http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/horses/ Equine News. All about horses including the latest in horse cloning, race horse physiology and horse health. en-us Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:05:01 EST Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/horses/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209101730.htm Horseflies are unpleasant insects that deliver powerful bites and now it seems that zebras evolved their stripes to avoid attracting the unpleasant pests. New research show that zebras have the least attractive hides for horseflies. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209101730.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140105.htm Scientists have traced the origin of the 'speed gene' in Thoroughbred racehorses back to a single British mare that lived in the United Kingdom around 300 years ago. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113093634.htm A previously unnamed species of horse fly whose appearance is dominated by its glamorous golden lower abdomen has been named in honor of American pop diva, Beyoncé -- a member of the former group Destiny's Child that recorded the 2001 hit single "Bootylicious." Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113093634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229091634.htm Winters in the Gobi desert are usually long and very cold but the winter of 2009/2010 was particularly severe, a condition Mongolians refer to as "dzud". Millions of livestock died in Mongolia and the re-introduced wild Przewalski's horse population crashed dramatically. Researchers have used spatially explicit loss statistics, ranger survey data and GPS telemetry to provide insights into the effect of a catastrophic climate event on wild horses, wild asses and livestock that share the same habitat but show different patterns of spatial use. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229091634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107162225.htm An international team of researchers has used ancient DNA to shed new light on the realism of horses depicted in prehistoric cave paintings. The team, which includes researchers from the University of York, has found that all the colour variations seen in Paleolithic cave paintings – including distinctive ‘leopard’ spotting - existed in pre-domestic horse populations, lending weight to the argument that the artists were reflecting their natural environment. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107162225.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111019172838.htm A human antibody given to monkeys infected with the deadly Hendra virus completely protected them from disease, according to a new study. Hendra and the closely related Nipah virus, both rare viruses that are part of the NIH biodefense research program, target the lungs and brain and have human case fatality rates of 60 percent and more than 75 percent, respectively. These diseases in monkeys mirror what happens in humans, and the study results are cause for hope that the antibody, named m102.4, ultimately may be developed into a possible treatment for people who become infected with these viruses. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111019172838.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018095128.htm A new study has shown that racehorses are extremely sensitive to changes in daily light and, contrary to humans, can adapt very quickly to sudden shifts in the 24-hour light-dark cycle, such as those resulting from a transmeridian flight, with unexpected benefits on their physical performance. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018095128.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006084028.htm It is widely believed that being born is about the most stressful thing that can happen to anybody. But being weaned cannot be too far behind it in the list of traumatic experiences. How weaning takes place can have a dramatic effect on the length of time required to overcome the shock. That this is so, at least for horses, comes from the latest work of researchers in Austria. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006084028.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003132222.htm The cayenne tick has been identified as one of the vectors of equine piroplasmosis in horses in a 2009 Texas outbreak, according to new research. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003132222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928125303.htm For animal welfare reasons, many veterinarians are currently promoting the method of implanting a microchip over the traditional practice of branding. However, officials of major sport horse breed registries deny that branding really causes pain or stress to foals. The new results show that tissue damage caused by branding in foals is far more pronounced than expected. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928125303.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912102122.htm A common chemotherapy drug has been successfully delivered to cancer cells inside tiny microparticles using a method inspired by our knowledge of how the human immune system works. The drug, delivered in this way, reduced ovarian cancer tumors in an animal model by 65 times more than using the standard method. This approach is now being developed for clinical use. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912102122.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907163921.htm An endangered species, Przewalski's horse, is much more distantly related to the domestic horse and has a much more diverse gene pool than researchers previously had hypothesized, researchers report. The new study's findings could be used to inform conservation efforts to save the endangered species, of which only 2,000 individuals remain in parts of China and Mongolia, and in wildlife reserves in California and the Ukraine. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907163921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823115145.htm An international team of researchers has used ancient DNA to produce compelling evidence that the lack of genetic diversity in modern stallions is the result of the domestication process. The team has carried out the first study on Y chromosomal DNA sequences from extinct ancient wild horses and found an abundance of diversity. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823115145.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809101608.htm Researchers have completed sequencing the genomes of four important representative species in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. They are Mongolian sheep, Alxa Bactrian camel, Mongolian horse and Mongolian cattle. Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809101608.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110805082949.htm As (human) mothers will be all too ready to confirm, many young animals develop diarrhea shortly after birth. Diarrhoea in young calves is known to be caused by incorrect feeding management or by bacteria or viruses but this does not seem to be the case with diarrhea in young foals. Instead, it has been proposed that foals ‘automatically’ develop diarrhea around the time their mothers’ estrous cycle restarts after giving birth. This theory has now been refuted. The new results show that the intestinal flora of foals undergoes a major switch within the first two weeks of life; the change seems to be directly responsible for diarrhea. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110805082949.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718111500.htm An equine genomics company has launched a new genetic test that can identify individual thoroughbred horses with the greatest genetic potential for racecourse success. Using the results of the Equinome Elite Performance Test, thoroughbred horse owners and breeders can now increase their chances of successfully identifying those foals and yearlings most likely to perform at the elite level. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718111500.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714190902.htm Two strains of Streptococcus bacteria that have evolved to cause potentially fatal infections in either horses or humans use the same box of tricks to cause disease. Exploiting their genetic similarities could lead to novel vaccines for both man and beast, according to a new review. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714190902.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627095415.htm Heredity is of more importance than environment when it comes to young, cold-blooded horses' chances of performing well in races. In spite of large individual variations in muscular characteristics, it seems that the muscles of young, cold-blooded trotters have a relatively low oxidative capacity, which may be one of the reasons why this breed of horses often has a late debut on the horse-racing track. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627095415.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621121131.htm The horse-chestnut leaf miner was living on native stands of the horse-chestnut in Greece by 1879 and was already present in the Balkans more than a century before its scientific description, new research shows. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621121131.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110524114955.htm Researchers have used forensic mitochondrial DNA species identification techniques to distinguish between sardines and horse mackerel. This method makes it possible to genetically differentiate between the fish, even if they are canned or processed, which makes it easier to monitor the degree to which fisheries resources are being exploited. Tue, 24 May 2011 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110524114955.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110517091939.htm Scientists in Australia have shown that a new experimental vaccine helps to protect horses against the deadly Hendra virus. Tue, 17 May 2011 09:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110517091939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406123021.htm Like any other newborn, the neonatal horse can be a challenging patient. Its immune system is still under construction, its blood chemistry can vary wildly, and -- like most infants -- it wants to stay close to mom. Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406123021.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110329100123.htm Fetal loss is a common phenomenon in domestic horses after away-mating, according to researchers. When mares return home after mating with a foreign stallion, they either engage in promiscuous mating with the home males to confuse paternity, or, failing that, the mares abort the foal to avoid the likely future infanticide by the dominant home male. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110329100123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110321134718.htm The most common ailment to affect a horse is lameness. An equine veterinarian has developed a system to effectively assess this problem using motion detection. This system has been referred to as "Lameness Locator." Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110321134718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110317141416.htm Zoological gardens breed animals from threatened populations and can thus make a greater contribution towards biodiversity conservation. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110317141416.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110303141542.htm Fossil records verify a long-standing theory that horses evolved through natural selection. Scientists arrived at the conclusion after examining the teeth of 6,500 fossil horses representing 222 different populations of more than 70 extinct horse species. Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110303141542.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110228090232.htm Pluripotent stem cells have now been generated from horses. The findings will help enable new stem-cell based regenerative therapies in veterinary medicine, and because horses' muscle and tendon systems are similar to our own, aid the development of preclinical models leading to human applications. Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110228090232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110217095827.htm A unique strategy developed by researchers in the UK is opening up new possibilities for improving medical imaging. Medical imaging often requires getting unnatural materials such as metal ions into cells, a process which is a major challenge across a range of biomedical disciplines. One technique currently used is called the 'Trojan Horse' in which the drug or imaging agent is attached to something naturally taken up by cells. Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110217095827.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124074007.htm Like humans, horses are prone to miscarriage. In fact, about one in ten pregnancies results in miscarriage at a very early stage. Some horses have a history of early miscarriages and it has become customary to treat them with a type of progestin known as altrenogest, although there have not been any studies to assess whether this actually improves the chances that the pregnancy will run to term. Researchers have now investigated the effect of altrenogest treatment on the development of the fetus and on the horses’ hormone levels. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 07:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124074007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110118122558.htm At least one in five horses used for leisure are overweight or obese. It's a condition which can lead to laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome. Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110118122558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101220084202.htm The problem of cervical cancer in humans has been considerably reduced by the development of an efficient and cheap vaccine. Horses also suffer from genital cancer but surprisingly we are only now taking the first steps towards learning what causes the disease.New work provides strong evidence that a novel papillomavirus is involved and may thus pave the way for the development of a cure. Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101220084202.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100921084921.htm Man has profited enormously from his ability to domesticate animals. Animals need training to perform particular tasks but until recently the effects of training on the animals concerned had hardly been considered. Researchers now presents a study of the stress caused to horses by being ridden for the first time. Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100921084921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100914121501.htm Researchers have announced that a newly completed Phase 1 study of a monoclonal antibody to rabies (RAB-1) showed positive results for the new therapy, which has the potential to save tens of thousands of lives each year in areas of the world hardest hit by rabies, where current standard treatments are often not available. Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100914121501.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100826162015.htm Subfertility of breeding stallions -- meaning the horses are less able to sire foals -- is a well-recognized problem that has caused multi-million-dollar losses in the equine industry, experts say. Researchers believe they are making progress in solving the problem by using an approach that might provide tools and resources necessary to study subfertility without causing stallions the angst of providing testicular samples for testing. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100826162015.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100611204152.htm Researchers have achieved another cloning first with the successful delivery of a foal using oocytes from a live mare, the first such clone in the world. Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100611204152.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100602094505.htm The same mutated gene that makes humans more susceptible to the potentially fatal West Nile virus is also responsible for the virus affecting horses, according to scientists in Australia. Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100602094505.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100419172844.htm Scientists have decoded the genome of a bacterium that is threatening the UK's historic landscape. Analysis of the genome has provided the first clues to the evolutionary origin of the disease and to its ability to spread so fast. It will allow scientists to determine which genes might be necessary for infection of a tree host so they can be targeted to control the disease. Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100419172844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100412172826.htm Immune molecules known as antibodies that protect against influenza virus infection target the highly variable influenza protein HA. It is thought the antibodies generated by an individual's immune system protect against only a few closely related influenza viruses. However, new research indicates that some individuals vaccinated with seasonal influenza vaccine produce antibodies that can target the forms of HA used by the deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus and the recent swine-origin pandemic H1N1 influenza virus. Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100412172826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100202144204.htm Groundbreaking research led by a leading horse genomics scientist in Ireland has resulted in the identification of the 'speed gene' in thoroughbred horses. Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100202144204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100107114431.htm Some modern horses of Iberian origin are descendants from wild horses from the Early Iberian Neolithic, dated around 6,200 years ago. Ancient lineages are mainly represented in the Lusitano group C, constituted by some modern Lusitano and American horses. Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100107114431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091210092001.htm Ancient DNA retrieved from extinct horse species from around the world has challenged one of the textbook examples of evolution -- the fossil record of the horse family Equidae over the past 55 million years. Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091210092001.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120111555.htm The estimated 4.6 million Americans involved in the equine industry may be at risk of developing respiratory symptoms due to poor air quality in horse barns, according to a questionnaire study. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120111555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143708.htm Scientists have decoded the genome of the domestic horse, revealing a genome structure with remarkable similarities to humans and more than one million genetic differences across a variety of horse breeds. In addition to shedding light on a key part of the mammalian branch of the evolutionary tree, the work also provides a critical starting point for mapping disease genes in horses. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143708.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029141215.htm Each year, the influenza virus evolves. And each year, public health officials try to predict what the new strain will be and how it will affect the population in order to best combat it. A new study may make their task a little easier. The study breaks ground by working across scales and linking sub-molecular changes in the influenza virus to the likelihood of influenza outbreaks. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029141215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006135239.htm Tests show good results for a new vaccine against horse strangles disease. In time this may also lead to new vaccines against human diseases. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006135239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002101043.htm A drug commonly used to treat cattle and sometimes dogs for a blood parasite can, at a relatively high dose, completely eliminate the parasite Babesia caballi from horses, scientists have discovered. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002101043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608125103.htm Rushing to salvage fossils from the Panama Canal earthworks, a paleontology intern unearthed a set of fossil teeth. Experts identified the fossil as Anchitherium clarencei, a three-toed browsing horse. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608125103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423142541.htm Wild horses were domesticated in the Ponto-Caspian steppe region (today Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Romania) in the 3rd millennium B.C. Despite the pivotal role horses have played in the history of human societies, the process of their domestication is not well understood. In a new study, scientists have unraveled the mystery of the domestication of the horse. Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423142541.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415102213.htm Scientists have made a breakthrough in better understanding how Hendra virus spreads from infected horses to other horses and humans. Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415102213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330200716.htm Global warming could have chilling consequences for European livestock, warned an expert. Since 1998, rising temperatures have led to outbreaks of bluetongue across most of Europe, which have killed over two million ruminants. Related viruses, such as African horse sickness virus, with a fatality rate of more than 95 percent and sharing the same insect vectors as bluetongue, could also be introduced. Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330200716.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305141627.htm Archaeologists have uncovered the earliest known evidence of horses being domesticated by humans. The discovery suggests that horses were both ridden and milked. The findings could point to the very beginnings of horse domestication and the origins of the horse breeds we know today. Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305141627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090122080933.htm Biologists are working to conserve and restore endangered horse mussel reefs in Strangford Lough. Thu, 22 Jan 2009 08:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090122080933.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081128082831.htm During the last century human athletic records have continued tumbling, but are there limits to how fast elite athletes can run? Marathon runner Mark Denny from Stanford University has calculated human athletes' speed limits over distances ranging from 100m to the marathon and predicts that male runners may eventually sprint 100m in 9.48s. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 08:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081128082831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081026100516.htm Needles are often equated with pain and discomfort; however, for a horse named Gypsy the tiny sharp objects brought about much needed relief as a professor administered acupuncture therapy. Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081026100516.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081021094010.htm In a potential breakthrough for the performance horse industry (such as racing and polo), scientists are aiming to harness stem cells to repair tendon, ligament, cartilage and bone damage in horses. Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081021094010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080925072438.htm A team of researchers has been working to unlock the secrets of equines. Their findings may lead to better muscular horse health and a new approach to breathing devices for people. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080925072438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080912091721.htm A PhD thesis analyzes the nutritional state of the larvae of anchovy, sardine and horse-mackerel, as well as their growth strategy. Its conclusions point to the Bay of Biscay being a good feeding ground for these species. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080912091721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820081203.htm When the horses and competitors go through their paces at the Summer Olympics in Hong Kong in 2008, it will be very hot and very humid -- just as it is every summer there. Three special blankets will offer the Swiss teams' tournament horses some respite from the elements. When the animals move from their air-conditioned stables to the tournament venue, they will be protected from the brilliant sunshine by cooling covers. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820081203.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080815170625.htm Young horses may be easier to train if they temporarily lay off the sweets, says a Montana State University study. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080815170625.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080720150203.htm White horses are colored horses that turn grey, then white, at a very young age. The white horse is an icon for dignity which has had a huge impact on human culture across the world. Scientists have now identified the mutation causing this spectacular trait and show that it can be traced back to an ancestor that lived thousands of years ago. The study is interesting for medical research since this mutation also increases the risk of melanoma. Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080720150203.htm