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Science News for January 28, 2004


How the cellular 'garbage disposal' grinds to a halt to cause Batten disease

A team of researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered that a genetic defect affects lysosome protein arginine regulation, causing Batten disease. This condition leads to lysosomes malfunctioning and cells swelling with waste, ultimately killing brain cells and resulting in severe medical problems.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2004

AGU journal highlights - 28 January 2004

This AGU journal features research on space weather substorms, with a possible explanation for large magnetic fluctuations during the onset of a space weather substorm. Additionally, high frequency sea ice motion may affect Arctic dynamics, while tropical drought regions in global warming and El Nino teleconnections are also explored.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 28, 2004
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Findings could aid efforts to harness nature for making drugs

Purdue researchers discovered a method to boost the production of ferulate 5-hydroxylase, an enzyme used in pharmaceuticals. By altering nutrients and controlling fermentation time, they increased the enzyme's activity by 45% and productivity by twice its normal rate.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateJan 28, 2004

No adverse effects of aluminium in vaccines

A meta-analysis of five published trials found that aluminium-containing vaccines were more likely to cause redness and induration in young children and local pain in older children. However, there was no evidence of serious or long-lasting side effects.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 28, 2004

Call for increase in flu vaccination among young children

Recent studies suggest that pediatric influenza is a significant medical problem, causing excess hospitalizations and antibiotic prescriptions. Experts call for increased efforts to identify and vaccinate high-risk children, as well as educating parents and physicians about the importance of flu vaccination.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 28, 2004

Brain structure implicated in early onset depression

Researchers found that adolescents with early onset depression had significantly smaller left hippocampuses compared to healthy controls. The study also revealed that those with longer histories of depression had larger hippocampuses, suggesting that initial differences may not be apparent in adult patients.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJan 28, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Low free testosterone levels linked to Alzheimer's disease in older men

A study by NIH researchers found that low free testosterone levels may be associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older men. The study, conducted on 574 men aged 32-87, revealed a 26% decrease in AD risk for every 50% increase in free testosterone index.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalNeurology·DateJan 28, 2004

Pain may interfere with depression improvement

A clinical trial found that depression improved in most patients after three months of drug therapy, but 24% persisted with high scores. Moderate to severe pain at the start of treatment was associated with a higher risk of poor response.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJan 28, 2004

Pacific dictates droughts and drenchings

A long-term ocean pattern, Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), influences West Coast temperatures and precipitation up to a year in advance. The study reveals correlations between PDO patterns and temperature and precipitation trends on the West Coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 28, 2004

Robotic surgery for young heart patients shortens hospital stay and speeds recovery, study indicates

The minimally invasive surgical techniques made possible by the robot system can give the same surgical result as open-chest techniques with less impact on young patients' bodies. Robot-assisted surgery may be a good option for certain defects and reduces hospital stays, operative trauma, cosmetic impact, and overall recovery time.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateJan 28, 2004
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Brash western skylines younger than previously believed

A team of University of Arizona geoscientists found that movement along faults created huge blocks of rock, lifting them 9,000 feet into the air to form Tucson's skyline. This discovery challenges previous theories on mountain formation in the western United States.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateJan 28, 2004