The new study looks at how consuming vitamin B-12 led to a cascade of signals originating in the brain and triggering actions connected to stress control and longevity in the gut.

Researchers measure the levels of stress hormones in the tail-hair of Asian elephants as a technique to monitor their health and well-being.

Captivity and confinement has had devastating effects on humans and the same can be true in the case of wild animals, especially the big cats. In this new study, scientists observe the hormones produced by captive big cats, like the Bengal Tiger or Leopard, to measure the amount of stress they endure during captivity. The study also throws light on stereotypy -  a coping mechanism developed by captive animals, and its relation to the amount of stress they experience.