A worm-like creature from 518 million years ago evolved to lose its back legs, the earliest known example of an animal losing body parts it no longer needed

Humans, chimpanzees, gorillas and bats have evolved to be good at metabolising alcohol, according to a study that suggests many mammals can get drunk

The weird ‘Ediacaran’ fossils have stumped scientists for decades - now fatty molecules found inside some of them confirm they are the most ancient animals we know

How did animal life begin? A must-see exhibition in Oxford brings together the world's best fossils from the Cambrian explosion to tell the story

Gene-edited pigs and brain implants are blurring the lines of what it means to be human, so our morals and laws may need to change to include beings that are “substantially human”

In an attempt to stem the spread of coronavirus, China has shut its wildlife markets for good. It is a welcome move, says Adam Vaughan

Watch Netflix's Absurd Planet explore weird animals, discover the powerful chemical industry and create dance using a choreographer’s motion-capture moves

Japan's Nintendo Co Ltd said on Thursday its fourth-quarter profit soared 200% due to surging demand for its Switch games console, and that title Animal Crossing: New Horizons shifted a record 13.4 million units in its first six weeks.

The runaway success of Nintendo Co Ltd's island life simulator Animal Crossing: New Horizons has overshadowed an uncomfortable fact for fans of the Switch console - it lacks upcoming titles.

The ongoing spread of bluetongue virus among European farm animals may have started when a cow was inseminated with infected bull semen stored from an earlier outbreak

Humans, chimpanzees, gorillas and bats have evolved to be good at metabolising alcohol, according to a study that suggests many mammals can get drunk

Japan's Nintendo said Thursday it sold 21 million Switch units in the year ended March, smashing its forecast of 19.5 million units, with hit title Animal Crossing: New Horizons shifting 13.4 million units in its first six weeks. Ciara Lee reports

Title: Animals More Interesting to Kids Than Toys, Study Shows
Category: Health News
Created: 4/27/2012 2:05:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 4/30/2012 12:00:00 AM

Brad A. Seibel and Curtis Deutsch

The capacity to extract oxygen from the environment and transport it to respiring tissues in support of metabolic demand reportedly has implications for species’ thermal tolerance, body-size, diversity and biogeography. Here we derive a quantifiable linkage between maximum and basal metabolic rate and their oxygen, temperature and size dependencies. We show that, regardless of size or temperature, the physiological capacity for oxygen supply precisely matches the maximum evolved demand at the highest persistently available oxygen pressure and this is the critical PO₂ for the maximum metabolic rate. For most terrestrial and shallow-living marine species, this "P_crit-max" is the current atmospheric pressure, 21 kPa. Any reduction in oxygen partial pressure from current values will result in a calculable decrement in maximum metabolic performance. However, oxygen supply capacity has evolved to match demand across temperatures and body sizes and so does not constrain thermal tolerance or cause the well-known reduction in mass-specific metabolic rate with increasing body mass. The critical oxygen pressure for resting metabolic rate, typically viewed as an indicator of hypoxia tolerance, is, instead, simply a rate-specific reflection of the oxygen supply capacity. A compensatory reduction in maintenance metabolic costs in warm-adapted species constrains factorial aerobic scope and the critical PO₂ to a similar range, between ~2 and 6, across each species’ natural temperature range. The simple new relationship described here redefines many important physiological concepts and alters their ecological interpretation.

The Stenotrophomonas maltophilia complex (Smc) comprises opportunistic environmental Gram-negative bacilli responsible for a variety of infections in both humans and animals. Beyond its large genetic diversity, its genetic organization in genogroups was recently confirmed through the whole-genome sequencing of human and environmental strains. As they are poorly represented in these analyses, we sequenced the whole genomes of 93 animal strains to determine their genetic background and characteristics. Combining these data with 81 newly sequenced human strains and the genomes available from RefSeq, we performed a genomic analysis that included 375 nonduplicated genomes with various origins (animal, 104; human, 226; environment, 30; unknown, 15). Phylogenetic analysis and clustering based on genome-wide average nucleotide identity confirmed and specified the genetic organization of Smc in at least 20 genogroups. Two new genogroups were identified, and two previously described groups were further divided into two subgroups each. Comparing the strains isolated from different host types and their genogroup affiliation, we observed a clear disequilibrium in certain groups. Surprisingly, some antimicrobial resistance genes, integrons, and/or clusters of attC sites lacking integron-integrase (CALIN) sequences targeting antimicrobial compounds extensively used in animals were mainly identified in animal strains. We also identified genes commonly found in animal strains coding for efflux systems. The result of a large whole-genome analysis performed by us supports the hypothesis of the putative contribution of animals as a reservoir of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia complex strains and/or resistance genes for strains in humans.

IMPORTANCE Given its naturally large antimicrobial resistance profile, the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia complex (Smc) is a set of emerging pathogens of immunosuppressed and cystic fibrosis patients. As it is group of environmental microorganisms, this adaptation to humans is an opportunity to understand the genetic and metabolic selective mechanisms involved in this process. The previously reported genomic organization was incomplete, as data from animal strains were underrepresented. We added the missing piece of the puzzle with whole-genome sequencing of 93 strains of animal origin. Beyond describing the phylogenetic organization, we confirmed the genetic diversity of the Smc, which could not be estimated through routine phenotype- or matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF)-based laboratory tests. Animals strains seem to play a key role in the diversity of Smc and could act as a reservoir for mobile resistance genes. Some genogroups seem to be associated with particular hosts; the genetic support of this association and the role of the determinants/corresponding genes need to be explored.

Dramatically rising costs in drug development are in large part because of the high failure rates in clinical phase trials. The poor correlation of animal studies to human toxicity and efficacy have led many developers to question the value of requiring animal studies in determining which drugs should enter in-human trials. Part 1 of this 2-part series examined some of the data regarding the lack of concordance between animal toxicity studies and human trials, as well as some of the potential reasons behind it. This second part of the series focuses on some alternatives to animal trials (hereafter referred to as animal research) as well as current regulatory discussions and developments regarding such alternatives.

Doxycycline, an FDA-approved tetracycline, is used in tuberculosis in vivo models for the temporal control of mycobacterial gene expression. In these models, animals are infected with recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis carrying genes of interest under transcriptional control of the doxycycline-responsive TetR-tetO unit. To minimize fluctuations of plasma levels, doxycycline is usually administered in the diet. However, tissue penetration studies to identify the minimum doxycycline content in food achieving complete repression of TetR-controlled genes in tuberculosis (TB)-infected organs and lesions have not been conducted. Here, we first determined the tetracycline concentrations required to achieve silencing of M. tuberculosis target genes in vitro. Next, we measured doxycycline concentrations in plasma, major organs, and lung lesions in TB-infected mice and rabbits and compared these values to silencing concentrations measured in vitro. We found that 2,000 ppm doxycycline supplemented in mouse and rabbit feed is sufficient to reach target concentrations in TB lesions. In rabbit chow, the calcium content had to be reduced 5-fold to minimize chelation of doxycycline and deliver adequate oral bioavailability. Clearance kinetics from major organs and lung lesions revealed that doxycycline levels fall below concentrations that repress tet promoters within 7 to 14 days after doxycycline is removed from the diet. In summary, we have shown that 2,000 ppm doxycycline supplemented in standard mouse diet and in low-calcium rabbit diet delivers concentrations adequate to achieve full repression of tet promoters in infected tissues of mice and rabbits.

Animal models of bacterial infection have been widely used to explore the in vivo activity of antibacterial drugs. These data are often submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to support human use in an investigational new drug application (IND). To better understand the range and scientific use of animal models in regulatory submissions, a database was created surveying recent pneumonia models submitted as part of IND application packages. The IND studies were compared to animal models of bacterial pneumonia published in the scientific literature over the same period of time. In this review, we analyze the key experimental design elements, such as animal species, immune status, pathogens selected, and route of administration, and study endpoints.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important and underreported infectious disease, causing chronic infection in ~71 million people worldwide. The limited host range of HCV, which robustly infects only humans and chimpanzees, has made studying this virus in vivo challenging and hampered the development of a desperately needed vaccine. The restrictions and ethical concerns surrounding biomedical research in chimpanzees has made the search for an animal model all the more important. In this review, we discuss different approaches that are being pursued toward creating small animal models for HCV infection. Although efforts to use a nonhuman primate species besides chimpanzees have proven challenging, important advances have been achieved in a variety of humanized mouse models. However, such models still fall short of the overarching goal to have an immunocompetent, inheritably susceptible in vivo platform in which the immunopathology of HCV could be studied and putative vaccines development. Alternatives to overcome this include virus adaptation, such as murine-tropic HCV strains, or the use of related hepaciviruses, of which many have been recently identified. Of the latter, the rodent/rat hepacivirus from Rattus norvegicus species-1 (RHV-rn1) holds promise as a surrogate virus in fully immunocompetent rats that can inform our understanding of the interaction between the immune response and viral outcomes (i.e., clearance vs. persistence). However, further characterization of these animal models is necessary before their use for gaining new insights into the immunopathogenesis of HCV and for conceptualizing HCV vaccines.

Nintendo has released its latest hardware and software figures for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS through March 31, 2020. Shipments figures for the Nintendo Switch reached 55.77 million units, while the Nintendo 3DS hit 75.77 million units shipped. As for lifetime software 356.24 million Switch games have been shipped and 383.11 million 3DS games. 

For the quarter Nintendo shipped 3.28 million Switch units and 45.59 million Switch games, as well as 0.07 million 3DS units and 0.89 million 3DS games. 

Nintendo forecasts it will ship 19 million Switch units in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021.

Here are the top 10 best-selling Switch first-party titles:

1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – 24.77 million
2. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – 18.84 million
3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – 17.41 million
4. Super Mario Odyssey – 17.41 million
5. Pokemon Sword / Pokemon Shield – 17.37 million
6. Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! / Pokemon: Let’s Go, Eevee! – 11.97 million
7. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – 11.77 million (first 11 days) / 13.41 million (first six weeks)
8. Splatoon 2 – 10.13 million
9. Super Mario Party – 10.10 million
10. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – 6.60 million

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443417/switch-shipments-reach-5577-million-units-as-of-march-31-animal-crossing-new-horizons-sells-12-million/

Strange as it may sound, Animal Crossing: New Horizons feels like where Breath of the Wild should have ended up gameplay-wise.

Paris show features wildlife costumes to emphasise the label’s planet-friendly ethos

The singer Janelle Monáe and actor Shailene Woodley were in the front row, but two rabbits, a fox, a horse, two cows and a crocodile stole the show. People in lifesize animal costumes, of the kind more usually seen at theme park parades than at Paris fashion week, joined models for the finale of Stella McCartney’s show, swinging their new-season handbags and posing for the cameras.

The optics were fun, but the message was serious – that there are animals on almost every catwalk, it’s just that they are usually dead. The half-moon shoulder bag carried jauntily by a brown cow here was made from a vegan alternative to leather, while other bags were created from second-life plastic.

A couple of weeks ago, we noted some new NPD numbers pointing to a very good March for the Switch. Nintendo’s financials this week bear out the predicted surge in popularity for the three-year-old console. The company has sold 21 million Switch units in the past year, handily beating a 19.5 million forecast; 6.2 million […]

Use our interactive checklist to help fill up your museum with all the dinosaur fossils in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

While the virus seems capable of infecting some pets and wild animals, these cases probably aren’t occurring often

While COVID-19 stymies travel, help conserve those things—from cacti to manta rays—that will beckon you later

The life of a New York video game enthusiast who died from complications of the coronavirus was celebrated with a virtual service on Nintendo’s hit video game: “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.”

Up to 30 new marine species discovered on research expedition into underwater canyons

Follow our live coronavirus updates HERE Coronavirus: The symptoms

Carrie Symonds has signed a petition calling for a worldwide ban on live animal meat markets after coronavirus is thought to have emerged at a "wet market" in Wuhan, China.

A pug has become the first dog to be diagnosed with coronavirus in the US, an animal rights organisation has reported.

A distressing video of an unidentified woman boxing her German Shepherd dog has sparked outrage on social media and prompted an investigation into alleged animal cruelty.

Stop the Wildlife Trade: From 1918 to today, the deadly diseases that have become more frequent

Stop the Wildlife Trade: 'I think this is a wake-up call to be more responsible about farming methods, so we can reduce the risk of outbreaks of problematic pathogens in the future,' say scientists

1. Inactivated PiCoVacc vaccine found safe, efficacious in animal study  The Hindu
2. China conducts first successful coronavirus vaccine test on monkeys  Times of India
3. COVID-19 vaccine test on animals successful | Under test since mid-April  WION
4. Promising coronavirus vaccine candidate from China in talks to be tested globally  Times Now
5. US may suffer major blow if China produces vaccine against Covid-19 first  Hindustan Times
6. View Full coverage on Google News

Videos, news, and tips on your favorite animals—the furry, scaly, and everything in between.

Amid quarantine, New Horizons provides an outlet for creativity and commerce.

From Matilda the Hun to the first fleet, test your knowledge with the Weekend quiz

1 Which South American was the world’s first female president?
2 What was the destination of the First Fleet?
3 Who lived at 308 Negra Arroyo Lane, Albuquerque?
4 Which epic poem is based on the Battle of Roncevaux?
5 What animal is a sarcastic fringehead?
6 What German car was last made in Mexico in 2019?
7 Pollex is the medical name for what part of the body?
8 Thomas Neuwirth won Eurovision under what stage persona?
What links:
9 Norwich; Newlyn; St Ives; Camden Town; Bloomsbury?
10 Platypus and four species of echidna?
11 Renren; QQ; Sina Weibo; WeChat?
12 Sydenstricker; Stearns; Staples; Surajprasad?
13 Colonel Ninotchka; Mt Fiji; Zelda the Brain; Matilda the Hun?
14 Harmost; satrap; voivode; bey; subahdar?
15 Ridley Scott; James Cameron; David Fincher; Jean-Pierre Jeunet?

Here's how to get the codes for designers like Marc Jacobs and Valentino

'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' is the ideal gaming getaway, bringing a joy and simplicity we desperately need as we navigate coronavirus pandemic.

TV star's also claimed to have fed a peacock he killed to his pets

'She was shot by an airgun'

The Nintendo game has been hugely popular during lockdown

Finlay was married to Joe Exotic during filming of 'Tiger King'

You could be excused for thinking that, of course, all animals breathe oxygen to live. Because it wasn't until very recently that scientists discovered the only multicellular animal that doesn't. Meet Henneguya salminicola.

It’s certainly a sometimes food – but if you already cook with animal fat, you’ll save money and prevent waste by rendering it yourself

Let’s talk about the four letter f-word: fats. Over the past 60 odd years they’ve been drenched in confusing controversy – to eat or not to eat, what kind should we eat, and according to who?

Animal fats have the worst reputation of all. I’m not here to argue the health facts – but please take the time to look at the research regarding what we replaced many old fashioned animal fats with, namely hydrogenated vegetable oils. Nutritionists suggest neither should play a major role in your diet – but many people who happily reach for margarine still flinch at lard.

Wildlife experts are calling on the public to redefine the Big Five

Animals have started taking advantage of cities as they enter lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic. From New Delhi, India to Buenos Aires, Argentina, groups of animals including deer and lemurs have started to come out to explore – in search of food or just to play

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US government vets said to be ready to assist with culls, or ‘depopulation’ of pigs, chickens and cattle because of coronavirus meat plant closures

Covid-related slaughterhouse shutdowns in the US are leading to fears of meat shortages and price rises, while farmers are being forced to consider “depopulating” their animals.

More than 20 slaughterhouses have been forced to close, although some have subsequently reopened. On Tuesday President Trump issued an executive order to keep slaughterhouses open which would, he said, help solve liability problems for meat companies.

Burns Pet Food at Riverstone pleaded guilty to aggravated animal cruelty relating to dozens of cattle and an injured sheep only a month before the ABC's 7.30 report into the slaughter of horses.