March 6, 2018, University of California, Los Angeles From Phys.Org UCLA engineers and scientists have engineered a type of synthetic protein—a chimeric antigen receptor, or CAR, that responds to soluble protein targets. The advance shows great promise for helping the body’s immune system seek out and destroy cancer because it could boost the effectiveness of immunotherapies against solid tumors that are otherwise highly resistant...
Loss of a pet – how to help others cope with the grief
[A Veterinarian’s Perspective] The Telegraph By Pete Wedderburn If you’ve ever lost a much loved pet, you’ll know that the depth of grief can be real and perhaps surprising. Much as you may try to rationalise that you have “only” lost a pet, the truth is that you are grieving for a companion, a friend and a family member. The emotions that are experienced...
Virus-like particle could lead to new cancer vaccine
Michigan State University EurekAlert Michigan State University scientists are engineering a virus-like particle, known as Qβ, that will generate anti-cancer immune responses in the body and potentially be used as a new vaccine for the treatment of cancer. The project, funded by a $2.4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute, will support the development of the vaccine to protect animals against cancerous cells...
The Pain of Loving Old Dogs
Margaret Renkl New York Times NASHVILLE — It’s 2 in the morning, and it has just started to rain. It’s a gentle rain, with no threat of high winds or lightning. I know this without having to get up to peer into the dark night or put on my glasses to check the weather app on my phone. I know the facts of this...
March 3rd is “What if Dogs and Cats had Opposable Thumbs” Day
A holiday to be grateful that our pets don’t have a better grip. Imagine a world where our favorite furry companions had thumbs. Opposable ones. Thumbs that allowed them to open their own tins of food, easily steal your possessions, and generally get into more mischief than they already do. What kind of world would that be? “What if Dogs and Cats had Opposable...
Ditch The Itch
Ditch The Itch: Dog Dry Skin Relief Checklist One of the most distressing things for a dog owner to see is their dog being constantly irritated by itchy skin. There are several reasons why a dog may have itchy skin, including allergies or fleas. Owners always want their pet companions to feel comfortable and healthy. Below is a helpful checklist of some remedies that...
American Humane Hero Dog Awards. Vote now!
To all of you who have followed the Puppy Up Foundation’s humble beginnings, you know that one of the original Great Pyrenees who walked across the country with Luke is named Hudson. Also known to most as “Hudsy.” As an ambassador for the Foundation, Hudson has represented the ongoing fight against this dreadful disease. He is truly a hero to all who know him....
March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month
Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 This is a 24/7 helpline. March is designated as Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month. Understanding what potential harmful poisons exist in your home and yard is the first step to keeping your pet safe. Some of them are very obvious and others might be new to you. For an excellent and detailed rundown of things that are toxic to our...
How Pets Can Help Humanize ICUs and Speed Recovery
From American Veterinarian Animal-assisted intervention is used throughout many hospitals to improve patient morale, relieve symptoms, and reduce suffering—except in intensive care units. But that may soon be changing. By Kerry Lengyel “As critical care medicine is increasingly successful in preventing death, the field is more focused on optimizing patients’ survivorship experience. Through creating humanized ICU environments and implementing nonpharmacologic interventions, patients no longer...
