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Science News for November 7, 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

Researchers using new technology to study breath for toxins

A Virginia Tech research team has created a microelectromechanical system to detect trace amounts of toxins in breath on the parts per billion scale. The study aims to monitor patient exhaled breath to identify and quantify environmental exposure risks, providing valuable data for limiting harmful contaminant exposure.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 7, 2011

Delaware Fire Service offers important lessons for fire prevention programs nationwide

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that Delaware's fire service program is a model for comprehensive fire prevention. The researchers highlight the importance of community involvement, partnerships with schools and local businesses, and policy advocacy efforts to advance fire safety initiatives.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateNov 7, 2011

Sowing the seeds of the obesity epidemic in babyhood

A large population-based study found that babies who rise two or more major percentiles in weight-for-length on growth charts before age 2 are more likely to be obese at age 5 and 10. The study suggests assessing weight gains during the first two years, especially in the first 6 months, to identify early risk factors for obesity.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateNov 7, 2011

Nonterrestrial artifacts hard to pin down

A pair of postdoctoral researchers at Penn State suggest that we have not looked in enough places to ensure the absence of extraterrestrial artifacts. They used a probabilistic method to determine if sufficient searching has been done, finding it challenging to rule out their presence.

SourcePenn State·JournalActa Astronautica·DateNov 7, 2011

Banning sugar-sweetened beverages in schools does not appear to reduce consumption among adolescents

A study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that banning all sugar-sweetened beverages in schools reduces in-school access and purchase, but not overall consumption among adolescents. Approximately 85% of students reported consuming sugar-sweetened beverages at least once a week, regardless of policy.

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

How parasites modify plants to attract insects

Scientists identified a molecule that manipulates plant development to favor insect hosts, increasing leafhopper reproduction and pathogen transmission. This phenomenon demonstrates the extended phenotype, where an organism's impact on its environment extends beyond biological processes.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2011

Breakthrough scientific discoveries no longer dominated by the very young, study finds

A study of Nobel Laureates from 1901 to 2008 found that the majority of breakthroughs in chemistry and physics were made after age 40, with great achievements by age 30 nearly never occurring. The trend toward youthful achievement in early 20th century physics may be attributed to the development of quantum mechanics.

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

NIH study finds stroke risk factors may lead to cognitive problems

A recent study by the National Institutes of Health has discovered a correlation between high blood pressure and stroke risk factors with cognitive impairment. The research, which followed over 30,000 participants, found that age, left ventricular hypertrophy, and high blood pressure were independent predictors of cognitive decline.

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 7, 2011

Researchers have discovered that connexin 36 protects mouse pancreatic beta-cells against immune molecules prevalent in type 1 diabetes. Additionally, a study found that PTHrP drives breast tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis in mice, suggesting it as a potential therapy target.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 7, 2011

Why cooking counts

A study by Harvard researchers found that cooked meat delivers more energy than raw meat, contradicting current food labeling. This discovery supports the idea that cooking allowed early humans to extract more energy from their diet, contributing to evolutionary adaptations such as increased brain size and long-distance running ability.

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

Prostate cancer surgery better at teaching hospitals

A recent study published in the Journal of Urology found that prostate cancer patients who undergo radical prostatectomy experience fewer complications and shorter hospital stays at teaching hospitals compared to non-academic institutions. The study suggests that the characteristics of teaching hospitals, including higher subspecialty ...

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateNov 7, 2011