Previously, we have discussed the benefits brought to academic publishing by the use of audio and visual content. Visual content increases engagement, which should come as no surprise, since the vast majority of internet traffic consists of video content. In this issue, we will explore a natural progression from video abstracts: the video journal.
Have you ever been afraid of something? Many humans experience fear of flying in airplanes, insects (especially spiders), heights, and the dark. However, some people can experience an intense and irrational fear that is disproportionate to the level of danger, called a phobia. Phobias also tend to have very interesting names which can seem rather strange.
In a previous issue of our newsletter, we discussed the increasing popularity of open access in academic publishing and the concerns associated with this trend. Today we will introduce another bold new paradigm for academic publishing that aims to tackle some of the same long-standing issues that open access aims to address. That is, the idea of post-publication peer review (PPPR).
In Japan, many of us have had to animal-proof our trash bins to prevent animals from causing a large mess. Crows in particular are difficult to keep out due to their apparent high level of intelligence. Japanese ornithologist Hiroyoshi Higuchi PhD recounts an observation in his recent book Nyusuna Karasu Kansatsufuntoki of “faucet crows” in a Yokohama park where female carrion crows figured out how to operate water fountain faucets with their beaks to drink and bathe.
