News on open-access publishing and its reach. Covers journal launches, open-access agreements, and research made freely available.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New research reveals that nicotine reduces neutrophil ability to seek and destroy bacteria, contributing to increased susceptibility to infection in chronic tobacco users. The study also found that nicotine suppresses oxidative burst and increases matrix metalloproteinase-9 release, leading to impaired neutrophil function.
A new study published in PLoS Biology shows that gene-environment interactions play a crucial role in determining thousands of traits in yeast, with the environment having a bigger effect on regulated genes than direct mechanisms. The research reveals intriguing interactions between genetic and environmental factors.
Researchers found that large-scale plantations in tropical regions could sequester significant amounts of carbon, potentially offsetting up to 5-7% of global CO2 emissions. However, the effectiveness of these plantations is limited by social, economic, and institutional barriers, as well as uncertainties in land use.
A new study found that doctors are dissatisfied with treating non-native patients due to cultural differences and language barriers. Over 2400 doctor questionnaires revealed that Turkish patients received lower-quality care, highlighting the need for improved communication and intercultural training.
Researchers found septic acute kidney injury (AKI) patients have higher acuity of illness, lower blood pressure, and worse pulmonary function compared to non-septic AKI. The study suggests septic AKI requires specific clinical interventions to reduce injury and promote kidney recovery.
The new NIH policy requires all funded research articles to be made freely available in PubMedCentral within 12 months of publication. This move aims to increase public access to scientific literature and promote better use of the scientific literature through libraries like PMC.
Researchers found that rats use exploratory sniffing to discriminate odors quickly, with neural responses confirming minimal processing takes place in the olfactory bulb. The study suggests odorant identity may be encoded by sequence of responses rather than peak activation.
A study published in BMC Veterinary Research found that lambs can contract scrapie, a fatal neurodegenerative disease, by consuming milk from infected ewes. The researchers detected the prion protein PrPd in intestinal tissues of both infected and control lambs, suggesting that the infectious agent can be shed and transmitted.
A comprehensive study of the genetic basis of psoriasis has discovered seven new sites of common DNA variation that increase the risk of this skin condition. The variations were found to be strongly linked to psoriatic arthritis and other autoimmune disorders, paving the way for more targeted therapies.
Research published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that the berries of Solanum villosum have potential for keeping mosquitoes at bay. The study found that S. villosum was particularly effective at eliminating Stegomyia aegypti larvae, which can spread diseases like dengue fever.
Researchers have isolated a new species of Leptospira, causing the disease leptospirosis, from domestic rats in the Peruvian Amazon. The discovery highlights the importance of region-specific Leptospira in diagnosis and reveals a higher incidence of leptospirosis than previously suspected.
Research published in BMC Neuroscience found that physical activity from juvenile age delays the onset of specific motor deficits in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. The study suggests that benefits stem from stimulation of neuronal receptors and other molecules that prolong normal function and delay motor deficits.
Researchers have identified neurons that form different spiral-shaped axons on the left and right sides of the brain, suggesting a possible explanation for brain asymmetry. The findings provide new insights into how the brain processes information and could lead to a better understanding of cognitive performance and social behavior.
Researchers pooled data from 15 clinical trials to compare the efficacy of rectal artemisinins and conventional injectable antimalarials like quinine. Rectal artemisinins cleared malarial parasites more rapidly than quinine, suggesting they could be a lifesaving intervention in severe malaria cases.
A family-based study found a significant association between pesticide use, particularly herbicides and insecticides, and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research team recruited 319 patients and over 200 relatives to analyze the relationship between pesticide exposure and Parkinson's disease development.
In Northern Vietnam, a significant disparity between reported and actual neonatal mortality rates has been discovered. The discrepancy highlights the need for robust health statistics to guide national and international health initiatives.
Experts urge G8 leaders to establish a new fund to support neglected tropical diseases control and elimination. The proposed Global Fund could help scale up donated drug administration, leading to sustainable poverty reduction.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can replicate the bat's ability to classify plants using echolocation. The study found that plant echoes are highly complex signals due to numerous reflections from leaves and branches.
A new essay proposes revising protected area categories to reflect biodiversity outcomes, with potential huge implications for preserving the earth's rapidly diminishing biodiversity. The change aims to make significant gains in biodiversity conservation and stanch species loss, habitat destruction, and ecosystem services degradation.
A study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that a gluten-free vegan diet can lower cholesterol and oxidized LDL levels, while raising natural antibodies against phosphorylcholine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This may help protect against heart attacks and stroke.
A study of Australian men's attitudes towards health reveals that they are not the disinterested pub-goers often stereotyped. Instead, they proactively monitor their health and seek medical attention only when necessary. The researchers identified four key factors influencing men's help-seeking decisions.
A review of published literature on women's expectations and experience of pain and pain relief in labour reveals a gap between expectations and reality. Most women underestimate the intensity of pain they will experience and may not be prepared for the possibility that they might need pain relief.
Inhalation of diesel exhaust induces stress response in brain activity, altering information processing. Researchers found that even short exposure can cause changes in brain waves, with effects lasting after subjects leave the room.
A recent study published in Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy found that parental monitoring in high school can reduce teenage drinking and have a protective effect on students' drinking in college. The research suggests that higher levels of parental supervision are associated with lower levels of high-school drinking,...
Researchers have developed a new statistical model to clean up low-quality HLA data, enabling easier and more cost-effective individual immune system analysis. This advancement has significant implications for transplant medicine, disease diagnosis, and understanding viral evolution.
Researchers identified a hybrid gene in Asian monkeys that produces a protein capable of blocking HIV infection. This is the second time a similar TRIM5-CypA gene has been found in different monkey species, indicating convergent evolution.
A study of over 10,400 patients found no significant decrease in hospital mortality with intensive insulin therapy. In fact, mortality rates were higher in ICU patients with short stays.
Researchers have created a genetic reference collection of mutant Pisum sativum plants, enabling the investigation of essential genes using TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes) technique. This new tool has major benefits for crop breeders worldwide, providing an alternative to Agrobacterium-based techniques.
A new global malaria map highlights the 2.37 billion people at risk from Plasmodium falciparum, with almost one billion in areas where the risk of infection is extremely low. The map aims to help researchers and funding agencies allocate resources more effectively by understanding the relative risk affecting different regions.
Researchers have found that electrons lose energy to carbon monoxide faster than to carbon dioxide at higher atmospheric levels on Mars and Venus. This discovery contributes to modeling techniques used for Earth's atmosphere, providing opportunities for validation and testing.
A global malaria risk map has been released, revealing high-risk areas and providing estimates of people living in low-risk zones. The map identifies regions where existing control strategies can be used to eliminate P. falciparum transmission, potentially reducing deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.
A global malaria map reveals a significant reduction in risk, with 1 billion people under lower infection rates. The map, produced by the Malaria Atlas Project, provides critical data for targeted control measures and potential elimination efforts.
A basic educational programme boosts ICU nurses' ability to screen for delirium, surpassing expert performance in a standardised format. The programme's combination of lecture and practical exercises rapidly improves the capacity for nurses to perform delirium assessments accurately.
A study found that 9.6% of US military personnel deployed to Afghanistan had contraindications to mefloquine use, highlighting the need for proper medical screening before prescribing. The research also noted a significant gender disparity, with females being twice as likely to have contraindications.
Researchers argue that autistic savants' exceptional skills come at a cost in other aspects of processing, while animals process sensory inputs according to rules. This shared processing method is thought to be a specialized feature of the left hemisphere, common to both humans and nonhuman animals.
A new study found that young children in impoverished regions are disproportionately affected by cholera. The study, published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, reveals the African site had the highest incidence of cholera, with vaccination and improved water supply considered immediate strategies.