Articles tagged with Open Access
A survey reveals that music is a widely used sleep aid, with 62% of respondents employing it to enhance their sleep experiences. The study found multiple pathways through which music helps, including auditory masking and mental distraction, offering new insights into the complex motivations driving people to use music as a sleep aid.
Scientists have recorded the first cave-dwelling centipede from southern China, a species that had been hiding away from biologists. The new cavedweller, Australobius tracheoperspicuus, is tiny and has pale yellow-brownish color with no eyes.
Regularly used forest trails have fewer bird species and lower numbers of birds compared to less-used areas, even with decades of human activity. This suggests that forest birds do not habituate to trail use, highlighting the need for protected areas and adherence to stay-on-trail rules.
Goffin's cockatoos can create and manipulate novel tools to reach food rewards. They adjust the length of their cardboard tools to account for varying distances, making longer tools as a risk-avoidance strategy.
A novel technique uses 3D analysis to study bone wear patterns, providing controlled experimental protocol for archeological investigations. The study sheds light on the manufacturing and use of early human tools, revealing that duration of use is the largest determinant affecting surface wear.
A new study examines geographic disparities in death due to traumatic brain injury among US veterans, finding higher mortality rates for those living in the US territories. The researchers highlight concerns about potential differences in healthcare quality between the US mainland and US territories.
A new study published in Nature journal Scientific Data highlights the role of citizen scientists in tracking the spread of invasive species. The UK Ladybird Survey mapped 48,510 observations of the harlequin ladybird over a decade, showing its rapid spread across England and Wales.
A study asked top German cyclists and field athletes to rate the effectiveness of various anti-doping methods. The athletes identified improved detection and diagnostics, increased bans for offenders, as key strategies. Increased fines and leniency programs were ranked lower in effectiveness.
A new study exploring the tradeoff between masculine and feminine leadership traits reveals that women internalize a stereotypically masculine view of leadership. The research, published in Frontiers in Psychology, suggests that women may feel disadvantaged compared to male leaders if they adopt traditionally feminine styles.
Researchers found that frequent media multitaskers were more likely to rate an interviewee as less conscientious when in a messy room, regardless of the video subject's environment. Media multitasking affects how people perceive their surroundings and form impressions of others.
A systematic review of indoor tanning legislation found poor compliance with risk-reducing measures, including parental consent restrictions, protective eyewear, and warning labels. The study suggests that increased enforcement and better communication are needed to protect public health.
Riffyn has launched Open Access, offering a full-featured Riffyn SDE account to non-profit members. This provides the capability to transform scientific work, increasing reproducibility and reusability of experiments.
A study found that city-dwelling blue tits lay larger eggs than forest-dwelling birds, likely due to the urban environment's higher calcium availability. The researchers also observed a trade-off between egg size and clutch number, with urban birds producing fewer but larger eggs.
A new drywood termite species has been discovered in Cameroon with snapping stick-like mandibles that deliver powerful strikes at enemies. The species, named Roisinitermes ebogoensis, challenges existing knowledge on the evolution of such defense mechanisms.
A team of researchers observed an adult male praying mantis catching and devouring guppies in a pond in Karnataka, India. The insect returned five days in a row, catching a total of nine fish with impressive learning abilities.
Researchers found employees with a criminal record stayed in their sales or customer service roles on average 19 days longer than those without. They also discovered that some employers may benefit from hiring workers with a record, as these individuals can provide valuable labor for less cost.
Researchers observed 'antennal grabbing' behavior in three different cuckoo bee species in the genus Nomada, where males transfer pheromones during copulation. This phenomenon has been documented for the first time in this genus, shedding new light on the courtship and mating behaviors of these kleptoparasitic bees.
Research suggests that moderate drinking within recommended guidelines may have a cardioprotective effect, but unstable patterns over time increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Consistency is key, and lifestyle changes, such as retirement, may also play a role in differing risks.
A study of 35,132 individuals found that unstable drinking patterns over time may increase heart disease risk, while consistent moderate drinking within recommended guidelines may have a cardioprotective effect. Consistency in drinking behavior is crucial for reaping the benefits.
A video-based behavioral ethics curriculum called Ethics Unwrapped has been shown to increase student understanding of ethics and human behavior. The program, which uses open-access videos, improves comprehension of complex moral concepts such as conflict of interest and relativism.
A study using online citizen scientist observations and museum specimens predicts updated distribution ranges for the Northern black widow and Black purse-web spider. The models suggest that the purse-web spider's range may have shifted, while the black widow's range may have increased over time.
A novel lichen-patterned spider species, Araneus bonali, has been found on oak trunks in central Spain. The species' remarkable mimicry with lichens allows it to blend into its surroundings, raising questions about its behavior and habitat.
Researchers found that naked mole-rat breeders have changed aging rates, living longer than non-breeders due to higher resistance to muscle loss during aging. The study suggests that genetic mechanisms underlying social suppression of sexual maturation may contribute to their exceptional lifespan.
A study published in BMC Zoology found that ant soldiers have smaller brain sizes than workers despite being larger, as their tasks place less cognitive demand. This suggests that investment in brain development may be reduced for individuals with simpler behaviors.
A new study published in Heliyon found that elite snatch style weightlifters have stronger knee joints and more elastic energy, allowing for faster and more efficient lifting. Coaches can use this knowledge to improve training methods and help sub-elite lifters reach their full potential.
A study of 12,372 students across seven European countries found that excessive social media use is linked to higher rates of cyberbullying. The researchers suggest that digital literacy and internet safety strategies may contribute to lower rates of cyberbullying.
A new grass species, P. laegaardiana, has been described after 28 years of collection, raising concerns about its survival due to habitat loss and agricultural use. Further studies are needed to search for the species in different locations.
Researchers found that elderly people who feel younger than their age show fewer signs of brain aging and have increased gray matter volume in key brain regions. This suggests that caring for brain health may be important for those who feel older than their age.
The new journal publishes cutting-edge research on forest science disciplines, including ecophysiology, atmosphere, fire, and growth, to inform sustainable forest management. It aims to place forests at the forefront of global attention and provide a centralized source of high-quality research.
A new species of sheet-web-building spider, Islandiana lewisi, has been discovered in a southern Indiana cave. The tiny spider is thought to feed on small arthropods and is the fifth known species to live exclusively in caves.
Rockfalls from iconic landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan pose a significant risk to park visitors. A new study uses rapid 3D analysis to pinpoint rockfall locations, dimensions, and volumes, enabling more accurate assessments and quicker decision-making for park managers.
The journal features two rare species, Poa laegaardiana and Sindora stipitata, and an extensive taxonomic review of genus Ceratozamia. PhytoKeys has accelerated research in botany with its innovative publishing workflow and open access platform.
The ZPID Twin Conference brought together over 150 participants to discuss Big Data in Psychology and Research Synthesis. Keynote speakers highlighted the importance of psychology's theoretical strength in addressing big data challenges, while also emphasizing the need for innovative methods and tools for research synthesis.
Investigational medicines became available to terminally ill patients through expanded access programs, allowing for the assessment of drug timing and duration. The study aimed to better understand this process and its implications for patient care.
The project aims to add hundreds of thousands of figures and taxonomic treatments to the Biodiversity Literature Repository (BLR), a joint venture of Plazi and Pensoft. The BLR is an open science community platform that makes biodiversity data findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable.
A large Korean study found that sleeping fewer than six hours a day is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and its components, including higher waist circumference and triglycerides. The study also showed a potential gender difference, with long sleep linked to metabolic syndrome in women and short sleep in men.
A new study in Frontiers in Psychology found that basketball teams playing for survival in critical NBA playoff games are more likely to lose. The researchers analyzed 1,930 playoff games and discovered that the threat of elimination actually made teams more likely to lose, suggesting they 'choke' under pressure.
A new study exposes the widespread practice of killing aquatic mammals like dolphins, sea lions, and otters for use as bait in global fisheries. The review highlights that more than 40 species have been utilized as bait since 1970, with over 80% deliberately killed for at least one fishery.
A new index identifies individuals at risk for lupus by analyzing IgG, IgM antibodies and C1q levels in blood serum. The findings could help follow at-risk individuals and diagnose early lupus cases.
Researchers analyzed coprolites from freshwater sediments dating back to the Early Cretaceous period and found a diverse range of carnivorous animals that fed mainly on fish. The findings support previous evidence suggesting Las Hoyas was a rich and diverse wetland ecosystem.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that the negative effects of screen time on cardiovascular disease, cancer incidence, and mortality are more pronounced in people with lower levels of fitness and physical activity. Increasing strength and fitness may offset these risks, suggesting a targeted approach to reducing screen ti...
Five species of giant hammerhead flatworms have been discovered in metropolitan France and French overseas territories, including two species reaching up to 40 cm in length. The discovery raises concerns about the potential threat to native animals and soil ecology due to their predatory nature.
A new study developed agility tests specifically for soccer players, which successfully discriminated between youth players of different ages. The tests measured reactive and pre-planned agility, with the under-19 group showing higher scores due to their longer involvement in soccer training.
Researchers found that virtual avatar-to-avatar interviews increased accurate information recall by up to 60% compared to traditional face-to-face interviews. This innovative approach reduces distractions and promotes honesty, making eyewitness testimony more reliable.
A free online course designed to change students' attitudes towards mathematics leads to significantly higher test scores. The study found that a growth mindset approach can increase students' engagement and achievement in math, contrary to previous discouraging results.
Populations of freshwater dolphins in the Amazon basin are declining rapidly, with both boto and tucuxi species facing severe decline rates. The study reveals that these species would be classified as Critically Endangered under IUCN Red List criteria if current trends continue.
A study published in Critical Care found that blood type O patients had a death rate of 28% after severe trauma, compared to 11% for patients with other blood types. The researchers suggest that lower levels of von Willebrand factor may be linked to higher hemorrhage rates and increased mortality.
A newly discovered water beetle was given the name Grouvellinus leonardodicaprioi in honor of Leonardo DiCaprio's environmental work. The beetle was found by citizen scientists during a Taxon Expedition in Malaysian Borneo, with the expedition marking the 20th anniversary of DiCaprio's foundation.
A team of scientists has described five new species and a new genus of closely related blanket-hermit crabs, shedding light on their unique symbiotic relationship with sea anemones. The discovery reveals that these crustaceans have evolved remarkable adaptations to develop this extraordinary bond.
A recent study published in Molecular Autism found that pediatrician Hans Asperger cooperated with the Nazi regime and referred profoundly disabled children to a clinic involved in child euthanasia. The research challenges the long-held narrative of Asperger as an opponent of the Nazi regime.
A study published in EPJ Data Science found that fiction books, especially those with high initial sales numbers, are more likely to become bestsellers. Non-fiction titles, however, are more likely to retain their bestseller status once achieved.
A study of 5293 US adults found that smokers consumed around 200 more calories a day than non-smokers or former smokers, despite eating smaller portions. Smokers' diets were also high in energy density, meaning they consumed food with fewer nutrients and potentially increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
A team of scientists discovered four new species in the rare parasitoid genus Habroteleia, while also correcting the classification of five previously known species. The study maintains the species number within the group intact and provides an illustrated identification key to prevent future taxonomic confusion.
Researchers found that common ravens use food calls to convey age and sex information, allowing individuals to assess competition and decision-making processes. This cognitive ability enables ravens to extract useful data from these vocal signals, which may aid in foraging success.
Scientists discovered two new frog species with gastromyzophorous tadpoles, which use modified bellies to exploit fast-flowing streams. The frogs are endemic to Sumatra's rainforests and were classified into a new genus called Sumaterana.
A new study reveals that working memory training with a strategy leads to rapid improvements, contradicting the idea of increased capacity. The findings suggest that task-specific strategies developed during training are key to benefits.
Scientists have discovered two new species of stone centipedes in China's larch forests, including Lithobius (Ezembius) tetraspinus and Hessebius luculentus. The newly found species exhibit unique characteristics, such as color patterns and body size, and inhabit relatively moist habitats at high altitudes.
A study found that higher cigarette taxes may increase the use of smokeless tobacco products, like chewing tobacco, and cigars in adolescents. The authors suggest that comprehensive tobacco control policies are needed to address this issue.
Red-fronted lemurs demonstrate an ability to recognize individuals of their own species from photographs, with females showing a stronger response than males. The animals' capacity for cross-modal recognition suggests that they use both sight and smell to differentiate between conspecifics and heterospecifics.
Researchers found that individual great spotted woodpeckers can be distinguished by unique drumming patterns, including stroke speed and roll duration. Drumming also signals the quality of potential mates, as it requires well-developed back and neck muscles.