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Science News for May 5, 2009


Flu pandemic in prison

A conference on prison pandemic preparedness in Georgia demonstrates effective training methods, including interactive approaches and experiential learning. The event fosters partnerships between correctional health and public health officials to enhance pandemic response capabilities.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Correctional Health Care·DateMay 5, 2009

Erosion of the Yucca Mountain crest

Researchers predict Yucca Mountain crest erosion due to local geology, potentially affecting repository stability. The study used a numerical landscape evolution model to explore the rate of erosional decay.

SourceElsevier·JournalGeomorphology·DateMay 5, 2009

Better water use could reduce future food crises

Researchers from Swedish and German scientists found that better water management can significantly reduce future food crises by leveraging both green and blue water. This approach can lift billions out of water poverty and provide a new green revolution in poor countries, even if they face blue water scarcity.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalWater Resources Research·DateMay 5, 2009

Pfizer shows support for open access

Pfizer has partnered with BioMed Central to cover publication costs for its researchers, making their research results universally accessible. This move follows the lead of major funders such as the National Institutes of Health and Wellcome Trust, which have implemented policies for open access.

How social insects recognize dead nestmates

UC Riverside entomologists discover that Argentine ants use a different mechanism to recognize dead nestmates, triggered by the dissipation of life chemicals. The researchers found that live ants produce both life and death chemicals, while dead ants only produce death chemicals, leading to their removal from the colony.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2009

Little or no evidence for some swine flu interventions

The Lancet Editorial highlights the lack of evidence for some swine flu interventions, including culling pigs, restricting pork trade, and distributing facemasks. Experts emphasize the need for timely and accurate information dissemination to healthcare professionals, particularly in pandemic preparedness.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 5, 2009