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NZ Herald
03-05-2025
- Science
- NZ Herald
Herding dogs: Genetic study reveals why they are smart, social and focused
Researchers, led by Hankyeol Jeong, discovered specific genetic changes in herding dogs, because of selective breeding, that contribute to their smarts, instincts, and fine motor skills. They conducted whole-genome sequencing of 12 herding breeds and 91 non-herding breeds to find these differences. They found that herding dogs have positive selection for educational attainment (which they equated with human-assisted problem-solving for dogs) and intelligence. Focusing further on border collies, they identified changes in eight genes related to memory, learning, social interaction, and spatial awareness. One gene, EPHB1, which is important for spatial memory, had many variations in herding dogs. In border collies, EPHB1 gave the breed a distinct haplotype associated with chase-bite motor patterns necessary in the dogs' specific line of work. Professor Matt Littlejohn is a Professor in Animal Genetics at Massey University. He said the research gave a glimpse into the reasons behind working dogs' skills. 'High-performance farm dogs show exceptional abilities that set them apart from the average pooch, and this study gives some insight into genetic factors that may contribute to that,' he said. Littlejohn said the study was significant because identifying genes underlying behavioural traits has been 'notoriously difficult' – both in dog and human genetics. However, he said the results would need to be validated. 'Breakthroughs in behavioural genetics have been hard-won because the traits are complex, so while the study highlights one gene in particular with a likely role in working behaviour, the next step will be to test the gene in bigger populations and confirm that role.' More about the study The research paper, Genomic evidence for behavioural adaptation of herding dogs, was published in Science Advances. The herding dog group consisted of seven Belgian sheepdogs, five Belgian Malinois, 11 Belgian Tervurens, five Bouvier des Flandres, 15 border collies, seven bearded collies, five Pembroke Welsh corgis, five Shetland sheepdogs, six Berger Picards, five Australian cattle dogs, 15 German shepherd dogs, and five Australian shepherds. Researchers looked for genes tied to phenotypic traits defined in a comprehensive database of human genome-wide association studies called the NHGRI-EBI GWAS Catalog. The research was conducted by Hankyeol Jeong and Jaemin Kim, of Gyeongsang National University, Republic of Korea, and Elaine A. Ostrander, of the National Human Genome Research Institute, of the National Institiutes of Health, Bethesda, US. It was funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute and the Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea.
Epoch Times
25-04-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Centipede Bite Hurts Like Bee Sting
Q: Panda, our black and white tuxedo cat who also responds to the more fitting name of Pandemonium, plays with the centipedes in our bathroom. If she eats one, could it harm her? A: No, but eating too many of them could result in stomach upset. The greater concern is that centipedes bite, and the bite feels like a bee sting. Centipedes don't actually use their mouthparts to bite, but their first pair of legs has pincers called forcipules that puncture ants, cockroaches, worms, and other small creatures, injecting venom that paralyzes them. The venom of the small, delicate centipedes so common in damp areas of the home isn't dangerous to a cat, but if Panda tangles with a centipede's forcipules, the wound will hurt, and she'll need to see her veterinarian for wound care and pain relief. Perhaps that will teach her not to play with centipedes. On the other hand, the venom of the large tropical centipedes that some people keep as pets is very dangerous to cats, dogs, and humans. If anyone in your family has one of these large tropical centipedes, keep Panda far away from it. If you want to get rid of your bathroom centipedes, use a piece of paper to herd them into a glass, cover the glass with the paper, and escort the centipedes outside for release into the wild. Related Stories 6/17/2023 8/29/2015 Q: Rowdy, our 9-year-old cocker spaniel, suddenly started squinting. His eye is bloodshot, the surface looks foggy, and I think the pupil is larger than in the other eye. What is wrong with his eye? Will it resolve on its own, or should he see his veterinarian? A: Whenever you see any change in your pet's eye(s), you should get him to the veterinarian immediately. Eyes can deteriorate rapidly, and Rowdy's vision is at stake. The clinical signs you describe are typical of glaucoma, which induces pain and blindness if not treated immediately. Glaucoma results from increased pressure within the eye caused by impaired drainage of the fluid in the front of the eye. While glaucoma can affect any dog, certain breeds are predisposed, including the Akita, basset hound, beagle, Bouvier des Flandres, Cairn terrier, chow chow, cocker spaniel, Norwegian elkhound, Samoyed, shar-pei, shiba inu, and shih tzu. Middle-aged dogs are most often affected. The condition develops rapidly in dogs. As pressure within the eye increases, the white of the eye becomes red, and the clear cornea becomes cloudy or develops a bluish hue. The pupil dilates, and pain causes the dog to squint. Glaucoma is an emergency in dogs because it can quickly result in permanent blindness. Take Rowdy to the veterinarian, who will check the pressure in his eyes. Fortunately, this test is quick and painless. If Rowdy has glaucoma, your veterinarian will immediately begin treatment and perhaps refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist for follow-up care. Treatment for the eye with glaucoma includes medications to decrease the pressure, stop the pain and prevent blindness. Surgery also may be helpful. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend treating Rowdy's good eye to delay the onset of glaucoma there. Eye drops and oral medications are available. Humans develop glaucoma, too, though more slowly than dogs, so it's easier to detect and treat before it causes permanent damage. Ask your eye doctor how often you should be checked for glaucoma. Dear Readers: We would love to hear from you. What topics would you like to read about? Please send your feedback and tips to
