Researchers have found exceptionally well-preserved fossil insects in the French equivalent of the Tithonian Konservat-Lagerstätte, comprising a new species representing the oldest known water treader. The fossils provide crucial insights into the evolution of terrestrial environments during the Upper Jurassic period.
Researchers directly compared human and bonobo yawn contagion, finding that strong relationships matter more than species for empathic responses. Humans respond more frequently to friends and kin, while bonobos do so equally, challenging the assumption that humans are more empathetic.
A new study reveals that a single Maldivian atoll's whale sharks account for nearly 3% of global shark ecotourism. The South Ari atoll Marine Protected Area attracts 77,000 tourists annually, generating $9.4 million in direct income. The valuation of wildlife tourism is the first to be calculated exclusively from observational studies.
Researchers found 82% of common bacteria on participants' fingers also present on their smartphones. Women were more closely connected to their phones than men, with the most commonly found bacteria including Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Corynebacterium.
Facelock, a new password alternative, utilizes human face recognition to provide secure authentication. By leveraging the strengths of human memory, it eliminates the need for memorization and makes the system naturally robust.
A team of researchers found that migratory birds carry small plant fragments, including mosses and spores, on their feathers, which can be used to establish new plant populations. This discovery suggests that birds may play a role in the long-distance dispersal of plants.
A NOAA regulation has been effective in lowering ship speeds in areas with North Atlantic right whales, helping protect these critically endangered animals from collisions. The policy of notifying speeding vessels resulted in improved compliance rates, especially among cargo vessels.
A new study published in PeerJ found that publicly discussed papers were retracted or corrected 7-fold more than those for which allegations were never publicized. This suggests that editors may be more inclined to act on a paper if they see the sum-total of a particular lab group's problems.
Researchers found that woolly mammoths had a high incidence of abnormal neck vertebrae, including cervical ribs, which are often associated with inbreeding and environmental stress. This suggests that reproductive issues may have contributed to the mammoths' decline and eventual extinction.
A new study published in PeerJ reveals that bold baboons are more likely to learn and demonstrate new skills to others, while shy individuals watch but do not participate. Personality differences play a significant role in social learning among animals, challenging previous assumptions about animal cognition.
The New Guinea flatworm, considered one of the 100 worst invasive alien species, has been found in France for the first time. The flatworm was identified by molecular analysis and is capable of consuming European snails and other soil-dwelling species.
A recent study published in PeerJ challenges previous findings that suggested translation and protein turnover play a larger role in determining protein expression levels than transcription. The new analysis reveals that mRNA levels explain ~81% of the variance in protein levels, while transcription explains ~71%.
Researchers found that a short visit to a high-crime neighborhood can significantly impact visitors' trust in others and feelings of paranoia. The study suggests people respond to their environment in real-time, using cues like broken windows and graffiti to update their attitudes.
A new species of butterfly-orchid, Platanthera azorica, has been discovered in the Azores, and is believed to be Europe's rarest orchid. The species was previously known from a 19th-century illustration and was thought to be extinct.
PeerJ has introduced a new policy allowing all authors to publish unlimited preprints on their platform without needing a paid publication plan. This move reflects the growing demand for preprint services among researchers and aims to increase accessibility to scientific publishing.
A new study found that papers with shared data received increased citation numbers for at least five years, with data reuse on the rise over time. The researchers concluded that actual data reuse contributed significantly to the citation difference.
Researchers found that promoting positive emotions can positively influence a depressive-to-happy state, as well as increasing life satisfaction. Individuals with self-fulfilling profiles, characterized by high positive affect and low negative affect, tended to be happier and more satisfied with their lives.
Research shows that orangutans and gorillas can form concepts beyond perceptual similarity, matching images by taxonomic class. This finding suggests a shared conceptual process with humans and refutes the notion that biological categories depend on scientific knowledge or labels.
A study published in PeerJ found that nearly 50% of scientific resources are unidentifiable due to a lack of detail in journal articles. Researchers developed guidelines for reporting research resources to aid reproducibility, but these did not improve identification rates.
A study published in PeerJ found that 'ray' wings sold to consumers in Ireland and the UK may include vulnerable species, such as the blonde ray, which has a declining population trend. The study highlights the need for improved labelling of foods to protect consumers and promote conservation.
A new technology allows for real-time acoustic recording and species identification in remote locations, providing reliable long-term data on tropical species. The system has been tested in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica, enabling the analysis of over 1 million recordings and supporting conservation efforts.
A multidisciplinary study investigates the effects of anthropogenic influences on coral reefs, focusing on microbial dynamics and their impact on coral health. The research explores intricate interactions between microbes, coral, algae, and fish, revealing key insights into the delicate balance of these ecosystems.
PeerJ has launched a new 'preprint server' for the Biological and Medical Sciences, allowing authors to share early drafts and receive feedback. The service aims to facilitate an end-to-end publication process, providing a permanent digital identifier and long-term preservation.
A recent genetic study of tadpole shrimps reveals that these organisms are much younger than previously thought, with some species evolving in the past 25 million years. The research challenges the term 'living fossil' by showing that these ancient crustaceans have undergone periods of radiation and extinction.
Researchers found that bacterial communities on roller derby players predict team membership and become significantly more similar when opposing teams compete. The study highlights the potential for contact sports to influence our microbiome, with implications for healthcare and disease transmission.
Researchers have found a virus that can adapt to hosts with modified nuclear genetic codes, contrary to the long-held assumption that such changes prevent new viral infections. The discovery provides evidence of co-evolution between viruses and hosts with altered genetic codes.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers investigated how whales got their teeth by analyzing the fossil record and embryonic development process. They found that whales evolved simpler teeth around 30 million years ago, which are shaped by proteins BMP4 and FGF8 during development.
PeerJ, founded on principles of affordability, innovation, and Open Access, publishes its first 30 peer-reviewed articles, offering a rapid, peer-reviewed journal with a Creative Commons license. The organization assembles an Editorial Board of 800 esteemed academics to ensure rigorous peer review and high standards in publication.
Researchers tracked observer eye movements during video clips of the 'Cups and Balls' trick to illuminate how our brains can be misdirected. This study advances our understanding of human cognition and perception, shedding light on how magicians manipulate attention.
A study found that genetic testing revealed high-risk mutations in individuals but prompted them to take positive steps, including follow-up visits with a doctor and discussions with family members. The test results also led to a 'cascade effect' where relatives were subsequently tested and discovered they too had the mutation.