Gene function is explored by “knocking out” a gene – obstructing its operation. The researchers obstructed the gene, and expected the brain and vascular systems to be affected.  They indeed noticed that mice around five months old were excessively grooming themselves.  This behavior is thought to be indicative of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Working as an intern in Bradfield hall for a month can be an exciting experience.  There are ups, there are downs, and there are certainly lessons to learn. 

Before Spot reached Petco or the pound and went up for adoption, he had already taken quite a journey. New research places the evolutionary origins of the common dog as far away as Eastern Asia. A Cornell-based research group has taken a new approach to finding answers to difficult questions in canine genetics.

Current theories suggest that the domestication of dogs could have occurred for a range of reasons, including security and even as a source of food.

Popular theories exist that place the earliest domestication of the common dog in Eastern Asia. However, there is support for separate cases of domestication occurring worldwide in areas such as Europe.