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Science News for November 9, 2007


Researchers successfully simulate photosynthesis and design a better leaf

University of Illinois researchers successfully simulated every step of the photosynthetic process using a computer model that mimics evolution. The new findings suggest that by rearranging the investment of nitrogen, they can almost double efficiency in plants. This could lead to increased crop yields and improved plant productivity.

Tailored for optical applications

Researchers at Simon Fraser University created a material with extremely high birefringence, surpassing that of calcite. This achievement is made possible by the design flexibility of coordination polymers, which can be tailored to exhibit specific optical properties.

SourceWiley·DateNov 9, 2007

Survey shows gender differences are factor when surgeons in training choose a subspecialty

A survey of surgeons in training found that women are more influenced by lifestyle considerations when choosing a subspecialty career. The study suggests that general surgery residency programs should address the perception of the lifestyle associated with subspecialty surgical careers to recruit more women.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 9, 2007

UK government has reneged on pledge for flexible working in NHS

The UK government has failed to deliver on its promise of more flexible working in the NHS, according to a recent article. The Medical Women's Federation argues that this lack of flexibility has led to increased stress and burnout among medical staff, particularly women who make up nearly 70% of medical students.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalPostgraduate Medical Journal·DateNov 9, 2007

1 in 5 young Britons has sex with someone new while abroad

Research published in Sexually Transmitted Infections found that nearly one in five young Britons has sex with someone new while abroad, often choosing partners from the UK or Europe to reduce HIV transmission risk. This behavior is associated with risky sexual practices and highlights a gap in healthcare messaging for travelers.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateNov 9, 2007

Are there rearrangement hot spots in the human genome?

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 9, 2007