Articles tagged with Open Access
Research published in BMC Ecology reveals at least 32 reef fish species exhibiting red fluorescence, a previously unknown signaling mechanism. The authors speculate that this phenomenon may serve as a private communication system among fish, allowing for attraction and presence detection.
A new marker for raised intracranial pressure has been identified using magnetic resonance imaging measurements of the optic nerve sheath. A retro-bulbar optic nerve sheath diameter above 5.82mm predicts raised ICP in 90% of cases, providing a non-invasive solution for early detection and treatment.
Researchers have discovered that the blood-boosting effects of erythropoietin are not related to its impact on cognition. Instead, EPO directly influences neurons in the brain, improving memory and cognitive function. The findings may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study published in BioMed Central's Nutrition Journal found that popular slimming programmes do result in reduced energy intake while providing enough nutrients. The four commercial diets tested were Slim Fast, Atkins, Weight Watchers, and Rosemary Conley's Eat Yourself Slim Diet & Fitness Plan.
New research reveals that wolves prioritize seafood, specifically salmon, over deer when available. The study shows that wolves reduce deer hunting activity and focus on fishing during autumn when salmon is abundant.
A new approach, MisPred, uses five principles to identify suspect proteins with abnormal or incomplete annotations in public databases. The majority of errors are attributed to the absence of expected signal peptides and domain integrity violations.
A new resource called Proteopedia links written information with interactive 3D images of biomacromolecules, enabling easy creation and editing by users. By integrating 3D structures with descriptive text, Proteopedia aims to make complex structural information comprehensible to all.
A study by Sheffield University and the University of St. Andrews found that relearning can trigger forgotten information when forgetting is induced by directional decay in synaptic connectivity. This suggests that evolution may have selected physiological mechanisms involving forgetting using a form of synaptic drift.
A new study found that young women with positive emotional states and high levels of happiness are less likely to develop breast cancer. However, women who have experienced multiple severe or mild negative life events are at higher risk for the disease. The researchers suggest that a general feeling of happiness can play a protective r...
Research finds that children exposed to pets, suffering from early respiratory or ear infections, and growing up in large families are more likely to become adult snorers. Additionally, these factors may enhance inflammatory processes and alter upper airway anatomy, increasing the risk of adult snoring.
A new study published in BMC Infectious Diseases reveals a significant increase in human rabies cases in China since the new millennium. The researchers found that the number of cases jumped dramatically from 159 to 3,279 between 1990 and 2006, with most patients contracting the disease after being bitten by dogs.
Cells from menstrual blood, known as endometrial regenerative cells (ERCs), have been shown to restore blood flow in a mouse model with advanced peripheral artery disease. This breakthrough discovery holds promise for the treatment of critical limb ischemia, which causes approximately 150,000 amputations per year.
A study of 228 women identified two genetic variants associated with body shape, one affecting European American women and the other African American women. These variants were also linked to weight, lean mass, height, total fat mass, and HDL-cholesterol levels.
A new study has shed light on the inner mechanics of the thymus, revealing its role in negative selection, which prevents immune cells from attacking the body's own tissues. Researchers genetically engineered mice to contain an antigen only in the cortex, finding that T cells programmed to attack it were absent from mature mice.
A recent study by Cornell University found that open-access articles receive more downloads than subscription-based articles, but do not receive more citations. Higher quality articles are simply made freely available, reversing the cause-and-effect relationship previously assumed.
A cholesterol-lowering drug, lovastatin, has been shown to improve bone healing in an animal model of NF1. The study found marked improvements in bone healing compared to control animals.
A randomized, double-blinded trial of 70 patients found that taking an enriched extract of Indian Frankincense significantly improved osteoarthritis symptoms within seven days. The study suggests that AKBA, the most active ingredient in the plant, has anti-inflammatory properties and may be effective for treating knee osteoarthritis.
A new analysis of a 2005 survey found that male students were more likely to carry weapons than females, with certain racial groups also being overrepresented. The study suggests that socioeconomic factors, such as living in violent neighborhoods, may contribute to the carrying of weapons among disadvantaged students.
A new study reveals that two-thirds of South African schoolboys report being forced to have sex before the age of 18, mostly by female perpetrators. The research highlights systematic differences in frequency and type of perpetrator across provinces and rural-urban areas.
A new study shows that giving children four xylitol gummy bears three times a day reduces harmful bacteria in their plaque after six weeks. The findings suggest that a clinical trial to develop a gummy-based caries prevention program is feasible.
A recent study published in BMC Cancer reveals that a family history of breast cancer does not significantly increase the likelihood of developing the disease at an early age. The research suggests that applying strict screening criteria can help reduce unnecessary testing and alleviate psychological harm.
Researchers report rapid improvement in verbal fluency and aphasia following perispinal etanercept administration in a novel immune-based treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that elevated TNF-alpha levels may interfere with neural communication, which can be reversed using this approach.
A study published in Critical Care journal found that patients who survive cardiac arrest without severe neurological disabilities can expect fair long-term survival and good quality of life. The allocation of resources to treat heart attack patients is equally justified as other intensive care patient groups, according to the research.
A novel computational model illustrates how HIV evades the human immune system through 'escape mutants', which can lead to AIDS progression. The study suggests a new vaccine design approach by reducing viral replicative capacity.
Researchers found a negative correlation between dengue hemorrhagic fever and moderate to high mosquito density, with a 40% higher incidence in areas of moderate mosquito density. The study suggests that reducing Aedes mosquitoes may not effectively control the spread of the disease.
Women exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are more likely to give birth to female children. A study found that for every one microgram of PCBs per liter of serum, the chance of having a male child fell by 7%. The researchers suggest that high maternal PCB concentrations may favor fertilization by female sperm or ...
Common genetic variations in nicotine receptors significantly increase the chance of life-long nicotine addiction among European American youth smokers. A study of 2,827 long-term smokers found that those who began smoking before age 17 with a high-risk haplotype had a 1.6- to 5-fold increased risk of heavy nicotine dependence.
The study reveals stark differences in antibiotic resistance between European countries, with major antibiotics being less effective in certain nations. Resistance to oxacillin and cephalosporins is of particular concern, suggesting the presence of MRSA in some countries.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Brandeis University used a full-genome RNAi screen to identify genes essential for brain development in neurons. The study revealed unexpected roles for genes involved in signaling, protein trafficking, and cytoskeletal proteins.
Researchers analyzed fecal samples from 25 chimpanzee communities and found a range of SFV infection rates from 44% to 100%. The study highlights the importance of understanding cross-species infections in primates and their potential impact on human health.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that a significant proportion of Chinese consumers admit to purchasing tiger products, despite widespread support for the country's ban on selling these products. The researchers also discovered that 71% of respondents preferred products made from wild tigers over those from farmed tigers.
Researchers found that administering a simple polymer, Polyethylene glycol, within four hours of a head injury can limit damage and improve behavioral tests in rats. The treatment is potentially feasible for victims of traumatic brain injury, especially when delivered at the scene of an accident.
A study published in Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica found that pigs fed three times a day gained more weight than those fed nine times, despite the natural feeding behavior of self-feeding and random spacing. The researchers suggest increased competition within groups may be a reason for the better outcome.
Research published in BMC Public Health found that schools with positive social environments and high-quality teacher relationships can significantly reduce student smoking. The study of over 5,000 Scottish students revealed that pupils from these schools were less likely to smoke.
A recent study published in Globalization and Health reveals that fluoride toothpaste is prohibitively expensive for the world's poorest populations. The researchers found that as per capita income decreased, the proportion of income needed to purchase a year's supply of toothpaste increased, with the poorest being hardest hit.
A study published in BioMed Central's Journal of Inflammation found that pomegranate extract reduced the production of chemicals causing inflammation in rabbits. The findings suggest that pomegranate extract may provide relief from chronic inflammatory conditions in humans.
Research in BMC Pharmacology disproves the false claims surrounding benfotiamine, a synthetic derivative of thiamine, and its supposed benefits. The study reveals that benfotiamine is not more physiologically active or easily absorbed by the body than other precursors.
Research published in BMC Public Health found that living near green spaces does not encourage people to engage in physical activities like walking or cycling. In fact, those with more green space nearby tend to walk and cycle less frequently due to convenience factors.
A study of Kenyan nomads found that an ADHD-associated gene variant is linked to better health in the nomadic population, but malnourishment in settled individuals. This suggests that behavior differences associated with ADHD may be more or less effective depending on the environment.
A new study published in PLoS Biology uses magnetoencephalography to record brain activity as humans detect target tones in a complex auditory scene. The researchers find that the awareness of these sounds correlates with activity in high-level auditory regions, not the initial cortical region where sound is processed. This novel study...
Researchers have discovered a family of transporters called NIPs that can move arsenite across plant cell membranes, reducing toxic arsenic content. The findings suggest that some NIPs can even clear cells of toxic arsenite, potentially enabling plant detoxification.
Research shows that ewes fed a diet enriched with polyunsaturated fats have a significantly higher chance of giving birth to male offspring. This finding suggests that dietary composition around conception can influence sex ratio in farm species.
A new study has provided genetic clues for dealing with soil pollution by using a systems toxicology approach to understand the impact of four soil contaminants on earthworm gene expression patterns. The research reveals subtle changes induced by toxic chemicals in earthworms, offering insights into monitoring and remediation of toxins.
A study published in Environmental Health found that drinking tap water disinfected by chlorine while pregnant may increase the risk of certain birth defects. Exposure to high levels of chlorination by-products was associated with a significant increased risk of ventricular septal defects, cleft palate, and anencephalus.
Researchers can now contribute to large-scale community protein annotation, enhancing comprehensive coverage of biomedical knowledge. WikiProteins combines existing authoritative databases with mined scientific papers, creating over one million concept clouds called 'Knowlets', which can be annotated by experts.
Researchers developed a novel, computer-based approach to study lipoprotein profiles and identify patients at risk for cardiovascular disease. By simulating every single lipoprotein in blood plasma, the model revealed possibly clinically-relevant abnormalities that would remain undetected by evaluating only LDL and HDL.
Researchers report transformation of y-larvae into a previously unseen parasitic form, challenging current understanding of crustacean taxonomy. The discovery highlights the potential ecological importance of adults in this enigmatic group.
US researchers have created living computers by genetically altering bacteria, solving the burnt pancake problem in a matter of flips. The breakthrough showcases computing in living cells, offering potential advantages over conventional computers, including parallel processing and self-repair mechanisms.
A new study found that only 113 articles about neglected tropical diseases were published in leading international media from 2003 to 2007. This lack of coverage is particularly concerning given the significant burden of NTDs on public health, including widespread illness, poverty, and suffering.
Researchers at the University of Akron discovered that temperature and humidity significantly impact a gecko's ability to stick to glass. The study revealed that under humid conditions, geckos can cling with twice the force as in dry conditions. Conversely, high temperatures reduce their adhesion, making humidity level less crucial.
The EPA dismissed Deborah Rice, a highly respected toxicologist, after the chemical industry complained about her views on deca's health hazards. Herbert Needleman argues that this trend is not new and unique, citing his own dismissal for speaking out on lead poisoning.
A study found that young Australian women would accept age-based chlamydia screening, but prefer it be offered universally, rather than based on their sexual history. The researchers suggest that detailed sexual history should not be required before testing women for chlamydia to improve screening rates and reduce stigma.
Malagasy mouse lemurs use advertising calls to attract mates of their own species, ignoring those of similar but different species. This unique communication method helps prevent hybridization and ensures genetic purity.
Researchers identified BILBO1 as crucial for Flagellar Pocket formation in trypanosomes. The protein is essential for the structure's functions, including endo- and exocytosis. Inhibition of BILBO1 function is fatal to the parasite.
Conservation efforts in Madagascar could avert catastrophic biodiversity loss with pro-active programs. The country harbors
A recent study found that coronary heart disease mortality rates among younger women under 50 are increasing despite overall declines since the 20th century. Factors such as high levels of smoking, obesity, and a lack of exercise may be contributing to this trend.
A new study found that young and homeless drug-users are more likely to exit treatment early, with nearly a quarter exiting within 30 days. Problem users who are younger, homeless, or not currently injecting face significant barriers in traditional drug services.
Research highlights a key role for general practitioners in providing long-term, individually formulated support schemes for families of suicide victims. The study found that post-suicidal reactions and impacts on daily living are still profoundly affecting families after the event.
A year-long pilot project trained barbers as peer educators to reach low-literacy rural communities in India, distributing educational materials and condoms. The program showed positive effects, including increased social recognition for women peer educators and a rise in customers among barber clients.
A newly discovered arenavirus, Chapare virus, has been identified in a fatal hemorrhagic fever case in rural Bolivia. The virus produces clinical hemorrhagic symptoms similar to those associated with other New World arenaviruses, but genetically it is distinct from Junin, Machupo, Guanarito, and Sabia viruses.