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Science News for January 15, 2004


Bone marrow–derived stem cells active in pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers have discovered that bone marrow-derived stem cells are present in the lungs of mice with pulmonary fibrosis. This finding suggests a new approach to treating the disease using stem cell therapy. Understanding how these stem cells engraft and interact with the lung tissue could lead to improved treatment outcomes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 15, 2004

Long-awaited debate on school vouchers

The article presents a long-awaited debate on school vouchers, focusing on estimation and conceptualization in assessing the effects of vouchers. The authors, prominent scholars in social sciences, discuss the role of theory in experimental research and the limitations of field experimentation.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Behavioral Scientist·DateJan 15, 2004

Successful, rapid protein crystallization possible with technique developed by UCSD researcher

A new technique developed by UCSD researcher Virgil Woods employs DXMS to identify unstructured regions in proteins that interfere with crystallization. Removing these regions through 'molecular surgery' enables proteins to crystallize well, overcoming a major obstacle in structural genomics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2004

Understanding nerve degeneration in spastic paraplegia

Researchers have found that nerve degeneration in spastic paraplegia is associated with abnormal mitochondria and impairment of axonal transport, highlighting a potential target for therapeutic interventions. The study suggests that preserving mitochondrial function may help prevent axonal loss in this devastating condition.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 15, 2004

JCI Table of Contents, January 15 2004

Researchers at Yale University demonstrate that OspC is critical for Borrelia burgdorferi's ability to invade tick salivary glands and be transmitted to humans. Meanwhile, studies on hereditary spastic paraplegia and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis reveal potential new targets for treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 15, 2004