Articles tagged with Open Access
A study found that salmon are less aggressive in tanks with darker backgrounds, preferring dark grey and black over light grey and light blue. This suggests a simple environmental modification to improve fish welfare.
A recent study has identified nearly 2,000 species of looper moths in the Andes mountains. The researchers used DNA barcodes to categorize and identify the species, revealing a higher diversity than previously estimated.
A new global catalog, Paperity Central, aims to aggregate scholarly journals and make all publications openly accessible. The catalog will also incorporate features like manual curation, semantic linking, and deduplication to ensure accuracy and context.
The proposed platform, amanuens.is, integrates ContentMine and Hypothes.is prototypes to mine critical facts from scientific documents and make them publicly available. By combining machines and humans, it aims to reduce costs, increase transparency, and facilitate collaboration in biomedical research.
A new large fish species, Myloplus zorroi, has been discovered in the Amazonia region of Brazil. The fish is characterized by its distinctive teeth, specialized to crush seeds, and a reddish silver color with darker markings. It grows up to 47.5 cm in length and dwells in moderately to rapidly flowing clear rivers.
The review discusses conventional immunosuppressive agents and biologic therapies, including rituximab and belimumab, as effective treatments for refractory SLE. Managing co-morbidities like cardiovascular risk factors and bone health is also crucial in SLE treatment.
Oxford University Press launches Biology Methods & Protocols, a new open access journal focusing on biological sciences methods and protocols. The journal aims to provide a common forum for methodology and protocol papers, benefiting from an international editorial board led by Dr. Silvia Ayora.
A study of 10,498 11-year-olds in the UK found that nearly 14% had drunk more than a few sips, with factors such as friends' drinking and mothers' behavior strongly associated. Positive perceptions of alcohol and lack of parental supervision also linked to increased odds of drinking.
The Zika Response Working Group provides recommendations for countermeasures against the Zika virus, highlighting the need for open-minded responses and collaboration. Key findings include the potential of currently marketed drugs to have anti-Zika activity and the challenges of rapid vaccine development.
A team of scientists collected over 70 fertile/flowering orchid specimens from the field during the 6-week Lengguru 2014 expedition. Four new orchid species were identified among them, all collected in high-altitude forests above 1000 meters above sea level.
A new species of blue-tailed monitor lizard unique to Mussau Island has been described, with distinct features including a pale yellow tongue and turquoise pigmentation. The lizard plays a crucial ecological role in the island ecosystem as a top-predator and scavenger.
A new study found that adding raltegravir to standard antiretroviral therapy did not reduce HIV DNA levels or improve CD4+ T-cell counts in early HIV infection patients. Researchers from the University of Washington and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases reported their results after a 96-week study.
Research finds people in deprived areas more likely to combine heavy drinking with other health-damaging behaviors, multiplying risks of ill health. Alcohol consumption is linked to increased rates of smoking, excess weight, poor diet, and low exercise levels.
The Preregistration Challenge tests how addressing incentives can improve the reproducibility of published research by offering $1,000 rewards for published results. Over 60% of researchers are choosing to submit public preregistrations, and the first results are expected in late 2016.
Elsevier has launched Transplantation Reports, an online-only, open-access journal serving the international transplant community. The journal will publish original research, reviews, editorials, and commentaries related to transplantation.
Scientists have discovered two new giant bent-toed gecko species in New Guinea, one of which reaches up to 17 cm in length, making it the largest of its kind. The geckos, named 'king' and 'knight', exhibit unique characteristics such as dark grey-brown markings and alternating regions of coloration.
Two new species of weakly electric mormyrid fish have been discovered in the rivers of Gabon, belonging to a newly described genus Cryptomyrus. The discovery was made using only three specimens collected over 13 years, highlighting the need for natural history collections to connect the dots.
A study found that gentoo chick aggregations help individual chicks save energy during wet, cold conditions, but differ between colonies, suggesting a colony-specific behavior.
A pilot training program implemented in an urban clinic significantly improved attitudes and clinical skills towards transgender individuals. The evaluation showed a notable change in awareness of transphobic practices and readiness to serve transgender patients, indicating potential for broader healthcare equity.
A new, tiny arboreal toad species from the Andaman Islands has been identified, prompting concerns about its endangered status. The 'Andaman bush toad', named Blythophryne beryet, is characterized by its reddish-brown coloration and is threatened by human activity and invasive fauna.
Researchers from University of California Riverside and San Diego State University discover a new daddy longlegs species, Cryptomaster behemoth, in the mountains of southwest Oregon. The discovery highlights the importance of short-range endemic arachnids for understanding biodiversity.
Researchers gather features and metrics from private datasets, creating vast data points that describe the physical power grid. The combination of these elements determines the performance of the grid, which has become more complex with recent additions like renewables and intelligent devices.
Researchers used data from a national survey to model areas of high risk of Mansonella perstans infection and examine its overlap with other parasitic infections. The study found that forested areas and high densities of cattle are associated with increased levels of M. perstans infection.
A new carnivorous dinosaur species, Dracoraptor hanigani, has been uncovered in south Wales, potentially dating back to the earliest days of the Jurassic Period. The fossil, discovered in 2014, represents one of the most complete theropod specimens from Wales and may be one of the oldest known Jurassic dinosaurs in the UK.
A new iguana species, L. uniformis, has been discovered in the Andean highlands of Central Chile with consistently colored bodies across males and females. The species' unique coloration is consistent even among individuals from different sexes.
Researchers developed an algorithm to predict five-year dementia risk from UK patient records, identifying 930,395 patients. The Dementia Risk Score could help rule out low-risk patients and aid primary care clinicians.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the bacteria that causes plague, Y. pestis, may have persisted in Europe for over 300 years, including during the 'Black Death' pandemic. The researchers analyzed ancient DNA from 30 plague victims and found evidence of long-term persistence in a yet unknown reservoir host.
The PhD project plan aims to publish outputs from the whole research cycle using an open science approach. It focuses on digitizing scholarly papers and data, making them more accessible and citable, and ensuring reproducibility.
Staff at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust have reduced waiting times for mental health patients after redesigning their referral system. The results show an improvement in both waiting times and percentage of patients seen within set standards following a single intervention.
The journal publishes methodology and statistics to design better trials, reducing publication bias. It features a new method to make cancer clinical trials more effective, with the first issue now available on ScienceDirect.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology reveals that TDP-43's normal function involves pathologic aggregation, and mutations tilt the balance toward aggregation. The research discovered a region of the protein that promotes its association with membranes, increasing aggregation propensity.
A new experimental paradigm aims to investigate the neural mechanism behind human imagination by synchronizing groups of neurons, known as neuronal ensembles. By combining familiar images or concepts, the brain triggers increased firing rates and synchronization of activities in object-specific neurons.
A new meta-research section in PLOS Biology examines the 'credibility crisis' in science, focusing on study transparency and reproducibility. The section aims to improve research standards in the biological sciences and beyond.
A new key to all North European cuckoo wasp species has been published, featuring descriptions and illustrations of 74 species, including the newly described Chrysis borealis. The research team used DNA sequence information and morphometric analysis to distinguish the new species from its evolutionarily young sibling.
The latest volume of Research on Chrysomelidae celebrates its 30-year legacy, featuring works from a multinational research team and dedicated to Prof. Pierre Jolivet's contributions. New areas for investigation are highlighted, including Madagascar and the impact of deforestation.
Manylabs, a non-profit organization, has opened an open science workspace in San Francisco, offering a collaborative environment for scientists, educators, and innovators. The facility provides lab benches, tools, and prototyping materials, as well as a sunny open office and rooftop sensor test range.
A recent study has identified 116 species of round-waisted predatory beetles in Haleakala volcano, including 74 new to science. The discovery highlights the extreme diversity and abundance of beetle fauna on the volcano, with many species occupying specific microhabitats.
A new tree frog species, Dendropsophus bromeliaceus, has been discovered in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, where tadpoles develop in pooled rainwater stored in bromeliad leaves. The species is distinguished by its small size and unique color pattern.
A systematic review found that many health professionals have limited knowledge of FGM/C, its types, complications, and laws. Despite its illegality in many countries, the medicalization of FGM/C perpetuates this practice.
A review article discusses novel tissue engineering approaches to repair spinal disc herniation, targeting underlying disc injury or instability. The emerging biological repair methods show promising preclinical outcomes, potentially reducing pain and restoring spine motion.
The African cheetah's migration from North America was costly, resulting in a reduced gene pool and increased inbreeding rates. The species' genetic variation has been severely impacted, with only 90-99% of its original diversity remaining.
Researchers discovered strikingly huge organs in tiny cave snails, including enormous kidneys and three-pointed teeth. These adaptations enable the snails to tolerate extreme conditions and survive in environments where others would perish.
A new snake species with pitch black eyes has been discovered in the Andes, shedding light on the region's previously underestimated biodiversity. The Synophis zaheri species measures less than 40 cm in length and features a distinctive appearance, including a highly modified spine and enlarged scale row.
Researchers studied the life cycle of Paracyphononyx scapulatus, a spider parasite that grows on a paralyzed host before killing it to feed. The study found that despite manipulating the host's behavior, the larva still killed its host and consumed it within 48 hours.
A new Black-eyed Satyr species has been described in honor of Sir David Attenborough. The butterfly's unique characteristics led researchers to define its taxonomic placement, which was confirmed by DNA data.
Scientists successfully extracted and sequenced mitochondrial DNA from black widow spider webs, identifying the spider architect and its prey. The detectability of DNA remained consistent for at least 88 days after living organisms were removed.
A study found a strong correlation between eggshell porosity and covered or exposed nest types among extant archosaurs. This suggests that eggshell porosity may be used as a proxy for nest type, allowing researchers to infer the type of nest built by extinct archosaurs.
A study published in ZooKeys reveals patterns of chromosome numbers in antlion lacewings and an owlfly, indicating a possible common ancestor. The researchers found that some antlion species have higher chromosome numbers than expected, which may be ancestral traits.
A new algorithm combines apparent motion of obstacles with a target direction to avoid collisions, resulting in the formation of common routes. This approach is inspired by insects' navigation and can be used for autonomous robots navigating complex environments.
A new, highly modified harvestman species, Iandumoema smeagol, has been discovered in a cave in southeastern Brazil. The species is eyeless and adapted to living underground, with pale yellowish colors and reduced melanistic pigmentation.
The study expands the known distributional range of five squids, including Abraliopsis and Pterygioteuthis, with surprising finds at depths over 600m. These elasmobranch predators play a vital role in the food web, but their abundance is highly dependent on temperature.
Researchers from Brown University found that bats' extra wing mass generates inertial forces to reorient themselves when landing, unlike other flying animals. The discovery may be useful in the development of human-made flying machines.
A Brazilian research team has identified five previously known species and three new ones as separate genera due to distinct physical characteristics. The newly formed Curculionichthys genus includes catfishes with elongated mouths, dark-brown spots, and other unique features.
Researchers simulated predator attacks on ant colonies, revealing coordinated responses to damage. When scouts were removed from the periphery, foraging arms retreated into the nest, while entire colonies fled when workers were removed from the center.
A new moth species, Antaeotricha floridella, has been discovered in Florida's sandhills and scrub with a preference for dry habitats. Its forewings are found to be immaculately white, distinguishing it from its close relative Antaeotricha albulella.
Researchers discovered five new species of long-haired wasps in India, belonging to a previously unknown genus. The wasps' unique features include long hair-like structures along the margins of their wings.
Researchers analyzed 118 proto-porcelain and 35 impressed stoneware sherds, finding distinct chemical profiles that suggest raw materials were sourced locally. The discovery sheds light on the origin of Chinese proto-porcelain and its glazing techniques.
A new study reveals that internationally produced films are more likely to depict characters smoking on screen compared to those made in Hollywood. The research found that up to 97% of films worldwide showed some level of tobacco or alcohol consumption, with a higher prevalence in European and Latin American productions.
The world's record for the smallest land snail has been broken with the discovery of a minute shell measuring only 0.7 mm in diameter. The study highlights the importance of conserving isolated species such as this one due to their restricted distribution and vulnerability to habitat disruption.
Future Science OA has been accepted by the Database of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) for indexing, achieving high levels of openness and publishing standards. The journal's gold open access model ensures unbiased and scientifically accurate content through independent double-blind peer review.