‘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.

Emotional support pets: experts warn of animal welfare risk

Emotional support pets: experts warn of animal welfare risk

Instead, said Prof Janet Hoy-Gerlach of the University of Toledo, they are often pets who helps to mitigate the impact of their owner’s physical or mental health condition through everyday benefits of human-animal interaction.

Dog behaviour has little to do with breed, study finds

Dog behaviour has little to do with breed, study finds

Dr Elinor Karlsson of the University of Massachusetts Umass Chan medical school, a co-author of the study, said research revealed a huge diversity of behaviours within each breed.“Even if the average is different, you’ve still got a really good chance of getting a dog that doesn’t match what people say that breed is supposed to be,” she said.

The Surprising Secret to Getting More Eyes On Your Ads

The Surprising Secret to Getting More Eyes On Your Ads

Researchers also found that the same exposure to dogs and cats can make people more risk-averse if that's what the advertiser is trying to accomplish.

I saved cash by quitting a student room to become a petsitter

I saved cash by quitting a student room to become a petsitter

In exchange for pet care, sitters get free accommodation and occasionally a fridge of food or spending money at the owner’s discretion.You can sit for cats and dogs, reptiles such as bearded dragons, or even horses or sheep for the more country-inclined sitter.

Can pets catch Covid? Dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters and more

Can pets catch Covid? Dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters and more

(Picture: Getty)As the UK is a nation of animal lovers , it’s only natural that many are concerned that our beloved pets could catch Covid-19.

Parachuting spiders the size of your palm are making their way across the East Coast

Parachuting spiders the size of your palm are making their way across the East Coast

The Joro spider, which hails from Asia and was first spotted in Georgia about 10 years ago, is expected to make its way up the East Coast this spring, according to scientists at the University of Georgia.

Dogs grieve when a friend dies, study finds

Dogs grieve when a friend dies, study finds

But their owners can ease the grieving process by maintaining any routines dogs are used to and staying close to their surviving pets, said Dr. Federica Pirrone, a veterinary physiologist at the University of Milan and the lead author of the study published Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports.

Dogs experience a form of mourning when another dog in the household dies

Dogs experience a form of mourning when another dog in the household dies

The results also revealed behavioural changes were stronger for dogs that were reported to have had a friendly relationship with the animal that had died, or who had been their parent or offspring.“Most likely this means that the surviving dog has lost an attachment figure, who provided safety and security,” said Pirrone.

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.

Small pets at risk of heatstroke as global temperatures rise, study warns

Small pets at risk of heatstroke as global temperatures rise, study warns

‘Owners of small animals such as rabbits, ferrets and guinea pigs may need to review their pet’s housing and take steps to keep their pets cool in the warmer months to reduce the risk of heatstroke,’ she said.

Small pets at risk of heatstroke as temperatures rise, study finds

Small pets at risk of heatstroke as temperatures rise, study finds

The researchers say their findings highlight the need for better public awareness of heatstroke and the risk to all animals, and that cases will continue to rise with warmer weather because of the climate emergency.

Can pets catch Covid?

Can pets catch Covid?

Yes, dogs can get Covid-19 (Picture: Getty)In the June 2021 study, Utrecht University found that out of 310 swabs they took of pets from households with Covid-19, 4.2% tested positive for the virus.

‘Insensitive’: pet owners react to pope’s remarks on animals and children

‘Insensitive’: pet owners react to pope’s remarks on animals and children

Instead, the pope’s comments likely reflect the fact that birth rates have been declining in Europe over the past seven decades, especially in traditionally Catholic countries in the south, where there is a lack of government childcare support, gender roles are more entrenched and youth unemployment is high.

Dogs can understand and differentiate between multiple languages, study confirms

Dogs can understand and differentiate between multiple languages, study confirms

Kun-kun is one of 17 dogs which took part in a brain imaging study, which suggests the animals show different activity patterns to a familiar and an unfamiliar language.A brain imaging study suggests the animals show different activity patterns to a familiar and an unfamiliar language.

Dogs may be able to tell difference between speech patterns, study finds

Dogs may be able to tell difference between speech patterns, study finds

Researchers – who arranged for headphone-wearing dogs to listen to excerpts from The Little Prince, a novella – revealed the brains of our canine companions can tell the difference between speech and non-speech when listening to human voices and show different responses to speech in an unfamiliar language.

The real ‘dog n bone’: New invention lets dogs video call their owners

The real ‘dog n bone’: New invention lets dogs video call their owners

While Zack made some ‘accidental’ calls when he slept on the ball, researchers said several of the calls involved the dog showing his owner his toys and approaching the screen, suggesting he wanted to interact with her.

Is getting a cat or dog bad for the planet?

Is getting a cat or dog bad for the planet?

Dry pet food production emits 106 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, more than countries such as Mozambique and the Philippines, according to a 2020 study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh.

‘Genius dogs’ can learn names of more than 100 toys, study finds

‘Genius dogs’ can learn names of more than 100 toys, study finds

“These gifted dogs can learn new names of toys in a remarkable speed,” said Dr Claudia Fugazza at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, who led the research team.

Former CIA analyst shares adventures with guide dogs over 33-year career

Former CIA analyst shares adventures with guide dogs over 33-year career

Retired CIA analyst Joanne Callahan partnered with her eighth guide dog, Magnum, at a graduation ceremony hosted by the nonprofit Guiding Eyes for the Blind in June.