Dogs are extremely unique animals, with more than one hundred breeds that share the same DNA. New scientific breakthroughs may change the way that we look at our pets. Here are some amazing recent discoveries about dogs.
Dogs and Human Medicine
Because dogs have similar physiological traits to humans, they have been crucial in medical research for a long time. Scientists have, in the past, managed to gain a better understanding of diseases like cancer and diabetes. They’ve helped us develop treatments for these diseases in humans and canines.
Incredible Sense of Smell
Dogs have a sense of smell that’s around 40 times greater than that of an average person. For a long time, we’ve used dogs’ olfactory senses to our advantage in law enforcement and airport security. Dogs can track the scent of missing people and contraband and, in some cases, have reacted to an undiagnosed disease a human has developed.
Dogs Understand Human Language
Recent studies have found that dogs can understand different words and remember the difference between them. Examples of this are learned words, like their name, “sit,” or “stay.” Now, using EEG technology, which measures brain activity through electrodes, scientists have found that dogs think of commands in a similar way to humans.
Emotional Connection with Humans
It’s no secret that dogs develop strong emotional connections with people. Studying their brain waves and their human companions during interactions indicates a synchronicity between them. The more a dog knows their owner or companion, the stronger this bond is.
Medical Detection Dogs
Dogs can be trained to detect medical conditions through their scent. Studies have indicated that dogs can tell when a diabetic person’s blood sugar levels change and have even managed to sense cancers before they’ve shown other symptoms. Although the research is still inconclusive, the important health benefits dogs could have for their owners are worth further study.
Cardiac Death
The University of Minnesota has found a link between sudden cardiac arrest in dogs, most notably Manchester Terriers, and the same condition in humans. The genetic variant found in the ABCC9 gene could help predict the same problem in people. This means that avoiding this variant could mean better breeding for dogs and less cardiac death in general.
Canine Contributions to Heart Health
Dogs have been helping us understand heart health for a long time. Before discovering the ABCC9 gene related to cardiac death, ventricular fibrillation and defibrillation techniques were first used on dogs. These advancements has helped save the lives of both humans and canines.
Dogs Detecting COVID-19
In a groundbreaking study, trained dogs demonstrated the ability to detect COVID-19 with remarkable accuracy. These sniffer dogs can identify the virus within seconds by smelling human sweat, showcasing their potential role in public health measures during pandemics.
Dogs as Models for Autism Research
Research is exploring how dogs can serve as models for studying autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By altering specific genes in dogs, scientists aim to understand social deficits associated with ASD better, potentially leading to advancements in treatment approaches for both species.
Dogs Learn Commands Like Toddlers
Dogs can learn over 100 words and gestures, making them comparable to two-year-old children in terms of language comprehension. This ability highlights their intelligence and adaptability, allowing them to respond effectively to training and commands from their owners.
Impact on Human Psychology
The bond between humans and dogs has psychological benefits as well. Interactions with dogs can reduce stress levels and improve overall mental well-being. The emotional support provided by canine companions is increasingly recognized as essential for mental health.
The Future Of Dogs And Their Role In Science
As scientific breakthroughs continue to show us some of the most incredible things that dogs have to teach us in science, their role in it will likely expand further.
