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Science News for March 27, 2009


Statistical road safety

A report by Clara Fang and colleagues analyzed crash data before and after implementing traffic calming measures in Hartford. The study found that all safety features led to fewer crashes, with greater reductions on streets with higher initial crash rates.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Systems Technologies and Applications·DateMar 27, 2009

MIT: 'Alarming' use of energy in modern manufacturing methods

A new MIT study finds that modern manufacturing processes are significantly less efficient in terms of energy and materials use compared to traditional industries. The research highlights the alarming levels of energy consumption by newer processes like microchip production, which uses up orders of magnitude more energy than making man...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 27, 2009

A splice of life

A groundbreaking study at Brandeis University has shed light on a crucial step in the complex process of genetic encoding for the first time. The researchers report that they were able to crystallize a large complex of a macromolecular machine in the human cell and determine its structure, zeroing in on the process of RNA splicing.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNature·DateMar 27, 2009

Team approach appears to work best for insect colonies

Scientists created a mathematical model to study cooperative groups of animals, known as superorganisms, which evolve through two scenarios: closely related individuals or policing-based control. This finding suggests that some animal groups can behave like united organisms.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateMar 27, 2009