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How environmental pollutants and genetics work together in rheumatoid arthritis

A new mouse study reveals that environmental pollutants like dioxin and cigarette smoke interact with the HLA gene variant to cause more severe rheumatoid arthritis. The disease leads to excessive bone destruction through overactive osteoclasts, a process targeted by researchers for potential new treatments.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2018

Safety concerns over tungsten

A recent study published in Communications Chemistry found that tungsten accumulates in specific regions of the bone, particularly in bone marrow and cancellous bone tissue. This accumulation raises concerns over the element's safety for human exposure, especially among young individuals.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateApr 17, 2018

NIH researchers crack mystery behind rare bone disorder

Researchers have identified the genetic basis of melorheostosis, a rare bone disorder characterized by excess bone formation resembling dripping candle wax. The study found that mutations in the MAP2K1 gene were responsible for the condition, offering potential treatment targets and insights into bone development.

New cellular insights in bone development

A team of engineers at Washington University in St. Louis studied the formation of new bone and teeth, discovering that miniscule gaps in collagen's fiber structure facilitate the nucleation of calcium phosphate. The findings provide a new view into the current theory of calcium phosphate nucleation in confined spaces.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2018

Pterosaurs went out with a bang, not a whimper

Researchers discovered six new species of pterosaurs with remarkable diversity in size and shape, contradicting previous studies that suggested a decline before the mass extinction. The fossils date to just over 66 million years ago, revealing that these flying reptiles dominated the skies until their extinction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 2018

Reversing severe bone loss

A possible treatment for Hajdu-Cheney syndrome has been identified, which may also help with age-related osteoporosis. Researchers found that a medication called DAPT blocks osteoclast formation, reversing bone loss in mice with the disease.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 5, 2018

Reconstructing an ancient lethal weapon

Researchers recreated prehistoric projectiles and points from ancient sites in Alaska to understand technological choices made by early humans. The study found that composite microblade points were more effective on smaller prey, while stone and bone points had strengths for larger game.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJan 31, 2018

Reaching the breaking point

A new study from the University of Utah suggests that repeated stress from everyday activities like walking can cause microdamage to bones in older adults, leading to a higher risk of breakage. This theory, known as 'cyclic loading,' challenges the common-held belief that bone breaks are caused by single impacts or forces.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 23, 2018

Study provides new insights on bone loss in women

A new study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that more than 80% of bone loss in post-menopausal women is due to cortical bone, not trabecular. Cortical bone loss is likely to contribute to the occurrence of fractures in these women.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJan 3, 2018

High success rate reported for diabetic Charcot foot surgery

A Loyola Medicine study found nearly four out of five diabetic patients with severe Charcot foot were able to walk normally after surgery. The study used a stricter standard for treatment success, with 77.6% of patients meeting the criteria, and Dr. Pinzur's Ilizarov circular external fixator technique showed promising results.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalFoot & Ankle International·DateDec 14, 2017

Small increases in complications when knee replacement done as outpatient procedure

A recent study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that outpatient total knee replacement surgery is associated with a higher risk of certain complications, including infections, repeat surgery, and blood clots. Patients undergoing outpatient TKA were more likely to experience joint-related complications and medical ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateDec 13, 2017

A new weapon against bone metastasis?

Researchers developed an antibody called 15D11 that blocks Jagged1, a molecule making it easier for breast cancer cells to metastasize to bone. The antibody allows chemotherapy to keep cancer at bay by eliminating the protective effect of rebuilders in bone tissue.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 11, 2017

Study finds evidence that a protein, MCP-1, may determine bone loss responses to parathyroid hormone

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) plays a crucial role in bone loss responses to parathyroid hormone (PTH) in hyperparathyroidism. Elevated MCP-1 levels have been correlated with elevated serum PTH levels, and its presence may serve as a marker for PTH's effects in humans.

SourceNew York University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 6, 2017

New approach measures early human butchering practices

A team led by Purdue University anthropology professor Erik Otárola-Castillo used 3D imaging, shape analysis, and Bayesian statistics to accurately measure animal bone cut marks with an 88 percent success rate. This technique improves upon existing archaeological methods, enabling a more accurate understanding of human evolution.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateDec 6, 2017

Low vitamin D levels at birth linked to higher autism risk

A recent study of 27,940 Chinese newborns found that low vitamin D levels at birth were associated with a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) at age 3. The risk was significantly increased in each lower quartile of vitamin D level compared to the highest quartile.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateNov 29, 2017