Furry friends make for good house pets, study finds

People often choose their house pets based on what they think will be the most low-maintenance option. But a new study suggests that furry friends may make for better house pets after all.

The research, published in the journal PLOS One, found that people who live with dogs or cats are more likely to get sick less often than those who don't have any pets. In fact, dog owners were 44 percent less likely to get sick than those who didn't have a pet at all, and cat owners were 31 percent less likely to get sick.

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, and looked at data from over 4,500 people between the ages of 18 and 85. The participants were asked about their health, as well as whether they had a pet and what kind of pet it was.

The findings make sense when you consider all of the ways that having a pet can improve your health. For starters, dogs provide social support, which is beneficial for mental health. They can also encourage you to be more active, as most dogs need to be walked regularly. And cats can help reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure.

Overall, the study suggests that if you're looking for a low-maintenance house pet, you may want to reconsider getting a furry friend after all.

Kangaroos hop their way onto list of endangered species

The eastern grey kangaroo has been listed as an endangered species by the Australian government, due to a population decline of more than 30% in the past decade.

The decision was made after a study by the University of New South Wales found that kangaroo populations in the states of New South Wales and Victoria had fallen from 1.5 million in 2001 to 1 million in 2010.

The study's lead author, Prof Chris Rishop, said that the main reason for the decline was hunting by humans. "Kangaroos are shot for meat, they're shot for their hides, they're shot for their fur," he said. "In some ways they're seen as competitors with livestock, and so there's this general perception that it's OK to shoot them."

Government officials said that the listing would mean better protection for kangaroos, including a possible ban on hunting them. "This is an important step to ensuring the survival of this species," said Environment Minister Tony Burke.

The kangaroo is not the only Australian animal to be listed as endangered. The Tasmanian devil is threatened by a facial tumor disease, and the koala is threatened by habitat destruction and chlamydia.

Officials warn residents of kangaroo invasion

Residents in the town of Hamilton, located in southern Australia, have been warned about an impending kangaroo invasion. Officials report that the marsupials, which are typically herbivores, have been spotted in large numbers near the town and are becoming increasingly aggressive.

Kangaroos can be up to six feet tall and weigh up to 200 pounds, making them a potentially dangerous nuisance. In addition to their size, they are capable of sprinting at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.

Local officials are advising residents to avoid contact with the animals and to keep children and pets away from them. If a kangaroo is encountered, residents are advised to make loud noises or use pepper spray to scare them off.

Australia is home to some of the world's largest kangaroos, and they are commonly seen throughout the country. However, it is unusual for them to approach populated areas in such high numbers.

Experts believe that the increase in kangaroos near Hamilton may be due to dwindling food supplies in the area. The animals typically only move into towns and cities when their natural habitat is threatened.

Zookeeper attacked by kangaroo while feeding the animals

Zookeeper attacked by kangaroo while feeding the animals.

The zookeeper, who was not identified, was rushed to a nearby hospital after the attack at 12:30 p.m.

The zoo's spokeswoman said the zookeeper was conducting the afternoon feeding when they were attacked by a kangaroo.

"The zoo keeper is currently in a stable condition after being treated for injuries to their arm and leg," she said.

Zoo visitors were kept inside while emergency services assessed the situation and treated the victim.

This is not the first time a zookeeper has been attacked by an animal at this zoo. In 2012, a keeper was bitten on the hand by a seal.

Kangaroos could be key to preventing diabetes, study finds

A new study has found that kangaroos could be the key to preventing diabetes, thanks to their high levels of fiber.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney, looked at the composition of the different parts of a kangaroo's diet, and found that the animals' high levels of "resistant starch" could help to prevent diabetes.

Resistant starch is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot easily digest, meaning that it passes through the digestive system relatively unchanged. This makes it an ideal source of fiber, as it helps to keep us feeling full after eating, and can reduce our risk of developing conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

The Sydney researchers found that kangaroos contained up to three times more resistant starch than other types of livestock such as sheep and cattle. This means that kangaroos could be an important source of resistant starch for humans, who often struggle to get enough fiber in their diets.

In fact, Australians are among the worst offenders when it comes to insufficient fiber intake; a recent study by the CSIRO found that less than one in five adults met the recommended daily intake. Kangaroos could help to address this problem, as well as providing a healthy source of protein and other nutrients.

So far, there have been no studies on the potential health benefits of consuming kangaroo meat specifically, but given that kangaroos are such a rich source of resistant starch, it seems likely that they would offer similar benefits. This means that eating kangaroo could be a good way for people with diabetes or prediabetes to manage their condition, as well as helping those looking to improve their overall health.