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UW researchers uncover news clues about the cause of common birth defects

A recent study from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine has uncovered new information about orofacial development in mice that researchers believe could one day help reduce the risk of these birth defects in humans. DNA methylation is a process where molecules are added to DNA that change gene expression without a...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

Biomaterial developed at São Paulo State University proves capable of accelerating bone regeneration

Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a novel biomaterial that speeds up osteoblast differentiation, mimicking a low-oxygen environment. The cobalt-doped calcium phosphate material has the potential to be used in future bone regeneration procedures, reducing surgery risks and hospital stays.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateNov 21, 2023

Bone growth drug may reduce sudden infant death syndrome in children with common form of dwarfism

A new study found that vosoritide treatment increases height, facial volume, and foramen magnum size in young children with achondroplasia, reducing sudden infant death syndrome, sleep apnea, and surgery needs. Vosoritide may improve quality of life and potentially save lives by addressing the root cause of the condition.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 21, 2023

Oxygen vacancy boosting Fenton reaction: A novel approach to fight bacterial infection in bone scaffold

Scientists from Central South University develop a novel approach to address bacterial infection in bone transplantation by enriching H2O2 and amplifying the Fenton reaction. The technique enhances biocompatibility and safety, promising reduced transplant failures and post-operative complications.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 22, 2023

Fish reveal cause of altered human facial development

Researchers tested five chemicals on zebrafish embryos and found that all caused impaired migration of bone-forming cells, leading to facial malformation. The study suggests a potential general mechanism underlying teratogenic chemicals and proposes using zebrafish as an alternative method for testing cross-species teratogens.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalToxicological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

New method offers hope of fewer fractures

Researchers at Lund University developed a new 3D-simulation method to identify individuals at high risk of osteoporotic fractures. The method uses 2D X-ray images to produce 3D models of the thigh bone, enabling simulations of different scenarios and assessing risk more accurately.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateSep 13, 2023

Are children’s growing pains tied to migraines?

A recent study found that pain in the lower limbs of children and adolescents may indicate the presence or risk of migraines. The study included 100 children with mothers who experienced migraines, with growing pains occurring in half of them. After five years of follow-up, headaches occurred in 76% of participants with growing pains.

SourceWiley·JournalHeadache The Journal of Head and Face Pain·DateSep 6, 2023

Molecule identified that could be key for a new wave of drugs to target obesity and bone diseases

Scientists have identified a molecule that regulates nerve cell sensors, which could lead to new therapeutics for obesity, osteoporosis, and inflammatory diseases. The molecule can be modified into peptide-based therapeutics to boost the activity of channels involved in bone strength and satiety.

SourceVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2023

Towards rapid tissue regeneration

Researchers at DTU Health Tech created a multi-levelled scaffold that enables near-perfect bone healing in just eight weeks, without using growth factors or endocrine factors and cells. The scaffold combines essential bone minerals with mechanical properties matching human bone compressive strength.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 27, 2023

TTUHSC-TTU research collaboration leads to possible drug targets for Leishmaniasis

The study found that drug-resistant Leishmania parasites have distinct protein production profiles compared to sensitive parasites, suggesting a global reprogramming of protein synthesis. This pre-emptive adaptation enables the parasite to quickly respond to the presence of the drug and survive when it is absent.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Stowers scientists investigate the evolution of animal developmental mechanisms, show how some of Earth’s earliest animals evolved

A new study from the Gibson Lab at Stowers Institute for Medical Research sheds light on how some of Earth's earliest animals evolved. Researchers discovered that a common genetic toolkit is deployed in different ways to drive embryological development, producing diverse adult body plans.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

Healing the unhealable: New approach helps bones mend themselves

Researchers developed a novel approach that promotes bone regeneration in mice without implantation of bone tissue or biomaterials. By carefully stretching the skull along its sutures, they activated skeletal stem cells that reside in these wiggly seams, repairing damage to the skull that would not have healed on its own.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2023

Hitchhiker plants inspire improved techniques for reattaching tendon to bone

Researchers developed a new approach to suturing based on the mechanics and spacing of a hitchhiker plant's attachment system, promising to balance forces across sutures and reduce failure rates in surgical procedures. The findings were published in Proceedings of the Royal Society A.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·DateMar 14, 2023

Attracting stem cells and facilitating bone regeneration by adhesive protein

A new coating material developed by Korean researchers facilitates bone regeneration and attracts osteo-progenitor cells, significantly improving the success rate of dental implants. The coating, loaded with BMP-2, prevents non-osteogenic cell invasion and induces high bone differentiation in a short period.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalBioengineering & Translational Medicine·DateMar 13, 2023

Novel technique distinguishes between types of oral bone lesion based on MRI scan image texture

Researchers used MRI scans and texture analysis to differentiate between two types of benign oral bone lesions, ameloblastomas and odontogenic keratocysts. The study found that certain pixel and voxel organizational parameters in the MRI images were statistically significant, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Better transplants for better joints: A closer look at micromechanical mismatch influences in cartilage regeneration

A team of scientists from TIBI, UIC, and POSTECH has elucidated key points on how cartilage generation is facilitated and alternative bone formation can be avoided. They found optimal conditions for better cartilage regeneration while reducing excessive cartilage formation using human mesenchymal stem cells.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

New oral compound developed by Mass General researchers may help prevent and treat osteoporosis

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a promising oral compound that stimulates bone formation in mice, increasing blood levels of calcium and vitamin D. The compound, SK-124, boosts bone formation and mass without short-term toxicity, offering new hope for preventing and treating osteoporosis.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2022

Of mice and men: Treating acne with systemic antibiotics can have unintended consequences on the maturing skeleton during adolescence

Long-term use of systemic antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome, leading to reduced bone mass accrual and impaired skeletal maturation. Researchers found that minocycline therapy causes changes to the gut microbiome, disrupting normal communication between the liver and small intestine.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJCI Insight·DateNov 22, 2022