research studies

research studies » current studies

In 2008, Morris Animal Foundation will fund nearly 200 new and continuing studies for dogs, cats, horses, llamas/alpacas, and wildlife as well as more than 40 veterinary student projects.

We also have numerous studies nearing completion. You can search our current study database by species and/or disease to learn more about the studies we are funding in the areas you care most about. The results will also show you whether a study is available for sponsorship.

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Disease



Study



D07ZO-628: Characterization of Amebocytes Found in Clinically Normal and Diseased Gorgonian Sea Fans

principal investigator: Katharine Holder, Veterinary Student Scholar, North Carolina State University

needs sponsorship

Year: 1 of 1. $3,000

This research project is looking at the cells of the sea fan, a type of coral, that help with immune function and protect the coral from infections. When a sea fan is infected with a fungus called Aspergillosis, the sea fan turns purple and dies at the site of infection. Cells called amebocytes are found where healthy and infected tissues meet. Researchers suspect these cells play a role in the sea fan's immune system, but not much is known about them. This project will look at these cells using special stains and antibodies to learn more about their qualities and function.

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