Add BrightSurf on Google Email

How movement lubricates bone joints

Bioengineering researchers at UC San Diego have shown that sliding forces on cartilage surfaces increase the production of proteoglycan 4, an important step towards growing healthy joint tissue. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of osteoarthritis and the development of artificial joints.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalOsteoarthritis and Cartilage·DateDec 5, 2006

Rice bioengineers pioneer techniques for knee repair

Researchers at Rice University have developed a self-assembly method to grow dime-sized disks of cartilage with properties approaching native tissue. The technique uses only donor cells, eliminating rejection risks, and has been refined to produce virtually identical cartilage in terms of mechanical and biochemical makeup.

SourceRice University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateMar 27, 2006

Nerve damage from alcoholism reversed after liver transplantation

A patient with a 20-year history of heavy drinking underwent liver transplantation in 1999 and experienced progressive recovery of strength in both legs. The authors suggest that peripheral neuropathy in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis is reversible and should not be a contraindication to liver transplantation.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateDec 1, 2004

Newly grown kidneys can sustain life in rats

Scientists have grown functional kidneys in rats using embryonic tissue transplants, demonstrating their ability to filter blood and excrete waste. The research marks a critical step towards developing animal-to-human transplants to address chronic organ donation shortages.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalOrganogenesis·DateJun 21, 2004

Research questions transplant safety procedure

A study led by Michigan State University scientists found that lyophilization does not improve the safety of bones and tissues for transplantation, contradicting current clinical beliefs. The researchers tested five samples each of infected bone and tissue through lyophilization and found that the virus survived the process.

1st evidence that nuclear transplantation ('therapeutic cloning') can eliminate tissue rejection

Researchers at Advanced Cell Technology successfully transplanted cloned tissues into animals without rejection. The study's findings suggest that nuclear transplantation could provide a limitless supply of immune-compatible cells and organs for regenerative therapies, tackling one of the major challenges in transplantation medicine.

SourceAdvanced Cell Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 2, 2002

Rare but deadly heart disease is curable, study shows

A study led by Johns Hopkins researchers found that patients with fulminant myocarditis can fully recover from the condition within two weeks without much damage to the heart or chance of relapse. Effective treatments include medications and mechanical pumps, which can increase blood flow and assist heart function.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 8, 2000

UT Southwestern Eye Researchers Test Oral Vaccine That Prevents Corneal-Transplant Rejection

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed an oral vaccine that may prevent rejection of corneal transplants. The vaccine involves feeding processed corneal cells from donor corneas to recipients over time, training their immune system to accept donated corneas without the need for powerful immunosuppressive drugs.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateSep 22, 1997