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Science News Archive July 2012 - Page 20


Page 20 of 26

Vaccine and antibiotics stabilized so refrigeration is not needed -- NIH study

Researchers developed a silk-based stabilizer that maintains potency of live vaccines and antibiotics even at high storage temperatures. This innovation has the potential to eliminate the need for refrigeration, saving billions in costs and increasing accessibility to third-world populations.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2012

Taking nothing at face value

Research reveals that an image of a person can look strikingly different from one image to the next, making it difficult for unfamiliar viewers to identify them. However, familiar viewers find it easier to recognize individuals across various images. The study also found that variability within a person is greater than between people w...

Tiny bubbles snap carbon nanotubes like twigs

Researchers at Rice University detail the exact mechanism of how carbon nanotubes bend and break when subjected to ultrasonic vibrations in a liquid. The study reveals that long and short nanotubes behave differently, with shorter tubes stretching and longer ones bending before snapping.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2012

A roll of the dice

Researchers from the University of Calgary found that even with complete information, predicting certain experiment outcomes in quantum physics can't be done perfectly beforehand. Quantum theory appears to be close to optimal in terms of its predictive power, according to a new study.

Taking a bird's eye view could cut wildlife collisions with aircraft

A US Department of Agriculture study found that using lights on aircraft makes them more visible to birds, reducing the risk of collisions. Researchers tested Canada geese's response to radio-controlled model aircraft with different lighting conditions, finding that geese respond more quickly to aircraft with lights on.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 9, 2012

University of Miami-led study finds winds played important role in keeping oil away from S. Fla.

A University of Miami-led study found that wind-induced surface drift significantly influenced the displacement of oil in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon spill. The simulation results correctly predicted the final destination of the oil along the Northern Gulf coastline, matching observations.

Marcellus brine migration likely natural, not man-made

A Duke University study suggests naturally occurring pathways allowed salts and gases from the Marcellus shale formation to migrate into shallow drinking water aquifers. The study found elevated levels of salinity with similar geochemistry to deep Marcellus brine in drinking water samples.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2012

Technique spots disease using immune cell DNA

Researchers at Brown University have discovered a way to determine unique leukocyte mixes from blood samples using DNA methylation. The technique can distinguish between various types of cancer and non-cancer conditions, offering a powerful tool for medical research and clinical diagnosis.

Vertebroplasty reportedly provides better pain relief and function

A study analyzing published data found that vertebroplasty provides better pain relief and function for patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures compared to nonoperative treatments. Vertebral stabilization technique also offers benefits over other treatments despite conflicting results to date.

SourceSpringer·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateJul 9, 2012

Canada's Bill C-31 to change immigration act could severely affect mental health of refugees

Bill C-31 could have serious negative impacts on the mental health of refugees, with proposals to separate children from their parents and delay family reunification. Detention reviews will not occur for six months after initial two-week review, potentially exacerbating depression and anxiety in vulnerable individuals.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 9, 2012

Generic drugs key to US overseas HIV relief

A new article by Brown University researchers reveals that adopting generic drugs was crucial to the success of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPfAR). The program has reduced its annual per person spending on antiretroviral medicines to $300, and now provides treatment to nearly 2 out of 3 individuals in need.

SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 9, 2012