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Could diabetes be in your bones?

Two new studies reveal a key molecular link between bone remodeling and metabolism, finding that osteocalcin levels are tied to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Osteocalcin treatment improves symptoms in mice with diabetes-like conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 22, 2010

Archaeology find sheds new light on family pets

A University of Leicester archaeologist has discovered a bone belonging to a late 19th-century tortoise from Stafford Castle, providing the earliest archaeological evidence for pet tortoises. This find sheds light on the changing attitudes towards family pets in British society during the late 19th century.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPost-Medieval Archaeology·DateJul 12, 2010

New answers on rare childhood disease

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute created a new mouse model of multiple hereditary exostoses, a rare childhood disease characterized by abnormal bone growths. The study reveals the molecular basis of the disease and provides a tool to screen new treatments.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2010

Retinoid use not associated with fracture risk

A large population-based study found that individuals treated with vitamin A analogues do not have an increased risk of fractures. The research, published in Archives of Dermatology, analyzed data from two nationwide registers and found no association between retinoid use and fracture risk at any skeletal site.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateMay 17, 2010

Chemical remains of dinobird found

A 150-million-year-old 'Dinobird' fossil has been found to contain remnants of the animal's original chemistry, including phosphorous and sulfur in its feathers. The discovery could revolutionize the field of palaeontology by providing a new avenue for learning about long-extinct creatures.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2010

X-rays reveal chemical link between birds and dinosaurs

A team of paleontologists, geochemists, and physicists used X-ray technology to analyze the Thermopolis Archaeopteryx fossil, revealing half a dozen chemical elements that were part of the living animal itself. The study confirms that feathers in the fossil are actual fossilized feathers containing phosphorus and sulfur.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2010

A shrunken giant

A team of researchers from the University of Bonn has confirmed that Magyarosaurus dacus was a dwarf sauropod dinosaur, contrary to earlier theories that it was just a juvenile. The study reveals that dinosaurs on islands underwent the same ecological and evolutionary processes as modern mammals.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2010

Most women unaware of risk for debilitating fractures

A recent international study on osteoporosis in women has found that most postmenopausal women are not aware of their actual risk of debilitating bone breaks. The study, which involved over 60,000 women aged 55 and older in 10 countries, highlights the need for public education about osteoporosis risk factors and treatment.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateApr 9, 2010

For osteoporosis patients, exercise pill one step closer to reality

Researchers identified signaling mechanisms used by primary cilia to regulate bone cells' capacity to sense fluid flow. The discovery opens the door to developing drugs that mimic exercise benefits for osteoporosis patients. Primary cilia play a crucial role in detecting mechanical loads, such as exercise, and triggering new bone growth.

Hip surgery success partially predicted by number of other existing conditions

A new study found that a patient's pre-surgical health classification, as determined by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), is a leading indicator of how well they will fare after hip fracture surgery. Medical complications were more common in patients with ASA class 3 and 4, highlighting the need for close medical managem...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateApr 1, 2010

Age, gender can affect risk to radiation treatment

A new model of the human body is being developed to improve radiation treatment accuracy for cancer patients, especially children. The research found that children have a greater percentage of total mineral bone in direct contact with sensitive bone marrow than do adults, leading to higher radiation doses and increased cancer risk.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateMar 16, 2010

University of Pittsburgh researchers launching trial of new osteoporosis drug

Researchers are launching a human trial of a new osteoporosis drug, PTHrP, which may increase bone density more dramatically with fewer side effects than current treatments. The study aims to compare the efficacy of PTHrP with existing FDA-approved drugs for osteoporosis treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 14, 2010

Study shows that delivering stem cells improves repair of major bone injuries in rats

A study published in PNAS found that delivering stem cells on a polymer scaffold to treat large areas of missing bone leads to improved bone formation. However, the therapeutic effect is limited by the migration of stem cells away from the injury site, highlighting the need for improved delivery methods.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2010

How high can a climber go?

A new study led by researchers from the University of Granada reveals that climbing time to exhaustion is the sole determinant of high-level sport climber performance. The study analyzed physiological parameters and found no significant differences between expert and elite climbers except in these two areas.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateJan 8, 2010

New research suggests fat mass helps build bone mass in girls

A new study suggests that fat mass is essential for increasing bone size and thickness in girls, particularly during puberty. The research found that excessive reduction of fat mass in girls may increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life. In contrast, lean mass has a stronger impact on bone development in boys.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 5, 2010