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Science News for January 7, 2005


Story writing impacts consumer experience

A study by Patricia West and colleagues found that writing stories about paintings boosts writer's preference for a painting. Stories focusing on the author also show improved recall and enjoyment of the task. The authors argue that this effect applies to various consumer goods, such as clothing and family vacations.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 7, 2005

Potential cure for lymphoma in HIV patients

Researchers at City of Hope Cancer Center have successfully treated 17 out of 20 HIV-positive patients with refractory lymphoma using high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue. The study shows promising results with an 85% survival rate, paving the way for further investigation into this potential cure.

A biomarker to predict osteoarthritis

Researchers found a significant link between elevated hyaluronic acid levels and severity of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees and hips. The study, involving 753 participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds, suggests that hyaluronic acid measurements may be useful for assessing overall OA load.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJan 7, 2005

Anti-consumerism activism

Researchers Robert Kozinets and Jay Handelman apply social movement theories to anti-advertising movements, finding changes in activists' self-description and adversary portrayal. The authors conclude that activists view the consumption system as an enemy and try to save both themselves and consumers from it.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 7, 2005

How negative messages affect consumers

Research by Susan Jung Grant and colleagues found that consumers process negative messages more slowly than positive ones, focusing on the root of the message rather than the negation. This leads to a specific sequence of processing, where affirmations are elaborated first and then negators are incorporated in judgment.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 7, 2005

January 2005 Ophthalmology Journal

The January 2005 issue of the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Journal features various studies on glaucoma, including the restoration of retinal ganglion cell function in early glaucoma after intraocular pressure reduction. Other topics include LASIK surgery and its effects on myopia, as well as a study on familial aggregation of h...

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateJan 7, 2005