News on open-access publishing and its reach. Covers journal launches, open-access agreements, and research made freely available.
A new species of gecko with massive scales has been identified, having the largest scales of any gecko. The skin of this gecko is specially adapted to tearing, allowing it to escape predators easily and regenerate its scales quickly.
Researchers found that Lybia boxer crabs acquire sea anemones by stealing from each other and splitting them into two identical clones. The study, published in PeerJ, involved over 100 crabs observed in the wild and laboratory experiments.
A new species of hermit crab with bright red stripes has been discovered in the Caribbean. The species, named Pylopaguropsis mollymullerae, features a unique pincer shape and is believed to have an ecological association with moray eels.
A southern hemisphere moth species has been found to be resident in central Portugal, with a possible link to imported timber from South America. The species, Borkhausenia crimnodes, is likely to feed on decomposed plants and may exhibit invasive behavior.
A new species of parasitic wasp, Euderus set, has been discovered in the southeastern United States, manipulating its host's behavior to survive. The wasp's behavior is reminiscent of ancient Egyptian mythology's god Set, who controlled evil animals and even killed his brother Osiris.
Researchers have recovered over 100 billion micrometeorites from urban areas, including Norway, and found that the majority are cosmic spherules, representing the youngest large MMs yet recovered. This study challenges the long-held belief that these particles can only be found in pristine environments.
A new research paper examines the effects of Sudden Vegetation Dieback on salt marsh soil communities, finding a reduction in Bacteroidetes-related bacteria and an enrichment of sulfate-reducing bacteria. The study highlights the importance of wetlands as natural carbon sinks and mitigating future climate change.
Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences identified a new species of catfish in the Mali Hka River drainage in Myanmar. The newly discovered Oreoglanis hponkanensis has distinct morphological features, including unusual teeth and coloration.
A new species of twirler moth, Neopalpa donaldtrumpi, has been discovered in California and Baja California, Mexico. The moth's yellowish-white scales on its head were used to create an amusing reference to Donald Trump's hairstyle.
A UK study found that eating disorders are not limited to adolescence or early adulthood, affecting 3% of mid-life women. The research also identified risk factors such as childhood unhappiness, parental divorce, and sexual abuse.
A new study found that patients given psychological support before heart surgery scored lower on disability tests, had better mental quality-of-life, and reported more physical activity. Personalized support appeared to have the greatest benefit, and a short-term intervention can be easily implemented in cardiac surgery units.
A new plant species, Espeletia praesidentis, has been discovered in Colombia's Páramo de Presidente region. The plant was named in honor of President Juan Manuel Santos due to his Nobel Peace Prize achievements, which made the area safe for researchers.
Entomologists describe five new species and two newly recorded snout moth genera Lista in China, bringing total to ten species known from the country. The brightly colored wings of these moths have made them difficult to distinguish from one another, but this study sheds light on their taxonomy.
A new study suggests that nearly a quarter of attempted suicides at metro stations can be identified using real-time CCTV, paving the way for prevention. The researchers found that specific behaviours such as pacing and leaving objects on the platform could indicate suicide risk.
Recent evidence suggests a link between the gut microbiome and colorectal cancer development, with specific types of intestinal bacteria contributing to disease progression. Dietary-based therapeutic interventions, such as probiotics and prebiotics, may help modify the gut microbiome to reduce CRC risk.
According to a study published in BMC Psychiatry, pets offer significant support for individuals managing long-term mental health conditions. Participants reported that their pets helped manage stigma associated with their condition and provided unconditional validation during times of crisis.
American scientists have identified two new basslet species in the Caribbean, characterized by distinctive hourglass-shaped markings. The discoveries were made using a submersible to collect specimens from deep reefs and are part of the Smithsonian's Deep Reef Observation Project.
The integration of EMRs and patient portals is changing healthcare delivery by providing actionable data for doctors to make informed decisions. This shift towards a more patient-centered approach enables personalized care, improved health outcomes, and enhanced patient engagement.
A study suggests that mandatory donor identification could reduce the number of donors by 30% and increase compensation demands by $60 per donation. This could have economic implications for the market, particularly with an already excess supply of donors.
The American Society of Hematology launched Blood Advances, an open-access online journal, to fill a niche in hematologic research. The journal features multimedia content, rapid publication, and interactive discussion tools.
Researchers found a divergent association between alcohol consumption and different types of stroke, with heavy drinking increasing the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Light to moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke but no effect on hemorrhagic stroke.
A foreign beetle species, Ocypus nitens, has been detected in Ontario, Canada, and Vermont, USA, through citizen science efforts. The rove beetle was identified using digital photographs from the BugGuide online portal.
Researchers found that the 'song' attributed to the bushmaster was actually the call of large tree frogs living in hollow trunks. The discovery of two new frog species sheds light on the origins of this myth and highlights the importance of collaboration in scientific research.
Two new species of lizards, Liolaemus janequeoae and Liolaemus leftrarui, have been discovered in the Andean highlands of Southern Chile. These species were named after courageous tribal chiefs who fought against colonial Spaniards during the Arauco war.
Researchers found that high levels of pessimism were associated with an increased risk of CHD-induced mortality, even after adjusting for known physiological risk factors. Optimism did not appear to have any protective effect on this risk.
A new study analyzed tooth wear patterns on fossil teeth from East African hominins and found that Paranthropus aethiopicus and Paranthropus boisei had softer diets than previously thought. The researchers' findings contradict previous isotopic evidence suggesting these species ate high proportions of fibrous, abrasive C4 plants.
Scientists have discovered 43 new species of scaffold web spiders, significantly increasing the known family size by approximately 20%. The discovery was made through a comprehensive survey of individuals collected from across China, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia.
A study found dramatic declines in sunflower sea star populations due to sea star wasting disease, affecting the Salish Sea ecosystem's balance. The disease has effectively disappeared these key predators from the area.
A new species of tiny, pea-sized crab has been found to parasitize a large date mussel in the Solomon Islands. The crab, named Serenotheres janus, features a unique characteristic plate on its carapace, similar to the two-faced Roman god Janus.
Researchers delivered human stem cells to damaged heart muscles in rats and found regional functional changes, while non-cell seeded sutures showed no effect. The study demonstrates potential for cell therapeutics to deliver cells to specific targets.
Researchers have discovered a new termite species Proneotermes macondianus in Colombian dry forests, featuring elongated heads and voracious appetites for drywood. The species has been described as part of the Colombian natural ecosystem, recognizing its importance in the region's biodiversity.
The Electrochemical Society (ECS) has removed the paywall to its digital library during Open Access Week, providing free access to over 132,000 scientific articles. This move is a precursor to ECS's Free the Science initiative, which aims to make the entire digital library open access by 2024.
A study of over 1.2 million UK women found that lower education levels and living in deprived areas increased the risk of coronary heart disease due to smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Lifestyle factors accounted for most of the social inequalities in heart disease risk, with smoking being the most significant factor.
Researchers have recorded a new sighting of Günther's sea snake, a rarely seen venomous species, in Iranian coastal waters. The discovery expands the species' known range and brings the total number of sea snakes in the area to ten.
The Reactome project has released its 10,000th human protein, marking a significant milestone in its annotation and expansion. This achievement enables researchers to better understand genomic variation leading to diseases like cancer and develop more effective treatments.
A study has found that the North American jewelled spider fly genus, known for its brilliant colouration, is a deadly predator of tarantulas. The flies' larvae are particularly insidious, inserting themselves into tarantula hosts and killing them by bursting out of their abdomens.
Researchers analyzed costs and benefits of controlling giant hogweed in Germany to inform policymakers. They found that eradication strategies depend on period length and can have significant societal impacts. The study provides a guideline for assessing invasive species control in European countries.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that people's judgements of their own levels of intoxication and associated risks are related to the drunkenness of their peers, not objective alcohol consumption. Participants were more likely to underestimate their drinking when surrounded by others who were intoxicated.
A University of Washington study found that shark teeth shape influences biting performance, with some species' teeth cutting better and dulling faster than others. The research used a reciprocating saw and glue to test tooth performance under realistic conditions.
A new bivalve species, Borniopsis mortoni, has been discovered dwelling on a sea cucumber in mudflats off southwestern Shikoku Island, Japan. The species uses the host burrows for shelter from predators and has adapted to its small body size due to the narrow burrow of the host sea cucumber.
The Great Elephant Census reports a substantial decline in African savanna elephant numbers over the last decade, with an estimated population of 352,271 in 18 countries. Poaching is the primary cause of this decline, with large numbers of carcasses found in protected areas indicating that elephants are struggling to survive.
A new test is required to evaluate the quality and safety of sunglasses, which can deteriorate over time due to UV exposure. The current standard relies on a aging test that simulates 50 hours of sun exposure, but this may not accurately reflect real-world conditions.
Female domestic cats distinguish between kitten calls conveying different levels of urgency and react accordingly, researchers found. In contrast, male cats do not exhibit a similar response to kitten calls regardless of the level of urgency.
The gut microbiome plays a complex role in cognitive and psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Researchers are exploring synthetic biology to develop engineered bacteria that can remodel the gut microbiota and treat these conditions.
The BMC Ecology Image Competition 2016 featured a diverse range of images showcasing biodiversity, natural beauty, and biological interactions. Davide Gaglio's silhouette of antelope grazing against the sunrise in the Kalahari Desert won the top prize.
Researchers observed that certain bees act as 'fanners' during the hottest part of the day, funneling air towards cooler nest regions. This collective respiratory movement may help cool the nest with a mechanism analogous to mammalian inhalation.
PharmacoEconomics - Open will provide readers with the latest on cost and health outcomes associated with drugs, devices, and healthcare interventions. The new journal aims to disseminate credible open access information to researchers, decision makers, and patients, maximizing the reach of their work.
A robot called SCINDR aims to connect medical scientists worldwide who are working on similar research projects. By analyzing open data from electronic lab notebooks, the robot will suggest collaborations between researchers, potentially accelerating discoveries and treatments.
A new solitary species of zoantharian was discovered off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. The species, Sphenopus exilis, lacks zooxanthellae and is much smaller than other known species.
A new species of rain frog, Pristimantis prometeii, has been discovered in southwestern Ecuador and named after the Greek hero Prometheus. The frog grows to 2-3 cm and is part of a group of directly developing frogs that do not have an aquatic tadpole stage.
People who have recently attempted to quit smoking are more likely to try to drink less alcohol. They report lower levels of alcohol consumption and are less likely to binge drink compared to other smokers. This finding goes against the common assumption that quitters tend to increase their drinking.
A new species of scorpionfish, Scorpaenodes barrybrowni, has been discovered in the Caribbean by a team of scientists using a manned submersible. The fish is found at depths between 95m and 160m, making it the deepest-living member of its genus in the western Atlantic Ocean.
Epilepsia Open is an international, peer-reviewed journal covering comprehensive epilepsy research, including clinical trials, imaging and pathology research. The journal aims to make original research widely available through open access publication.
The newly discovered Telipogon diabolicus orchid species has a distinctive devil-like appearance, with a 'devil's head' at its center. Found in a critically endangered habitat in southern Colombia, the plant's unique features make it easily distinguishable from other species.
A new Colombian tarantula species has been discovered, featuring extraordinary defensive hairs that challenge traditional attack methods. The species, Kankuamo marquezi, is named after Gabriel Garcia Marquez and honors an indigenous people from the Caribbean coast.
Research found that female bonobos' unreliable sexual swellings make it difficult for males to time their mating efforts accurately. This may reduce aggressive mate competition and result in bonobo societies being more peaceful. The study advances understanding of the evolution of sexual signaling in our closest relatives.
Health Equity is a new peer-reviewed open access journal launching in Fall 2016, focusing on translational research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of disease to achieve optimal outcomes and health equity. The journal will serve as a primary resource for organizations and individuals working with vulnerable populations.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that nearly a quarter of US adults reported looking for information on tobacco constituents, with young adults and smokers more likely to do so. The research suggests that making this information available could improve public health and reduce tobacco use.
The low FODMAP diet has been found to be an effective treatment option for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with a significant body of evidence supporting its efficacy. The long-term effects of this dietary approach, however, require further investigation.
Researchers found that females in the Chinese Hume Warbler species prefer males who sing simple songs over those with complex songs. This preference may be driven by the need to minimize predation risk and optimize nesting behavior.