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Science News for December 2, 2004


The impact of body weight on the progression of knee osteoarthritis

A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that weight gain significantly increases the risk of disease progression in knees with moderate malalignment, but has no impact in neutrally aligned or severely malaligned legs. Researchers suggest targeting weight loss efforts for patients with moderate malalignment to slow disease pro...

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateDec 2, 2004

Save up your energy reserves for a longer life!

Scientists found that animals with extra copies of the AMP-1 enzyme lived 13% longer than controls, while environmental stressors activating AMP-1 also led to longer lives. The study's findings have broad implications for understanding human aging and potentially extending lifespan through exercise and therapeutics.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 2, 2004

Bosons crystallize in 2-D traps

Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered that bosons placed in two-dimensional harmonic traps will crystallize when their repulsive interactions are increased. Theoretical simulations showed six bosons forming a polygonal crystal with one boson in the center.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 2, 2004

Choosing the kind of fat to avoid obesity

Research found that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid from fish oils, stimulates the secretion of leptin in primary cell cultures of fat from rats. This effect may be beneficial for maintaining body weight during obesity treatment and improving associated pathologies.

Thinking beyond deworming

The editorial concludes that deworming programs have substantial public health benefits and reductions in global burden of disease. Simple, effective, safe, and cheap treatments are already available, but systematic delivery requires industry, funders, and political will.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 2, 2004