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That Ubiquitous Bar Code

Apr 04, 2011

Those matrix-like bar codes that have popped up recently, may soon also be found on a research poster near you. QR codes, or quick response codes, can be read by bar code readers and smartphone cameras. Jay Buckley at PosterSession.com's blog — PosterSession.com prints posters — says that he's seen posters with QR codes. "What's cool is that you can have the code point to your bio page (they can contact you about a job) or page where your poster is uploaded (no more handouts required)," he writes.

Breaking News
The Scan

Pig Organ Transplants Considered

The Wall Street Journal reports that the US Food and Drug Administration may soon allow clinical trials that involve transplanting pig organs into humans.

'Poo-Bank' Proposal

Harvard Medical School researchers suggest people should bank stool samples when they are young to transplant when they later develop age-related diseases.

Spurred to Develop Again

New Scientist reports that researchers may have uncovered why about 60 percent of in vitro fertilization embryos stop developing.

Science Papers Examine Breast Milk Cell Populations, Cerebral Cortex Cellular Diversity, Micronesia Population History

In Science this week: unique cell populations found within breast milk, 100 transcriptionally distinct cell populations uncovered in the cerebral cortex, and more.