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Researchers show high-performance breathing in bones

A team of researchers from the University of Bonn has discovered a unique type of bony tissue called pneumosteum, which is found in birds and some dinosaurs. This discovery provides new insights into the evolution of their respiratory systems and opens up possibilities for studying extinct species.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 3, 2018

'Wooden shoe' rather wear sneakers?

Western University researchers have found a high prevalence of bone lesions in the feet of 19th-Century Dutch farmers who wore wooden shoes, also known as klompen. The study suggests that these shoes were partly to blame for the injuries and trauma suffered by the farmers.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalInternational Journal of Paleopathology·DateNov 16, 2017

Physical properties predict stem cell outcome

Researchers at Brown University have discovered that the stiffness, viscosity, and other mechanical properties of adult stem cells can foretell what they will become, enabling a filter to extract needed cells from larger tissue samples. This breakthrough could lead to better healing outcomes in tissue engineering.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2012

Elemental bones

Researchers discovered that human bone samples can act as a biological marker for dozens of metals and toxic elements. The study analyzed rib bones from 84 citizens in a non-industrial region in Russia, finding the presence of 44 additional elements beyond those naturally present in the body.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Health·DateJun 16, 2010

Going out on a limb

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a biologically active scaffold made from soluble fibers that can help replace lost or missing bone. The technology, which has shown promise in animal models, could also be used to regenerate other types of human tissues, including muscle, arteries, and skin.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateOct 19, 2009

Building better bones and tissue in the lab

The University of Western Ontario has received $45.5 million in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation to develop new methods for growing stronger lab-grown bones and tissue. This will help address conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and traumatic injuries, where current lab-grown materials lack sufficient strength.

Engineers create bone that blends into tendons

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology successfully created artificial bones with a graded interface, allowing them to blend seamlessly into surrounding tissues like tendons. This breakthrough technology has the potential to improve outcomes in ACL surgery and other applications where tissue integration is critical.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2008

Nanoparticles aid bone growth

A new study has shown that adding nanoparticles to porous materials can lead to denser bone tissue. Researchers found that the nanoparticles increased bone ingrowth by threefold after 12 weeks compared to a biodegradable plastic scaffold alone. The study paves the way for further research into tissue engineering and bone regeneration.

SourceRice University·JournalBone·DateJun 13, 2008

Bones at the nanoscale

Researchers at Max Planck Institute and ESRF study bone deformation using X-rays, revealing a hierarchical structure that allows bones to sustain large strains without breaking. The findings provide new insight into the design principles behind healthy bone fracture resistance.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2006