News on open-access publishing and its reach. Covers journal launches, open-access agreements, and research made freely available.
Researchers observed B cells' random and directed migration to helper T cells, guided by chemokine receptor CCR7 and cognate antigen. The interaction enables stable formation of motile conjugates with activated T cells.
A 29-year study reveals that as ocean temperatures rise, the average weight of elephant seal pups decreases, impacting their survival rate. The decline in weaning weights coincided with an increase in mothers' foraging time and a decrease in mass gained.
A new study ranks top nanotech applications to aid poor, with energy storage and agriculture leading the list. The study's authors believe these technologies can contribute to UN Millennium Development Goals and improve living standards in developing countries.
Researchers found that a single gene, glypican-3, plays a significant role in regulating body size in mice. The gene is already known to be associated with a rare human growth disorder, and its expression level correlates with size variation in both humans and mice.
A high-throughput screening method using automated imaging and bioinformatics has identified a novel compound with promising potential as an anticancer agent. The compound, hydroxy-PP, targets carbonyl reductase 1, an enzyme involved in chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that uric acid levels are unlikely to be a major determinant of coronary heart disease. The research analyzed data from over 9,400 cases of CHD and 155,000 controls, concluding that improving diet, losing weight, and controlling blood pressure may help reduce the risk of CHD.
A group of researchers argue that industrial chemicals in the environment pose significant health risks to children due to their exposure through inhalation, ingestion, and placental transfer. The lack of developmental neurotoxicity testing for 75% of high-production volume chemicals is a major concern.
The Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry will publish original research on all aspects of organic chemistry and related disciplines. The journal aims to provide a chemically intelligent presentation of articles while emphasizing speed of publication.
Rabies experts predict that raccoon rabies could spread rapidly across Ohio, with the virus potentially covering the state within 41 months. The study suggests that a strategic approach to controlling the spread of the disease is needed, including early detection and high-powered intervention programs.
A new international treaty aims to address the global management of publicly funded health R&D, prioritizing diseases with a high burden such as tuberculosis and leishmaniasis. The treaty would provide a binding framework for redirecting knowledge and scientific expertise towards priority needs.
Scientists adapted a molecular biology technique called mass spectrometry-based genotyping to quickly detect and analyze the SARS virus from clinical samples. This breakthrough provides valuable information on transmission routes and containment policies.
A two-sided market framework is used to compare the traditional 'Reader Pays' model with the newer 'Author Pays' or Open Access publishing model. The study finds that Open Access appears efficient when distribution costs are minimal, but editorial quality may affect profitability.
Researchers developed a new method for early disease outbreak detection using electronic health records. The 'space time permutation scan statistic' can detect outbreaks even without geographical information, and has been implemented in the SaTScan software for wider use.
Researchers discover that the nuclear hormone receptor nhr-49 controls two opposing pathways regulating fat metabolism in nematodes. The discovery reveals a complex feedback system controlling fat consumption and composition, with potential implications for understanding human metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity.
Sprinkles, a powder containing microencapsulated iron and micronutrients, has been found to be as effective as ferrous sulphate in treating anemia in children. The treatment has been shown to have fewer side effects and is more acceptable to caregivers. Sprinkles have been distributed to over 15,000 children in developing countries, re...
A modeling study published in PLoS Medicine suggests that integrating HIV prevention and treatment efforts could prevent up to 10 million AIDS deaths in Africa by 2020, with a predicted 74% reduction in new infections and 50% decrease in annual mortality.
A new technique detects lymph node metastases in cancer patients using nanoparticles and MRI, providing unprecedented accuracy and potentially sparing unnecessary surgery. The method involves tracking nodes with magnetic particles, identifying patterns for normal and malignant nodes, and generating a 3D reconstruction of the lymph nodes.
A decentralized, Web-based, community-wide effort called the Tropical Diseases Initiative (TDI) proposes an open-source approach to discovering new drugs for neglected diseases. By adopting this model, scientists from laboratories, universities, and corporations can work together to develop affordable treatments for tropical diseases s...
Researchers developed a survey method using helicopters to estimate orangutan numbers, revealing crucial information on distribution and size. The study suggests orangutans may adapt better to degraded forests than previously thought, provided illegal hunting and agricultural conversion are controlled.
The use of celebrities to market drugs and diseases is a practice that raises concerns about public health and transparency. According to investigative reporter Ray Moynihan, this practice can lead to a lack of balance in the public debate about major health problems, as well as a failure to disclose potential conflicts of interest.
A new Red List Index measures changes in extinction risk for birds worldwide, showing a steady deterioration between 1988 and 2004. The index provides a reliable baseline to track progress toward the 2010 biodiversity target, with particularly steep declines observed for Asian birds and seabirds affected by commercial long-line fisheries.
A Canadian study found that fortifying foods with folic acid reduced the incidence of neural tube defects in babies from Newfoundland and Labrador by 70%. The blood folate levels of women and seniors also increased significantly, indicating a positive impact on fetal development.
Researchers Konrad Körding and colleagues used utility functions, commonly used in economics, to analyze motor control. They found a surprising amount of agreement on preferred movements and a counterintuitive result that longer resistance was preferred over stronger resistance.
The Cairo Conference's 20-year plan for reproductive health is under threat from conservative and liberal ideological battles, international funding shortfalls, and the HIV pandemic. The situation has resulted in 60 million unwanted pregnancies, 19 million unsafe abortions, and half a million maternal deaths annually.
Researchers assessed over 60,000 articles from 170 journals to determine the most clinically relevant titles. The study found that general broad interest titles and North American/European titles were among the top five most useful, suggesting that clinicians should focus on these publications.
A study of 13,271 Salmonella infection cases in Sweden found that 87% were contracted abroad, with most coming from Spain, Greece, and Turkey. The number of diagnoses for a rare type of Salmonella Enteritidis increased dramatically among visitors to Greece in 2001.
A twelve-year longitudinal study found that personality and learning style are key predictors of doctors' burnout and stress. Doctors with high neuroticism and lower conscientiousness tend to experience more burnout.
A study found that pigs have more babies due to gene duplication, which allowed them to adapt to climate change. The researchers used a multi-disciplinary approach to investigate the evolution of aromatase genes and their role in altering reproductive biology.
Researchers found that exposure to bovine material alone cannot explain the young age of vCJD cases in the UK; an additional age-dependent susceptibility factor is required. The study suggests that permeability of the intestinal barrier changes with age, but further research is needed.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that using visual aids significantly improved pregnant women's understanding of HIV study information. The researchers suggest that the current informed consent process is inadequate and should be revised to effectively communicate information.
A study of 166,000 Americans found that those reporting more depressive symptoms were at increased risk for illnesses, with exercise and higher education reducing symptoms. Young adults aged 18-24 reported the highest number of days with depressive symptoms.
A Japanese study found that heavy smokers who switch to low-yield cigarettes do not reduce their nicotine intake significantly. Instead, they may increase their risk due to compensatory behavior, inhaling more carbon monoxide or tar per cigarette.
A large UK study found that Gulf war veterans reported significantly more symptoms of disease than non-Gulf war veterans in almost all ill health categories. The study also found that nearly 1 in every 20 UK servicemen who served in the first Gulf war believe they have Gulf war Syndrome.
A study published in Critical Care found that severe sepsis affects around 5% of cancer patients hospitalized in the US, resulting in a mortality rate nearly five times higher than non-cancer patients. Early antibiotic treatment could significantly improve cancer survival rates.
Despite WHO guidelines, only two in five infants under six months fed exclusively on breast milk. The study found low breastfeeding rates, especially in South America and the Caribbean.
A study of 56,000 people from Wichita, Kansas found that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome causes a significant burden on the economy, with lost productivity estimated at $9.1 billion annually. The syndrome affects approximately 450,000 individuals nationwide, resulting in substantial economic losses and reduced household income.
Nigerian naval personnel are putting themselves and their partners at risk by denying the existence of AIDS and engaging in risky sexual behaviors. A recent survey found that nearly half of sailors had sex with a female sex worker without using a condom, despite having good knowledge of AIDS-related information.
A new study examines the complex relationships between pagans, historians, and heritage managers at Stonehenge. The research reveals a need for open and transparent dialogue to address conflicting demands and interests.
Research by Brigid Hogan and Tadashi Okubo found that Wnt signaling can induce a dramatic shift in lung progenitor cells' lineage commitment, generating intestinal cell types. This discovery sheds light on conditions such as Barrett's esophagus and holds potential for programming adult stem cells.
Researchers found almost half of patients in Serbian emergency departments experienced depression, while over one in eight suffered from PTSD. Symptoms were more prevalent among older patients, those with lower social support, and those living in remote areas.
A study published in BMC Medical Research Methodology revealed that over 38% of Nature papers and a quarter of BMJ articles contained at least one statistical error. The researchers suggest making raw data freely available to minimize the impact of errors, which could have important practical consequences.
A recent study found that low-income Native American women experience alarmingly high rates of domestic abuse, with over half reporting assault by a partner in their lifetime. The research highlights the need for targeted programs and services to address these disparities and prevent further harm.
A systematic review found that diagnostic test accuracy is underestimated when results are verified after a delay, with an average underestimation of 74%.
A study published in Journal of Biology reveals that young dolphins adopt an ideal position to get a 'free ride' in their mother's slipstream, reducing energy required for swimming. This drafting phenomenon helps the calf stay with its mother, but can be disrupted by fishing vessels, potentially impacting dolphin populations.
Scientists create microscision technique that uses gas to bombard skin with tiny crystals, creating invisible conduits for drug delivery. The new method is shown to be effective in administering local anaesthesia without causing pain, making it a promising alternative to traditional needles.
A meta-analysis of 14 randomised controlled trials found no significant differences between the failure rates of oral and intravenous rehydration therapies. The researchers conclude that further studies are not warranted, as oral rehydration is less traumatic, simple to administer, and associated with lower hospital admission rates.
In a groundbreaking study, Robert Sapolsky and Lisa Share found evidence of a pacific culture among wild olive baboons in Kenya, where males became less aggressive after an outbreak of TB. This unique cultural tradition suggests that females may play a key role in regulating male behavior.
A study found that only half of publishers agreed to grant permission for web-based courses to store electronic versions of articles without additional charges. Fewer than 60% granted permission to reproduce extracts at no fee, highlighting the need for more transparent and accessible publishing policies.
A UCR study found that exposure to second-hand smoke compromises the ability of fibroblasts to move towards damaged tissue, leading to abnormal healing and excessive scarring. The research team discovered that components of second-hand smoke alter the cells' cytoskeleton, increasing adhesive properties and reducing mobility.
A new study found that patients who took statins before having a stroke had better outcomes compared to those who did not. However, statin use was not shown to reduce the severity of strokes.
Researchers developed 'Library on a Slide' technique to compare bacterial genomes, allowing for efficient identification of genes associated with biological processes. The method involves printing genomic DNA at high density onto a glass slide and uses fluorescently labelled probes to detect target genes.
The report highlights inconsistent data-access policies among nations and agencies, emphasizing the need for international efforts to promote open access. The authors call for an international framework to achieve this goal, making data sharing a rule rather than an exception.
A new tumor classification system combines molecular biology and classic pathology to provide a comprehensive and consistent way of typing tumors. The system uses both the type of cells that form a tumor and its molecular characteristics to determine its behavior, offering improved accuracy and insight into treatment options.
A study found that 71% of Japanese outpatients would like to make treatment decisions in collaboration with their physician. Patients prefer to involve their families in decision-making, but only allow them to support the patient's decision, not provide a third opinion.
Research suggests that hunger increases sensitivity to sugar and salt, as the body tries to consume food. However, this effect does not apply to bitter tastes, which may be more related to detecting toxins.
A new study found that people with short variants of the APOB gene region have significantly lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in their blood. This association may contribute to a protective role of these variants in younger adults, while being detrimental to longevity in older individuals.
Researchers found that tropical boubous sing the 'victory duet' more often after an invasion attempt than before or during playback of recordings. This rare context-specific birdsong is used to assert dominance and deter other birds from intruding into their territory.
Researchers reconstructed the timeline of eukaryotic evolution, showing that increased oxygen led to more varied cell types. Organisms with up to 50 different cell types evolved following the emergence of mitochondria and plastids around 2,300 million years ago.
Gerbrand Izaks and Rudi Westendorp propose a model where diseases are caused by cumulative risk factors, making every age-related change a potential symptom of an illness. This framework encourages doctors to reassess older patients' body functions, comparing results to 'normal values' from healthy young adults.
A population-based study found that infants would benefit most from in-hospital palliative care, while older children with long-term illnesses require community-based and at-home services. Effective end-of-life care for all children needs simultaneous delivery of different modes of care.