News on open-access publishing and its reach. Covers journal launches, open-access agreements, and research made freely available.
A new study has identified a link between the size of apolipoprotein(a), a protein component of low-density lipoprotein, and an increased risk of heart disease in overweight individuals. The research suggests that analyzing apolipoprotein(a) size may provide a reliable way to discriminate between those at high risk and those without.
Researchers discover that retroviral Gag proteins bind tightly to endophilin-2, a protein involved in cell membrane budding. This interaction is crucial for the production and spread of viruses.
Researchers estimated that only one further case of vCJD in Ireland is likely, based on exposure to BSE-infected beef. The study used data from the UK to calculate the future risk to the Irish population.
Open-access initiatives aim to make scientific research freely available online, with proponents arguing that it promotes science and improves human health. Critics, however, suggest that authors' payment models may compromise the quality of published research.
Refugees may experience limb thrombosis, low oxygen levels, and transmission of respiratory infections such as tuberculosis during flights. Measures should be taken to prevent these medical risks and ensure safe repatriation.
Patients with achalasia often experience impeded digestion due to reduced muscle contraction and sphincter relaxation. Research finds that nerve cell loss may cause constipation in these patients, which persisted even after treatment for achalasia.
Researchers found that silent piano practice altered brain activity patterns after just 20 minutes, with enhanced changes after five weeks of training. The study suggests a 'map' is formed between auditory pitch targets and motor skills, similar to Broca's area involved in speech processing.
PLoS Biology features peer-reviewed research articles on diverse topics, making outstanding science freely available worldwide. The journal's open-access model aims to increase interdisciplinary collaboration, speed scientific discovery, and potentially save lives.
Scientists identified 25 genes expressed differently in soldier and worker termites, with workers having higher levels of cellulose-degrading genes. Soldiers had higher levels of muscle- and cytoskeleton-related genes, suggesting their large mouthparts may be linked to these genes.
The UK has signed a landmark deal to make scientific research freely available online. BioMed Central's membership agreement commences on July 1st, waiving article-processing charges for all UK higher education staff. This move aims to increase the proportion of open-access articles published worldwide.
Researchers found that nitrogenous bases could protect primordial RNA from UV radiation, leading to a selective advantage and increased stability. This mechanism may have driven the origin of life on Earth, turning high UV levels into a key factor in the process.
New predictions suggest vCJD epidemic will decline with a comparable worst-case scenario of 540 UK cases between now and 2080. The researchers estimated the incubation time of vCJD to be 12.6 years, similar to Kuru, and calculated that only 40 future cases are expected within the next five years.
A recent study published in Malaria Journal found that current funding for the Roll Back Malaria movement is less than 7% of what is needed to achieve its goals. The authors recommend increasing aid and implementing more transparent reporting by donors to ensure the project's success.
Scientists have found that bacterial endospores can survive in a simulated Martian environment, raising concerns about future space missions. The discovery highlights the potential for Earth-borne endospores to hitch a ride to Mars and compromise efforts to detect life on the planet.
Researchers investigated sleep regulation in mice lacking cryptochrome molecules, revealing a new model for understanding sleep mechanisms. The study found that these mice did not exhibit increased non-REM sleep duration after sleep deprivation.
A new website, ICUnet, has been developed to help doctors and nurses find nearby intensive care beds. This system could prevent critically ill patients dying during transfers by providing a comprehensive, up-to-date list of available beds.