Research on bone health and repair. Covers bone healing, mineral density, skeletal evolution, and radiopharmaceutical trials.
Neanderthals in Europe showed signs of nutritional stress due to extreme cold, suggesting climate change was a contributing factor to their demise. Their remains revealed more intense bone processing during colder periods, highlighting the impact of harsh environments on human evolution.
Stem cells can be stimulated to produce special cartilage that aids in repairing severely broken bones. Cartilage production helps bridge larger gaps and even transforms into bone throughout the lesion.
A study of elite Paralympic athletes with cerebral palsy found that exercise improves bone mineral density, but reduces muscle mass on the affected side. The research suggests that high levels of exercise from a young age may be beneficial to individuals with CP.
The study found a positive association between placental size and offspring bone mass at various ages, even after adjusting for factors such as height, weight, and pubertal status. Larger bones in early life are expected to lead to stronger bones in older adulthood, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Researchers found that probiotics tighten gut permeability and dampen inflammatory signals that drive immune cells to break down bone. Probiotic supplements protected female mice from bone density loss after ovarian removal.
A new study links gut bacteria to post-menopausal bone loss, showing probiotics can prevent this condition by attenuating inflammation. Treatment with probiotics also reduced bone loss in normal mice, highlighting therapeutic potential for probiotics in osteoporosis prevention.
Researchers explore contraceptive options for astronauts who want to prevent menstrual bleeding during space missions. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) appear to have advantages for spaceflight, but more research is needed on the impact of hormone treatments on bone mineral loss.
Analysis of a new fossil suggests that giant dinosaurs like Rapetosaurus krausei were born with adult-like body proportions, allowing for early independence. This finding implies that parental care was less crucial for these species compared to others.
Professor Serge Ferrari has been recognized with the International Osteoporosis Foundation's 2016 Olof Johnell Science Award for his significant work in bone health, genetics of osteoporosis, and bone remodeling. He is a leading thought leader in the field, known for translating new research findings into improved patient care.
Professor Eugene McCloskey was recognized for his significant advancements in vertebral fracture definition, osteoporosis epidemiology, and non-invasive assessments of bone strength. He has contributed to the development of the FRAX tool and published over 250 peer-reviewed publications.
Researchers have identified new molecular targets for treating musculoskeletal diseases such as sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Several promising treatment options are expected to be available in the near future.
A biomechanics team at Trinity College Dublin discovered how insects construct internal bandages to mend damaged limbs, restoring approximately two-thirds of their original strength. This innovative repair mechanism allows insects to function almost normally after a cut, promoting survival in the wild.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a model showing a newer surgical technique results in a stronger, more natural ACL repair. The new suspensory fixation method reduces cell and tissue damage to the graft, allowing for full functional healing.
A new study found that bone fracture rates differ significantly across the UK, with Scotland and Northern Ireland having the highest rates. The risk is also influenced by age, sex, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
A recent study found that surgery to remove overactive parathyroid glands is associated with significantly fewer bone fractures compared to treatment with bisphosphonate medications. This suggests that medication may not be the most effective option for treating hyperparathyroidism, which is a leading cause of osteoporosis.
A new Simon Fraser University study documents taphonomy of a pig carcass in the Strait of Georgia, showing a dramatically different scavenging progression than earlier studies. The research provides valuable information for recovery divers and can aid in estimating minimum submergence times and identifying water exposure.
Scientists challenge previous findings on the ancient species, concluding they disappeared soon after humans arrived in Flores. New dates suggest Homo floresiensis may have lived until around 50,000 years ago, with evidence of simple stone tools persisting until then.
New fossils from Kenya reveal Australopithecus afarensis lived beyond Great Rift Valley and farther than previously thought. The discovery sheds light on the species' adaptability and distribution range.
Researchers have identified rare genetic changes that significantly increase bone density in girls, which may protect against osteoporosis and fractures in women. The study highlights the importance of promoting bone health during childhood and adolescence to reduce future risks.
Researchers identified microRNA-146a in osteoclast-derived extracellular vesicles, which regulate bone cell function. The study suggests that miR-146a-rich EVs may act as a potential biomarker for osteoclast presence and regulate target cells.
A study published in STEM CELLS Translational Medicine found that stem cell therapy can restore normal bone structure in mice with age-related osteoporosis. The treatment involves injecting healthy mesenchymal stem cells into the mice, which can then produce new bone tissue.
Researchers from CNIO have discovered a link between psoriasis and bone loss, finding that the disease causes widespread and progressive bone tissue loss. Treating psoriasis patients with IL-17 blockers could have benefits for bone health, and the study suggests potential implications for other autoimmune disorders.
Scientists have reconstructed an early human landscape in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, providing insights into the lives of our ancestors. The site, which dated back 1.8 million years, showed a mix of woodland, grasslands, and wetlands, with hominins competing for food with carnivores.
Researchers found that HIV-infected adolescent males had increased levels of sCD14, a marker of macrophage activation, leading to lower bone mass and density. This is due to the protective effects of estrogen in females, which represses macrophage function.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has successfully reversed signs of naturally occurring chronic periodontitis in a preclinical model. By delivering the Cp40 inhibitor to periodontal tissue once a week, inflammation was significantly reduced and reversals were seen after six weeks.
Researchers at USC found that just two sites on the mouse genome control about half of the size variation between bacula, a crucial discovery for understanding bone development and diseases. The study also suggests that only a few genetic tweaks can have an enormous impact on the overall size and shape of the baculum.
A randomized controlled trial found that vitamin D supplements during pregnancy have no significant effect on the bone density of babies. However, further analysis suggests that supplementation may counteract the seasonal drop in vitamin D levels caused by lack of sunlight, potentially improving bone health in winter-born babies.
A new study found that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy can increase bone mass in babies born during the winter months, potentially leading to stronger bones and a reduced risk of osteoporosis. The supplement showed no difference in overall bone mass but had a positive impact on children born during the colder months.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that consuming dried plums can protect against bone loss caused by ionizing radiation. The researchers tested mice using different interventions and found that dried plum was most effective in reducing the breakdown of bone and preventing spongy bone effects.
Researchers from KU Leuven develop a technique to precondition bone cells for improved survival, increasing their chances of repairing large bone fractures. By activating a dual defense mechanism, the cells can store energy and produce antioxidants, leading to better healing outcomes.
A new study published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that a sustainable surgical follow-up program can be cost-effective in ensuring acceptable outcomes for patients treated during short-term mission trips. The study showed that 97% of fractures were successfully repaired, and 101 patients experienced successful wound healing.
Two new hominin fossils, a finger bone and a molar, were found in the Sterkfontein Caves, associated with early stone tools dating back 2.18 million years. The specimens possess intriguing features that raise more questions than answers.
Researchers found that more fossil bones have been lost in regions like the continental US and South America compared to Alaska and areas near the Bering Strait. This variation complicates population size estimates of extinct species across the Americas.
A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed the oxygen, strontium, and carbon isotope ratios in 105 Roman skeletons to determine their geographical origin and diet. The researchers found evidence of migrants from North Africa and the Alps, mostly children and men, whose diets likely changed significantly upon arrival.
A 9,200-year-old settlement in southern Sweden has yielded the world's oldest evidence of fermented fish, pushing back the timeline for Nordic societies' development. The discovery suggests that these communities were far more complex and capable of supporting large populations than previously thought.
Researchers discovered a large amount of fish bones fermented in a pit around 9,200 years ago, suggesting the ancient Scandinavians had more advanced technology and culture. This finding compares to Neolithic people in the Middle East, who were traditionally thought to have settled earlier.
A study of rhinoceros bones reveals a significant increase in osteopathology as new species evolved, from 28% to 65-80%. The black rhino showed 50% fewer osteopathologies than derived extinct taxa, suggesting that long-term bone health may have been compromised by adaptations for increased mass and activity.
A new study has found that children from different ethnic backgrounds in the UK are at varying risk of breaking a bone. The research, published in the journal Bone, analyzed data from 1988 to 2012 and discovered that white children were more likely to fracture than South Asian or black children.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a protein combination that significantly improves clinical bone restoration, offering potential therapeutic treatments for osteoporosis and bone skeletal defects. The combination of NELL-1 and BMP2 stimulates bone production while inhibiting fat cell formation.
Research highlights early life factors influencing osteoporosis risk, emphasizing importance of prevention throughout life course. Early growth and nutrition play significant roles in determining bone mass and density.
Researchers aboard the International Space Station reared small freshwater fish for 56 days to investigate microgravity's effects on bone density. The study found increased osteoclast activity and reduced bone mineral density in the fish, suggesting a potential link between mitochondria dysfunction and osteoporosis.
Researchers used high-resolution imaging to identify structural defects in bones of people with type 2 diabetes, which can weaken them and increase the risk of fractures. The study found that individuals with diabetes have greater porosity in their cortical bone component, a key factor in fracture risk.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have developed a polymer sphere that delivers microRNA molecules to bone wounds, instructing cells to repair damage. This technology can help grow bone in patients with conditions like oral implants or osteoporosis, offering a new therapy for treating bone loss and associated functional problems.
The Philadelphia Pediatric Medical Device Consortium awards $50,000 seed grants to Actuated Medical and ENTvantage Diagnostics to improve bone biopsies and diagnose sinus infections in children. This funding aims to reduce pain and unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation is urging physicians to individualize treatment decisions based on patients' fracture risk, rather than automatically interrupting or stopping bisphosphonate therapy. The benefits of continued therapy in high-risk patients greatly exceed the risk of rare side effects.
A new species of toothed pterosaur, Cimoliopterus dunni, discovered in Texas and linked to its closest relative in England. The discovery suggests prehistoric creatures moved between North America and England earlier than previously thought.
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that faces transplanted change their appearance due to changes in the bone structure of the recipient, and seem to age at an accelerated rate. The research suggests the need for effective countermeasures to prevent muscle and bone atrophy in face transplant recipients.
A group of researchers from the University of Helsinki discovered viral DNA in bone samples from World War II casualties, providing a unique archive of past infections. This finding opens up new possibilities for studying ancient pandemics and improving disease prevention.
Researchers found Activin-A as a candidate drug target for treating Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive (FOP), a genetic disease where bone grows in soft tissue. The study uses induced pluripotent stem cells and suggests that inflammation could be the key to preventing diseased bone growth.
Researchers at Harvard developed a new technique to control stem cell differentiation into bone cells, mimicking the viscoelasticity of living tissue. The method increased osteogenic differentiation and allowed cells to grow into bone cells weeks after initial differentiation.
Researchers from the University of Southampton developed a new type of drug that activates stem cells in bones, causing them to divide and produce more bone cells. This approach may lead to faster and more effective bone healing, particularly for people undergoing hip replacement surgery.
The research provides greater evidence that humans were established in South America more than 15,000 years ago, supporting an earlier peopling of the Americas. The findings also underscore the importance of long-term interdisciplinary research and raise new questions about how the hemisphere was settled.
Researchers found obesity and Type 2 diabetes negatively impact bone health, while exercise prevents weight gain, diabetes, and increases bone strength. This study informs interventions to improve bone health in individuals with obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that a secreted bone protein called Sclerostin inhibits prostate cancer metastasis to bone. The study also showed that lack of SOST in the bone microenvironment promotes expression of genes associated with cell migration and invasion.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found a new way to force stem cells to become bone cells by altering gene expression with cytochalasin D. This discovery could lead to therapies for people who heal slowly from bone injuries or need replacement joints.
Researchers at CSIRO Australia have developed a new coating using prebiotic compounds from primordial goo, which can be used to improve the performance and acceptance of medical implants. The coating is bio-friendly, cells readily grow on it, and has potential applications in reducing infection risk.
A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that a serum concentration of around 40 micrograms of vitamin D per litre of serum is ideal for slowing or preventing bone degeneration in postmenopausal women. The study showed that daily vitamin D supplements can increase calcium absorption and reduce bone degeneration.
A preliminary study found that soy protein and isoflavones can slow down bone loss and lower the risk of osteoporosis in early menopause. The study suggests that incorporating soy foods into a diet could be an effective option for improving bone health in women during this period.
Paleontologist Matthew McLain discovered a tyrannosaur bone with teeth marks indicating it was gnawed by another tyrannosaur. The grooves found on the bone suggest that the eating occurred after the animal had died, adding to evidence of cannibalism among tyrannosaurs.
A study found that male howler monkeys with larger hyoid bones produce deeper calls but have smaller testicles, while those with smaller hyoids have larger testes. This tradeoff is thought to increase mating success by allowing males to either sire more offspring or attract females.