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House dust can predict presence of pets
From the dust samples collected, the researchers were able to confidently predict which homes had pets such as cats and dogs.
Finding may have future implications for allergen research

Dust in the home can predict where your house is located, the gender of the occupants and the presence of pets, according to a study by the University of Colorado Boulder.

The findings, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, show the incredible amount of microbial diversity in the average household, and the extent to which the organisms can tell a story about where they live.

Study co-author Noah Fierer said: "Every day, we’re surrounded by a vast array of organisms in our homes, most of which we can’t see. We live in a microbial zoo, and this study was an attempt to catalog that diversity.”

In the study, researchers examined over 1,200 homes across the United States. They found that, on average, each home contains over 5,000 different species of bacteria and some 2,000 species of fungi.  

The researchers claim that fungal communities tend to be more predictive of a home’s location, while bacterial communities provide clues about the identity of its residents.

“Geography is the best predictor of fungi in your home," said Dr Fiere. "The reason is that most fungi blow in from outdoors via soil and leaves.”

From the dust samples collected, the researchers were able to confidently predict which homes had pets such as cats and dogs and, to a lesser extent, the gender of the residents.  

Speaking to the BBC, Dr Fiere said: "Bringing a dog or cat into your home really has a significant effect on the bacteria you find in your home.
 
"It was surprising to us that it was such a strong influence - stronger than any other factor, stronger than where your home was located or the design of your home, for example."

The researchers say that homes with only male occupants, for example, have a different bacterial makeup than those with both male and female occupants.

Albert Barbarán, lead author of the study, commented: “One of the key takeaways is that if you want to change what you breathe inside your house, you would either have to move very far away or change the people and the pets you live with.”

The findings could have future implications for forensic investigations and allergen research.
 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.