I was reading Pete's article in the Feb 2013 ABJ and noticed mention of 
shaking bees off combs when making nucs.  That brought to mind the 
question of damage to developing brood that is possible from shaking or 
banging frames.  We would never shake a frame of developing queen cells, 
so how is it OK to shake frames of worker brood?  We all do it, though.

Has anyone examined this question to establish whether any appreciable 
harm is done?  I recall having heard mention of a 'quivering shake' many 
years ago and and tend to use that method rather than a violent shake or 
impact, but must confess to banging top bar ends on wooden doorsteps 
from time to time when the bees are clinging stubbornly.

Another matter to consider in making splits is how quickly open brood is 
killed if frames are leaned against the hive and the brood is exposed to 
direct sun.

I wonder how much harm is caused by these two common practicesand how 
much of the deformed wing beekeepers see was caused by their own 
handling of frames days or weeks previous.

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