Texas Biomed’s Southwest National Primate Research Center most recently invested $2.5 million to renovate a 12,000-square-foot building to be dedicated exclusively for marmoset housing and research. Marmosets require subtropical environments and have been studied extensively for infectious disease research. Because they have a relatively short life-span compared to other primates,…
View and ShareResearchers view a marmoset’s MRI as part of an aging study to explore links between energy metabolism and neural function. Diseases related to aging are serious concerns for the world's rapidly expanding population of older adults. Some of these include: Type 2 diabetes, many cancers, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, obesity, metabolic syndrome,…
View and Share“It’s an intriguing idea that as people get older our neurons may actually become more active and that simple inhibition of this activity might be sufficient to lengthen lifespan,”
Read MoreThese baboons are needed as a model for a variety of studies, including research focused on understanding the genetics of complex diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. These two baboons are males socially housed in a baboon corral with other male baboons. They are seated on climbing structures…
View and ShareThe study, published Thursday in the journal Science, suggests that a lack of adequate sleep can advance Alzheimer's while good sleep could help maintain brain health.
Read MoreIn an NIA-funded study that could help better understand how genetics influence our neurons’ ability to maintain healthy memory and learning as we grow older, researchers confirmed in mice the importance of the gene heterochromatin protein 1 binding protein 3 (Hp1bp3) in cognitive aging.
Read MoreImaging technologies have greatly reduced the number of animals needed for research. In the past, animals would have had to be euthanized in order to examine internal organs while today imaging allows visualization and study of what was previously not possible. Here an anesthetized marmoset monkey is being prepared to…
View and ShareAdult tissues retain — and can recover — a memory of their early development, which might be a game-changer for cancer and regenerative medicine
Read MoreAll nonhuman primates in research are provided access to enhanced care, including social, behavioral and nutritional enrichment. They often receive fruit and vegetables in addition to their traditional chow diet, and many times, the animals will receive treats like marshmallows. Proper enrichment is critical to ensuring the animals are well…
View and ShareMarmosets were a critical model for understanding the effects of Zika infections on pregnant mothers. In mid-2018, six national primate research centers conducted a collaborative study. It showed pregnancy loss due to Zika infections that don’t generate any symptoms in women may be a common, but unrecognized cause of unexpected…
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