involving a rat model of the disease offers a potential treatment for the typically fatal condition.

18 Nov 2021

Newly identified proteins in fungal biofilms provide potential drug targets to impair antimicrobial defenses

The microbes that make us sick often have ways to evade our attacks against them. Perhaps chief among these strategies is a sticky, armor-like goo, called the biofilm matrix, that encases clusters of disease-causing organisms.

12 Nov 2021

Potential therapeutic targets of hydrogen for treatment of the COVID-19

A recent article provided a review of a study led by academician Zhong Nanshan, in China, on COVID-19 treatment by inhalation of a mixed gas composed of hydrogen and oxygen.

12 Nov 2021

Women may be more vulnerable to drug addiction and addiction-like behaviors than men

The results of several new studies focusing on sex differences in pain and addiction indicate females could be more susceptible to drug addiction and addiction-like behaviors than males. Researchers also explored the role of lack of sleep on the likeliness to relapse. This is due in part to hormone differences in females and males. Data from the studies will be presented virtually October 19–22 at the American Physiological Society's seventh conference on New Trends in Sex and Gender Medicine.

20 Oct 2021

New SBIR award helps Temple scientists to explore the therapeutic potential of novel cannabis analog

More than 20 percent of adults in the United States live with chronic pain. For many affected individuals, long-term physical discomfort negatively impacts overall well-being, leading to reduced work output and increased anxiety and depression.

29 Sep 2021

First rat model recapitulates all disabling alterations experienced by patients with Morquio A disease

A research team from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona has generated the first rat model recapitulating all disabling alterations experienced by patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA, also known as Morquio A disease.

12 Sep 2021

Mutated enzyme impairs communication between neurons and causes motor defects in SCA34 model

In one type of a rare, inherited genetic disorder that affects control of body movement, scientists have found a mutation in an enzyme that impairs communication between neurons and what should be the inherent ability to pick up our pace when we need to run, instead of walk, across the street.

17 Aug 2021

E-cigarette use during pregnancy poses health risk for offspring all the way into adulthood

The use of e-cigarettes (vaping) during pregnancy poses a significant health risk for the offspring, impairing blood vessel function even into adulthood, according to a new study by researchers at West Virginia University's School of Medicine.

5 Aug 2021

Study opens the door to improved treatment for psychosis sufferers

University of Otago scientists have opened the door to improved treatment of brain dysfunction which causes psychosis.

15 Jul 2021

RDM Positive Impact Foundation funds $1.25 million research project to study SYNGAP1

The RDM Positive Impact Foundation is funding an ambitious $1.25 million research project at the UC Davis MIND Institute to study SYNGAP1.

22 Jun 2021

Study reveals how HIV prevents the maturation of myelin-making brain cells

It's long been known that people living with HIV experience a loss of white matter in their brains. As opposed to "gray matter," which is composed of the cell bodies of neurons, white matter is made up of a fatty substance called myelin that coats neurons, offering protection and helping them transmit signals quickly and efficiently.

2 Jun 2021

Study reveals potential mechanism for how traumatic brain injury leads to neurodegenerative diseases

Scientists have revealed a potential mechanism for how traumatic brain injury leads to neurodegenerative diseases, according to a study in fruit flies, and rat and human brain tissue, published today in eLife.

1 Jun 2021