News on open-access publishing and its reach. Covers journal launches, open-access agreements, and research made freely available.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study found that marketing messages for lower strength wines and beers are often associated with healthier habits, despite containing less alcohol. This can paradoxically lead to increased consumption, as consumers mistakenly believe these products are suitable for all occasions.
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.
The Entomological Society of America has published a new guide for managing brown recluse spider infestations. The guide reviews existing research and summarizes best practices for integrated pest management, including monitoring, mechanical removal, targeted insecticides, and fumigation.
Taxonomists have described two new snout moth genera and three new species in southern China, revealing distinctive features such as the presence of androconium scales on forewings. The newly discovered species are likely to be found in adjacent countries, including India.
Entomologist Brian Brown discovers the new fly species, named Megapropodiphora arnoldi, with highly reduced legs and tiny wings. The fly is likely a parasitoid of ants or termites.
The American Psychological Association has released new Journal Article Reporting Standards for researchers seeking to publish in scholarly journals. The standards aim to enhance the assessment of methodological integrity and provide guidelines on information needed to ensure comprehensibility and replicability. These updates are expec...
A study found an inverse correlation between waist circumference and fitness, suggesting that high fitness levels can reduce abdominal fat mass and low-grade inflammation. The researchers analyzed data from 10,976 individuals and found that higher fitness was associated with smaller waist circumferences and lower inflammation levels.
Two new treefrog species were recently discovered in the Amazon Basin of Bolivia, Peru, and Brazil, shedding light on previously unknown species. The scientists also drew parallels between the natural world and Stanley Kubrick's film A Clockwork Orange.
The study found that elderly men and women spent significant amounts of time on different types of housework activities. While engaging in some housework was beneficial to the health of older adults, long periods combined with too much or too little sleep were associated with poor health among elderly women. In contrast, elderly men wh...
Researchers discovered evidence of Phoenician settlement and integration with indigenous communities in Monte Sirai, as well as unique mitochondrial lineages indicating female mobility to Sardinia and North Africa. The study provides new insights into the inclusive nature of Phoenician society.
A Brazilian research team has discovered seven new cave-dwelling spider species in northern Brazil, named after iconic fictional characters from A Song of Ice and Fire, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and more. These spiders belong to the Neotropical genus Ochyrocera and are classified as edaphic troglophile species.
Scientists have discovered a new species of marine spider in Australia, Desis bobmarleyi, which has adapted to underwater life by hiding in barnacle shells and building air chambers from silk. The species is characterized by its predominantly red-brown colors and orange-brown legs with dark grey hair-like structures.
The new book highlights scientific advances and emerging opportunities for targeted research, focusing on key questions to improve management effectiveness. World-renowned experts discuss the biology, ecology, and early life stages of COTS, emphasizing the need for improved knowledge to prevent outbreaks.
A comprehensive review of the European Court of Justice and German Federal Administrative Court's relevant case-law on Natura 2000 assessment and derogation procedure. The study examines key aspects of the procedure, including scope, procedural steps, and requirements for authorisation and implementation.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that healthy eating is associated with better self-esteem and fewer emotional problems in children, regardless of body weight. The study analyzed data from over 7,600 children in eight European countries and found that adherence to healthy dietary guidelines was linked to improved wellbeing.
Researchers use language tree to identify unique languages with low close relatives, guiding preservation efforts. A tool is developed to target conservation priorities, helping minimize linguistic diversity loss.
Scientists have discovered a mass emergence of rare mantis-flies in an Australian macadamia orchard, capturing the first-ever images and videos of their larval stage. The larvae feed on unknown prey, prompting further research to uncover their diet.
The shift from public to private funding in biomedical research poses significant challenges, including collaborative research models, intellectual property rights, and oversight. Researchers must navigate conflicts between private benefactors, institutions, and scientists to ensure the integrity of research.
A study in Toronto found that commuters are exposed to high levels of noise while using public transport, with peak levels exceeding EPA recommended thresholds. Researchers recommend reducing noise exposure through materials and equipment improvements, as well as promoting hearing protection.
A new study estimates that between 0.9% and 1.3% of UK adults used emergency food banks in 2013-2015, equating to approximately 850,000 people annually. Repeat visits indicate that distributing emergency food is not a long-term solution to food poverty.
Scientists warn against the accidental spread of self-propagating gene drive systems, which could cause significant ecological harm. However, genetic technologies still hold promise for conservation work, but with strict regulations and international cooperation.
Research published in BMC Research Notes found that desk-based workers spent 73% of their working day sitting down, but wanted to spend only 53.8% of it doing so. They also preferred spending more time walking and standing during work hours, with an additional 46 minutes per eight-hour day for walking and 26 minutes for standing.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that non-UK qualified GPs work longer hours, tend to be older and serve more patients in deprived areas. The Brexit policy restrictions on immigration are likely to worsen the GP workforce crisis, with the most affected being the UK's most deprived areas.
Researchers can increase their work's impact by using visual storytelling and developing a media product following a Four Phase Media Development Model. This model involves four steps: scoping, development, release, and review to ensure success.
Researchers analyzed records of over 2.5 million women from 14 countries, finding that living with a mother-in-law actually results in lower family sizes. Women who live with either their own or husband's mother have fewer children compared to those who only live with their spouse.
A nearly complete Jurassic ichthyosaur fossil was discovered in India, measuring over 5.5 meters in length. The fossil is believed to belong to the Ophthalmosauridae family and is thought to have lived between 165-90 million years ago.
Ant queens perform 'undertaking behaviors' when co-founding a new colony with an infected queen, biting and burying the corpse to prevent pathogen transmission. This behavior is associated with a significant reduction in mortality among queens, suggesting that they have evolved complex strategies to limit disease transmission.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution identified an extensive conserved group of bacteria within healthy humpback whales' blow. The discovery could serve as a framework for monitoring the health of this species and others, with potential implications for disease detection and conservation.
Researchers mapped 27 types of illegal activities in Brazilian protected areas, with vegetation suppression and hunting being the most common. Human population density and accessibility were key factors influencing these activities, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts.
Researchers found that a set of validated, self-reported questions can predict mental health problems like depression and PTSD after return from deployment. The questions assess 14 psychological attributes and can be used to identify high-risk individuals.
New research found that global livestock methane emissions for 2011 are 11% higher than previously estimated. The study used revised emissions factors and spatially distributed annual carbon fluxes to calculate the increased emissions.
Two new species of bird-catcher trees from Puerto Rico have been discovered and named after Frances W. Horne and Ana Roque de Duprey, unrecognised women who devoted decades to educational projects in botany. The research highlights the importance of these trees thriving in well-studied areas like the Luquillo Mountains.
A study involving 7603 Danish employees found that sexual harassment by clients or customers is associated with increased depressive symptoms, scoring 2.05 points higher on the Major Depression Inventory. In contrast, employees harassed by colleagues scored 2.45 points higher, indicating a significantly higher risk of clinical depression.
A study published in BMC Public Health suggests that increasing tobacco taxes across the EU can lead to significant reductions in cigarette consumption, particularly in higher-income countries. In contrast, lower-income countries may experience negative tax revenue effects, highlighting the need for alternative funding strategies.
The city of Teotihuacan in Central Mexico stands alone with its innovative apartment compounds and well-planned residential areas. Its design was previously unknown until Michael E. Smith's study revealed its uniqueness.
Researchers found that players who started playing at age 12 or later had less risk of clinical impairment in executive function and depression compared to those who started earlier. The study suggests that repeated head impacts during childhood may lead to long-term problems with mood and behavior.
Researchers have identified six new sponge species and discovered two previously unknown symbiotic relationships in North Sulawesi Island. This finding highlights the region's remarkable biodiversity and underscores the need for sustainable tourism practices to preserve these areas.
Researchers have found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles released from metal implants can interfere with bone formation and resorption, resulting in adverse effects. The review calls for further research to characterize the biological, physical, and chemical interactions between titanium dioxide nanoparticles and bone-forming cells.
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology reveals that saying sorry when making a social rejection can have the opposite effect of its intention. Researchers found that apologizing can increase feelings of hurt and create pressure to forgive before being ready. The study's findings challenge popular beliefs about apologies in so...
A recent study published in Critical Care found that patients admitted to ICUs at weekends are at increased risk of death. The severity of illness and case mix were also different between weekends and weekdays, with more patients having a higher severity of illness on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Xpert Ultra assay overcomes limitations of the current test, providing more reliable detection of Rifampicin resistance and significantly improving tuberculosis detection in patients with pauci-bacillary disease. The new assay format includes gene target amplifications that enhance previously amplified targets.
A team of entomologists has solved the mystery of a secretive fly species by studying mushrooms in Los Angeles. The females were found to lay eggs on mushroom caps, while males were discovered only after citizen scientists alerted researchers.
A collection of thirteen research papers addresses conservation strategies for elusive invertebrates in the European Union. Monitoring saproxylic beetles is feasible, and Citizen Science increases public awareness about Natura 2000 and saproxylic species in forests.
Researchers found that urbanization led to significant epigenetic differences in Darwin's finches, which may be a heritable component of adaptation. The study suggests that diet and methylation patterns played a key role in the rapid adaptation of these species to changing environments.