News on open-access publishing and its reach. Covers journal launches, open-access agreements, and research made freely available.
A recent study published in PhytoKeys formally transfers Altingia and Semiliquidambar taxa to Liquidambar, a widely distributed tree family with various uses. The analysis includes 15 recognized species and highlights the taxonomic challenges faced by botanists.
Elsevier has launched an open access journal, Sustainable Materials and Technologies (SM&T), to publish original research articles on sustainable materials and technologies. The journal aims to reduce the knowledge gap between materials and system designs, providing a new venue for rapid publication of research.
This issue of Lithosphere features studies on the Great Slave Lake shear zone in northwest Canada, which provides insight into the deep structure of ancient mountain belts. The research also explores the tectonic development of the Tibetan Plateau, revealing that faults responsible for its formation are restricted within the crust.
Researchers found that people with hemophilia infected with HIV for decades have increased levels of immune cells targeting HIV. This cellular response, combined with antiretroviral therapy, enables patients to long-term survive despite HIV activity. The study provides new insights into the reasons behind clinical stability in these pa...
A new species of butterfly-orchid, Platanthera azorica, has been discovered in the Azores, and is believed to be Europe's rarest orchid. The species was previously known from a 19th-century illustration and was thought to be extinct.
Operations Research Perspectives is an open access journal publishing material on operations research and management science. The journal aims to make fast decisions accessible to a wide audience, bringing together high-quality papers from the field.
Current Plant Biology publishes articles on interdisciplinary plant science research, combining physics, mathematics, and chemistry disciplines. The journal aims to facilitate the growth of quantitative, interdisciplinary plant biology by publishing work openly and sharing research datasets.
The new journal will cover a range of topics in ecology and evolution, including agroecology, behavioral and evolutionary ecology, and phylogenetics. It will be an interdisciplinary platform for researchers to share their findings, with open access publishing and fast publication.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target for Huntington's disease, the HDAC4 enzyme. Halving levels of HDAC4 in cells can delay aggregation of mutant huntingtin protein and rescue nerve cell function.
Elsevier's new open access journal Urology Case Reports provides a platform for urologists to publish short, well-illustrated case reports. The first case report, describing a rare neoplasm of the urinary bladder, is now available online.
Two new beautiful wasp species, A. prima and A. capixaba, are discovered in Brazil as part of the rare genus Abernessia. The study reveals a positive correlation between the size of spider prey and the size of wasp offspring, suggesting an adaptation strategy.
Scientists have discovered three new species of wafer trapdoor spiders in Brazil, expanding our knowledge of the genus Fufius. The discovery highlights the morphological variability of the species and provides insight into their distribution across different environments.
Scientists have identified two new gorgonian soft coral species in the eastern Pacific, adding to the genus Eugorgia's range. The newly described species, E. beebei and E. mutabilis, exhibit vibrant white coloration, with the latter displaying a unique color-changing ability.
BBA Clinical is an open access journal focusing on translating molecular insights into clinical research, particularly in areas like aging, cancer, and neurological diseases. The journal aims to provide a platform for researchers to share findings from clinical trials targeting biochemical pathways and processes.
The new open access journal Photoacoustics is launched by Elsevier to publish original research and review contributions in the fast-growing field of photoacoustics. The journal aims to capture exciting developments in this highly promising field and contribute to its growth.
A new study using phylogenetic analysis explores the relationships among different folktales, including 'Little Red Riding Hood', to identify distinct groups spread across regions and cultures. The research suggests that folktales evolve gradually over time, with elements blending together as they spread.
New research found that scorpions choose their strongest defensive behavior based on both physical characteristics and performance measurements. The study also revealed a correlation between scorpion shape, pinch force, and venom strength when defending themselves from predators.
Researchers have found evidence of chili pepper residues in ancient pottery dating back to 400 BC, suggesting that Mixe-Zoquean cultures may have used chili peppers for multiple culinary purposes. The discovery opens the door for further research into the uses of chili peppers in prehistoric times.
F1000Research has launched a new data plotting tool that enables users to replot, analyze, and interpret the supporting data from journal articles. The tool allows for easy visualization of numerical values in CSV files as scatter plots, helping researchers spot outliers and correlations.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has launched a new open access journal, Open Forum Infectious Diseases, which will publish clinical, translational, and basic research findings in infectious diseases. The journal will be fully peer-reviewed and accessible online at no cost.
PeerJ has introduced a new policy allowing all authors to publish unlimited preprints on their platform without needing a paid publication plan. This move reflects the growing demand for preprint services among researchers and aims to increase accessibility to scientific publishing.
A new scorpion species, Euscorpius lycius, has been discovered in the ancient Lycia region of Turkey, adding to the total of five known species within the genus. The newly found species is relatively small, ranging from 2-2.5 cm in length and has a pale color with darker pedipalps.
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.
Research found that adults with lower education levels consumed more sugar- and fat-rich foods than those with higher education levels. They also expended more energy through physical activity, which may explain their higher food intake.
A new study found that tigers are dispersing over much greater distances than previously recorded, with long-range connectivity reduced by human settlements and roads. Genetic approaches combined with landscape ecology revealed evidence of tiger populations connected across 650 km in Central India.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.