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'Inhabitants of Madrid' ate elephants’ meat and bone marrow 80,000 years ago

Researchers have discovered evidence of humans consuming elephant meat and bone marrow in the Middle Palaeolithic site of Preresa, Madrid. The findings, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, suggest that the practice was not as common as previously thought due to the difficulty of extracting marrow from bones.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateApr 24, 2012

The fat stopper

Researchers at the University of Delaware have identified a protein called endoglin that regulates the creation of fat cells. By decreasing the amount of this protein on the surface of cells, it may be possible to force fat cells to transform into other cell types, potentially leading to new treatments for osteoporosis and obesity.

JCI early table of contents for April 23, 2012

Researchers found vitamin D can stimulate bone cells to remove calcium from bones, potentially leading to density loss and increased fracture risk. This discovery may explain conflicting results of clinical trials examining the effects of vitamin D supplements on preventing fractures in elderly patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 23, 2012

Newly found protein helps cells build tissues

Researchers at Brown University have discovered a new signaling molecule, Gbb38, that plays a crucial role in tissue formation in flies. The study suggests possible links to human developmental disorders, such as cleft lip and palate, and may lead to improved therapeutics for bone repair and reconstruction.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Signaling·DateApr 2, 2012

IOF and ECTS issue guidance on management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS) have published a guidance document outlining management strategies to prevent bone loss and related fractures in high-risk patients. The guidelines provide a framework for developing national assessment and treatment guidelines, emphasizing...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateMar 27, 2012

Taking oral glucocorticoids for 3 months or longer? Beware of osteoporosis!

Long-term oral glucocorticoid therapy is associated with a significant risk of bone loss and fractures, particularly in older adults and those with higher doses. To mitigate this risk, patients should take preventive measures such as maintaining adequate calcium and protein intake, exercising regularly, and getting enough vitamin D.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateMar 27, 2012

New method for stronger dental implants

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new method for stronger dental implants by using a drug coating that allows titanium screws to adhere to the bone better and faster. After six months, 15 out of 16 patients showed significantly improved fixation of their treated implants.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBone·DateMar 1, 2012

Hatchery fish mask the decline of wild salmon populations

A study reveals that hatchery-raised fish are replacing wild salmon in the river, masking a decline in wild populations. The researchers used ear bones to detect chemical signatures from hatchery feed, finding that only 10% of spawning fish were naturally produced.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2012

Study: Rapid bone loss as possible side effect of anti-obesity drug now in clinical trials

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) causes significant and rapid bone loss in mice, promoting fat cell growth but inhibiting bone cells. The study suggests a potential tradeoff between the anti-obesity benefits of FGF21 and its risk of osteoporosis.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012

Dental X-rays can predict fractures

A new study from the University of Gothenburg found that dental X-rays can predict who is at risk of fractures. The research used data from a long-running Prospective Population Study of Women in Gothenburg and showed that people with sparse bone structure in their jaw are more likely to experience fractures, particularly as they age.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBone·DateDec 6, 2011

Dairy foods may improve bone health during diet and exercise in overweight premenopausal women

A study found that consuming dairy foods and higher protein resulted in improved markers of bone formation and reduced markers of bone degradation in overweight premenopausal women. The study showed that a diet with a high proportion of dairy foods and higher than recommended protein intake was associated with improved bone health.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 9, 2011

Drug prevents bone loss side effects of breast cancer medication

A new study has found that zoledronic acid can prevent and treat bone loss in postmenopausal breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors. The five-year study showed significant increases in bone density when the drug was administered upfront, but also found that initiating treatment even after bone loss developed was beneficial.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateOct 10, 2011