Lemurs aren’t just cute, they’re crucial Why are lemurs so special? Here’s just ONE reason: Because non-invasive research on grey mouse lemurs has helped shed light on devastating human diseases like Alzheimer’s: https://today.duke.edu/2017/03/jumping-genes-suspected-alzheimers. Like humans, mouse lemurs develop amyloid brain plaques and other Alzheimer’s-like symptoms as they age. Studying these tiny primates has helped lead to a […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016 CONTACT: Karl Leif Bates (919) 681-8054 karl.bates@duke.edu DURHAM, NC — A two-month investigation into the sudden deaths of four aye-ayes at the Duke Lemur Center has left just one plausible explanation — avocados. Lemur Center officials believe that a natural toxin found in avocados the animals ate the […]
The practical use and benefits of research Hi, Duke Lemur Center blog reader! I’m Lydia, a DLC researcher and veteran tour guide. On tours, I’m often asked to explain how research at the DLC can actually help us conserve and care for these endangered animals. What follows here is an example of how, by working closely […]
Lemurs are the most endangered mammal on the planet. Learn what we are doing to change that. Delve deeper into the Duke Lemur Center and join us for our “Evening with the Experts” seminar series. Each session will highlight one of the many components of the DLC’s important work. All proceeds will benefit the work […]
Hibernation Isn’t Just For Bears. Hibernation is a common metabolic strategy found in all major groups of mammals, however, it is rare among primates. Dr. Marina Blanco will discuss how and why Fat-tailed Dwarf lemurs hibernate. Dr. Blanco has just returned from Madagascar and will discuss her research and the traits of these fascinating primates. […]
May 30, 2014 — In 1999 at the Duke Lemur Center, a young lemur named Eugenius started to get sick. Very sick. He was lethargic, losing weight and suffering from diarrhea. Veterinarians soon pinpointed the cause of his illness: Eugenius tested positive for Cryptosporidium, a microscopic intestinal parasite known to affect people, pets, livestock and […]
