‘Superworms’ with appetite for polystyrene could revolutionise plastic recycling, scientists say

‘Superworms’ with appetite for polystyrene could revolutionise plastic recycling, scientists say

So superworm-led organic digestion could be a valuable tool in reducing levels of human pollution if the process can function on an industrial scale.“Superworms are like mini-recycling plants, shredding the polystyrene with their mouths and then feeding it to the bacteria in their gut,” Dr Rinke said.

I thought I had seen the worst of online abuse – then I posted about my dog

I thought I had seen the worst of online abuse – then I posted about my dog

On one level, this is a good thing: I want people to have high standards for pet owners.I got the same reaction when his retractable dog lead failed at the same time as he spotted a squirrel and he circled a couple holding hands (twice), tying them together.

Levelling up with our ferrets in the north

Levelling up with our ferrets in the north

The inclusion of ferrets in this list really does show that the government takes the interests of northerners into account in its policies, don’t you think?

The biological reason therapy dogs help us feel better

The biological reason therapy dogs help us feel better

They were all asked to report their levels of pain, depression, anxiety and wellbeing before and after a 10-minute visit from a St. John’s Ambulance dog and their handler.The patients reported a significant reduction in pain, symptoms of depression and anxiety and overall wellbeing.

Is your dog depressed? Horror pet warning as study pinpoints major signs to look out for

Is your dog depressed? Horror pet warning as study pinpoints major signs to look out for

Study finds nearly three quarters of UK dogs show signs of poor mental health (Image: Getty) Around 8.8 million dogs exhibit behaviour indicating anxiety or depression (Image: Getty)The most common signs include a loss of appetite, destructiveness and low activity levels.

Dogs really ARE man's best friend as study finds they recognise voices of those they love

Dogs really ARE man's best friend as study finds they recognise voices of those they love

The dogs could detect their owner in 82 percent of cases (Image: Getty)The dogs were required to differentiate between their owners’ voices and those of 14 strangers, with varying levels of similarity to how their owners sound.Including when the voices were swapped, the dogs could detect their owner in 82 percent of cases, the results showed.

Deluge of dog pee and poo harming nature reserves, study suggests

Deluge of dog pee and poo harming nature reserves, study suggests

The researchers estimated the illegal levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in situations where dogs must be kept on leads and can only stray 2 metres either side of a path.

A dog’s breakfast: John Stanmeyer’s best phone picture

A dog’s breakfast: John Stanmeyer’s best phone picture

Because he takes photographs all the time, with his phone as much as any other camera (the former being, to his mind, simply “a camera that makes calls”), and because great danes were bred to childlike levels of dependency, he shoots Frida constantly.

Dogs can die if they drink seawater - vet explains how to diagnose and treat

Dogs can die if they drink seawater - vet explains how to diagnose and treat

Sean says: “Saltwater consumed in small quantities is usually not harmful and may only cause diarrhoea, but drinking larger amounts can disrupt the fluid balance in your dog’s body, and high levels of salt can be fatal for your dog.

Dream job pays £20 an hour to look at pictures of cute puppies

Dream job pays £20 an hour to look at pictures of cute puppies

TEN lucky people will be paid to look at pictures of dogs to test whether they can alleviate stress levels.Each candidate will be paid £20 an hour to wear a heart rate monitor and look at pictures of dogs as they go about their day, except taking hourly breaks to look at a series of pre-prepared dog images.

Get paid to scroll through pictures of puppies with this new job

Get paid to scroll through pictures of puppies with this new job

To put it simply, the company wants to pay 10 successful applicants to scroll through pictures of adorable puppies.This opportunity has come about as ProDog Raw is conducting a study to test whether dogs on social media can alleviate people’s stress levels.

Lockdown boom in UK pet ownership fuels cat and dog food shortage

Lockdown boom in UK pet ownership fuels cat and dog food shortage

Sainsbury’s sent an email alert to customers who buy pet food regularly to apologise about a “national shortage of dog and cat food pouches”.A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said: “We are seeing an increased demand for pet food pouches and are working hard to maintain stock levels.

Funeral for Fido: as pet ownership levels rise, so does the end-of-life care business

Funeral for Fido: as pet ownership levels rise, so does the end-of-life care business

The vet who euthanised the small dog arranged to have him cremated for about $400.Our connections with companion animals, and our willingness to spend on them, even after their deaths, is fuelling the booming pet end-of-life business.

Dogs and owners may share resemblance in diabetes risk

Dogs and owners may share resemblance in diabetes risk

“Given the previous research on the shared risk of [being overweight] between dog owners and their animals, we believe that shared dietary habits and also physical activity levels might be involved,” said Kennedy.

Pet flea treatments poisoning rivers across England, scientists find

Pet flea treatments poisoning rivers across England, scientists find

The research found fipronil in 99% of samples from 20 rivers and the average level of one particularly toxic breakdown product of the pesticide was 38 times above the safety limit.

From ball launchers to activity trackers: the new breed of pet tech

From ball launchers to activity trackers: the new breed of pet tech

Butternut Box’s plans are calculated to a dog’s individual requirements including their age, weight and activity levels, and take into account any health conditions.Photograph: Furbo The Furbo Dog Camera lets you check up on your pet while he or she is home alone.

Track your furry friend's fitness levels

Track your furry friend's fitness levels

Masks made with common household fabrics help prevent the spread of viruses like Covid-19 as researchers have found that they are considerably effective at blocking droplets similar to those that may be released by speaking, coughing and sneezing, even as a single layer.

Fears of puppy smugglers exploiting demand as prices for dog breeds rocket

Fears of puppy smugglers exploiting demand as prices for dog breeds rocket

After thousands started working from home demand shot up for puppies, meaning smugglers are making big profits (Picture: Getty)Coronavirus restrictions are creating the perfect storm for puppy smugglers to thrive, with the price for popular breeds reaching record levels.

Dog breeders urged to act over high levels of anxiety in pets

Dog breeders urged to act over high levels of anxiety in pets

It examined the frequency of seven anxiety-related traits, including noise sensitivity, fear, aggression, separation problems and compulsive behaviour, as well as sub-traits within these categories, such as tail-chasing.

Six alternative events to help improve your mental well-being

Six alternative events to help improve your mental well-being

A glass of red liquid included (Picture: Vampire Yoga)Sometimes delving into darkness can be spiritually cleansing.Dogs help lower stress levels (Picture: Paws For Coffee)There are numerous studies that showcase the mental health benefits of having a pet.

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