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| Veterinary Medicine Update |  |  |
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- Prion disease pathology may mirror other neurological ailments
Scientists suspect that crippling diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Lou Gehrig's disease may have a pathology similar to that of bovine spongiform encephalopathy. While BSE is notorious for its insidious march, spreading its prions among normal cells and destroying their ability to function, the other diseases weren't thought to follow a similar pattern. However, University of Pennsylvania researchers have demonstrated that a synthetic Parkinson's protein introduced to mice spread much like the prions of BSE. The group is now trying to identify antibody therapies that could halt the spread of deformed proteins. The Wall Street Journal
(12/3)     
- Cattle breeding technique helps identify human cancer risk
Researchers were able to harness a statistical approach used to predict traits such as high milk production in livestock to instead assess human disease risk, according to a report in the journal Genetics. "While many aspects of this technique are still under development, our new predictive model was able to account for a large proportion [of] each person's predisposition for skin cancer," said lead author Ana Inés Vázquez. ScienceDaily
(12/4)
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- Dog's down mood could be a sign of medical condition
When a dog's behavior changes, it may be due to underlying illness or pain such as from arthritis, veterinarian Alex Herman writes in response to an owner's concerns about a listless pet. A complete physical exam by a veterinarian along with blood tests and other diagnostics will help determine if illness is present, according to Dr. Herman. Medication, changes in the dog's environment or behavioral consultation may be needed to help improve the pet's condition, Dr. Herman adds. San Francisco Chronicle
(12/4)
- Wild lion populations are in trouble, study finds
Using Google's high-resolution satellite technology, Duke University researchers evaluated African savannas suitable for lions and counted the lion population, finding only 32,000 animals left in the wild and rapidly shrinking habitat. Over the last 50 years, three-quarters of habitat has disappeared, the lion population has declined by two-thirds, and only 10 out of the 67 identified areas suitable for sustaining lion populations are sufficiently protected, according to the study. The Guardian (London)
(12/5)
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| Around the Office | | |
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- A roadmap to Internet safety for small businesses
Small businesses have a wide variety of tools at their disposal to protect their networks from intrusion, but experts say that fending off cybercriminals entails more than building a strong wall to keep them out: It also requires someone to man it. All the antivirus and antimalware software in the world is no good if hackers are let in the door. Commentator Nathan Segal offers tips for avoiding Internet scams that lure unsuspecting users to download malicious software, reveal passwords and give up private information, including using hosting security tools and password protection services. CIO.com
(12/4)
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- Manatee-riding case puts wildlife law in the spotlight
While visiting a park near St. Petersburg, Fla., Ana Gloria Garcia Gutierrez reportedly rode on the back of a manatee for "so long that people were taking photographs of it," said Bruce Bartlett, a chief assistant state attorney. The action would be a violation of the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, and Gutierrez faces 60 days in jail and/or a penalty of as much as $500 if convicted. If manatees become acclimated to people and associate them with food, it could hurt their chances of survival, said Carli Segelson, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman. FoxNews.com
(12/4)
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- Video: Flea and tick prevention
Modern flea and tick preventive products are easier to use, safer, and more effective than ever. However, flea and tick infestation rates have risen over the last few years. Protecting your pet from fleas and ticks not only saves your pet discomfort, it also protects against potentially deadly illnesses. In the latest AVMA video, Drs. Bernadine Cruz and Shannon Mesenhowski provide tips to help you make smart choices with topical flea and tick prevention. Watch the video.
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | The forceps of our minds are clumsy things and crush the truth a little in the course of taking hold of it."
--H.G. Wells,
British author
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The news summaries appearing in Animal Health SmartBrief are based on original information from news organizations and are produced by SmartBrief, Inc., an independent e-mail newsletter publisher.
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