News on open-access publishing and its reach. Covers journal launches, open-access agreements, and research made freely available.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that mildly depressed individuals' ability to distinguish between high-fat and low-fat foods is affected by their mood. After watching a sad movie clip, participants with mild depression were unable to tell the difference between the two types of foods.
A new species of yellow slug moth from China has been identified, with characteristics including a yellow coloration and a face blending from yellow to pale red. The study's findings highlight the importance of revising previous works due to errors in identifying this genus.
Researchers propose a new model for the eruption of Yellowstone Park's Old Faithful geyser, based on three stages of convective boiling in the conduit. The model reproduces the geyser's bimodal eruption pattern, with long and short eruption intervals followed by similar durations.
A new study reveals two beautiful and colourful species of soft corals alongside a new genus of octocorals in the North Eastern Pacific Ocean. The discovery highlights the remarkable diversity of octocorals, with around 3400 species described worldwide.
Researchers found only two technologies showed good evidence of effectiveness in reducing arsenic contamination, but most studies were of poor quality. The reluctance of users to adopt these technologies was also a major issue, with many people believing they would not be affected or finding them too difficult to use.
Research suggests that 70% of women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections improve within a week without antibiotic treatment. The study's findings indicate that women may be more willing to delay antibiotic use than expected, highlighting the potential benefits of alternative treatments.
The first lab study of deep-sea vent worms, called Alvinella pompejana, reveals that they do not experience long-term exposures to temperatures above 50 C in their natural environment. The temperature optimum for survival is well over 42 C, making them one of the most heat-loving animals known.
Chimpanzees and bonobos display negative emotional responses to failed risk-taking decisions, including vocalizations and tantrums. The apes' emotional responses are influenced by individual differences and species-specific traits.
Disturbed body image in anorexia nervosa influences both conscious and unconscious actions, with affected individuals rotating their shoulders to fit through a doorway even when it's not necessary. Current therapeutic interventions should target the body in action to improve the experience of body size.
A new butterfly species from Texas has been discovered with distinctive olive-green eyes, sparking excitement among scientists. The Vicroy's Ministreak may be the last truly unique butterfly species to be discovered in the United States.
The new journal aims to cover all areas of research in human proteomics, using multi-disciplinary approaches to untangle complex disease processes. It will provide a platform for high-quality, multi-disciplinary studies combining early discovery with clinical applications.
Research found that snails' coiled shells are driven by a protein gradient and asymmetry in Decapentaplegic expression, contrasting with limpet shells which lack this asymmetry. The study provides an explanation for the evolution of shell coiling in gastropods.
A new microsphere-based detection system uses multiple antibodies at once for early HIV detection and vaccine efficacy assessment. The novel multiplex immunoassay approach significantly improves sensitivity over standard ELISA techniques.
Two new, minute spider species (Trogloneta yuensis and Mysmena wawuensis) have been discovered in the Sichuan and Chongqing regions of China. These tiny spiders are among the smallest known and have unique body shapes, with some as small as 0.75 mm in length.
Two new species of cave-dwelling short-tailed whipscorpions have been discovered in northeastern Brazil's limestone caves. The reddish-brown species were found to inhabit cool, humid environments, and are likely preyed upon by bats and other small insects.
Researchers discovered a mutualistic relationship between ants and carnivorous pitcher plants, where ants help prevent nutrient loss to flies. The study found that ant colonies increase plant growth and capture efficiency by hunting mosquito larvae, demonstrating a novel type of nutritional interaction.
In a surprise twist, female strawberry poison frogs in Costa Rica prioritize the nearest singing male over physical appearance and vocal quality. The research found that females fail to discriminate between different call rates or frequencies, instead opting for the closest speaker.
A recent study published in Investigative Genetics found that the genomic diversity of the Dutch population follows a southeast-to-northwest gradient, with the population separated into four geographic groups. The researchers propose that this pattern is due to recent movement within the last 2000 years, rather than ancient events.
Two new water mite species have been discovered in South Korea and the Russian Far East, expanding the known diversity of this group. The discovery, published in ZooKeys, brings the total number of described species to over 400 worldwide.
Researchers found that depressed individuals express personal goals in vague terms, such as 'to be happy,' rather than specific objectives like improving a running time. This reduced specificity may be linked to the motivational deficits seen in depression, and could inform more effective psychotherapeutic approaches.
A new species of green palm-pitviper was described from a cloud forest reserve in northern Honduras. Genetic analysis revealed that the closest relatives are found over 600 km away in Costa Rica, indicating a relict lineage.
Research found that earthworms increase nitrogen content of plants and reduce slug damage by 60% due to improved plant defenses. High plant diversity also results in lower slug damage, suggesting a complex interaction between the two species.
A large-scale study of mosquitoes in Kenya found a diverse range of arboviruses, including West Nile, Ndumu, and Ngari viruses. Over 450,000 mosquitoes were screened, revealing previously unknown viruses with similarities to the Chaoyang virus in China.
Research found distinct brain connectivity patterns for joyous, taunting and tickling laughter, with regions sensitive to social information activated differently. This study sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying laughter perception and its implications for cognitive function.
Researchers analyzed starch granules from Neolithic stone tools and found they resembled those of sago-type palms, indicating a reliance on sago palms as a primary food source. The study also suggests that people ate bananas, acorns, and freshwater roots and tubers before rice cultivation began.
Research by Sophie Wuerger found that colour perception remains largely unchanged over the years, despite age-related losses in the optical media. The study revealed that certain neural pathways compensate for these losses, allowing colour functions to remain constant across time.
Researchers from Japan created a human Dravet syndrome model using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, revealing the effect of SCN1A mutations on GABAergic neurons. This breakthrough provides an unparalleled insight into the mechanism behind DS and a unique platform for drug development.
Researchers found that female cowbirds unable to recognize high-quality male songs alter flock behavior, affecting both males and females. The study highlights the interconnected nature of individual behavior and social environments in bird species.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that self-affirmation exercises can improve problem-solving skills and reduce acute stress. Students who performed a self-affirmation exercise scored higher on a subsequent problem-solving task than those who did not, suggesting that self-affirmation may be a useful buffer against chronic stress.
The Subterranean Biology journal has transitioned to advanced open access publishing, allowing for increased accessibility of its content. The new format enables faster online publication, color figures, and multimedia integration, while also promoting the dissemination of published content through Pensoft's promotional efforts.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that clenching the right fist before memorizing information strengthens the memory, while clenching the left fist before recalling improves verbal recall. Researchers suggest this effect may be due to brain regions associated with memory formation being activated by hand-clenching.
Researchers developed phase shift nanoemulsions that produce tiny microbubbles, which accumulate in tumors and amplify the effects of ultrasound. This reduces treatment time and power needed to destroy tumor tissue by over half, showing promise for improving cancer therapy.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that listeners gauge a speaker's body size from their voice frequency, quality, and formant spacing. Deep male voices and high-pitched female voices are perceived as more attractive due to their association with smaller body sizes.
The Journal of Therapeutic Ultrasound marks a significant milestone in the field, focusing on translational and clinical research. This open-access journal aims to accelerate the adoption of therapeutic ultrasound as a clinical tool for treating various medical disorders.
Biologists Jaime Troncoso-Palacios and Carlos F. Garin investigated the identity of Liolaemus nigromaculatus, a tree iguana species described in 1834. They successfully clarified the type locality, revealing it was collected between Puerto Viejo and Copiapó in Atacama, Chile.
An audit of Australian millipede species records in two online databases found numerous errors, including duplicated records and incorrect locations. The study highlights the need for data aggregators like GBIF and ALA to collaborate with their providers to ensure accurate data publication.
Researchers found that even light smoking increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, with a doubling of risk for those who smoke 1-7 cigarettes per day. Stopping smoking after 15 years reduces the risk, but it remains higher than non-smokers.
A new study published in Critical Care finds that reducing movement in ICUs can decrease severe pain and serious adverse events, while increasing analgesic use. The training program implemented by the University of Montpellier Saint Eloi Hospital increased staff awareness and reduced side effects.
Research by Ha and colleagues found that teens' likelihood to break up is independent of how well they handle conflicts, contradicting previous studies on adult relationships. The authors suggest differences in relationship goals among younger teen couples may be the reason for this finding.
Research published in PLOS ONE found a decrease in media coverage of aggression in ice hockey in North American newspapers between 1998-2000 and 2009-2011. The shift in focus from violence to safety rules and equipment may contribute to cultural trends in the sport, influencing attitudes towards traumatic brain injuries.
A new text-mining algorithm helps identify the most relevant scientific research for a public database correlating environmental chemicals with their effects on genes and human health. The algorithm improved the process of prioritizing relevant articles by increasing productivity by 27 percent and novel data content by 100 percent.
Researchers found that premature babies with abnormal gut bacteria are at risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. The study identified specific bacteria, including Firmicutes and Enterobacteriaceae, that can be detected through a simple urine test.
Researchers discovered three new species of carnivorous snails in Thailand's limestone areas, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. The study found that despite human exploitation and quarrying, these unique creatures continue to thrive in specific mountain ranges.
Researchers found that only 22% of manipulated responses were corrected, while 92% of participants accepted and endorsed the reversed political survey score. This suggests that people can reason about issues with considerable openness to change, contradicting traditional polling assumptions.
A study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego found that offering packs of smaller drinks leads to increased soda consumption and higher business revenues. The results suggest that limiting larger servings of sugary drinks may have unintended consequences, such as increasing soda sales.
Researchers found that human hematopoietic stem cells can survive for longer periods when cultured with a feeder layer of adipocytes, or fat cells. The study demonstrates the potential for using fat cells to extend the lifespan of hHSCs in vitro, which could be crucial for developing advanced cell therapies.
A new species of leafcutter bee, Megachile chomskyi, has been found in Texas. The species is known for its narrow preference for specific pollen sources, particularly the Evening-Primrose Family. Its unique characteristics include an elongated tongue and mandible structure.
Historic records indicate a complex ritual system surrounding shark fishing and making gear from shark teeth. Researchers analyzed 120 ancient weapons, identifying eight shark species, including two previously unknown to the Gilbert Islands, now likely extinct.
Researchers identified a stable, specific 'breathprint' unique to each individual, with variations influenced by diet and health conditions. Breath analysis could become a valuable source of clinical information, similar to other bodily fluids.
Researchers have mapped a two-year migration pattern of female white sharks in the Pacific Ocean, revealing widely separated nursery areas. The study highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable animals from commercial fishing and habitat disruption.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that freshwater river dolphins use lower frequency biosonar clicks, but their unique head anatomy may help keep signals focused. This study provides a valuable tool for conservation biologists to prevent species decline and estimate population sizes.
PeerJ has launched a new 'preprint server' for the Biological and Medical Sciences, allowing authors to share early drafts and receive feedback. The service aims to facilitate an end-to-end publication process, providing a permanent digital identifier and long-term preservation.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that Wikipedia users value community interaction more than political affiliations. Despite the increasing divide in U.S. politics, the study found no trends indicating a preference for interacting with like-minded individuals within the Wikipedia community. Instead, users engage with others from d...
A new rare species of Allium, Allium formosum, has been discovered in Kyrgyzstan, closely related to the previously undetected Allium spathulatum. The plant is characterized by its elegant habit and beautiful coloration, and its discovery highlights the need for further explorations and plant protection in the area.
Two Canadian scientists, Dr. Yves Bousquet and Dr. Patrice Bouchard, have updated the nomenclatural and taxonomic data in Pierre Dejean's Coleoptera catalogs. The review of the second (1833) and third (1836) catalogues revealed new synonymies and clarified the usage of genus-group names.
A recent genetic study of tadpole shrimps reveals that these organisms are much younger than previously thought, with some species evolving in the past 25 million years. The research challenges the term 'living fossil' by showing that these ancient crustaceans have undergone periods of radiation and extinction.
Research from the Million Women Study found that every 5 unit increase in BMI increases CHD incidence by 23%, equivalent to a 2.5 year age increase. One in six obese women and one in eleven lean middle-aged women will develop CHD between ages 55-74, highlighting the importance of small lifestyle changes.
The newly described species, Pyropia plicata, has a distinctive growth form with pleated blades and beautiful coloration. It is highly prized by Maori in New Zealand as karengo and is also eaten worldwide for its high protein content.
Research found scale insects were 13 times more abundant on willow oaks in hot areas compared to cooler ones, with higher survival rates in hot greenhouses. The study suggests urban warming may lead to changes in pest abundance as natural forests also warm up.
Research suggests that men with muscle dysmorphia prefer traditional masculine roles, while those with anorexia nervosa display greater adherence to traditional feminine roles. The study highlights the increasing pressures men face to define their masculinity in the modern world.