23 years to get these Lab results

LABRADOR retrievers have fetched the title of the nation's most popular dog breed for the 23rd year in a row, according to American Kennel Club registration statistics. That makes them the longest-running holder of the top spot since the AKC's founding in 1884. Labs are popular for their classic canine good looks, friendliness, energy and versatility. When they aren't retrieving a bird, stick or ball, they may be found working as guide dogs, assistance dogs, detection dogs or search-and-rescue dogs. They come in three colors - black, yellow and chocolate - and weigh 55 to 80 pounds.

* Researcher and cat expert Leslie Lyons, at the University of Missouri, is working to sequence the genomes of 99 cats from around the world to improve knowledge of feline genetics. The 99 Lives Cat Whole Genome Sequencing Initiative is seeking genetic samples from pedigreed and mixed-breed cats. The knowledge gained could help both cats and people suffering from such illnesses as polycystic kidney disease, retinitis pigmentosa and spinal muscular atrophy.