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Meet the gomphothere: UA archaeologist involved in discovery of bones of elephant ancestor

Researchers from the University of Arizona have discovered two juvenile gomphotheres at an archaeological site in northwestern Mexico, dating back 13,400 years. The findings suggest that early humans in North America likely hunted and consumed gomphotheres, expanding our understanding of their diet and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2014

Stem cell type resists chemotherapy drug

A new study reveals that adipose-derived human stem cells can withstand high doses of the chemotherapy drug methotrexate, unlike other cell types. This finding has significant implications for developing an ASC-based therapy to promote bone growth and regeneration in cancer patients.

SourceBrown University·JournalExperimental Cell Research·DateJul 2, 2014

JCI online ahead of print contents for June 9, 2014

A phase I clinical trial found that ex vivo cultured cord blood stem cells showed improved engraftment rates and earlier hematopoietic recovery in patients with hematological malignancies. The study also developed a murine model of Ewing's sarcoma, revealing tumor origins in embryonic osteochondrogenic progenitors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 9, 2014

May the force (shoes) be with you

Researchers will use the ForceShoe to measure exercise loads and ground reaction forces, aiming to understand how joint forces differ between Earth-based exercises and those in microgravity. The goal is to recommend optimal exercise regimens for safe bone and muscle strength maintenance during spaceflight.

Revealing the healing of 'dino-sores'

Researchers used synchrotron-imaging to examine 150-million-year-old predatory dinosaur bones, discovering that many healed injuries were not fatal to humans. The study sheds light on the chemical signatures of bone healing and remodelling strategies in extinct vertebrates.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalInterface·DateMay 6, 2014

New model can predict therapy outcomes in prostate cancer with bone metastasis

A new computational model simulates bone metastasis of prostate cancer and accurately predicts the impact of potential therapies on cancer cells and normal cells of the bone. The model was validated by comparing its predictions with tumor growth rates in mice, and identified critical players and events in the process of bone metastasis.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 1, 2014

Columbia engineers grow functional human cartilage in lab

Researchers at Columbia University successfully grew fully functional human cartilage from adult human stem cells, marking a significant breakthrough in tissue engineering. The developed cartilage exhibits physiologic architecture and strength, with potential applications in repairing cartilage defects or reconstructing complex tissues.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2014

Study: WHO tool underestimates need for osteoporosis treatment

A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that the World Health Organization's Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) underestimates the true dangers for people who are younger than 65 or have been treated for a single broken bone. The study used the Canadian BMI-FRAX form of...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 29, 2014

Biting vs. chewing

A Cornell study published in Eating Behaviors found that children aged 6-10 who ate whole foods like drumsticks and apples were twice as likely to disobey adults and exhibit aggressive behavior compared to those eating cut-up foods. The researchers suggest cutting food can help reduce rowdy behavior at mealtime.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEating Behaviors·DateApr 22, 2014

A microchip for metastasis

MIT researchers create a microfluidic platform that mimics the spread of breast cancer cells into a bonelike environment. The study found that certain molecules, such as CXCL5 and CXCR2, may encourage cancer cell metastasis, potentially leading to new targets for cancer therapy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 6, 2014

Bariatric surgery series

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for both obesity and type 2 diabetes, offering substantial benefits in terms of weight loss, metabolic status, and quality of life. In people with type 2 diabetes, bariatric surgery can reverse complications and improve end-organ health, including pancreatic, renal, retinal, peripheral ...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateFeb 2, 2014

New method rescues DNA from contaminated Neandertal bones

A new statistical model has been developed to isolate ancient DNA from fossils contaminated with modern-day DNA. This method allows for the recovery of complete mitochondrial genomes from Neandertal and anatomically modern human bones, enabling scientists to study these individuals in detail.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2014

HRT cuts risk of repeat knee/hip replacement surgery by 40 percent

A large population-based study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) taken regularly after knee or hip replacement reduces the risk of repeat surgery by around 40%. The research also showed that taking HRT for 12 months or more after surgery further decreases the risk, with those rec...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJan 22, 2014