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Science News for July 22, 2002


Weather in outer space?

Researchers Katharina Lodders and her team found evidence of complex chemistry in brown dwarf atmospheres, including the formation of liquid iron clouds. The study revealed that as brown dwarfs cool, certain compounds reappear in their atmospheres.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 22, 2002

New horizons of nerve repair

Biomedical engineer Shelly Sakiyama-Elbert has designed a novel nerve repair system that uses a gel-filled tube to deliver growth factor proteins stimulating nerve regeneration. The system promotes peripheral nerve regeneration in preliminary rat studies and shows promise for spinal cord repair.

What savings?

A review of medical savings accounts (MSAs) suggests they are unlikely to reduce healthcare spending while maintaining access to services for all Canadians. MSAs were assessed using data from Manitoba residents, and the results showed an increase in government spending on healthcare if the threshold was used as MSA entitlement.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 22, 2002

Plastic surgery to the'nines'

A new system is being developed to aid plastic surgeons in reconstructive surgery by analyzing faces using wavelet analysis, recommending procedures and assessing outcomes. This technology has potential applications outside of plastic surgery, including facial recognition and security, as well as quantifying beauty.

Sprawl may threaten wildlife in reserves

A study by Andrew Hansen and Jay Rotella found that development near nature reserves can harm bird populations, as many species rely on productive habitats outside the reserve. The researchers suggest that conserving population source areas outside reserves is necessary to protect biodiversity in nature reserves.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJul 22, 2002