The secret behind your cat’s sense of smell

A cat’s sense of smell is around 14 times better than that of humans, and while dogs have around 300 million olfactory receptors compared with 200 million in cats, studies have shown that cats have a far superior ability to distinguish between scents compared to dogs. Recent studies have begun to unlock the secrets behind […]

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Keeping your pets stress free around fireworks

pet

Fireworks are exciting and eagerly anticipated by many people, yet for the majority of pets it can be a stressful and dangerous time. Pets have no idea that it is Bonfire night, New Year or some other celebration. All they know is that the world around them has suddenly become frightening and unpredictable. This year […]

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How to deal with a bedbug infestation

bedbug infestation

A widely reported bedbug infestation has broken out in Paris and there’s been suggestions of them moving to the UK. Superintendent Pharmacist of Pharmacy2u, Phil Day reveals how to identify, treat and prevent the pests. Identifying Bedbug Bites: Bedbug bites tend to be very itchy and uncomfortable, but they are not usually dangerous. Below are a […]

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Do sounds of nature improve wellbeing of care home residents

nature

Innovative research by University of Gloucestershire exploring whether the sounds of nature can have a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people in care homes, has won funding of more than £336,000. Building on previous studies, a multi-disciplinary team of researchers in social science, sound art and Cultural Studies will develop and […]

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Safe car travel for you and your pet

travel

Bank holidays, half terms and the summer holidays often involve travel whether for a holiday, a trip to the beach or to a visit to friends and family. This year in particular many people are planning staycations. As humans we all know we need to wear our seatbelts in the car and that moving around […]

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Could flies show how to personalise diet?

flies

Fruit flies and humans don’t just share a love of fruit in the warm summer months. We also share key genetic features, which scientists have been able to take advantage of in new research to better understand how diet affects health. The latest study, which is led by the University of Glasgow and published in […]

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The life threatening dangers of Oak Processionary Moths

The life-threatening dangers of Oak Processionary Moths: People living in London and the South East are being warned to look out for toxic Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) caterpillars. These caterpillars can cause eye irritation, skin rashes and vomiting, as well as possibly triggering extreme, and possibly fatal, asthma attacks. This article outlines what these catepillars […]

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The impact of air pollution on insect health

insect decline

The impact of air pollution on insect health: Air pollution particles may be a cause of dramatic drop in global insect numbers. New research shows an insect’s ability to find food and a mate is reduced when their antennae are contaminated by particulate matter. The impact of air pollution on insect health and reproduction is […]

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New venom discovery from deadly cone snails

cone snails

University of Queensland researchers have reared deadly cone snails in a laboratory aquarium for the first time, uncovering a potential treasure trove of new venoms for drug development. Professor Richard Lewis, Dr Aymeric Rogalski and Dr Himaya Siddhihalu Wickrama Hewage from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience study venoms as therapeutics, and discovered crucial differences across […]

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