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Rare heart bone discovered in chimpanzees
The find was made possible by using an advanced imaging method called micro-computed tomography.

'Os cordis' only found in very few species.

University of Nottingham researchers have discovered that chimpanzees have a rare bone in their heart called an 'os cordis'.

It is thought that the discovery, measuring just a few millimetres in size, could help to manage the health and conservation of chimpanzees.

Scientists say it is a particularly rare find as so few species have an os cordis. The presence of the bone is normally associated with heart disease.

"The discovery of a new bone in a new species is a rare event, especially in chimps which have such similar anatomy to people,” explained lead author Dr Catrin Rutland. “It raises the question as to whether some people could have an os cordis too.”

The find was made possible using several techniques, including an advanced imaging method called micro-computed tomography. This enabled the hearts to be scanned at much higher magnifications than standard hospital or veterinary CT scans.

Many bovines, including cattle, ox and buffalo, have a heart bone but it is often removed by butchers. Some camels, dogs, sheep and otters also have a heart bone.

Heart disease is commonplace in wild chimpanzees, therefore understanding their hearts is vital to advance their health and conservation.

Researchers say the 'os cordis' heart bones were more likely to be present in chimps with idiopathic myocardial fibrosis – a type of heart disease found in chimps and humans.

They found that cartilage was present in addition to the bone, giving insight into the mechanisms via which the growth started.

The function of the os cordis is not yet known, but researchers believe the bone could support the essential heart valves, develop due to heart disease, or even alter the electrical system which controls the heart.

“This research has brought together researchers and veterinary professionals, working on a common aim to advance chimpanzee health and conservation,” adds Dr Rutland.

The study is published in Scientific Reports

Image (C) University of Nottingham.

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.