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A bio patch that can regrow bone

Researchers at the University of Iowa have created a bio patch that can regrow bone by delivering DNA instructions to cells. The patch successfully regenerated bone in test animals and stimulated new growth in human bone marrow stromal cells. This breakthrough technology has potential uses in dentistry, including rebuilding bone for de...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalBiomaterials·DateNov 7, 2013

What a pain in the… groin!

A literature review found that one in four people develop hip arthritis before age 85, contributing to groin pain. Contributing factors include sports-related injuries, prior surgery, and traumatic occupational history. A detailed medical history and examination are crucial for diagnosing the source of groin pain.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateSep 17, 2013

New treatment for brittle bone disease found

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a new treatment for children with brittle bone disease, finding that oral risedronate significantly reduces the risk of fractures. The study showed rapid action, with curves for fracture risk diverging after just 6 weeks of treatment.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 9, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Aug. 1, 2013

Researchers have identified prolactin as a potential treatment for inflammatory joint disease, reducing chondrocyte death and associated cartilage degradation. A protein called CTHRC1 has also been linked to bone health, suggesting it could be a target for osteoporosis treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2013

Exploring dinosaur growth

A team of scientists studied Psittacosaurus dinosaurs to understand their growth patterns. They found that arm bones grew fastest during the first few years of life, while leg bones experienced a massive growth spurt, eventually becoming twice as long as the arms.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2013

Common osteoporosis drug slows formation of new bone

A recent study found that zoledronic acid, a common osteoporosis drug, not only slows bone loss but also increases levels of sclerostin, a biomarker that inhibits bone formation. This suggests that combination treatments may be needed to effectively treat osteoporosis and increase bone mass.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 17, 2013

Mystery of 'zombie worm' development unveiled

A new study elucidates the reproductive strategy of bone-eating worms, shedding light on their postembryonic development and sexual maturation. The researchers observed the duration of the larval stage, male dwarfism, and rapid female spawning, enabling effective reproduction in a food-rich but isolated habitat.

'Junk DNA' drives embryonic development

Sanford-Burnham researchers found that two microRNA families, let-7 and miR-18, regulate germ layer formation by dampening the TGFβ signaling pathway. This discovery provides a paradigm for whole-genome screening and its use in identifying molecular signals controlling complex biological processes.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 3, 2012

Even minor physical activity may benefit bone health in premenopausal women

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that even minor physical activity can benefit bone health in premenopausal women by reducing sclerostin and enhancing IGF-1 levels. The study involved 1,235 premenopausal women who were followed for eight weeks, with those engaging in more than two hour...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 15, 2012

Close to the bone

A genetic screening approach has identified nine new genes associated with bone health, providing clues to the cause of bone disorders such as osteoporosis. The study used a collaborative effort between specialist skills in mouse gene deletion and bone measurement, assessing the strength of bones in 100 mutant mouse lines.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 2, 2012

No bones about it

Georgia Tech researchers have created a new way to simulate and control movement of computer-generated characters without a skeletal structure. This technique allows for unparalleled control of digital creatures, enabling amateur animators and young children to manipulate their movements with simple point-and-click commands.

Research funding targets bone health

A team of scientists led by Robert Young is working on developing small molecule compounds and nano-medicines that stimulate bone regeneration, aiming to improve understanding of bone renewal biology and promote bone repair and regeneration. The grant is part of a $7 million funding package targeting bone health research.

Mechanical stress can help or hinder wound healing depending on time of application

A recent study found that applying mechanical forces to a wound site immediately after healing began can disrupt vascular growth and prevent bone healing. However, delaying the application of mechanical stress until later in the healing process can enhance functional bone regeneration through adaptive remodeling.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2011

Joint replacement surgery increases risk of blood clot formation in certain patients

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that knee replacement patients are at a higher risk of developing clots, particularly those with cardiovascular disease, smoking history, or advanced age. The study suggests extending blood thinner therapy into weeks following surgery to minimize this risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 27, 2011

Use of nitrates may increase bone strength

A study found that nitroglycerin ointment increased bone mineral density and decreased bone resorption in postmenopausal women. The researchers also observed increases in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and decreases in urine N-telopeptide, markers of bone formation and resorption.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 22, 2011

Male fertility is in the bones

Researchers found that osteocalcin produced in bone enhances testosterone production in testes, supporting sperm survival. This discovery links the skeleton to male fertility and may provide insights into unexplained infertility cases.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 17, 2011