Articles tagged with Open Access
A multi-centre study found that osteoblast cell injections accelerated fracture healing, with increased bone growth and no significant patient complications. The treatment is considered a safe and effective alternative to traditional methods, allowing for faster recovery without surgery.
A new article suggests that gorilla lice evolved to infest pubic hair around 3.3 million years ago, possibly due to human-gorilla contact. This divergence occurred despite humans and gorillas diverging from a common ancestor at least 7 million years ago.
Researchers found that every second of compression pause reduces the likelihood of successful return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) by 1%. Effective CPR requires minimal interruptions, with powerful chest compressions being crucial.
Researchers identified eighteen new genetic changes in rats from four continents that enable resistance to warfarin. VKORC1 gene mutations may cause heritable resistance by preventing coumarin derivatives from interfering with the reductase enzyme activity.
A systematic review of over 13,000 participants found that exposure to alcohol adverts and product placements increases drinking behavior in young people. The study suggests that counter-advertising and social marketing techniques may be effective prevention options for limiting alcohol problems in young people.
A recent study found that playing games against a virtual opponent activates different brain areas than those activated when playing against a human opponent. The medial prefrontal cortex and other regions associated with 'Theory of Mind' were more active in male players believing they were competing with another human.
Research reveals that tobacco companies in South Korea have been deliberately targeting girls and young women with marketing campaigns, using tactics such as associating smoking with body image and female emancipation. The study calls for stricter regulations and public education to combat the rise in female smoking rates.
Research followed over 2000 high- and middle-school children, finding that TV viewing times predict a poor diet in the future. Young adults who watched more than five hours of TV per day had lower intakes of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, but higher intakes of fast food and unhealthy snacks.
Research published in BMC Endocrine Disorders shows that regular high-intensity interval training can significantly improve insulin action and glucose clearance. A three-minute sprint workout every couple of days may be the best way to cut the risk of diabetes, with substantial improvements in metabolic prowess seen within two weeks.
Researchers have created gene-engineered male flies that die as embryos, outcompeting wild pests and reducing crop damage. This new method of pest control eliminates the need for radiation, increasing safety and effectiveness.
Expert authors advocate for a US foreign policy agenda focused on eliminating neglected tropical diseases, citing connections between NTDs and conflict. The control of these devastating diseases could be achieved at a fraction of the cost of other medical interventions.
The new journal Genomic Medicine bridges the gap between research and clinical practice, providing open access to high-quality research articles. The journal features columns by leading experts on genomic medicine and its applications.
A new editorial emphasizes the need to address the devastating impact of rape as a weapon of war, citing conflicts in the DRC, Burma, Sudan, and former Yugoslavia. The PLoS Medicine editors argue that medical journalists and editors can draw attention to this issue, influencing support for humanitarian organizations and advocacy groups.
A recent study found that fainting was the most common in-flight medical emergency, accounting for 53.5% of cases. The researchers also highlighted the need for standardization in reporting in-flight emergencies, citing poor data quality as a major issue.
A Canadian/U.S. research team has reported a therapeutic model exploiting the natural dynamics of the 'fight or flight' system to stimulate recovery from chronic stress disorders. The HPA axis dysfunction may become chronic if driven far from its natural homeostatic rest point, leading to disorders like CFS, depression, and PTSD.
Researchers found that prior STD infections can lead to a genetic bottleneck in HIV transmission, allowing multiple viral variants to spread. The study suggests that the genital mucosa provides a natural barrier against infection, which can be compromised by inflammatory genital infections.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that individuals with high trust in mass media tend to be healthier. Young, married, and highly-educated women reported the highest levels of health, while those in Turkmenistan had the lowest opinion of their own wellbeing.
A study of ancient DNA from 68 skeletal remains reveals a rapid evolution in the Icelandic mtDNA pool over the past thousand years. The original female settlers appear to be genetically less closely related to present-day Icelanders than previously thought.
A Canadian study found that psychological concerns, such as self-efficacy and motivation/intention, are the most important barriers to an active lifestyle. The study's findings highlight the need for health promotion programs to enhance people's confidence and motivation.
Research published in International Journal of Health Geographics links outbreaks of nephropathia epidemica, a rodent-borne disease, to global warming. Warmer weather and increased food sources for voles lead to population growth and disease transmission.
Researchers found that free-range chickens are more susceptible to disease, particularly bacterial and parasitic infections. The study, published in Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, suggests that this is due to the challenges of managing these systems, leading to higher mortality rates.
Research published in BioMed Central's Arthritis Research and Therapy found that women experience more severe symptoms, greater disability, and poorer treatment outcomes compared to men. The study of over 6,000 patients revealed a significant gender gap in disease activity measures, treatments, and clinical characteristics.
A study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that animal species sleeping for longer periods have reduced parasite infestation and increased immune cells. This suggests that sleep plays an important role in protecting animals from parasitic infections.
Research published in BMC Medicine found a significant association between metabolic syndrome and PTSD after controlling for other factors. Veterans with higher severity of PTSD were more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome.
Aphids leave behind their old exoskeletons, called exuviae, to act as decoys for parasitoid wasps. This behavior helps aphids escape from parasitic attacks by giving other aphids time to flee while the wasps investigate the empty shells.
A recent survey of doctors has found that most feel only confident in performing five out of seventeen procedures required by the NHS. The study suggests that guidance on acceptable standards is limited, and some procedures may be unachievable for all trainees.
A new paper in Optics Express envisions a future with widespread use of LED lights, offering significant energy savings and environmental benefits. LEDs are predicted to save more than $1 trillion in energy costs over 10 years and lead to substantial reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.
A US death map shows that heat/drought and severe summer weather are leading causes of death, with the South and mountain west particularly vulnerable. The study highlights the importance of emergency management in reducing loss of life from natural hazards.
A supplement published in Malaria Journal reviews aspects of research agenda for global malaria elimination. Despite hurdles, progress has been made in developing malaria vaccines intended to kill all parasites in the community, reducing transmission.
A study of over 1,000 female sex workers in Cambodia found that new entrants were twice as likely to have gonorrhoea or chlamydia. The high risk is attributed to limited access to STI services and prevention information. The study highlights the need for improved health education and training programs for sex workers.
Dr Ben Berkhout's multi-disciplinary approach to RNA research has provided key insights into HIV-1 replication mechanisms. He was awarded the 2008 M Jeang Retrovirology Prize for his outstanding mid-career contribution to HIV research.
Research published in BMC Medical Education reveals a high prevalence of depression among medical students, particularly females, with symptoms including somatic and affective clusters. The study suggests that this period is crucial for professors and educators to monitor suicidal thoughts and risk in their students.
Researchers have identified MEDNIK syndrome as a debilitating genetic disorder characterized by mental retardation, enteropathy, deafness, and other symptoms. The AP1S1 gene mutation is found to cause impairment of neural networks, including the spinal cord, inner ear, and brain.
Cognitive neuroscientists successfully created an illusion of body-swapping by manipulating sensory impressions, allowing subjects to perceive a mannequin's body as their own. This discovery sheds light on how the brain constructs an internal image of the body and has potential practical uses in VR applications.
A genome-wide association study reveals genetic variants influencing metabolic capacity, affecting disease susceptibility. The study identifies four SNPs associated with variations in polyunsaturated fatty acid synthesis and breakdown of triglycerides.
Research challenges the idea that longer sperm are faster due to drag from their heads. Streamlining and tail shape may be more important factors in determining sperm performance.
A recent study published in Reproductive Health found that pregnant women who attended water aerobics classes had shorter labor durations and lower rates of analgesia requests compared to those who did not participate. The research suggests that moderate water aerobics during pregnancy may improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.
The discovery of Bundibugyo ebolavirus represents a significant addition to the puzzle of the Ebola virus genus. The new virus is genetically distinct from all other known Ebola virus species, differing by more than 30% at the genetic level. This finding has implications for the development of diagnostics, antivirals, and vaccines.
A UK study reveals that most children are meeting physical activity guidelines, but failing to eat five pieces of fruit and vegetables a day. The study found that socioeconomic background plays a significant role in dietary habits, with children from lower-income backgrounds more likely to consume healthy foods.
A new technique allows for a quantitative and precise determination of plant viability during drought stress using chlorophyll fluorescence. This method is non-invasive, easy to measure, and minimizes technical expertise, making it a valuable complement to existing methods.
Research on small skink lizards reveals extensive body shape changes over brief geological periods, with species evolving an elongate, limbless body form. The study found rapid evolution of this snake-like body form, without reversals, and estimated the loss of limbs to have occurred within 3.6 million years.
Researchers propose that organisms can learn environment rules and develop modular designs storing history information in their genome, generating useful novelties for new environments.
A comprehensive study of lion populations in Africa and Asia found evidence of genetic diversity, even in well-studied ecosystems. The research highlights the need to prioritize conservation efforts for declining populations over larger-scale initiatives.
Researchers developed an AI coaching system called COACH to assist older adults with moderate dementia in performing daily activities. The system uses computer vision and artificial intelligence techniques to deliver personalized reminders, resulting in increased independence for participants.
A large study of former fenfluramine users found a strong association between duration of exposure and prevalence of valve regurgitation. The risk of valve surgery was increased approximately seven-fold, with over 0.44% of participants undergoing surgery due to the drug's use.
Researchers found that applying a probiotic bacterial solution in place of antiseptics effectively prevents respiratory illness in ventilated patients. The friendly bacteria, Lactobacillus plantarum 299, has no negative side effects and does not contribute to antibiotic-resistant strains.
Research published in PathoGenetics reveals that one mutated SMAD4 allele is associated with gastrointestinal polyps and cancer development. This study highlights the importance of dosage in tumor suppressor genes, challenging the conventional understanding of gene mutations and disease phenotypes.
A study on eland antelopes found that males use knee clicking to broadcast their fighting ability and settle conflicts without incurring high costs. The researchers also discovered that the size of a bull's dewlap is related to age, while hair darkness reflects aggressiveness.
The new journal Epigenetics & Chromatin publishes research on heritable changes in gene expression without altering DNA sequence. High-quality studies on human telomeres and the RNAi pathway have been published, shedding light on epigenetic inheritance and chromatin-based interactions.
A study found that 24-hour drinking has not reduced the burden of alcohol-related attendances to emergency departments but shifted the problem to later into the night. This trend was seen for weekdays and weekends, with significantly more attendances in early morning hours.
A meta-analysis found that many wines contain high levels of metal ions, exceeding the safe threshold and posing potential health risks. The study suggests that these metals may contribute to neurological problems, oxidative damage, and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Researchers found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve delicate task performance by 24%, outperforming single-hemisphere and sham treatments. The study used healthy volunteers to test the effects of dual-hemisphere tDCS, showing significant benefits for non-dominant hand skills.
Researchers have discovered primary developmental defects in the lens of moles, leading to a disrupted epithelium and disorganized mass of immature fibre cells. Genetic information reveals abnormal gene expression central to eye development, causing incomplete lens fibre completion.
Researchers found that most cases of strangulation occurred early in the morning, often in homes, and were more common among victims who had consumed excessive alcohol. The study revealed a significant correlation between sexual violence and female strangulation rates in South Africa.
Researchers found that methylmercury harms T-lymphocytes, key cells in a seal's immune system, and similar results were also observed in human lymphocytes. The study suggests that mercury pollution may have already taken a toll on harbor seals' ability to fight infections.
The Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (OASPA) aims to represent the interests of OA journals publishers globally. OASPA supports OA publishing by setting industry standards, advancing business and publishing models, advocating for gold OA journals publishing, education and innovation.
A new open access journal, Fibrogenesis & Tissue Repair, has launched to address key issues in tissue fibrosis and repair. The first paper published in the journal reveals that connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression in skin correlates with myofibroblast induction.
A study found that farmers are skilled at identifying mildly lame sheep, but often neglect to treat them promptly, allowing the disease to spread. The researchers recommend that farmers inspect and treat the first mildly lame sheep in a group within one to three days of it first being lame
Researchers have identified a new gene, Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8), that may contribute to human vulnerability to pulmonary tuberculosis. The study found that males are more susceptible than females to the disease.
Scientists have detected changes in prion protein production and accumulation in brains of cattle with a rare neurological disorder. The study suggests an association between abnormally high levels of prion protein and the disease, but differs from BSE and CJD.