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A new Twist on bone development

Researchers identify Twist proteins as transient inhibitors of osteoblast differentiation, negatively regulating Runx2. This finding provides insight into the complexity of osteoblast differentiation and its initiation by the relief of inhibition.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 15, 2004

The bare bones of cutting the fat

Researchers found that PPAR-gamma deficiency in mice enhances bone development by increasing osteoblast production, while adipocyte differentiation is impaired. This discovery may provide new avenues for osteoporosis therapies.

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

Scientists grow neurons using nanostructures

Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully grown nerve cells using an artificial three-dimensional network of nanofibers, a technique important in regenerative medicine. The innovative scaffold directs cell differentiation, driving neural progenitor cells to become neurons and not astrocytes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJan 22, 2004

Safely achieving tolerance to stem cell transplantation

Researchers developed a costimulatory blockade-based protocol to induce peripheral tolerance in stem cell transplantation. This approach combines donor-specific transfusion and anti-CD154 monoclonal antibody administration to achieve functional HSC populations without myeloablation or GVHD induction.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 2, 2003

U of T scientists build a bridge for new bone

A team of University of Toronto researchers has created a biodegradable scaffold that accelerates bone healing rates by providing a building structure for bone growth. The scaffold, similar in structure to a dish sponge, eventually dissolves, eliminating the need for expensive chemicals called bone growth factors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateJun 16, 2003

Pregnant African American teens need more calcium for healthy fetal bone development

A retrospective cohort study found that pregnant teens, particularly those from under-resourced backgrounds, require adequate calcium intake to support fetal bone growth. The study's findings suggest a correlation between high maternal dairy consumption and improved fetal bone length and overall nutrition.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 5, 2003

Hibernating black bears shed light on treatments for osteoporosis

A study of wild black bears found that they recover from bone loss caused by inactivity through a mechanism involving increased bone formation during remobilization. This suggests that hibernating bears may minimize bone loss and completely recover lost bone, providing potential insights for treating osteoporosis.

SourcePenn State·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateMar 4, 2003

Current theory on cause of kidney stones refuted

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have localized the original mineral deposit site for most common stone formers and determined the composition of calcium phosphate crystals. This discovery refutes current theories on kidney stone formation, shedding new light on the disease's complex physiology.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 4, 2003

JCI table of contents, December 15, 2002

Research reveals that mice without the calcitonin gene exhibit greater bone mass and formation, suggesting a novel function for this hormone. This discovery opens up new avenues for preventing bone loss associated with estrogen deficiency.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 17, 2002

Increased bone mass in a calcitonin knockout mouse full of surprises

Researchers discovered that calcitonin knockout mice have greater bone mass and increased bone formation, suggesting a novel function for the calcitonin gene product. This finding has implications for preventing bone loss associated with estrogen deficiency, potentially leading to new treatments for post-menopausal osteoporosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 17, 2002

Rice bioengineers develop method to grow 3-D bone matrix

Researchers at Rice University have developed a technique to create a porous, 3D bony matrix similar to natural bone. The method uses flowing fluids to provide mechanical stimulation, resulting in thicker and more developed mineralized bone compared to static samples.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2002

Novel form of vitamin D shown to grow bone

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a potent Vitamin D analog, known as 2MD, which significantly increases bone density in rats with osteoporosis. The compound has shown no apparent toxicity and may become an alternative to hormone replacement therapy.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2002

Setting the stage for limb development

Scientists have discovered that Dlx genes are required for normal mammalian limb development, suggesting homologous genes are responsible for the development of human limbs. The study also identifies two genes, Dlx5 and Dlx6, as candidate genes for split-hand/split-foot malformation (SHFM), a devastating congenital disorder.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 30, 2002

Basis of rare genetic illness leads to better understanding of bone formation, Hopkins researchers find

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have identified GNAS1 as the gene responsible for progressive osseus heteroplasia (POH), a disease causing rice-size bone fragments to form under the skin and inside organs. The discovery may lead to new treatments blocking problem-causing bone fragments and potentially treating other bone problems like oste...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 9, 2002

X-ray studies shed light on frog deformities

Researchers analyzed X-rays of 180 frogs collected at 16 sites in three states, revealing site-specific and time-dependent influences on malformation development. The study suggests that tadpoles received the same developmental insult at the same stage, contributing to the wide geographic occurrence and variety of deformities.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalTeratology·DateMar 28, 2000

Gum disease may be genetic

Researchers identified a link between genetic mutations in the cathepsin C gene and severe gum disease and periodontitis. The study found that individuals with normal functioning of the cathepsin C gene tend to have healthy gums, suggesting dietary, bacterial, and other genetic factors can compromise its function.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·DateFeb 15, 2000

BioNumerik Reports The Supercomputer Supported Discovery Of New, Non-Toxic Chemotherapy Protecting Agent

BioNumerik Pharmaceuticals has discovered a new non-toxic platinum protecting agent, BNP7787, which substantially reduces the toxicity of platinum-type anticancer drugs. Preclinical studies show that BNP7787 increases cisplatin's antitumor activity while protecting against kidney toxicity, vomiting, and bone marrow toxicities.

SourceNoonan/Russo Communications·JournalSeminars in Oncology·DateOct 13, 1998

Perfect Powders For Improved Implants

The new Plasma Atomisation Technology (PAT) process creates spherical titanium powders for coatings on implants, encouraging natural bone growth. The technique also allows for thin films and intricate components in pacemakers, resulting in high-quality products with reduced contaminants.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateOct 1, 1998