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- Rhodococcus opacus may boost weanling pigs' immune systems
Weanling pigs may benefit from ingesting Rhodococcus opacus because the bacteria produces triglycerides, an energy substrate important for immune activity. "By providing an alternative energy source, the pigs are most likely going to be able to fight off infections more efficiently," said Janet Donaldson, an assistant professor at Mississippi State University. The next step would be to test that hypothesis with an immune challenge. If successful, use of the bacteria may be adopted by pork producers, and the findings could one day have applications in human medicine as well. PhysOrg.com
(1/22)     
- Many possible medical uses for cone snail venom
Cone snail venom contains some 1,000 peptides that have potentially useful medicinal properties, and for decades, scientists have been uncovering possible applications for the compounds. Venom from the magician cone snail led to Prialt, the first commercial therapy derived from cone snails. Approved by the FDA in 2004, Prialt is a pain reliever 1,000 times more potent than morphine, yet lacking the addictive properties. It's possible the venom from other snails could be used to treat epilepsy, stroke, depression and more. ScientificAmerican.com
(1/22)
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- National Zoo's orangutans play with iPads
Thanks to Orangutan Outreach's Apps for Apes program, the orangutans at the Smithsonian's National Zoo enjoy 10 iPad apps as part of their regular enrichment. The animals' preferred apps include cognitive skills challenges and virtual instruments. Orangutan Outreach has provided iPads for apes in other zoos in part to promote conservation of the endangered species. The idea is to "show zoo visitors how similar humans and apes are, be it through observation, talking with wildlife experts or seeing the apes use the same technology we use every day," said Richard Zimmerman, Orangutan Outreach's founding director. LiveScience.com
(1/22)
- Game aims to make rabies education fun for those most at risk
Veterinary students at the University of Sydney have created a board game, Dog Village, aimed at educating children about the risks and prevention of rabies. According to the World Health Organization, 40% of people who suffer bites from potentially rabid animals are younger than 15. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization may mass-produce the game in an effort to improve the care of dogs and protect people from contracting rabies. MedicalXpress.com
(1/22)
- Dogs at work: A well-planned program can benefit everyone
It's possible that allowing employees to bring their dogs to work could improve a company's bottom line, according to this article, which notes that powerhouses including Amazon and Google allow dogs in the office. Potential upsides include better employee satisfaction and productivity, fewer missed workdays and increased congeniality at work. However, employers need to have clear rules about cleaning up after pets, training of animals and dealing with aggression, as well as a plan to address the possibility of allergies among workers. 4Hoteliers
(1/22)
| Around the Office | | |
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| Policy Watch | | |
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- U.S. takes step toward allowing chicken imports from China
The U.S. is poised to send inspectors to chicken processing plants in China, which could ultimately open the way for expanded meat trade between the countries, including allowing chicken imports from China. Concerns about the safety of chicken from China have contributed to delays in talks regarding the issue. Under current regulations, China may only sell chicken to the U.S. in the form of pet food. The FDA is looking into reports of canine illnesses and deaths associated with chicken jerky treats for dogs that were made in China. AutomatedTrader.net/Dow Jones Newswires
(1/22)
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Veterinary Achievement Awards
Veterinarians contribute to society in many ways, and we all know colleagues with distinctive accomplishments and careers. To recognize these colleagues and the valuable work they do, the AVMA and American Veterinary Medical Foundation offer a number of awards to individuals who have advanced the science and art of veterinary medicine, and who have shown exemplary concern for, and commitment to, the welfare and humane treatment of animals. Visit the AVMA/AVMF awards page for more information and to nominate a deserving individual. Deadline for most nominations is Feb. 1, so don't delay!
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