News on open-access publishing and its reach. Covers journal launches, open-access agreements, and research made freely available.
Researchers propose that organisms can learn environment rules and develop modular designs storing history information in their genome, generating useful novelties for new environments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
Researchers found that froghoppers store energy in a composite structure made of hard cuticle and resilin, flexing it like an archery bow before releasing the energy for a powerful jump. This technique allows them to achieve remarkable heights, over 100 times their body length.
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.
New research found that many published clinical genomic signatures have high specificity but very low sensitivity, making them inadequate for most clinical applications. The study suggests that a rigorous approach to evaluating signature quality is necessary to improve the accuracy of sequence-based diagnostics.
A recent survey found that trachoma affects over 15% of adults in Ayod county, Sudan, with severe consequences for public health. The SAFE strategy is being implemented to prevent the spread of infection and treat blinding trachoma.
A study finds that catch shares can reverse fisheries collapse, with nearly a third of open-access fisheries collapsing compared to half for those managed under catch share systems. Catch shares create incentives to protect fish populations and reduce bycatch, leading to better biological outcomes.
A new study reveals that delayed elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery significantly increases the risk of post-operative death. In contrast, performing CABG surgery within the recommended timeframe reduces the risk of death by approximately one-third.
The Journal of Dental Biomechanics will cover tissue and material biomechanics, with a focus on hard and soft tissue analysis. The journal aims to provide a platform for researchers to share vital research and developments in dental biomechanics.
A study published in PLOS ONE found a strong link between digit length and voluntary exercise, contradicting previous research on male aggression. The findings indicate that prenatal stress hormones play a key role in shaping the desire for physical activity.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.