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Science News for January 31, 2007


Solanacae Genome Project gets $1.8 million NSF grant

The Cornell-led International Tomato Sequencing Project will sequence the tomato genome and create a comprehensive database of genomic sequences, enabling researchers to study crop development and domestication. The project, funded by $1.8 million from the NSF, aims to tie together maps and genomes of all plants in the Solanaceae family.

Prion disease treatable if caught early

Researchers found that early brain degeneration can be reversed if prions are depleted in neurons, leading to improved cognitive function and reversal of neurological pathology. This discovery opens new avenues for targeting neuronal prion protein as a therapeutic approach and may enable early intervention in human prion disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJan 31, 2007

Hungry for a Super Bowl victory?

Researchers found that seeing leftover chicken bones on plates led to a 43% increase in eating, while those who ate off clean plates consumed less. The study suggests serving yourself onto a plate and stopping when it's empty can help prevent overeating at Super Bowl parties.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPerceptual and Motor Skills·DateJan 31, 2007

Timing is everything

Researchers found that mice deficient for SHP exhibited an earlier onset of fertility due to reduced repression on testosterone production and germ cell differentiation. This discovery may lead to exploration of SHP in human subjects with fertility issues.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 31, 2007

New compound shows promise in halting HIV spread

A new compound, 2-5AN6B, has shown significant promise in inhibiting HIV replication in white blood cells from HIV-infected patients. The compound works by a different mechanism than current drugs, reducing the risk of mutation and improving treatment effectiveness.

SourceTemple University·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateJan 31, 2007

Leeches ferry infection among newts

Researchers found evidence of leech-borne transmission of a fungus-like organism infecting newts' muscles, which may affect their ability to reproduce. The infection is not fatal but can impact newt populations. Human activities, such as fertilizer use in wetlands, could lead to increased leech abundance and disease spread.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Parasitology·DateJan 31, 2007

Spirituality plays role in breast cancer information processing for African-American women

A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia reveals that spirituality positively affects African-American women's willingness to talk about breast cancer and engage in preventative measures. For Caucasian women, spiritual locus of control plays no significant role in paying attention to breast cancer information.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalIntegrative Medicine Insights·DateJan 31, 2007

Mechanism of hallucinogens' effects discovered

Researchers identify neural and signaling mechanisms responsible for hallucinogen effects by studying the activation of 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. The findings may advance understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders treated with existing pharmacological treatments.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJan 31, 2007

Assessing the cost of juvenile arthritis

A study found that children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis had significant direct medical costs, including $1,686 per year. The study also highlighted the importance of long-term medical and social costs in resource allocation.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJan 31, 2007

Exercise has no effect on risk of knee osteoarthritis

A recent study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that exercise neither protects against nor increases the risk of knee OA in middle-aged and older adults. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,200 subjects, suggests that physical activity can be done safely without concerns about developing OA.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJan 31, 2007