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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 44


Page 44 of 311

Survey identifies sea turtle 'hitchhikers'

A recent survey of Pacific sea turtles has identified 16 species of epibionts, including crabs and barnacles, that live on their shells. These organisms can cause drag and transmit disease, highlighting the importance of considering their impact on turtle health and ecology.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalBulletin of the Peabody Museum of Natural History·DateNov 8, 2011

Fundamental discovery casts enzymes in new light

Researchers have made a fundamental discovery about enzymes, revealing that flexibility is an essential feature of enzyme function. This finding has significant implications for improving the efficiency of enzymatic processes and developing new treatments for diseases such as AIDS.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 8, 2011

Galaxy DNA-analysis software is now available 'in the cloud'

The Galaxy platform is now available as a cloud computing resource, providing researchers with access to powerful computing power and vast data storage capacity. This development enables scientists to perform large-scale DNA analyses without investing in expensive computer infrastructure.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 8, 2011

For new microscope images, less is more

Scientists have developed a microscope that utilizes compression sensing to gather molecular vibration information with increased resolution and reduced time. The new method has been applied to sum frequency generation microscopes, resulting in images with 16 times more pixel density than traditional scanning techniques.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 8, 2011

Tying molecules in knots

Researchers have successfully tied molecules into a complex pentafoil knot using self-assembly, expanding the understanding of material properties and potentially leading to new materials with improved properties. The knot is composed of just 160 atoms, approximately 16 nanometers in length.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 7, 2011

Fish follow the rules to school

Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that small lake-dwelling fish follow simple yet effective rules when schooling together. By tracking individual fish and analyzing their interactions, the team identified key movements such as slowing down near others and turning to move towards neighbors.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2011

Drospirenone-containing contraceptives linked to higher risk of blood clots

A study found that drospirenone-containing oral birth control pills are associated with a significantly increased risk of venous thrombotic events, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Risk was highest in the early months of use and was also influenced by factors such as age, high blood pressure, and obesity.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 7, 2011

Web-based intervention appears ineffective for preventing weight gain in adolescents

A web-based intervention aimed at promoting healthy eating and physical activity among adolescents was found to have no long-term effects on weight gain, but did show positive short-term changes in dietary behavior. The study evaluated the effectiveness of the FATaintPHAT intervention over two years, finding it ineffective in reducing ...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateNov 7, 2011