Articles tagged with Open Access
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers identified 56 genes associated with inflammation and lipid metabolism to detect atherosclerosis. The biomarker test uses a blood sample and can predict the risk of silent atherosclerosis in clinical practice.
Researchers have discovered a new species of tiny frog, Paedophryne amauensis, which is the world's smallest vertebrate. The frog has an adult body size ranging from 7.0 to 8.0 millimeters, making it significantly smaller than the previous record holder, Paedocypris progenetica.
Researchers found that smokers' cravings can be trained to non-smoking related stimuli, and their brains show enhanced activity when exposed to smoking-related cues. This suggests a link between smoking and associative learning, which may contribute to nicotine addiction.
A new teaching program improved siblings' knowledge and coping skills, enhancing their adjustment and psychological well-being after a sibling's cancer diagnosis. The pilot study showed promising results, with the intervention group showing better improvement in psychological well-being.
A new study published in PLoS ONE found significant personality differences between men and women, contrary to previous underestimation. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 participants using a comprehensive personality test, revealing large discrepancies in traits such as warmth, sensitivity, and perfectionism.
The open access journal PhytoKeys is pioneering electronic publication of new plant species, supported by strong practices from publishers and authors. The journal's completion will be archived on the 7th of January 2012 and share biological data with international databasing initiatives.
A study of 3.8 million rave attendees in the Netherlands found that nearly 28,000 people experienced substance-related problems, with 16 cases being life-threatening. Most problems were associated with ecstasy or alcohol, while GHB usage required medical attention but showed no acute life-threatening effects.
A mysterious line dividing two millipede species in northwest Tasmania reveals a 'border control' mechanism that surpasses human capabilities. The boundary is approximately 230 km long and meets at only one point, with the millipedes rarely entering each other's territory.
Researchers found that treating crickets with epinastine abolished the winner effect, suggesting a link between adrenaline-like systems and increased aggression. The aggression levels returned to normal within 20 minutes post-fight.
Researchers at Indiana University have developed a method to measure microscopic changes in cone cells using optical coherence tomography (OCT) phase differences. They found the outer segments of cone cells grow at a rate of about 150 nanometers per hour, which is significantly faster than human hair growth.
A research team has developed a handheld, mobile device capable of rapidly detecting brain injuries such as hematomas in patients with traumatic brain injuries. The device uses near-infrared imaging to detect changes in blood volume and can be used for quick screenings before more expensive imaging techniques.
Researchers studied Campbell's monkeys and found that females pick up habits from each other through grooming and contact calls. The study suggests that human speech evolved gradually from ancestral primate vocalisations and social patterns, influenced by environmental factors rather than genetic predisposition alone.
Researchers have identified an enteric virus-binding protein (EVBP) found in activated sludge, capable of capturing norovirus, rotavirus, and poliovirus. This breakthrough could enable the detection of low concentrations of viruses in water supplies.
A new biodiversity data publishing framework has been proposed by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to encourage and facilitate the sharing of biodiversity data. The framework aims to overcome barriers to access and publishing of data, making it the expected norm for biodiversity research.
Researchers have found two new species of the miniaturized frog genus Paedophryne in southeastern New Guinea. The tiny frogs have reduced digit sizes and inhabit leaf litter, reflecting their adaptation to a unique food source.
A molecular phylogeny study reveals three Mediterranean species as a separate evolutionary line, sister group to all remaining Delphinieae. The genus Staphisagria has been resurrected for these species, which share traits not found in Delphinium or Aconitum.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that yawn contagion is linked to social empathy, with family members and close friends triggering the most responses. The researchers identified a pattern of empathy similar to other measures, suggesting that yawn contagion occurs due to our natural inclination to connect with others
A study published in PLOS ONE found that students' ability to estimate time is correlated with their math skills, suggesting a common reliance on spatial ability. The researchers suggest that developing this skill could improve mathematical intelligence.
Research on naked mole rat sperm reveals a lack of competition among breeding males, resulting in degenerate evolution. The sperm's motility and structure are abnormal for any other mammal, but the males are still fertile and father healthy offspring.
Researchers found that probiotic treatment increased interferon levels and reduced the number of infections in ICU patients. Probiotics also helped to shift the balance of the immune system, reducing Th2-associated factors and promoting a healthier response.
The use of Creative Commons 'non-commercial' licenses is a major barrier to reusing biodiversity information, hindering conservation and climate change research. The ambiguity between 'non-for-profit' and 'non-commercial' restrictions imposes significant risks on organizations, limiting the sharing of valuable information.
Researchers developed a method to characterize the optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles, allowing them to assess their safety in sunscreen. The study found that nanoparticles did not penetrate beneath the stratum corneum, the topmost layer of skin, after being applied and washed off.
Researchers found that silverfish steal the ant's scent to avoid being killed or rejected from the nest. By continually updating this scent, the silverfish remain protected from ant aggression. This co-evolutionary arms race highlights the ants' complex scent recognition system and the silverfish's elaborate behavioral adaptations.
Researchers found that a year-long Maks therapy, combining motor stimulation, cognitive exercises, and daily living activities, halted the progression of dementia in patients. This therapy showed similar results to cholinesterase inhibitors, but with twice as much effect on daily living tasks.
The open access journal ZooKeys has seen significant growth in publications and articles since its launch in 2008, reaching over 10,000 pages and 420 articles in 2011. The journal's innovative publishing model with automated extraction and dissemination of information allows for easy distribution of valuable data on biodiversity.
New research published in BMC Research Notes found that snow leopards in the central Himalayas have a much lower population size than previously estimated. Genetic analysis of snow leopard scat samples revealed only 19 out of 71 original samples were actually P. uncia, with most coming from nine individuals.
Researchers found that Dantrolene, a muscle relaxant, reduces the severity of walking and balance problems in mice with Huntington's disease. The drug prevents calcium-dependent toxicity in laboratory-grown neurons and protects coordination in mice with HD-like disease.
Research suggests that dyslexic adults struggle to focus due to excessive external noise, leading to impaired reading skills. This study confirms the hypothesis that dyslexia is linked to difficulty filtering out background information.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that increased consumption of ground beef or processed meat is positively associated with aggressive prostate cancer. The research team suggests that this result is due to increased levels of carcinogens in meat prepared using high heat methods, such as grilling or barbecuing.
Researchers discovered 16 new species of Caenorhabditis, found in rotting fruit and vegetation, using molecular barcoding. The newly identified species will aid future research on genome evolution, reproductive modes, and development.
The new journal, Food and Energy Security, aims to publish high-quality, peer-reviewed articles on agricultural crop and forest productivity to improve global food and energy security. The journal will be published under Wiley Open Access and is open to submissions now.
New research shows that male nursery web spiders offer 'worthless' gifts to potential mates, which females promptly reject. Despite this, the act of giving a gift still increases mating success for males. The study suggests that both males and females assess the value of gifts and adjust their behavior accordingly.
A study on Lysmata amboinensis shrimp found that larger groups than pairs experience violent attacks and kills, with smaller groups remaining intact. Monogamous pairs emerge after aggression subsides, with reduced group sizes resulting in increased molting rates.
Researchers from North Eastern Hill University investigate the karyomorphological data of Citrus species, revealing that C. indica has an intermediate asymmetry index value, making it a true progenitor of cultivated Citrus. This study supports the classification of three true species of Citrus: C. grandis, C. reticulata, and C. medica.
A comprehensive list of 235 planthoppers from Iran has been compiled, featuring new species names and taxonomic data. The study aims to improve pest control management and encourage further research on this important group of insects.
Researchers found that older male nightingales matched songs less often and overlapped songs more frequently with younger birds. This suggests a different strategy than previously thought, where older males may 'show off' to protect their territories by adding new songs to their repertoire.
A study published in BMC Emergency Medicine found that higher body mass index (BMI) and fitness levels improve CPR performance, while lower BMI and fitness lead to decreased compression depth and fatigue. The researchers recommend changing CPR providers every two minutes to prevent tiredness from impeding proper compression.
Researchers developed a new method using two-photon polymerization with multiple foci to create finely detailed structures, such as tissue scaffolds and microneedles, more quickly than traditional techniques. This enables faster production of microscale medical devices for tissue engineering applications.
Using Fourier Transform Light Scattering (FTLS), the UIUC team analyzed light scattering patterns from RBCs to identify healthy cell signatures. The Born approximation model enabled accurate detection of misshapen cells in just a few seconds.
Using ultra-short pulses of ultraviolet light, scientists increase the number of right-side-up antibodies in QCM sensors, more than doubling their sensitivity. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for research using this type of sensor.
Researchers have developed a fast new method for mapping blood vessels that could aid cancer research by analyzing the vascular network of organs in less than two days. The technique uses knife-edge scanning microscopy to create detailed 3D maps of blood vessels, from arteries and veins to smallest capillaries.
Research published in BMC Public Health found that commuting by car or public transport is associated with negative health effects compared to walking or cycling. The study of 21,000 people showed that longer journey times increased the risk of poor health outcomes.
Researchers studied woodpecker anatomy and behavior to understand how they resist head impact injury. Key findings include the relative 'spongy'-ness of cranial bones and beak features that absorb shock, leading to a combined effect of multiple morphological features.
Researchers have created a novel EEG-based brain-computer interface that allows users to control a virtual helicopter using only their minds. The system was tested with great success, reaching targets 85% of the time in a task requiring users to navigate randomly positioned rings in three-dimensional space.
The genome sequencing of Clonorchis sinensis reveals that it lacks enzymes required for fatty acid biosynthesis, unlike other liver flukes. This discovery provides insight into the parasite's complex lifestyle and may lead to new ways of controlling diseases caused by this parasite.
The cereal leaf beetle, introduced in the US in the early 1960s, has rapidly spread across the country, becoming a major pest of oats, barley, and wheat. Current research focuses on developing new information and procedures to encourage growers to adopt integrated pest management approaches.
The Pecan Pest Information Platform for Extension and education (PIPE) provides real-time access to information on pecan integrated pest management. Stakeholders have increased adoption and usage of the resource, with over 41,000 annual visits recorded.
A new study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology reveals that deep-reef coral species have adapted to low-light conditions by increasing their nutrient and plankton exploitation capacity. This physiological strategy allows them to outperform shallow corals in growth rate and abundance.
Research published in BMC reveals that musical aptitude is intrinsically related to reading ability, with children who excel in music also showing improved literacy skills. The study found a correlation between neural responses to rhythmic sounds and reading ability, suggesting a common cognitive mechanism underlying both skills.
Researchers have discovered a new way to produce biodegradable plastic PHB using microalgae. This alternative method could provide a renewable source of plastics, reducing the millions of tons of waste caused by petroleum-based plastics.
A new study published in BMC Public Health found that never-married men have a significantly higher risk of dying from cancer compared to their married counterparts. The difference in mortality between married and never-married men has increased over the past 40 years, with the gap growing from 18% to 35% for men.
Researchers identified a strategy of prevention that has evolved to compensate for the inefficiency of NMD by decreasing the frequency of nonsense errors. Human genes preferentially encode codons less likely to be mistranscribed into premature STOP codons, improving robustness to transcriptional errors.
The Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE) will partner with Carl Zeiss MicroImaging to support the sharing of scientific information through open access. JoVE will film and edit three open-access video articles, which will undergo rigorous peer-review.
A 22-year retrospective analysis of brain dead organ donors in the Netherlands found that discussing donation with relatives earlier may negatively impact consent rates. The introduction of the Donor Register in 1998 increased patient-consent rates seven-fold, from 5.7% to 41%.
Researchers analyzed 300,000 NBA free-throws, finding strong support for the hot hand phenomenon, which suggests a streak of positive outcomes is likely to continue. This study sheds new light on an old question, supporting fans' view that the phenomenon exists and opens doors for further physiological and psychological investigations.
Research on Galapagos mockingbirds reveals co-evolutionary history with parasites, affecting bird survival and conservation. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering parasite histories in re-introducing birds to new islands.
In polygynous colonies, worker ants reinforce dominant queens by feeding and grooming them, while eliminating weaker sisters. Researchers found that inter-queen fighting involves ritualistic behavior, while workers are more aggressive, suggesting a complex reproductive strategy to maintain queen dominance.
New research shows that prolonged alcohol consumption can reduce the body's ability to produce anti-viral cytokines, leading to increased inflammation and impaired immune response. This study highlights the negative impact of alcohol on the immune system, particularly in relation to viral infections.
A new study reveals that UK healthcare programs can vary significantly depending on a person's postcode, with those in deprived areas receiving more funding. The 'Health Checks' program aims to reduce cardiovascular disease risk but faces challenges in implementation and evaluation.
The Texas Advanced Computing Center announces the deployment of Stampede, a world-class supercomputer with comprehensive computing and visualization capabilities, made possible by a $27.5 million NSF grant. The system will support over 1,000 projects in computational and data-driven science, enabling researchers to explore complex phen...