Scientists have sequenced the genome of the domestic ferret! It is a big deal. Because the ferret is actually quite an important animal and the information derived from its genome is poised to help researchers better understand not just human health and disease, but also wildlife health. https://www.earthtouchnews.com/discoveries/discoveries/the-ferret-genome-has-been-sequenced-and-heres-why-thats-good-news-for-you/… read more →
Treating bone cancer in dogs may lead to research for treatments that help people with cancer as well, as the same molecule is expressed in canine bone cancer that is also expressed in kids with osteosarcoma and women with breast cancer. http://6abc.com/health/new-research-on-dogs-with-bone-cancer-may-help-people/145285/ read more →
Neurological studies in animals has provided important insight into how the human brain and nervous system functions. Ferret brains have many similarities with human brains, and studies with neonatal ferrets has allowed researchers to understand the developing brain, as well as study potential treatments for victims of neurological disease and traumatic brain injuries. http://www.brainfacts.org/about-neuroscience/animals-in-research/articles/2014/why-animals-are-vital-to-brain-research/… read more →
Measles vaccination gaps have stalled efforts to further reduce the burden of the disease, but early results from tests in ferrets suggest that health departments may someday have an oral drug to help knock down outbreaks. http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2014/04/animal-study-yields-promising-results-measles-drug read more →
Dogs' eyes are similar to humans, and studying genetic patterns that lead to blindness in dogs may help pave the way for treatments in humans as well, including treatments for glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa. http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/02/tech/dog-and-human-blindness/ read more →