Articles tagged with Bones
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
Researchers used cadaver arms in experiments supporting the idea that human hands evolved for both manual dexterity and fistfighting. They found humans can safely strike with 55% more force with a fully buttressed fist than with an unbuttressed fist.
Researchers at Oregon State University have successfully used gene therapy to aid weight loss in rats without causing significant bone loss. The study, published in the Journal of Endocrinology, found that delivering leptin directly to the brain via gene therapy reduced abdominal fat and preserved bone density.
A study found that greater neighborhood access to fast-food outlets is associated with poorer bone development in early childhood, while increased exposure to healthy specialty stores is linked to higher bone mass. The research suggests that improving the food environment could optimize childhood bone development.
The study of Durrington Walls pottery and animal bones shows evidence of planned autumn and winter slaughtering, mass animal consumption, particularly pigs, and barbecue-style roasting. This suggests a well-organized community with shared understanding of food preparation and consumption.
Researchers at Indiana University have discovered how cancer-induced bone destruction causes skeletal muscle weakness. Inhibiting TGF-β improved muscle function in mouse models of human cancers.
Researchers identified calcium channel blockers and antibodies blocking IL-17A as potential treatments for parathyroid hormone-driven bone loss. Elevated levels of IL-17A are seen in autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease, which sometimes involve bone loss as a secondary symptom.
Researchers have sequenced the full genome of an ancient African male skeleton, revealing significantly more Eurasian ancestry than previously thought. The study estimates that 4-7% of African genomes trace back to a Eurasian source, with gene flow reaching Central, West and Southern Africa.
A new review emphasizes the significance of nutrition throughout life for maintaining a healthy skeleton, particularly in children and seniors who are at risk of osteoporosis. The study finds that adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and protein can help prevent premature bone loss and fractures.
A commentary published in CMAJ argues that prescribing antibiotics after joint surgery has little evidence to support it. Research suggests that bone cement impregnated with antibiotics is a more effective practice, but its use is not widespread.
Researchers found that microscopic bone analysis can identify previously mummified skeletons, revealing a wider practice of mummification in Bronze Age Britain. The study suggests that ancient Britons used different methods to mummify their dead, including smoking over fires and burial in peat bogs.
A new study led by University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine researchers demonstrates that protein Del-1 can inhibit bone loss associated with periodontitis. The protein curbs the activity of osteoclasts, cells that absorb bone tissue, leading to a mechanistic explanation of how Del-1 can prevent periodontal bone loss.
Two studies published in The BMJ conclude that increasing calcium intake through supplements or dietary sources has no significant impact on bone health or fracture prevention. Experts argue that mass medication with high doses of calcium and vitamin D is not justified due to the risk of adverse events.
Researchers at Yale University have found that hunger neurons control not only hunger and appetite but also regulate bone mass. The study reveals that lower levels of hunger are associated with lower bone density, highlighting a new mechanism in the regulation of skeletal bone metabolism.
Researchers have found evidence of giant killer lizards coexisting with early Australian humans around 50,000 years ago. The discovery sheds light on the potential drivers of megafauna extinction during this period.
Researchers at University of Alaska Fairbanks discovered 11,500-year-old chum salmon bones indicating Ice Age humans in North America used salmon as a food source. The findings suggest ancient Beringian diets were broader and human colonization of North America may have been influenced by salmon fishing.
Researchers found that the Alzheimer's drug donepezil increases bone mass in mice by preventing osteoclasts from being made, reducing the risk of bone fractures. The study suggests that treating Alzheimer's disease with donepezil may also be beneficial for patients with osteoporosis.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have discovered the MAF gene is a reliable predictor of breast cancer bone metastasis. The study, published in JNCI, analyzed over 900 clinical samples and found that MAF-altered tumors are 14 times more likely to develop bone metastasis.
Researchers have identified a genetic variant regulating bone mineral density and fracture risk, which could lead to interventions that prevent fractures in older adults. The study found that the engrailed homeobox-1 gene plays a central role in regulating bone density.
Researchers have discovered a molecule produced by skeletal muscle that increases bone mass and strength. This finding has significant implications for treating sarcopenia and osteoporosis, two conditions that often occur together.