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Science News for February 13, 2005


Stem cell therapy for spinal injury

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a stem cell therapy that improves motor function and sensory function below spinal injury levels. The treatment inhibits the development of astrocytes, which stimulate pain axon growth, allowing for greater production of oligodendrocytes and myelin-coated nerve fibers.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 13, 2005

Morbidly obese pay nearly twice as much for health care

A study by the University of Cincinnati found that morbidly obese adults incur significantly higher medical expenditures, with excess costs attributed to increased visits to doctors, hospital care, and prescription drugs. The researchers estimate that $56 billion in US healthcare expenditures in 2000 were linked to excess body weight, ...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateFeb 13, 2005