News on open-access publishing and its reach. Covers journal launches, open-access agreements, and research made freely available.
Researchers have discovered a novel mode of neurogenesis in Drosophila that shares similarities with mammalian brains. This breakthrough suggests key aspects of neural development may be conserved across insects and mammals.
A study found that the general public tends to support life-saving treatment for severely ill patients, whereas doctors are more reluctant due to concerns about quality of life. The majority of both groups agreed on administering pain relief and sedatives.
Researchers developed a model of brain function that shows how eye movement signals boost neural representation of objects at future gaze positions, compromising spatial accuracy. This results in the perception of details before looking at an object, making the world appear stable while eyes move.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that UK medical graduates from different schools perform significantly differently on national exams. The researchers argue that a national licensing exam is needed to standardize the training of doctors. The results showed that some medical schools teach skills not assessed by current exams.
A new study reveals that well-meaning efforts to protect cougars in Washington State have actually increased dangers for the species. Biologists are now scrambling to find a science-based path to coexistence between people and predators.
A new study reveals that prion infection increases free cholesterol content in cell membranes, affecting phospholipase A2 activation and neuronal depletion. This finding suggests a crucial role for cholesterol regulation in prion diseases and other neurodegenerative disorders.
A new study reveals that farmed salmon exposure leads to significant declines in wild salmon survival rates, threatening global salmonid populations. The research found a 50% reduction in wild salmon abundance when associated with salmon farms, highlighting the need for sustainable aquaculture practices.
A study found that socio-economic factors and school catchment areas have a greater impact on reported sexual experience among teenagers than classroom discipline. Despite sex education efforts, schools' social organization and culture play little role in influencing pupils' behavior.
A new study reveals that human economic activity is a primary driver of invasive fish species in rivers and lakes. The research found no correlation between native species and invasive species, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect aquatic ecosystems.
New study sequenced two full FIV genomes of different lion subtypes, showing importance of whole-genome analysis. The findings provide insights into genetic determinants of pathogenicity and virulence differences between domestic cat and lion FIV.
Young infants can detect small changes in the number and identity of objects, and these abilities are processed by distinct neural pathways. The study found that the infant brain responds to both changes in different brain regions, similar to adults.
A comprehensive survey of rheumatic diseases in China found that the incidence of certain diseases is now more like Western countries. The study revealed that osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis affect different sites than Caucasian populations, with a higher prevalence among elderly people in northern China.
A new mechanism of HTLV-1-induced leukemia involves the reduction of histone protein levels, promoting genomic instability and cell division. This discovery suggests that Tax, a key viral protein, uncouples histone gene expression from cell cycle progression.
A new model predicts prostate cancer progression based on Gleason score and biomarker assessments, providing valuable information for patient management and treatment planning. The research has potential benefits for patients diagnosed with early prostate cancer.
A hospital outbreak in Barcelona found that contaminated body moisturizer caused life-threatening infections in five critically ill patients. The bacteria Burkholderia cepacia was found to be present in the product, which had not been invaded after opening.
Chameleons use dramatic color changes to display to conspecific competitors and seduce potential mates. The study found that the degree of color change is associated with social signaling, not camouflage, challenging the long-held camouflage hypothesis.
Researchers developed DNA sensors that can detect odors in the vapor phase with high specificity. The study demonstrated a previously unreported property of single-stranded DNA molecules, showing they can respond to odor pulses in a sequence-selective manner on solid surfaces.
Researchers found that old wood floor finishes in some homes can lead to significant PCB exposure, even exceeding levels found in the general population. The study suggests that these finishes, particularly those containing the chemical Fabulon, may harbor high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls.
A new phylogenetic analysis published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases provides insight into the origins of venereal syphilis. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding the evolution and transmission of this disease.
A new study published in PLOS Biology found that the number of X chromosomes determines the sex of a fruit fly embryo, contradicting previous findings. The researchers discovered that only two X chromosomes can produce a signal to feminize the embryo during a specific stage of development.
Research suggests that predation pressures are key to maintaining sociality in bees, rather than biological complexity. The study of a rare African species with totipotent social ancestors reveals that ecological pressures prevail over evolutionary changes.
Research on frogs and giraffes reveals three distinct species of terrestrial leaflitter frog and at least six genealogically distinct lineages of giraffe, highlighting underestimated biodiversity. The findings suggest that some subspecies have fewer than 100 members, making them highly endangered.
A type of beetle that lives in stored grain has been found to lack full colour vision. The red flour beetle's compound eye retina lacks the blue-opsin encoding photoreceptors, violating the 'one receptor rule' of sensory cells. This adaptation may have provided an evolutionary advantage.
A study discovered three-finger toxins in a rare rattlesnake subspecies, while a novel toxin gene was found through gene fusion. This discovery reveals the complexity of snake venom composition and its potential for developing new therapeutic agents.
A team of Japanese researchers found that premenstrual syndrome is tied to decreased nerve activity, particularly in those with extreme symptoms. Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder had altered sympathovagal activity even in the follicular phase, suggesting a potential underlying biomechanism for PMS.
A recent survey found that two out of 18 northwest England hospitals lacked a written chemical emergency plan and three A&E departments had no staff trained in chemical decontamination. The study highlights major gaps in preparedness for chemical incidents, calling for national guidelines to be set and enforced.
Researchers found that monkeys and college students perform approximate mental addition with remarkable similarity. This cognitive ability likely reflects an evolutionary link between humans and nonhuman primates.
A new study published in BMC Medicine suggests that patients with chronic patellofemoral syndrome may not benefit from arthroscopic surgery, instead finding relief through therapeutic exercise. The randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of arthroscopy and exercise in reducing knee pain and improving mobility.
A survey of medical staff in Turkey found that a majority condoned physical violence against wives, with inadequate training and knowledge gaps in reporting domestic violence. Healthcare workers reported being aware of clinical signs but lacked detailed understanding of legal procedures and proper interventions.
A study in PLOS Medicine found that Somali combatants' excessive use of khat, a stimulant with amphetamine-like effects, is prevalent across southern and central Somalia. The study also revealed high levels of cannabis and other drug use among combatants, posing significant challenges for post-conflict reintegration programs.
Researchers have found that exposure to a common household chemical, butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), can cause genomic changes in the mammary gland of rats. The study suggests that this could potentially lead to breast cancer, highlighting the need for further research.
A review of six knee osteoarthritis treatment guidelines found significant differences in recommended treatments, with a focus on acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and exercise. The study highlights the need for more detailed educational interventions to improve guideline applicability.
Researchers characterized gene expression patterns in Kawasaki disease patients, identifying innate immune mechanisms and proinflammatory responses. The study supports the use of gene-expression profiles to generate biomarkers for other systemic inflammatory illnesses, improving diagnosis and treatment options.
A recent study published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that health education regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dengue fever is inadequate in Cambodia. The study suggests that these educational programs are accorded low priority, leading to poor resource allocation and lack of effective messaging.
Researchers found that reducing FoxP2 levels impaired zebra finch song development, showing a critical role for the gene in vocal learning. This similarity with humans suggests shared molecular substrates for vocal learning across species.
A study found that a specific polymorphism in the glucocorticoid receptor gene is associated with lung disease progression in cystic fibrosis. Patients with the BclI GG genotype showed more pronounced deterioration in lung function, suggesting they may benefit from inhaled steroids.
A new predictive model of disease spread has been developed using actual travel and census data from over 3,000 urban areas in 220 countries. The model provides predictions of outbreak likelihood and potential spread, with simulations that fit the actual SARS virus pattern in 2002.
A qualitative study found critical failures in South Africa's Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, including inadequate HIV testing and lack of nevirapine administration. The research highlights the need for strengthened HIV testing and a revised antiretroviral drug regimen to improve uptake.
Two studies published in BMC Genomics have identified over 1,400 genes involved in grape ripening and revealed the first biochemical evidence of reactive oxygen species accumulation during color transition. The findings provide a powerful new resource for understanding fruit ripening control in non-climacteric plants.
SAGE and Hindawi will launch a suite of Gold Open Access journals, strengthening their portfolios in science, technology, and medicine. The partnership aims to widen access to important scholarly research.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that people with schizophrenia are more likely to develop a ruptured appendix, with a 46.7% rate compared to 25.1% of the general population. The research highlights disparities in healthcare provision for mental illness and physical disease.
A recent study on Turkey's 2006 bird flu outbreak emphasizes the need for well-coordinated emergency response plans and clear responsibilities among healthcare workers. The research found that poor access to healthcare and poverty contributed significantly to the spread of the virus.
Researchers used neuroimaging to study how the brain processes sounds in noisy environments, finding that the left hemisphere plays a key role. The study revealed that the brain's left hemisphere is responsible for distinguishing between signals and noise, enabling us to focus on specific sounds amidst competing noises.
A gene in male cichlid fish produces yellow pigment cells on oval spots, attracting female fish. The fish engage in an exotic oral mating behavior, where males deposit sperm in the females' mouths after she picks up eggs.
Researchers discovered a novel type of stem cell in menstrual blood that can rapidly replicate and develop into various cell types, including heart, liver, and lung cells. This breakthrough could lead to innovative treatments for damaged tissues and diseases such as diabetes and liver failure.
A study using high-speed videography and neural recordings reveals that cortical neurons' firing patterns can predict the texture identification decisions of rats. The findings shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying tactile sensory discrimination.
Researchers identified a genetic link between schizophrenia and a faulty brain mechanism, affecting startle response. Mice with increased fatty acid binding protein (Fabp7) showed impaired prepulse inhibition, similar to human schizophrenia patients.
Researchers at University of California San Diego propose alternative fragile breakage model to explain genomic rearrangements. The study reveals the existence of rearrangement hotspots in mammalian genomes, supporting a major advance in the debate over this topic.
Researchers developed a top-down analytical approach to understand schizophrenia's symptom inconsistencies, linking them to instability in attractor neural networks. The study suggests that decreased excitatory NMDA-mediated synaptically activated receptor conductances contribute to attention difficulties and reduced emotions.
A study found that athletes frequently take supplements without knowledge of their actual effects, leading to potential health risks. The research team recommends that education about supplement use become a required part of sport coach accreditation.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that oxytocin increases generosity in humans, particularly when considering another person's feelings. The hormone has a dramatically larger effect on generosity compared to trust, with participants offering 80% more money when given oxytocin.
Researchers discovered Strongyloides stercoralis, a soil-transmitted worm, endemic in southern Yunnan province, China, with 11.7% of the population infected. The parasite mainly affects healthy individuals, but can be fatal for those with weakened immune systems.
A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that eight weeks of antibiotic treatment can reverse local immunosuppression in patients with Buruli ulcer. This reversal leads to an active inflammatory response, which ultimately results in tissue repair and the restoration of normal immune function.
Visceral leishmaniasis has seen a significant rise in admissions at Médecins Sans Frontières treatment center in Somalia, highlighting the need for improved healthcare access. The true magnitude of the problem is likely unknown due to underreporting, and effective interventions will be limited without safe access to populations.
A study published in PLoS Biology investigates how bacterial cell colonies develop and self-organize to address environmental challenges. The research reveals that bacterial cells can coordinate their growth and movement to improve access to nutrients and facilitate efficient escape from crowded areas.
Researchers discovered neurons in monkeys' prefrontal cortex respond to specific Arabic numerals and shapes, similar to children's activation patterns. This suggests the brain builds on existing numerical precursor systems to acquire symbolic numerical abilities.
Research found that genetic variation affects sensitivity to the smell of sweat, with one gene (OR11H7P) associated with smelling sweat. Environmental factors also play a role in individual differences in olfactory acuity.
A study in BMC Medicine critiques university ranking systems for being misleading and invalid, citing discrepancies between top lists from Shanghai and Times Higher Education. The authors argue that such flaws can harm science and education, highlighting the need for global collaboration to standardize data.
A survey of Quebec residents found that most young women would accept an HPV vaccine if it was offered for free, with 91% agreeing to vaccination. However, acceptance dropped sharply when the vaccine's cost was mentioned, highlighting concerns about access to healthcare services.
Researchers found that avian influenza viruses can infect children's cells more easily than adults' due to the widespread distribution of sialic acid receptors in children's lower respiratory tract. This may explain why avian H5N1 viruses can infect human upper respiratory tracts despite lacking traditional receptors.