Articles tagged with Open Access
A new study published in PLOS Biology found that people with PTSD have reduced SGK1 protein activity in their prefrontal cortices. Reducing SGK1 activity in rats led to PTSD-like behavior and induced learned helplessness, a key aspect of the disorder.
Researchers discovered that long-distance migrants stay longer at refueling sites and gain weight faster than short-distance birds. This information can inform conservation strategies to mitigate habitat losses and protect shorebird populations.
The study reveals that vultures have a strong immune system due to their diet and genetic adaptations. The cinereous vulture's genome shows variations in genes related to immunity and defense against microbial and viral infections, which may help combat pathogens in their diet.
The International Journal of Qualitative Methods addresses qualitative methodology and related issues across various disciplines. The journal publishes innovative work and provides a global exchange of knowledge and ideas to further qualitative investigation.
Scientists have measured the world's smallest free-living insect, a featherwing beetle species, with a precise length of 0.325 mm. This discovery provides new insights into its distribution and diet, revealing a wider range than previously thought.
Despite failure to meet Millennium Development Goal target, papers showcase positive developments and point the way forward for improved sanitation and drainage in cities. The journal explores persistent gaps in urban sanitation provision and ways to address them.
A new bee fly species, Marleyimyia xylocopae, is described based solely on high-resolution photographs. The researchers emphasize the importance of alternative methods in species description due to difficulties in obtaining permits for collecting specimens.
Two new 'door head' ant species have evolved saucer-like shields to block nest entrances and protect against intruders. Their unique morphologies are the second case of such specialization discovered in Africa.
A team of scientists has confirmed the existence of a previously unknown wild orchid species, known as Dendrochilum hampelii, which was misidentified as 'Big Pink' in flower stalls. The discovery was made through DNA analysis and confirms that the species is separate from its cultivated relatives.
A new study reveals a substantial increase in 'predatory' open access journals, with nearly eightfold growth since 2010. The majority of authors come from Africa and Asia, and prefer lower article-processing charges.
A recent study found that some health apps, despite being clinically-accredited, were transmitting unencrypted personal and health information, compromising user privacy. The study reviewed 79 apps listed on the UK NHS Health Apps Library and found 23 sent identifying info over the internet without encryption.
Researchers found that two wasp species preferred different types of manure, highlighting the importance of identifying fly species for effective control. The study provides guidance on releasing wasps at the right time and frequency to manage horse flies sustainably.
A new open-access article provides an overview of the olive fruit fly, its biology and life history, and current control methods. The article discusses various techniques, including biological control programs and cultural practices, to help manage commercial olive orchards.
A study published in PeerJ found that people can be identified by their airborne bacterial emissions, which are distinct from those of others. The researchers detected individual signatures within 4 hours using high-throughput sequencing and analyzed settled particles.
The new journal Heliyon publishes robust research in various disciplines, including Yard-long beans and cattle studies. The journal aims to improve the author, editor, reviewer, and reader experience using cutting-edge technologies.
Researchers discovered that chameleons have twice the number of wrist and ankle skeletal elements than previously thought, enabling greater rotation and flexibility. This adaptation allowed species to leave ground cover and occupy trees, revolutionizing their climbing ability.
A new study by Malika Ihle and colleagues found that zebra finches choose mates based on stimulation, leading to increased reproductive success. The research suggests that this mate-choice process is essential for the survival of the species, as it maximizes gene perpetuation through successful offspring.
Researchers from various disciplines set eight research axes to improve nutrition science, including sustainability, data analysis, and human behavior. The initiative aims to bring together experts to tackle key challenges in the field.
A gene signature associated with 'healthy ageing' has been identified, allowing for early prediction of age-related diseases like Alzheimer's. The discovery provides a reliable molecular profile for distinguishing people at risk and could transform medical decision-making.
A newly discovered species of eurypterid, a giant 'sea scorpion', has been found in Iowa, measuring over 1.5 meters long and dating back to 460 million years ago. The fossil provides unique insights into the anatomy and behavior of these ancient predators.
A recent massive study, conducted by over 270 researchers on five continents, reported that independent researchers could replicate less than half of the original findings. This challenges the validity of some scientific findings and highlights the difficulty in achieving reproducible results.
Researchers successfully replicated 95 of the original experiments but could only reproduce results in under half of the cases. The study's findings suggest that initial evidence strength is a key predictor of replication success, and that surprising effects are generally harder to replicate.
A new species of crayfish, Cherax snowden, has been identified in West Papua, Indonesia, and is easily distinguishable from its relatives. The species was named after Edward Snowden due to its orange coloration and shape of body.
Research reveals a significantly larger-than-estimated chimpanzee population in Uganda's fragmented habitats, with populations of up to 319 individuals found across 633 km2. The study suggests that chimpanzees' adaptability and behavioral flexibility enable them to survive in degraded environments.
The study assesses two methods for aging nestlings: one based on physical appearance changes and the other on folded wing length measurements. Accurate aging is essential for population dynamics and conservation planning. The researchers found that measuring folded wing length is more accurate than observing size and feathers changes.
The new online-only journal focuses on interdisciplinary discussion and debate in reproductive biomedicine, including its societal and cultural implications. The first issue covers a symposium of research on the history of the first IVF births.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 studies found that male doctors are more likely to have legal action taken against them. The researchers analyzed data from over 4 million cases of medico-legal action and found consistent differences between sexes across various years and study types.
A study by Dr. Jaroslav Smrz and his team revealed that cave-dwelling invertebrates have distinct meal preferences despite harsh conditions. The researchers found evidence of specialization among species, such as a preference for cyanobacteria by scorpions and fungi by millipedes.
A new snail species, P. cecepeus, was found in a Madrid museum's collection of over 150 years, highlighting the need for revising historical collections.
A study found that voters naturally prefer leaders with lower-pitched voices, associating them with strength and competence rather than age. The researchers suggest this preference may stem from caveman instincts linking leadership ability to physical strength.
By expressing Pax6 in mouse basal progenitor cells, researchers mimicked the behavior of human brain cells, leading to increased cell division and a larger neocortex. This study contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms behind brain expansion and cognitive functions.
A new genus of water mites has been discovered in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, with the species found only in bromeliad tank environments. The research reveals that these mites are top predators in their aquatic microcosms.
The International Journal of Surgery Open is a new peer-reviewed, online-only journal covering all areas of surgery. It will provide an outlet for high-quality original research on topics across the surgical spectrum, with rapid review, article-based publication, and permanent access.
BMJ has partnered with the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) to publish a new open access cancer journal called ESMO Open. The journal will cover various aspects of cancer treatment and include study protocols and phase I clinical trials. It aims to provide rapid access to high-quality research on cancer care worldwide.
Researchers have identified four new highly endangered species of West African torrent-frogs, revealing a previously unknown level of molecular variation. The discovery highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts in the Upper Guinean biodiversity hotspot, where habitat loss threatens the survival of these unique species.
Two new Hoya species, H. ruthiae and H. bakoensis, have been discovered in Borneo, showcasing the island's rich plant diversity. The study highlights their unique characteristics, such as H. ruthiae's lack of colored sap and H. bakoensis' epiphytic growth habit.
Researchers have reclassified the wasp genera Microplitis and Snellenius as separate genera, shedding light on their unique characteristics. The study identifies 28 new moth predator species within the two groups, highlighting their specialized host relationships and habitat specificity.
A new species of scarab beetle, Termitotrox venus, was discovered in Cambodia and named after the Roman goddess of beauty and love. The beetle's unique characteristics include its large size compared to its relative and its ability to coexist with termites.
A new study demonstrates the ability to apply a thin coating of viable respiratory epithelial cells to tissue engineered constructs using a commercially available spray device, providing a promising approach for repairing or replacing challenging structures like trachea or bronchi. The effects of air pressure and nozzle diameter on cel...
Researchers found that nematode worms commonly inhabit slugs, woodlice, and centipedes, using them as public transport to find new food sources. The worms survive inside slug intestines and are excreted alive, suggesting a potentially harmless but also possibly parasitic association.
A new database of submarine landslides has been developed to better understand these events and their effects. The database, which includes over 332 points of study, aims to improve the development of geo-models for forecasting future submarine slides.
A previously unknown leafhopper species has been found in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, threatening a listed threatened pinebarren smokegrass species. This discovery highlights the impact of climate change and human activities on ecosystems.
Researchers found that spiders adopt postures to control wind direction while on water, allowing them to 'sail' in turbulent conditions. This behavior compensates for the risks of landing on water after uncontrolled flights, enabling spiders to survive in aquatic environments.
A new genus and species of octocoral with an aragonite calcium-carbonate skeleton has been discovered in Okinawa, Japan, closely related to the 'living fossil' blue coral. The species, named Nanipora kamurai, was found in a shallow coral reef at a depth of less than 1m.
Two Antarctic roundworm species, A. isokaryoni and P. paradoxus, have been studied in detail for the first time using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The research revealed new information on their morphology and taxonomic position, including peculiarities of their lip region and vulva shape.
Researchers found interesting morphological distinctions in the mouthparts of larvae and new chromosome rearrangements in the second chromosome of <i> Ch. bernensis</i>. The study suggests a possible adaptive explanation for the geographical distribution of the species, with different genotypic combinations dominating at various sites.
The newly discovered centipede, Geophilus hadesi, is the world's deepest cave-dwelling centipede and has adapted to live exclusively in caves. It features unusual traits such as elongated antennae, trunk segments, and powerful jaws with poison glands.
Researchers from California Academy of Sciences have described six new species of subterranean Dracula ants in Madagascar and Seychelles. These tiny ants are fierce social predators with dagger-like teeth that hunt underground or deep within leaf litter, leading a cryptic lifestyle.
Ten new subsocial cobweb spider species were found in Madagascan colonies, with most belonging to genus Anelosimus. The discovery highlights the vast unexplored biodiversity of Madagascar's arthropod groups.
Three new eriophyoid mite species were found in Xinjiang, China, infesting the undersurface of rose family plants without causing damage. The discovery adds to over 1000 previously identified eriophyoid mites in China.
Researchers uncover hidden diversity in minute midges through DNA analysis and type material examination. Two new species were discovered and one misidentified species was corrected, shedding light on the fascinating world of non-biting midges.
A systematic review found that sedentary behavior is associated with an increased risk of anxiety in adults and children. The link may be due to disturbances in sleep patterns, social withdrawal theory, and poor metabolic health. Further research is needed to confirm the causal relationship between sedentary behavior and anxiety.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that climate change may affect tourism at US national parks, with potential increases in visitation in temperate areas and decreases in high-latitude and high-elevation parks. The authors suggest that protected areas can adapt to these changes to minimize detriment.
Research published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that male nightingales' songs contain specific features, such as repeated song sequences and varied song types, which signal their ability to care for offspring. These song features are linked to greater paternal efforts, including more frequent feeding and defense of the nest.
Researchers Floris Roelofsen and Donka F. Farkas investigate the workings of 'yes' and 'no', finding that their interpretation is affected by intonation and sentence polarity. Their framework explains distribution and interpretation in English and predicts patterns across languages.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology reveals that woodlice can calm their excited neighbors through a process of behavioral contagion, leading to greater group cohesion. This phenomenon is observed when calm individuals reduce the excitation of their neighbors, causing them to become calm as well.
A new study finds that climate change will lead to overall declines in plant growing days by 2100 due to warming, drought, and limited solar radiation. The study reveals that tropical regions will face significant reductions in suitable climates for plant growth, with some areas facing up to a 200-day reduction per year.
A new study published in SAGE Open found that a computer game that exercises concentration and attention control can improve the behavior and social interactions of children with AD/HD in China. The game, combined with neurocognitive training, resulted in improved assignment completion, peer acceptance, and teacher relationships.
A clinical pilot study found that using virtual reality to enhance movement and increase confidence in the affected limb significantly improves spontaneous use of the paralyzed arm. This suggests an alternative focus on increasing patient confidence may be critical for full recovery.
Domestic cats have a unique perception of bitterness in food due to variations in their repertoire of bitter receptors, which differs from that of other mammals. The study found that cat taste receptors were less sensitive to certain bitter compounds compared to human receptors, explaining why cats can be picky eaters.