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$2.4 million grant helping MCG scientists better understand what happens to our skeleton as we age

Researchers are studying the role of stress hormones and mineralocorticoid receptors in bone health as we age. The goal is to understand how balance between these factors affects our skeletons. By investigating this complex relationship, scientists hope to develop new insights into osteoporosis and other age-related bone disorders.

UMA scientists find a natural quicksand trap dated to more than one million years ago in the ‘elephant graveyard’ of Orce

Scientists at the University of Malaga have uncovered a natural quicksand trap in the 'elephant graveyard' of Orce, dated to over 1.4 million years ago. The discovery provides insights into human presence in Western Europe and competition with large carrion hyenas for meat resources.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalJournal of Iberian Geology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2024

Study investigates vascular dysfunction as mechanism underlying link between heart and bone health in older adults

Researchers linked impaired blood vessel function with lower bone density and worse bone microstructure, but found no independent causal pathway. The study suggests shared risk factors may be more important in the development of osteoporosis than vascular dysfunction.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJul 9, 2024

Deep learning-assisted lesion segmentation in PET/CT imaging: A feasibility study for salvage radiation therapy in prostate cancer

Researchers explore the feasibility of deep learning models in segmenting lesions on PET/CT images to improve salvage radiation therapy planning for prostate cancer. The study demonstrates promising potential to reduce inter- and intra-observer variations, leading to more accurate treatment outcomes.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 28, 2024

The genetic “switches” of bone growth

Researchers at UNIGE have identified 2700 genetic enhancers that regulate genes responsible for bone growth, providing insights into adult height and potential causes of bone diseases. The study suggests that variations in these enhancers could explain differences in human size and potentially contribute to developmental pathologies.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateJun 14, 2024

6,000 years ago, men and women had equal access to resources

A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports reveals that all members of a Neolithic agropastoral society in Switzerland, including non-locals, had equal access to food resources. The analysis of bone isotopes suggests that this egalitarian society was one of the oldest known in the western part of Switzerland.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science Reports·TypeNews article·DateJun 13, 2024

Greek Island was home to Bronze Age purple dye workshop

A Bronze Age purple dye workshop has been found on the Greek island of Aegina, featuring tools, ceramics, and snail shells that reveal the production process. The site provides insights into Mycenaean culture and trade during the Late Bronze Age.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2024

Clues to mysterious disappearance of North America’s large mammals 50,000 years ago found within ancient bone collagen

Researchers used novel biomolecular methods to analyze fossil bone fragments at the Smithsonian Museum, revealing excellent preservation of collagen proteins that can provide a molecular barcode for identification. The study provides new insights into the mysterious disappearance of North America's large mammals 50,000 years ago.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Mammal Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2024

Wake Forest University School of Medicine awarded $1.5 million from NIH to use advanced imaging to assess bone loss after bariatric surgery

Wake Forest University School of Medicine has received a $1.5 million grant to study bone microarchitecture in patients following bariatric surgery. The researchers will use high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) imaging to assess bone loss and muscle changes after weight-loss surgery.

New therapeutic avenues in bone repair

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have identified PEPITEM, a naturally occurring peptide, as a promising new therapy for osteoporosis and other bone disorders. The study found that PEPITEM enhances bone mineralisation, formation, and strength, and reverses bone loss in animal models.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2024

An entirely new COVID-related syndrome

A new COVID-related syndrome, MDA5-autoimmunity and Interstitial Pneumonitis Contemporaneous with COVID-19 (MIP-C), has been identified in patients with severe lung scarring and autoimmune diseases. The syndrome was discovered through a retrospective observational study by UC San Diego researchers and UK colleagues.

First effective treatment found for spitting cobra snakebite

Scientists have found an effective treatment for spitting cobra snakebites by blocking one of the major dermonecrosis-causing toxins with varespladib. The study suggests that this repurposed drug can prevent tissue damage and may become a valuable treatment against black-necked and red spitting cobra venoms.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2024

Five-year treatment with tenofovir alafenamide achieves high rates of viral suppression, alanine aminotransferase normalization, and favorable bone and renal safety in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients

The 5-year TAF treatment efficacy was high and similar to that of 3-year TDF followed by 2-year TAF in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients. Favorable effects on bone and renal parameters were sustained with TAF treatment alone and were observed following the switch from TDF to TAF.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateMay 7, 2024

Experimental collaboration between archaeologists and MeatEater highlights the prevalence of equifinality in archaeological interpretation

A unique collaboration between archaeologists and MeatEater highlights the prevalence of equifinality, where distinct processes can lead to the same outcome. The experiment tested Clovis stone tools' efficiency in processing a bison, offering insights into early human technologies.

SourceKent State University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2024

Do some mysterious bones belong to gigantic ichthyosaurs?

Fossilized bone fragments from Western and Central Europe have been identified as belonging to gigantic ichthyosaurs due to their unique microstructure. The discovery sheds new light on an ongoing debate among paleontologists, suggesting that these massive sea creatures could have reached lengths similar to the modern blue whale.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2024

Researchers uncover new clues about links between parent age and congenital disorders

A new study found that the link between paternal age and rare congenital disorders is more complex than previously thought. Researchers discovered that while older fathers are more likely to have children with certain bone and heart malformations, some genetic mutations associated with these conditions do not increase with paternal age.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 27, 2024

A KAIST research team develops a novel “bone bandage” material for cracked bones​

A KAIST research team has developed a biomimetic scaffold that generates electrical signals to promote bone tissue growth, providing a new method for utilizing the unique osteogenic abilities of hydroxyapatite. The flexible and free-standing scaffold demonstrated remarkable potential for promoting bone regeneration in rats.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 1, 2024

Do steroid creams affect bone health?

Researchers found a clear dose-response relationship between long-term topical corticosteroid use and elevated risks of osteoporosis and major osteoporotic fractures. Women under 50 had higher risks compared to men and other age groups, emphasizing the importance of careful treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·DateDec 20, 2023