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Science News for August 24, 2004


Pain common side effect of depression

A study by Dr. Kurt Kroenke found that depression is a risk factor for pain symptoms, with muscle pain and headaches being two or three times more common in people with depression. Physical symptoms may not respond to antidepressant treatment as well as emotional symptoms, and can linger longer.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 24, 2004

Regular physical activity really does boost immune system in older men

A novel study found that regular moderate physical activity significantly improves the immune response in older men, with increased anti-KLH IgM, IgG, and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. This suggests that a physically active lifestyle can maintain optimal T cell-mediated responses, particularly during times of immunocompromise.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateAug 24, 2004

Light turns on anticancer agents

Virginia Tech researchers have developed light-activated therapy agents that are oxygen independent, overcoming a limitation in photodynamic therapy. The new agents are activated by visible light and have been studied in cell cultures, showing promising results.

Old runners pick up speed quicker than younger runners

According to a study by Yale University, older female runners aged 50-59 improved their average race time by 2.08 minutes per year, significantly exceeding male runners of the same age. The older male runners also showed an accelerated rate of improvement, outperforming younger men in the 60-69 and 70-79 age categories.

SourceYale University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateAug 24, 2004

Morning glories creeping their way around popular herbicide, new UGA research reports

Researchers at UGA identified morning glory families tolerant to glyphosate, a noxious herbicide. The study suggests developing regional strategies for managing tolerance is crucial. Increased tolerance of morning glories to glyphosate could leave farmers without effective control, highlighting the need for new management strategies.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2004

Vast new energy source almost here

A new energy source harnessing solar power could revolutionize the way we generate electricity, offering a cheap, clean, and abundant alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The technology uses special titanium oxide ceramics to split water into hydrogen fuel, producing only oxygen and water as by-products.

Meteorites supplied Earth life with phosphorus

Researchers found that meteorites, especially iron meteorites, can provide more phosphorus than naturally occurs on Earth. Phosphorus is essential for biomolecules and energy production in living organisms. The discovery suggests that meteorites may have played a critical role in the evolution of life on Earth.