Articles tagged with Open Access
A research team from UCD Conway Institute has successfully sequenced the first entire genome of an Irish individual, revealing nearly 200,000 indels and over 3 million SNPs. The study identifies novel genetic markers specific to Irish ancestry and potential disease indicators.
Research found that young white homosexual men contribute significantly to local HIV spread, highlighting high-risk behavior as a major factor. The study's findings suggest targeted prevention programs focused on this group are needed to combat rising infections.
Researchers developed an algorithm using Microsoft Excel to identify genes useful in breast cancer classification. The 20-gene signature performed well on a validation dataset, outperforming other models in terms of accuracy.
Researchers found that female sparrows of low quality are more likely to choose male sparrows with smaller or average-sized badges, rather than prioritizing size. These less attractive males tend to invest more time in parental care, providing a silver lining for unattractive females.
A study in rural Bangladesh found that women with depression and anxiety during pregnancy gave birth to smaller babies, which are more likely to die in infancy. The research highlights the importance of mental health support services to reduce child mortality in developing countries.
A four-week episode of increased energy intake and decreased exercise caused significant weight gain, which was mostly lost within six months. However, the intervention group showed an increased fat mass compared to baseline after two and a half years, highlighting the long-term effects of short-term behavioral changes.
A study published in BMC Infectious Diseases found that alcohol-based hand disinfectants significantly reduced incidences of absenteeism due to common colds, fever, and cough. Hand disinfection also reduced on-the-job-productivity-losses and increased workplace health levels.
A new robotic wheelchair system, ROLY, is being developed to assist young children with disabilities in learning to drive. The system uses a joystick with force feedback assistance to help children develop driving skills at their own pace.
Researchers found that small male spiders can carry out the 'bridging' maneuver, a common mode of locomotion for vegetation-inhabiting spiders. This efficiency allows them to have more mating opportunities and compete better for receptive females, leading to selective pressure for smaller size.
Researchers found differing responses for neutral observers, those who wished the player to fail, and those who wanted to see them succeed. The study used event-related potentials to measure brain activity in response to different game scenarios.
Researchers found that migratory birds become less capable of resisting temptation, pecking at food-giving buttons without learning to stop. The study suggests that temporal fragmentation of sleep may play a role in the loss of behavioral inhibition during migration.
A new global atlas maps the distribution of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) to improve decision-making in control and elimination efforts. The atlas provides a reliable planning tool for national programs, increasing the impact of NTD control efforts.
Researchers have discovered two novel biomarkers for stroke and coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. Beta-2 microglobulin levels were significantly elevated in CHD patients, while insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 was strongly associated with stroke risk.
Researchers found that over 50% of women terminated their pregnancy on or after the tenth week, with many waiting too long for the procedure. The study highlights the need for clinics and referring doctors to reduce waiting times and improve services.
Research on giant pandas in China's Xiaoxiangling and Daxiangling mountains shows physical barriers can isolate genetic groups. Gene flow is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and is negatively affected by habitat fragmentation. Reconnecting habitats could restore population viability of the endangered species.
Researchers used MRI scans to investigate the neurological basis for performance on vocational guidance tests, finding that gray matter correlates differ between broad and narrow test types. This study provides a basis for investigating whether brain scans can provide unique information for vocational choice.
Researchers identified the genetic contributions of various breeds to Alaskan sled dogs' performance. The study found that Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky traits are associated with enhanced endurance, while Pointer and Saluki contribute to speed, and Anatolian Shepherd improves work ethic.
Research found that women are more prone to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men, with the highest risk peaking at age 51-55. The study suggests that increased lifespan may contribute to this difference, as individuals have more years to experience traumatic events and their consequences.
Researchers from Natural History Museum of Bern reveal courtship behaviors of male parasitoid wasps through antennal structures and coiling behavior. The study, published in BMC Evolutionary Biology, emphasizes the importance of natural history museum collections.
Researchers discovered an adaptation in Eastern mole blood that allows for more efficient carbon dioxide transport, facilitating burrowing. The 'super hemoglobin' enables moles to thrive underground, overcoming oxygen and carbon dioxide challenges.
Researchers found that women who used more air fresheners and products for mold and mildew control had a higher incidence of breast cancer. The study suggests that cleaning products may contribute to breast cancer risk, highlighting the need for further investigation into this potential link.
Researchers developed a definition for heat waves and found that long-duration heat waves have the greatest impact on mortality, with elderly women particularly vulnerable. The study highlights the need for tailored public health interventions to address heat-related mortality in different cities.
A groundbreaking study published in BMC Medical Genomics found significant changes in gene expression due to cigarette smoke exposure. The research, involving 1,240 individuals, identified over 323 unique genes whose expression levels were correlated with smoking behavior, revealing a sobering link between smoking and gene expression.
Researchers found that obese people preferred public health interventions perceived as non-judgmental and empowering. Participants were less likely to view stigmatizing or shaming approaches as effective. Non-commercial techniques, such as personalised care planning and long-term support systems, were also supported.
Researchers created FucM mouse mutants to investigate the role of the fucose mutarotase enzyme in sexual preference. The study found that female mice with the gene knockout displayed drastically reduced sexual receptivity and altered brain development, leading to masculine-like behavior.
Researchers found that virtual food can elicit comparable emotional responses as real food, including increased heart rate and skin conductance. The study suggests the potential use of virtual reality therapy for evaluating and treating eating disorders.
Researchers found that raising juvenile salmon at 16°C causes skeletal deformities. Fast growth temperatures disrupt bone and cartilage production, leading to increased deformity rates. The study suggests temperature-induced growth is severely affecting osteoblasts and chondrocyte cells.
Researchers found that consuming dark chocolate can significantly reduce systolic blood pressure by 5mmHg, comparable to 30 minutes of moderate exercise. This effect is most pronounced in individuals with high blood pressure, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular events by 20% over five years.
Researchers tracked bumblebee movements in Arctic conditions, finding that bees work a day shift and retire before midnight. The study suggests that bees may have an internal sense of time based on light intensity or temperature changes.
A team of researchers discovered the molecular mechanisms governing Gerbera's unique inflorescence structure, characterized by three different flower types. The study highlights an expanded gene family that likely plays a new role in the formation of this complex structure, differing from Arabidopsis species.
A study published in BMC Research Notes found that public health campaigns in Swiss media frequently featured negative threats despite a focus on positive, gain-framed messages. Regional newspapers played a crucial role in reporting the campaign, producing more detailed articles than other media outlets.
A study found that psychotropic medications were associated with 429 adverse drug reactions in Danish children under 17, with serious reactions including birth defects and neonatal withdrawal syndrome. The researchers called for tighter controls on the prescription of these medicines to pregnant women.
Researchers found that breeding males were more aggressive towards neighboring males than strangers, potentially to protect paternity. The study suggests the 'Nasty Neighbor' phenomenon helps limit territorial costs.
Resveratrol supplementation has been shown to decrease energy intake by 13% and increase resting metabolic rate by 29% in mouse lemurs. The study demonstrates the compound's potential effects on obesity therapies, providing novel information on its impact on energy metabolism.
Researchers found Campylobacter jejuni and Chlamydophila psittaci in 69.1% and 52.6% of pigeons in Madrid, respectively. These bacteria can cause diarrhea in humans through aerosols, direct contact, or contaminated food and water.
Researchers discovered damselfish selectively weed algal gardens to promote Polysiphonia growth, reducing competition from other algae. This 'gardening' behavior leads to a mutualistic association between the fish and Polysiphonia, showcasing cultivation mutualism in non-terrestrial habitats.
A new yeast strain, TMB3130, has been developed to ferment pentose sugars, significantly improving aerobic growth rate and biomass concentration. This breakthrough enables the efficient production of ethanol from non-food materials, such as agricultural residues.
The study found that nearly 97.5% of Scotland's adults are at risk for multiple health problems, with low education and socio-economic circumstances being key drivers. The prevalence of these risk factors is particularly high in the most deprived communities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Researchers found that an online self-management tool significantly improved asthma symptoms in those with partly controlled or uncontrolled asthma. The system, which allows patients to measure lung function and receive personalized advice, led to a 80% participation rate in the first three months.
A team of researchers from the University of Liverpool identified a male pheromone called darcin, which attracts females and is responsible for learned preference for specific males in mice. Darcin consistently doubled the time spent near a male's scent and was shown to stimulate female memory and attraction.
The 'manifesto' outlines eight key points, including NTDs are tool ready with cost-efficient interventions, yet tool deficient, requiring sustained international support and community involvement to achieve global NTD control. The authors emphasize the need for urgent, renewed, and innovative efforts to tackle NTDs.
Researchers found a significant increase in male fetal losses following the 9/11 attacks, with fewer boys born in December 2001. The study suggests that psychological shock from the event may have threatened the lives of male fetuses across the US.
Researchers found that children born to HIV-positive mothers with specific TLR9 gene variants are at a higher risk of acquiring the virus. The study confirms the relevance of innate immunity in perinatal HIV-1 infection and may lead to new therapeutic strategies.
A systematic review found that Tai Chi is associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improved mood and self-esteem. However, the quality of the studies was generally modest, highlighting the need for more high-quality randomized trials to confirm these findings.
The American Society for Microbiology has launched a new open access online journal, mBio, to publish cutting-edge research in microbiology and related fields. The journal features a wide range of topics, including influenza vaccine strategies, universal vaccines, and fungal diseases.
Researchers discover that most of the genomic output from dark matter transcripts is associated with existing genes. Only a small percentage of these transcripts remain unexplained and appear to be background noise.
Researchers found that strenuous exercise like running a marathon shifts the balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic genes, potentially halting cellular suicide. The study suggests that sirtuin proteins may play a key role in this process, offering new insights into the effects of exercise on cell death.
The article describes the publication of four new Neotropical plant species in the genus Solanum, governed by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN). Dr. Sandra Knapp, a leading plant taxonomist, separates the printing process from the publisher, enabling online-only publication while complying with ICBN rules.
A recent survey of e-cigarette users found that the devices are helpful in quitting smoking for most people. However, respondents expressed concerns about potential health risks and the lack of regulation surrounding e-cigarettes. The study highlights the need for further research on the efficacy and safety of e-cigarettes.
Researchers investigated the role of low-frequency auditory spatial cues in barn owls' ability to localize sounds. They found that these cues dominate azimuth representation, while high-frequency cues dominate elevation representation. These findings have implications for understanding sound localization in other species, including hum...
A recent investigation found that 125 out of 940 completed clinical trials for acute ischemic stroke were not published in full, with some trials involving fewer than 10 patients. The study highlights the importance of publishing trial results to ensure patient safety and inform clinical practice.
Researchers found that rainfall affects sex ratios in African buffalo, with more males born during rainy seasons. The study suggests the presence of sex ratio genes influencing semen quality and female-biased sex ratios during dry periods.
Researchers developed a novel hybrid of two orchid species, creating a unique scent that attracted a distinct wild bee. The offspring's floral odor was highly attractive to solitary bees unfamiliar with the parent plants' scent.
Researchers found that martial arts fall exercises can reduce hip impact forces, making them safe for older adults with osteoporosis if precautions are taken. The study suggests that martial arts training could be a viable option for preventing hip fractures in this population.
Researchers found strong correlation between colder weather, low rainfall, and higher prostate cancer rates in the US. The study suggests that persistent organic pollutants may be to blame, with cold weather slowing their degradation.
Researchers found that a Mediterranean diet high in phenols represses pro-inflammatory genes, which could contribute to reduced cardiovascular disease risk. The study also suggests that this diet can alter the activity of immune system cells, leading to a less deleterious inflammatory profile.
Research finds disabled children in the UK face higher levels of poverty and personal and social disadvantage compared to their non-disabled peers. The study, published in BMC Pediatrics, found that households with disabled children are more likely to rely on social security benefits and experience additional financial costs.
Researchers found that earplugs and eye masks improved sleep quality, increased REM sleep, and reduced arousals in ICU patients. The study suggests promoting routine use of these aids to potentially enhance clinical outcomes.
A study published in Tobacco Induced Diseases found that work pressures can actually lower a smoker's nicotine dependence. Employees who experience stress at work are likely to smoke less than they otherwise would, suggesting that heavy workload may drive employees to smoke only in their spare time.
A study published in BMC Biology found that male fallow deer vocalizations contain accurate information about their competitive abilities, which change dynamically with age. The researchers also discovered that the deer's vocal identity changes substantially from one year to the next.