News on open-access publishing and its reach. Covers journal launches, open-access agreements, and research made freely available.
A multinational team of researchers found that house mice (M. m. domesticus) colonized Iceland and Greenland during the Viking age, mirroring human settlement patterns. The analysis of mouse mitochondrial DNA showed no evidence of mice in Newfoundland, suggesting a fleeting presence.
Researchers found that honokiol down-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes in microglia via Klf4, a protein regulating DNA. Honokiol also reduces inflammation and neuronal death by targeting Klf4 and pNF-kb.
The new journal aims to facilitate better interaction between scientists, policy-makers, and managers, with a focus on synergistic interactions and open data publishing. It will consider conventional papers as well as 'Applied Conservation Papers' that bring together project reports and other knowledge.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that crocodilians possess a remarkable capacity for generating force through their bites. The researchers measured bite forces and tooth pressures for 23 species of crocodilians, with saltwater crocodiles displaying the strongest bite force at over 3,700 pounds.
Researchers have discovered that Japanese honeybees use a novel defense mechanism when threatened by Asian giant hornets, creating a 'hot defensive bee ball' to cook the hornet. This behavior differs from European honeybees and is associated with increased neural activity in higher brain centers.
In Colombia, an integrated pest management (IPM) program for coffee berry borer successfully reduced insect damage and improved quality. The program involved harvesting fewer berries per tree, increasing parchment coffee bean quality, and increasing the proportion of high-quality specialty coffee sold.
A new study has failed to replicate a controversial experiment suggesting the existence of precognition, thereby debunking claims of psychic ability. The researchers, led by Stuart Ritchie, found no statistically significant effects in their attempts to replicate the results.
A new method of social network analysis has been developed to identify opinion leaders and media experts in the field of health. The system, which uses text mining technology, was tested on the topic of obesity and found experts with an accuracy of about 90%. It also identified non-scientific experts who support a particular cause.
A study of over 6,600 US mothers found that giving birth to unusually small infants doubles the risk of ischemic heart disease. The correlation was independent of other factors, suggesting that such pregnancies may induce cardiovascular changes and be an early risk factor for heart disease.
The journal will publish all future articles under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Creative Commons License, allowing non-commercial use and citation. This conversion enables wider dissemination of biomedical research and accelerates discovery.
Researchers found that chimpanzees intervene in conflicts to preserve group peace, exhibiting prosocial behavior based on community concern. This policing activity was rare and limited to high-ranking individuals, who were more willing to intervene if several quarrelers were involved.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals who consumed more fruit and vegetables experienced increased skin redness and yellowness, which were associated with improved health and attractiveness. The researchers monitored participants over six weeks and discovered a correlation between diet and skin color changes.
A new computational model accurately reproduces the emergence of fashion trends by considering people's copying of cultural traits and preferences. The results show that only a few cultural traits become popular and trends with rapid popularity are abandoned quickly.
Desert ants were trained with magnetic and vibrational landmarks relative to their nest, showing that the behavior was learned. The ants had no innate preference for these cues, suggesting they are adaptable navigators.
Researchers used bovine collagen to enhance gum healing around exposed roots, resulting in thicker margins and complete coverage of roots in over half the cases. The study found that the collagen acted as a scaffold for the body's own cells to repair damage, making it a possible solution for patients with limited donor tissue.
New research suggests Triceratops and Torosaurus should be classified into two distinct groups, based on morphological and computational analysis of 35 specimens. The study found evidence that some Torosaurus skulls were immature, contradicting previous hypotheses.
Research proposes that parasite evolution plays a key role in host sex-biased parasitism and disease expression. Characteristics like morphology and behavior differ between sexes, posing unique challenges for parasites, which may adapt more to one sex than the other.
A recent trial published in BMC Medicine suggests that rest and exercise are equally effective in alleviating lower back pain due to Modic changes. The study found no significant difference in pain reduction between the two groups after a 10-week trial and one-year follow-up.
The study reveals four distinct age distributions in basin sediments, tracing stages of basin formation and reflecting long-term secular variation. These findings shed light on the dynamic interplay of orogenic, erosional, and sediment-transport systems that shaped the region's geology.
Researchers have identified over 50 genes linked to age-related macular degeneration, including those involved in inflammation and wound healing. These findings may lead to new diagnostic methods and treatment targets for the disease.
Researchers discovered that A. ervi lays two eggs in infected hosts and one egg in uninfected hosts, overcoming bacterial symbiont defenses through a compound secreted by developing wasps.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that climate change is affecting bird migration timing in North America, with species shifting their arrival times by as much as 3-6 days per degree Celsius. The study used citizen science data from amateur birdwatchers to analyze the effects of spring temperature warming on migration patterns.
Researchers have discovered an extremely old anthropomorphic figure engraved in rock in Brazil, dating back to between 9,000 and 12,000 years ago. The find supports the hypothesis that humans settled the New World relatively early and suggests a diverse range of symbolic thinking among early American settlers.
Researchers discovered that low-dose carbon monoxide therapy restored placental function, preventing fetal death and growth restriction. The treatment also showed anti-inflammatory properties and increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, promoting blood vessel repair.
A new species of colorful lizard was discovered in the Peruvian Andes at high altitudes. The species, Potamites montanicola, is believed to be nocturnal and exhibits unusual behavior such as swimming in streams.
Researchers used Sendai virus to transport Quantum Dots into brain cancer cells, specifically binding them to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a marker often over-expressed in tumors. This technology could aid diagnosis and potentially lead to individualized treatment plans.
A new study has mapped the genome of a Quarter Horse mare using next-generation sequencing, revealing genetic variants associated with sensory perception, signal transduction, and immunity. The research found that Quarter Horses have more genetic variation than Thoroughbreds, particularly in genes involved in these traits.
The International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials will be published as a fully sponsored open access journal by Springer, providing state-of-the-art information on concrete-related subjects. The journal will cover various aspects of concrete research, including material science, construction, and analysis.
A new species of tiny, black and orange grasshopper-like insect has been found in the Toledo District of southern Belize. The insect, Ripipteryx mopana, is only 5mm long and uses its large jumping hind legs to escape predators.
Researchers have developed a new technology using bacteria naturally found in tsetse flies to release nanobodies against trypanosomes, the parasites that cause sleeping sickness. The nanobodies can bind to the parasite's surface and potentially block or destroy its development.
Researchers developed a novel method to measure both blood pressure and arterial stiffness simultaneously using oscillometric measurements. The new index, API, accurately quantifies arterial stiffness and correlates with established methods, providing an early indicator of cardiovascular disease.
A study published in PLoS ONE found that men are less likely to match their language to a female conversation partner if she is fertile. The researchers suggest that this could be a way for men to display their mating fitness.
The new journal will publish original research articles, review articles, and other content on a range of scientific topics. All articles will be fully open access and published online within 4 weeks.
Researchers found that the egg sac silk of the cocoon stalk was more stretchable than any previously tested egg sac silk. The study, published in PLOS ONE, may provide insight into super-stretchable biological materials and bio-inspired nanomaterials.
Researchers used Google Earth satellite images to identify and count over 21,000 fish cages off the Mediterranean coast, primarily in Greece and Turkey. The study estimates total ocean fish farmed annually, with results aligning with UN reports, highlighting Google Earth's monitoring potential.
A study found that champagne gas levels are higher above a flute than a coupe glass, contributing to the distinct experiences. Temperature had no effect on CO2 levels above the flute, with surprising results visualized via infrared thermography.
A new species of plant lice, specifically Rhopalosiphum, was found in Costa Rica's high-altitude region Cerro de la Muerte. The study reveals that this newly described species feeds solely on a type of bamboo, Chusquea tomentosa.
A new questionnaire, AQ, can discriminate between normal memory loss and aMCI, a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. The study found that four questions were strong indicators of aMCI, including repetition of questions and difficulties with finances and direction.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that people tend to mimic each other's eating behavior when dining with others, taking bites at the same time. The researchers observed 70 pairs of young women and recorded their bites, totaling almost 4,000, revealing a dynamic interplay between eating companions.
Researchers have successfully decoded electrical activity in a human auditory system region, reconstructing words from normal conversation. This breakthrough could help patients with speech damage due to strokes or diseases like Lou Gehrig's, enabling them to communicate again.
Cell Press introduces Cell Reports, a new open-access journal publishing cutting-edge science on topics from evolutionary biology to immunology. The journal offers concise, provocative stories and rapid publication to facilitate access to research.
Research followed 2000 British civil servants and found a robust association between overtime work and depression, with odds more than double for those working 11+ hours. The correlation was not affected by adjusting for confounders.
A mathematical model proposes that NBA players should take higher-quality shots earlier in possessions to maximize scoring opportunities. However, current player behavior is often overly cautious, leading to missed chances.
A recent study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that the Mexican cavefish has multiple evolutionary origins from ancestral stocks, despite interbreeding with surface-dwelling populations. The eyeless 'cave phenotype' has been maintained through strong selection pressure against eyes in the cave environment.
Left-handed Z-DNA, normally only found at sites of DNA replication, can also form on nucleosomes, according to a new study. This discovery sheds light on the roles of chromosome remodeling and Z-DNA in regulating gene expression.
Research found that children exposed to PCE-contaminated drinking water before birth and during early childhood were at a higher risk of developing bipolar disorder and PTSD. The study suggests that prolonged exposure to the neurotoxin may contribute to long-term mental health issues.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that dung beetles perform a specific dance before moving away from the pile, upon encountering obstacles, or when losing control of their dung ball. This behavior is crucial for efficient navigation and allows them to quickly move away from intense competition.
Professor Masao Matsuoka has been awarded the 2011 Retrovirology Prize for his exceptional work on the HBZ genes in HTLV-1 associated diseases. His research showed that HBZ promotes T cell proliferation and induces lymphomas and inflammations.
The American Cancer Society, Union for International Cancer Control, and Japanese Cancer Association are supporting the launch of a new open access journal. The journal aims to provide rapid publication of cutting-edge cancer research from global biomedical and clinical researchers.
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.
A prototype water purification reactor containing a thin film of titanium dioxide demonstrates enhanced natural disinfection properties. The device can kill pathogens up to 10 times more effectively than conventional solar disinfection methods, making it suitable for countries with sunny climates and scarce resources.
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.
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.