News on open-access publishing and its reach. Covers journal launches, open-access agreements, and research made freely available.
Researchers have identified and characterized a new behavior in geckos and cockroaches, allowing them to run off ledges and execute a pendulum-like motion to swing underneath. This discovery has inspired the development of robots that can also perform this acrobatic move, with potential applications in search-and-rescue missions.
Research finds that maternal smoking disrupts retinoid pathways in the developing fetal lung, leading to increased risk of asthma and lung disease. The study shows that maternal smoking affects lung development and retinoic acid signaling in offspring, highlighting a potential mechanism for long-term health consequences.
Research finds that belief in God is associated with better theory of mind, a cognitive ability to understand others' thoughts and feelings. The study also explores the gender gap in religious belief, suggesting that women tend to be more religious than men due to differences in mentalizing abilities.
A study suggests that subaerial chemical weathering plays a more significant role in forming rock platforms along coasts and rivers than previously thought. The researchers found that the platforms correspond to the saprock-bedrock boundary, remain within the zone of modern water table, and are weakened by wet/dry cycling.
Researchers found that people can intuitively sense changes in body odor composition across the lifespan, with odors from older individuals being rated as less intense and less unpleasant. This ability is driven by specific chemical components, contrary to popular belief about old age odor.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that office bacteria are most abundant on chairs, phones, and human skin, with over 500 bacterial genera identified. The study also revealed that men's offices have significantly more bacteria than women's, but the diversity of communities didn't show significant differences.
A new study demonstrates that a back brace with a tiny heat sensor can measure how long it is worn, leading to improved compliance rates among children. The Thermobrace system shows promising results in tracking brace wear and fostering better patient-physician relationships.
Research on LRRK2 protein mutation G2019S reveals potential drawbacks of blocking its kinase activity. In a study published in Molecular Neurodegeneration, deleting the kinase domain of LRRK2 led to changes in motor coordination and anxiety-like behaviors in mice without affecting dopamine signaling.
A study published in EPJ Data Science found that words with positive emotional content are more frequently used in online communication, enhancing social relations and facilitating interaction. This positive bias is linked to the use of less informative words for emotional expression.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that warmer, drier conditions associated with El Niño led to higher mortality rates for leatherback turtle eggs and hatchlings. Climate models project that these conditions will become more common, threatening the already endangered species.
Researchers suggest that older-looking candidates may have an advantage in wartime elections due to implicit biases towards leaders who appear older and more dominant. The study found that altered images of Barack Obama and John McCain showed a preference for the older-looking version of each candidate.
Researchers used image analysis software to determine that octopuses reproduce specific features of objects in their surroundings for effective camouflage. This strategy may make the approach more flexible and increase success in different environments.
A new bright yellow frog species, Diasporus citrinobapheus, has been found in western Panama with a unique characteristic of dyeing its captor's fingers yellow when handled. The researchers studied the frog's body structure, coloration, and vocalizations to confirm its validity as a new species.
A new study published in Critical Care found that women are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress after leaving an ICU, but a follow-up scheme has been shown to significantly reduce their symptoms. The study suggests that early intervention is crucial for women at high risk of PTSD.
Researchers found that carnivorous plants in symbiosis with ants produced larger leaves, increased nitrogen availability, and improved growth. The ants acted as the plant's 'gizzard', recycling nutrients from insects caught in the plant's traps.
Researchers at Auburn University have discovered a new species of trapdoor spider, named Myrmekiaphila tigris, in the heart of the city. The spider's unique features were confirmed through DNA analysis and physical examination, highlighting the biodiversity still unknown to scientists.
Research shows that earplugs can lower the incidence of confusion and delay cognitive disturbances in ICU patients. The use of earplugs resulted in better sleep quality, with a corresponding decrease in delirium risk by over 50%.
A new study by the University of California Santa Barbara found that female brown-headed cowbirds prefer less intense wing-spreading displays as courtship behavior. This suggests that current physical condition may not be the most reliable measure of male quality for females to use when choosing a mate.
The study found that Chile's sandy beaches experienced lasting changes due to the earthquake and tsunami, with uplifted beaches showing rapid recolonization of intertidal species. The data provides insight into human-altered coastal landscapes, which could inform future projects.
A survey of 4,000 US Ph.D. students found that interest in faculty positions wanes with more years in school, while non-academic careers become increasingly attractive. The study suggests a need for more information and resources about pursuing non-academic careers.
A study found that genetic variations in an odor receptor gene affect responses to cooked meat, shedding light on controversies surrounding androstenone content. Researchers investigated participants' responses to different pork samples, revealing a significant impact of the gene variant on taste perception.
Researchers have identified an ancestral Alu element in orangutan genomes, which has uniquely multiplied within the species. This discovery provides insights into primate evolution and diversity, with implications for understanding speciation processes.
A new bioluminescent real-time reporter (BART) technique combined with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) detects genetically modified crops at 0.1% GM contamination levels, surpassing EU limits. This approach simplifies DNA extraction and detection, providing a field-ready solution for monitoring GMOs.
Research reveals histamine plays a central role in controlling purple sea urchin metamorphosis, regulating cell death and settlement. Histamine's presence inhibits programmed cell death, allowing larvae to mature into adult forms.
Researchers have identified two novel genetic loci, Hfhl1 and Hfhl3, that affect high-frequency hearing in ageing-related hearing loss. These loci are limited to specific portions of the hearing frequency map and may explain only a portion of the variation in high-frequency hearing loss observed in mice.
Male praying mantises alter approach rate and courtship behavior based on recent mate encounters. High-risk behavior results in higher rates of sexual cannibalism when paired with hungry females.
Investing in C-sections could be a cost-effective solution to reduce maternal deaths in developing countries. The study found that C-sections would be highly cost-effective for 48 of the 49 included countries, making them economically favorable for improving maternal outcomes.
Researchers found that dogs can be manipulated to make counterproductive choices based on human behavior, highlighting their social bias and sensitivity to cues. The study suggests that humans can influence canine decisions by using specific behaviors.
A study found that unschooled adults from Papua New Guinea mapped numbers onto space but only used endpoints when placing numbers on a line. In contrast, educated individuals used the entire number line, demonstrating that this understanding can be learned through education and cultural practices.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that over 6 million birds die every year at communication towers during migration, primarily due to getting caught in cables. Replacing steady-burning lights with blinking ones on approximately 4,500 towers could potentially reduce mortality by 45%.
A study on vervet monkeys found that social learning is strongly influenced by matrilineal family members, with mothers being particularly strong role models. The research suggests that the mother-offspring relationship plays a crucial role in shaping the behavior of young monkeys.
New research reveals that primary cilia on cells in the retina and liver can form long-lasting contacts with each other, indicating a new role for cilia in cell communication. This discovery suggests that cilia may play a key role in human genetic diseases related to ciliary dysfunction.
Researchers found that larger, younger, and more fertile females increase the chances of successful fertilization for males. Monogamous behavior, where males mate with one female, is favored in early morning mating, while bigynous males opt for second mates if they cannot secure a first mate.
A recent study found that 91% of documented malaria resurgence events were attributed to weakened control programs, highlighting the need for sustained funding. The researchers emphasize the importance of continued investment in successful malaria control and elimination programs to maintain progress and save thousands of lives.
Researchers used mitochondrial and Y chromosome DNA analysis to determine family relationships and burial traditions of ancient Peru. The study found a 500-year continuity without major impact from European colonization, supporting the idea of ayllu-based communities based on kinship relationships.
A new optical imaging system uses speckle imaging to measure differences in light bouncing off red blood cells, identifying cells infected with malaria parasites. The technique delivers results in under 30 minutes with high accuracy and low cost, promising to revolutionize malaria diagnosis.
An online survey of over 3,500 young adults aged 18-25 found that half had smoked cannabis in the past 30 days, with co-use of tobacco and marijuana highest among Caucasians and daily smokers. The study suggests that 'stop smoking' campaigns should factor in cannabis use to their treatment plans.
A statewide assessment of stonefly diversity in Ohio has revealed at least 102 species, with many adapted to survive warm summer water temperatures. The study's findings will inform conservation efforts, prioritizing rare and threatened species like the Atlantic Needlefly.
A recent study found that men who hold guns or large kitchen knives are perceived as taller and more muscular than those holding non-threatening objects. The researchers suggest that this pattern may reflect human psychology's tendency to associate size with danger and formidability.
Researchers found that ant queens from species Cardiocondyla obscurior laid more eggs as they aged, unlike humans and other organisms. This high reproductive rate did not shorten the queens' life spans, a surprising finding.
Researchers found that Cantonese speakers demonstrated enhanced musical pitch perception compared to Canadian French and English speakers. Notably, individuals with congenital amusia who also spoke Cantonese still showed improved pitch perception.
A study published in PLoS ONE found that people's fear levels toward threats are associated with the typical size of their social circles. The researchers determined that this effect was not due to a lack of differentiation between small and large groups, suggesting that social circle size plays a significant role in shaping our percep...
Elite soccer players exhibit superior executive functions compared to non-players, correlating with performance in goals and assists. Cognitive flexibility and creativity are also essential components of top-tier athleticism.
Research published in PLoS ONE reveals that photographs of children with Down syndrome elicit less positive attitudes than those of typically developing children. The study found a strong negative bias among caregivers working with intellectually disabled persons.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that sleep disturbances significantly impair the overnight improvement and plateau performance of motor tasks in patients with sleep apnea. The authors concluded that optimal memory consolidation requires continuous sleep, independent of the total amount of sleep.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that learning a new language can improve with time off. Adult subjects who took a break after high proficiency showed no decline in abilities and even processed the language more naturally. This unexpected result may be attributed to the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt.
A class of compounds found in hops has been shown to reduce weight gain and improve gut permeability in obese and diabetic mice. The treatment also normalized insulin sensitivity markers, suggesting a novel mechanism for improving metabolic health.
A new study published in Malaria Journal found that malaria prevention measures saved 850,000 child deaths in Africa between 2001 and 2010. The Lives Saved Tool model used by researchers estimated the impact of interventions such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets and pregnant women's malaria prevention.
The Black Queen Hypothesis suggests that microbes can lose necessary functions and rely on others to do the work, enabling cooperation in communities. Prochlorococcus plankton species, studied by the authors, is an example of this adaptation.
A new study published in BioMed Central shows that cognitive training can improve reasoning, memory, language, and hand-eye coordination in healthy older adults. The results suggest that this type of training may help prevent mental decline and promote independent living among elderly individuals.
Researchers tracked the transfer of parasitic lice on brown mouse lemurs to infer their social contacts and habits. The study found that lice were transferred between 43% of males during the breeding season, indicating conflicts over females.
A new, pitch-black wasp species has been discovered in Sulawesi, Indonesia, belonging to the digger wasp family. The species differs from all known related digger wasps due to its unusual body size and long, sickle-shaped jaws.
Research published in BioMed Central's Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery found that opera and classical music increased survival time before organs failed. Music may act via the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing inflammation and increasing regulatory cells.
The US physician workforce has a significant international training component, with 128,729 physicians (15%) trained in lower-income countries. This highlights a potential problem for global healthcare, as these countries lose their investment in medical education.
Researchers found that frequent ballet and Indian dance spectators exhibited enhanced neural motor responses when watching their respective styles. This suggests that spectators can simulate dance movements without requiring prior motor expertise, highlighting the brain's ability to mirror actions.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that Toxoplasma gondii infection suppressed the immune system, leading to a significant decrease in b-amyloid plaque deposition and improved performance in behavior tests like the water maze. This suggests that the parasite may have favorable effects on Alzheimer's disease progression.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals without a sense of smell have increased social insecurity and risk for depression. They also experienced increased risk for household accidents despite not having significant deviations from daily functions like food preferences.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that both human infants and baboons prefer using their right hand for gestural communication, supporting the idea of a common gestural system. This suggests that language development may be based on this shared communication system, which is localized in the left hemisphere of the brain.
The SpikerBox is a low-cost, open-source bioamplifier that allows users to amplify and listen to neurons' electrical activity. This tool has been developed by Backyard Brains to make neuroscience education more accessible.
Research published in BioMed Central's Flavour journal found that strong smells associated with food lead to smaller bites, suggesting aroma could regulate portion size. The study suggests a possible link between bite size and flavor sensation, potentially aiding weight loss by reducing intake per bite.