News on open-access publishing and its reach. Covers journal launches, open-access agreements, and research made freely available.
Researchers found that exposure to lavender aroma significantly increased money transfer between test persons in a trust game. The study suggests that smelling lavender may help establish trusting negotiations and build team spirit in various situations.
Scientists have discovered three new species of the Begonia genus, native to Brazil and adding to the existing 1,500 species. The rare species were found in confined territories, making their discovery challenging.
A recent review article suggests that stem cell therapy may be less effective in older patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study proposes strategies to enhance the regenerative properties of autologous stem cells and improve their therapeutic potential.
A study analyzing alcohol sales data across GB regions found that areas with higher sales per adult had higher rates of alcohol-related deaths. The South West region, despite high consumption, had low alcohol death rates, possibly due to tourism.
Scientists discover two new taxa of wood-feeding cockroaches in China, highlighting their unique hermit lifestyle. These wood-eating insects are distinct from other cockroach species, which typically infest human habitats, and were previously understudied due to their secluded behavior.
Researchers developed a low-cost focus stacking setup that produces better results than high-end solutions, ideal for mass digitization programs. The system uses consumer-grade products and is easy to control, allowing for high-quality macro photography at a fraction of the cost.
A team of Chinese and Italian scientists have discovered a new species of blister beetle, Hycleus marcipoli, part of the understudied phaleratus group. The name 'Marco Polo' pays tribute to the collaboration during Ph.D. studies between China and Italy.
A new taxonomic toolkit has resolved a century-long neglect of the Ophion parasitic wasp genus, revealing six new species and redefining the group's diversity. The toolkit uses a combination of molecular and morphometric analyses to accurately describe species, increasing confidence in taxonomy.
A new trout species, Salmo kottelati, has been described from the Alakır Stream in Antalya, Turkey. The species is distinguished by its smaller parr marks, larger mouth gape, and maxilla, which set it apart from other genera of salmonids.
A 10-week cooking skills program in Australia resulted in sustained changes in participants' food purchasing behaviors, knowledge, and social interactions. Participants reported increased confidence in cooking and eating healthier meals together as a family.
A recent article collection in BMC Medicine examines the safety of e-cigarettes, with two experts offering differing views on their impact. Peter Hajek argues that e-cigarettes are orders of magnitude safer than conventional cigarettes, while Charlotta Pisinger believes they can be less harmful but still pose health risks.
Elsevier has launched a new open access journal, Journal of Vascular Surgery Cases, to publish high-quality case reports on all aspects of vascular diseases. The journal aims to provide novel and timely information to practicing clinicians and researchers in the field.
Researchers used a new endocrine-based approach to determine the age at sexual maturity for wild stocks of western Atlantic bluefin tuna, finding they mature at a considerably younger age than currently assumed. This discovery could lead to changes in fisheries scientists' estimates of population size.
The future ocean will be warmer, with reduced ice extent, higher sea levels, more acidic, and lower oxygen levels. Research must focus on understanding marine systems' responses to cumulative pressures.
A young female hammerhead shark was tracked for 10 months, revealing its 3,350 km journey and important insights into habitat use. The research suggests that juvenile hammerheads are trading off risks to get offshore quickly, maximizing growth and reproductive potential.
Researchers use genetically engineered pig models to study human diseases and identify new drug targets for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, ophthalmology, and xenotransplantation. These models enable the development of novel cell therapies to restore diseased tissues and organs.
A study published in BMC found that children born during and after the 1997-98 El Niño event had lower height-for-age and lean mass, indicating chronic malnutrition. The researchers warn that climate change may increase the frequency of El Niño episodes, posing a significant risk to future generations.
Researchers found that couples who kiss frequently share similar oral bacteria, with at least nine kisses per day leading to significantly shared salivary microbiota. The study also suggests an important role for other mechanisms that select oral microbiota, shaped by lifestyle and personal care habits.
The study using Google Analytics found that online plant databases are visited by users in over 100 countries, with mobile traffic growing steadily. This highlights the democratization of botanical information, equal access for researchers worldwide, and reduced wear on biodiversity objects.
Research reveals genetic differences between catsharks in the Mediterranean and North East Atlantic, suggesting they may be more vulnerable to over-fishing. The study's findings also highlight sex-specific migration patterns among catshark populations.
Researchers found that people prefer leaders with a healthy complexion, regardless of intelligence level, except for situations requiring negotiation or exploration. A study of 148 participants revealed that health is the most important trait when selecting a leader, surpassing intelligence as an optional extra.
EBioMedicine brings together worlds of basic research and clinical science in an open-access journal with Cell Press and The Lancet editorial influence. The journal prioritizes rapid publication and publishes a range of research study types, including commentaries and viewpoints.
A community-based study found air pollutants released by unconventional oil and gas production exceed recommended levels in the US, with hazardous chemicals like benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and formaldehyde detected. The study highlights the need for improved air-quality monitoring programs near these sites.
A team of speleobiologists has described four new species of dragon millipedes from southern China, highlighting their distinctive spiky bodies. The discovery sheds light on the genetic diversity of these bizarre creatures, with China holding the highest recorded number of species in the genus Desmoxytes.
A new species of tarantula from Brazil was named Bumba lennoni in tribute to John Lennon. The species has defensive urticating hairs on its abdomen, and its genus name is inspired by a Brazilian folk tradition.
A recent study suggests that long-term daily treatment of Viagra can provide protection for the heart at different stages of heart disease, with few side effects. The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor improved heart performance in all patients with various heart conditions and showed no negative effect on blood pressure.
Researchers have developed bioinspired materials with potential applications in detecting heavy metals and fostering faster surgery recovery time. The materials interact with light to enable applications in therapy, biosensing, and bioimaging.
BioMed Central partners with the University of Michigan to launch an open-access journal focused on clinical research surrounding diabetes and endocrine diseases. The new journal aims to promote better care for patients by sharing new knowledge, both research and clinical, on various aspects of endocrine disorders.
Health policy academics and clinicians warn of potential risks of new .health internet domain, citing lack of transparency and inadequate stakeholder participation. They recommend an immediate moratorium and the formation of an expert working panel to discuss governance and ensure universal access to quality health information online.
The new peer-reviewed open access journal will publish original manuscripts on disease prevention, health promotion, and public health policymaking. It aims to broaden understanding by including a wider selection of geographic and population-specific studies.
A recent study published in SAGE Open found that individuals who believe in guardian angels tend to be less likely to take risks compared to non-believers. The researchers surveyed 198 participants and discovered that the majority of those who believe in guardian angels are more cautious when making decisions, with a higher risk percep...
A new study using high-resolution Y chromosome sequencing has found that female populations have been larger throughout human history and remain so in most populations. The research suggests that processes like polygyny and women's tendency to move with their husbands contribute to females making a greater genetic contribution.
A recent study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that food affected by the Fukushima nuclear disaster harms animals, even at low levels of radiation. Researchers fed pale blue grass butterflies leaves collected from areas varying distance from the disaster site and investigated the effects on the next generation. The study sh...
Scientists used fossil records and evolutionary models to show that sloth lineages increased in size by over 100 kilos every million years. This fast rate of evolution suggests environmental factors or competition with other species favored larger body sizes before they died out.
A study analyzing reanalysis of RCT data found that about one-third led to changes in findings, with some altering patient groups or treatment effects. The results underscore the importance of standardizing data sharing and reanalysis practices for individual and public health.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive, herbivorous insect species causing significant damage to crops. The new article provides information on its life stages, chemical ecology, and biological control options, including natural enemies and sustainable strategies for integrated pest management.
Analytical Chemistry Research is a quarterly open access journal focusing on fundamental research in analytical theory and methodology. The journal aims to publish innovative approaches to instrumental, chemical, and biological analysis, with an emphasis on novel technologies and their applications.
A diet of junk food reduces rats' preference for novel foods and leads to overeating and obesity. Researchers found that the brain's reward circuitry is affected by excessive consumption of junk food.
Research suggests that climate change could lead to an increased risk of dengue fever in Europe, particularly in coastal areas along the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. The disease is spread by mosquitoes, which thrive in warm and humid conditions, making these regions most at risk.
A new species of carnivorous crustacean, Thylacares brandonesis, has been identified from a 435 million-year-old fossil found in Wisconsin. The creature used long, claw-like appendages to catch prey, similar to modern remipedes.
A new study sheds light on the diversity and distribution of toothless 'dragon' pterosaurs from the Azhdarchidae family. The research reveals these flying giants inhabited various environments, particularly near large lakes and rivers.
Researchers identified specific genes switched on in woodrats that detoxify the creosote plant's toxic resin. The study found two closely related species of woodrat have different reactions to the toxin, with one species exhibiting stress due to unactivated detoxification genes.
A survey of over 200 non-tenure-track academics found that nearly one-third experience stress due to lack of job security, with women and underrepresented groups more affected. The authors call for universities to address these issues to improve faculty wellbeing and student outcomes.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have discovered a new drug compound, TC-2153, that inhibits the negative effects of STEP protein, which is key to regulating learning and memory in Alzheimer's disease. Decreasing STEP levels reversed cognitive deficits in mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for treating the condition.
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine is a new open-access journal publishing peer-reviewed articles on cardiovascular disease diagnosis, treatment, and pathogenesis. The journal provides unrestricted access to current information for clinicians and medical educators worldwide.
Jigisha Patel argues that peer review should be recognized as a professional skill and that trained reviewers can improve the quality of randomized controlled trials. By implementing a 'quality assurance' symbol, trials could be identified as having undergone rigorous peer review.
A new species of narrow-mouthed frog, Chiasmocleis quilombola, was discovered in the Atlantic Forest of Espírito Santo State, Brazil. The species is tiny, reaching only 14mm in length, and its heroic name refers to the quilombos communities that provided refuge for escaped slaves.
A new study published in SAGE Open found that depression risk in military men is related to their body height. Men of all heights are more likely to experience depressive disorders than those of average height, with no correlation between height and anxiety disorders.
Preconditioning stem cells prior to transplantation is crucial for improving their survival and therapeutic function. Current methods include exposing stem cells to microenvironments, creating three-dimensional aggregates, or using hydrogels to prepare them for the environment found in damaged tissue.
Researchers found genetic fragments of MERS-CoV in air samples from a camel barn, suggesting short or intermittent shedding of the virus. The study emphasizes the importance of preventing possible airborne transmission and highlights the risk of camel-to-human transmission.
A new planthopper species, Conosimus baenai, has been discovered in southern Spain. It differs from other Conosimus genus species due to its unique forewing coloration and vein patterns.
A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals that Schlemm's canal forms from blood vessels through a novel process called canalogenesis. This discovery sheds light on the complex functions of Schlemm's canal, which plays a critical role in maintaining ocular health and preventing diseases like glaucoma.
A new study determines glycosylation and pH-dependent conformational changes of virus receptor SCARB2 as crucial for EV71 attachment and entry. Researchers found that SCARB2 opens a lipid-transfer tunnel to trigger viral uncoating at acidic conditions, releasing the viral genome into host cells.
Elsevier has launched Bone Reports, an open access journal publishing research articles and case reports on basic, translational, and clinical aspects of bone and mineral metabolism. The journal aims to publish reproducibility studies and null findings, complementing its sister journal Bone.
Elsevier's new open access journal Burnout Research aims to discuss and debate theories and applications of burnout. The first issue is now available on ScienceDirect, providing a central platform for researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers to share new ideas and information.
A new species of pontarachnid mite was discovered in a Caribbean mesophotic coral ecosystem, collected from nearly 70m depth. The study highlights the potential biodiversity hotspot for marine arthropods in these ecosystems.
Scientists have found that the spotted green pigeon and dodo are descended from 'island hopping' ancestors, according to a new study. The birds show signs of semi-terrestrial lifestyle and ability to fly, with genetic links to other island-dwelling species.
Researchers recorded record-breaking solar ultraviolet radiation in the Bolivian Andes, significantly higher than normal levels. This extreme radiation is comparable to those found on early Mars and poses a threat to local ecosystems.
The new journal aims to encourage scientific debate by sharing unpublished, negative study results. Published work will include research articles and short communications covering fundamental plant sciences.
A new species of moth has been identified and named after the Cherokee Nation, in honor of Chief Attakullakulla's legacy. The species, Cherokeea attakullakulla, is a small, inconspicuous moth found in the southern Appalachian Mountains.