Articles tagged with Open Access
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that drilling sumps associated with hydrocarbon extraction can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. The degradation of these sumps can lead to changes in the community composition of zooplankton, highlighting the need for better climate change mitigation strategies.
Scientists have uncovered a 165-million-year-old fossil of copulating froghoppers, providing insight into the earliest record of insect mating. The discovery suggests that froghopper genital symmetry and mating position remained static for over 165 million years.
A new nomenclature for genetic sequences addresses taxonomic determination issues by providing a reliability ranking. The GenSeq system ranks sequence data from primary types, secondary types, and non-types, enhancing integration of molecular phylogenetics and biological taxonomy.
A new suture technique is designed to support tissue-engineered collagen grafts in tendon repair, distributing tension away from the injured tendon. The technique allows for weight-bearing as healing progresses, improving outcomes for tendon injuries.
A new PLOS Collection delves into the complex evolutionary cascade theory that made sauropod dinosaurs' gigantism possible. Researchers investigate factors contributing to their unique body size, including mobility, posture, and nutrition.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that infant brains activate the same areas used for movement when observing others. This suggests a neurobiological foundation for imitation and cultural learning in young children.
Two new species of green flame moths, Parasa viridiflamma and Parasa minwangi, are discovered from China and Taiwan. The moths have a distinctive green pattern on their wings and feed exclusively on pine trees, showcasing conifer-feeding behavior in the Limacodidae family.
Elsevier has added Annals of Medicine and Surgery to its portfolio, publishing original research articles and review pieces for medical trainees. The online-only, open-access journal aims to engage and develop talents of those in medical training.
Researchers found that emotionally intelligent individuals are more likely to manipulate others' decisions based on their own intentions. They can either facilitate or hinder retaliation, depending on their own goals.
New research shows that men slow down by 7% when walking with their female romantic partners, deviating from their optimal walking speed. This phenomenon suggests that males in mixed-sex groups may make energetic adjustments to accommodate their partner's pace, potentially influencing mobility and reproductive strategies.
Research reveals that regional differences in rainfall timing and resulting vegetation patterns help maintain genetic diversity among giraffe species. Annual climate cycles may play a key role in this process, with each species tied to its local seasonal cycle of greening.
A new study finds that Open Access (OA) publishing has a tempered impact on scholarship, driven by strategic commitment to maximize research productivity. In contrast, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have a more severe impact on teaching due to their standardized and homogenized content, sharpening existing political battle lines.
The Biodiversity Data Journal proposes an integrated, narrative and data publishing model for making content reusable and interoperable. This approach shortens the distance between text and data publishing, allowing for easier discovery and harvesting.
Two new species of the endangered ancient genus Gyronotus have been described from southern Africa, revealing unusual distribution patterns among these vulnerable beetles. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving biodiversity in grasslands and savannas, which are currently under threat due to massive environmental changes.
A new species of dragon tree has been discovered in Thailand with impressive characteristics including a height of 12m. The newly found species is ecologically important due to its limited distribution and associated habitats, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that interactive farm hygiene lessons improved students' knowledge of germ spread and prevention, especially among girls. The lesson increased post-lesson scores by 21% for girls and 14% for boys, with a total increase of 13% in hand-to-mouth behavior awareness.
As chimpanzees grow from infant to juvenile, they develop increased susceptibility to human yawn contagion. Researchers found that yawning but not nose-wiping was contagious for juvenile chimpanzees, while infants found neither contagious. The results suggest a general developmental pattern shared by humans and other animals.
Case Studies in Fire Safety is an open access journal that aims to connect researchers and practitioners working in fire science and engineering fields. The journal provides a platform for sharing case studies and short communications on practical problems in fire science, design, and engineering.
Historic global trends predict that global forest cover will decline by 10% over the next century unless new technologies boost yields or strategies to decrease food consumption are introduced. Reforestation may increase global forest cover to 35% within 70 years if food production and consumption stabilize.
A new study found that children with stronger empathy skills are better at recognizing sarcasm. Children began to detect sarcasm between ages 6 and 8, but some took longer to develop this skill. Empathy skills were measured using eye gaze and reaction time during a task that required recognizing sarcastic language.
The new journal aims to improve forecasts and early warning systems for weather extremes. It publishes research on managing such events for academics, decision makers, and creating a resilient society.
Two new enigmatic spider species, Chaco castanea and Chaco costai, have been discovered in Uruguay. These middle-sized spiders build intricate silk-lined burrows and use a flap-like door to ambush prey, revealing unique insights into their behavior.
Researchers found insects adjust courtship and calling behaviors in response to changing air pressure, reducing risk of injury during high winds and rain. The study suggests these modifications may help insects predict adverse weather conditions, allowing them to modify their mating behavior accordingly.
Two new species of southern Indian leaf beetles, Orthaltica eugenia and Orthaltica terminalia, have been discovered using existing holes in leaves to construct shelters. The beetles also modify and use artificially made holes, partitioning them with their own fecal pellets to create optimal hideouts.
Three new species of Oreophryne frogs are described from Papua New Guinea, with total body lengths of around 20 mm. The discovery brings the number of Oreophryne species reported from the north-coast region to seven, with many more remaining to be described.
Researchers used a mathematical method to simplify olfactory information into coherent categories, similar to compressing digital audio files. The team identified 10 basic odor qualities, including fragrant, fruity, and pungent smells.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that e-readers with short lines of text increased reading speed and comprehension among some dyslexic high school students. This suggests that the use of short lines on e-readers may help reduce visual distractions and improve focus for individuals with dyslexia.
Shifting employee bonuses from self to others increases job satisfaction and team sales, according to research published in PLOS ONE. When employees spend bonuses on colleagues, teams perform better, leading to increased earnings as a whole.
Researchers found Pacific humpback whales increasing annually, doubling to 137 whales in 2011, with high survival rates among adults. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts due to increased vulnerability during critical refueling stages.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that higher aerobic fitness levels in 9-10-year-olds are linked to better recall of learned information. The study suggests that reducing physical education may not be the best way to ensure educational success among young people.
Researchers discovered three major river systems that likely existed in North Africa 130,000-100,000 years ago, creating fertile habitats for animals and vegetation. The Irharhar river may have been a viable route for human migration across the region.
Researchers at Ateneo de Manila University discovered a new species of aquatic beetle in a small creek within the university's campus. The tiny insect, Hydraena ateneo, is one of 14 known species of its genus and highlights the diversity of life in urban areas.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that logging, agriculture, and natural reforestation have changed forest composition across nine states in the northeastern US. Beech trees decreased significantly, while fir, cherry, and maple trees increased in abundance.
A nationwide smoke-free legislation in Greece showed lower secondhand smoke concentrations after the ban, but levels increased again over time. The presence of ashtrays or their equivalents was strongly associated with higher secondhand smoke levels, suggesting that enforcement may be a factor.
A new recombinant antibody can detect and isolate mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from umbilical cord blood, a nonembryonic source with promising applications in tissue engineering and blood stem cell transplantation. The antibody recognizes an i blood group antigen present on MSCs.
A recent study using DNA barcodes identified two distinct species of diamondback moths in Australia, one of which is the well-known pest and the other a newly discovered species named Plutella australiana. The discovery highlights the complexity of this global pest and its ability to evolve resistance to control methods.
Frontiers' new journal in Energy Research will publish rigorously peer-reviewed articles on various topics related to energy systems, including nanotechnology solutions, policies, and storage. The journal aims to provide a free-to-access platform for researchers to share their findings with the scientific community.
Researchers have uncovered evidence of early Holocene hunter-gatherer settlements in the Bolivian Amazon, dating back approximately 10,400 years. The discovery of 'shell middens' reveals human presence in the region, with samples showing a mix of animal bones, freshwater snail shells, and pottery.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that fast-food marketing aimed at children emphasizes giveaways and movie tie-ins more frequently than ads targeted at adults. The study also highlights the importance of aligning advertising to children with health promotion efforts to address concerns about obesity.
The new journal publishes its first issue themed on 'Water Footprint Assessment (WFA) for better water governance and sustainable development'. Elsevier aims to bridge the gap between industrial water use practice and scientific research.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that native Brazilian fruits, including 'wolf apple', contain higher proportions of bioactive compounds and pigments than conventional Red Delicious apples, making them a potentially nutritious food source.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that prehistoric northern European societies used garlic mustard as a spice, flavored meats and starches. The findings suggest that the practice of using spices to enhance food flavor dates back at least 6,100 years.
Research reveals that smokers with more severe nicotine dependence tend to experience greater weight gain when quitting, even with nicotine replacement therapy. Factors such as serum triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol levels also play a significant role.
Research finds that DNA-based familial search techniques can mistakenly identify second cousins and half-siblings as siblings, with a 3-18% chance of error for first cousins and up to 42% for half-siblings. This misidentification can lead to unnecessary investigations and exacerbate ethical concerns surrounding the use of these methods.
Research suggests climate change induced drought, famines and invasions led to the collapse of Eastern Mediterranean civilizations. The study analyzed pollen grains and sediments to uncover environmental changes that likely drove this crisis.
A study published in PeerJ found that 'ray' wings sold to consumers in Ireland and the UK may include vulnerable species, such as the blonde ray, which has a declining population trend. The study highlights the need for improved labelling of foods to protect consumers and promote conservation.
A study found that CDV infected at least 1% of Amur tigers since 2009, causing fatal neurological disease. The virus is spread through contact with domestic dogs or other wild carnivores, posing a significant threat to the critically endangered species.
The new open access title provides high-quality video demonstrations of endoscopic findings and procedures, along with concise articles detailing procedures and findings. The video journal aims to be the premium international reference for endoscopic findings and procedures.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that physical handicaps like being tied down make men overestimate an opponent's size and underestimate their own. This effect persists even when anxiety is ruled out, suggesting an automatic processing of physical capacities towards potential conflicts with others.
Research suggests that believing in precognition can provide a psychological boost to perceived control, particularly when individuals feel a loss of control. People who experienced loss of control reported increased belief in precognition and subsequently felt more in control.
Research found that five-to-six-year-old children are more likely to exhibit altruistic behavior towards peers who demonstrate helpfulness. Observing positive interactions with other children evokes positive emotions and encourages bystanders to reciprocate with kindness.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that dogs yawn contagiously and respond more frequently to their owner's yawns than a stranger's. The researchers suggest that this may be an emotionally connected behavior similar to humans.
Research found that responses to placebos are influenced by diverse factors including route of administration, environmental cues, and learning. Participants' expectations correlated with pain thresholds and tolerance, suggesting a complex relationship between placebo effects and individual traits. Sham acupuncture's effect on genuine ...
The American Neurological Association has launched a new open access journal, Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, to publish original research and scholarly reviews on nervous system diseases. The journal is supported by Annals of Neurology, the most prestigious peer-reviewed clinical neurology journal worldwide.
Research found that eating lunch with friends reduces cognitive control and calms individuals, while improving social harmony. The study suggests that reduced cognitive control can be beneficial in situations where social harmony or creativity is desired.
Researchers have developed a tiny, light-controlled gold particle that can release DNA controls to switch blood clotting on and off. This two-way switch relies on selective release of different DNA molecules from gold nanoparticles under different laser wavelengths.
A study found that professionals overestimate applicants' abilities due to favorable circumstances, inflating qualifications and failing to account for school performance. This attribution error affects graduate school admissions and job evaluations.
Researchers found that a speaker's ability to act on their words influences listeners' brain responses, with more impactful statements made by political figures. The study used brain scans to compare responses to implausible statements from high and low-status speakers.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that experiencing weight discrimination increases the likelihood of becoming and staying obese. Researchers analyzed data from over 6000 participants, finding a significant correlation between perceived weight discrimination and obesity rates.
Sauropod dinosaurs like Diplodocus and Camarasaurus replaced their teeth frequently, with some species replacing up to one tooth every 62 days. This constant growth and replacement was likely caused by the high amount of plant food they consumed, which led to extensive tooth wear.