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First evidence in the Levant (and among the first in the world) of communal worship in caves and the development of religious rituals

A 35,000-year-old ritual complex in the Manot Cave offers insight into the spiritual practices of Paleolithic hunter-gatherer groups. The discovery reveals evidence of human-made engravings, ash remains from fire, and acoustic tests that suggest a unique auditory experience for communal activities.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2024

Special issue: Osteogenesis imperfecta from bench to bedside and from cradle to grave

This special issue of Calcified Tissue International presents a collection of critical reviews and original research articles on osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), covering essential aspects of the condition, including its nosology, genetics, and clinical presentation. The contributions also discuss treatment strategies for both children an...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 29, 2024

Zebrafish as a model for studying rare genetic disease

A recent study employs zebrafish to model Nager syndrome, revealing the role of sf3b4 mutations in facial development and apoptosis. The research suggests that FGF8 plays a critical role in disease pathogenesis and provides a potential therapeutic strategy.

SourceKyushu University·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2024

Revolutionary tubular scaffolds boost stem cell-driven bone regeneration in skull defects

Scientists from Sun Yat-sen University developed groundbreaking tubular scaffolds made from electrospun membranes that enhance bone regeneration in critical skull defects. The scaffolds mimic natural bone structures and provide an optimal microenvironment for adipose-derived stem cells to thrive, accelerating healing.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024

Controlling lipid levels with less side effects possible with new drug

Scientists have developed a new compound, ZTA-261, which selectively binds to the thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) to treat lipid disorders. Mice administered the drug showed decreased lipid levels in the liver and blood with fewer side effects compared to existing compounds.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2024

Global consensus for sarcopenia

A new global definition of sarcopenia is proposed, aiming to unify research and clinical practice. The definition may help identify low muscle mass or strength in older people, increasing the risk of poor outcomes such as fragility and disability.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 26, 2024

Bone stem cells with IFITM5 mutation get caught in a loop leading to osteogenesis imperfecta type V

A study by Baylor College of Medicine reveals the molecular events leading to osteogenesis imperfecta type V, a form of brittle bone disease caused by an IFITM5 mutation. The mutation disrupts normal bone stem cell development, leading to extremely brittle bones and recurrent fractures.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

The genetic “switches” of bone growth

Researchers at UNIGE have identified 2700 genetic enhancers that regulate genes responsible for bone growth, providing insights into adult height and potential causes of bone diseases. The study suggests that variations in these enhancers could explain differences in human size and potentially contribute to developmental pathologies.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateJun 14, 2024

Diagnosis of lymphatic metastasis in breast cancer using nanoparticle technology - diagnosis, therapy, imaging, treatment

Researchers explore nanoparticle-based therapies to specifically target lymphatic metastasis in breast cancer, providing a promising solution for patient treatment. Nanoparticles deliver drugs directly to tumors, targeting cancer cells to destroy them or slow their growth, while also enhancing the immune response.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Neuroimaging Journal·DateMay 27, 2024

Unlocking complex sulfur molecules: a novel approach for synthesis of functionalized benzenethiol equivalents

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a new method to synthesize complex sulfur molecules, including phenothiazines and thianthrenes, with high stability and control over reaction conditions. This approach uses readily available aryne precursors and avoids foul odors associated with conventional methods.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalOrganic Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

New therapeutic avenues in bone repair

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have identified PEPITEM, a naturally occurring peptide, as a promising new therapy for osteoporosis and other bone disorders. The study found that PEPITEM enhances bone mineralisation, formation, and strength, and reverses bone loss in animal models.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2024

Opto-RANK: A light switch for osteoclasts

Scientists from Tokyo Medical and Dental University have created Opto-RANK, a light-activated form of RANK that can induce osteoclast differentiation. The treatment approach uses blue light activation to stimulate local bone resorption, making it a promising tool for treating abnormal calcification diseases and orthodontic issues.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2024

Ice-ray patterns: A rediscovery of past design for the future

A study discovers that traditional Chinese ice-ray lattice designs can provide unique stiffness and strength under asymmetric loads, offering an alternative to conventional gridshells. The research also explores the potential of integrating complex geometry into facade design and micro-scale material design.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalFrontiers of Architectural Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2024