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Science News for October 13, 2006


Research holds promise for herpes vaccine

A Montana State University researcher has made significant breakthroughs in developing a live vaccine against genital herpes. The study found that mice vaccinated with a genetically-modified herpes simplex virus type 1 showed no signs of disease after exposure to the wild-type strain.

SourceMontana State University·JournalVirology Journal·DateOct 13, 2006

A boost for solar cells with photon fusion

Researchers develop innovative process to combine low-energy photons in sunlight into higher-energy shortwave photons, boosting solar cells' efficiency. This breakthrough could enable the use of previously lost light energy, leading to a significant increase in solar cell efficiency.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 13, 2006

Detecting microalgae in coastal waters

Researchers aim to develop a laser fluorometer that detects multiple target pigments, distinguishing between different types of algae in turbid coastal waters. The tool will characterize microalgal populations rapidly and easily, helping to identify potentially harmful species during red tides.

Giant pandas see in color

New research at Georgia Tech and Zoo Atlanta shows that giant pandas can discriminate between colors and various shades of gray. The study found that both pandas were able to choose the correct colored pipe in tests, indicating they have some sort of color vision.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalLearning & Behavior·DateOct 13, 2006

Mental tests reveal fall risk for older Australians

A pioneering study has found that people with lower or declining cognitive ability are at greater risk of falling. The research, which followed over 500 participants aged 70 over eight years, identified women and multiple fallers as being more likely to experience falls.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 13, 2006