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Bariatric surgery increases risk of fractures

A new study found that bariatric surgery nearly doubles the expected risk of fractures, especially hand and foot fractures, in patients who underwent weight loss surgery to treat medically complicated obesity. The researchers analyzed data from 97 patients with an average age of 44 years and found a total of 31 fractures after surgery.

The life histories of the earliest land animals

Researchers at Uppsala University and colleagues analyze fossil upper arm bones from ancient vertebrates, revealing two distinct life histories. Ichthyostega, a more terrestrial animal, undergoes significant changes in limb shape and muscle attachments as it grows, while Acanthostega remains aquatic with less dramatic transformations.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateApr 20, 2009

Vertigo linked to osteoporosis

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with osteoporosis are three times more likely to experience vertigo than those without. Researchers discovered a strong link between low bone density and an increased risk of inner ear disorders, which can cause dizziness.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 23, 2009

Misplaced metamorphosis

A recent study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that immature cells in blood vessels deep within skeletal muscle orchestrate aberrant bone formation. Cells from the inflammatory response to injury trigger skeleton-stimulating proteins to transform muscle tissue into bone.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMar 3, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: March 2, 2009

Studies reveal that PICK1 protein plays a crucial role in acrosome formation, and its deficiency leads to low sperm count and abnormal sperm movement in male mice. This discovery may shed new light on the human disorder of globozoospermia, which affects male fertility.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 2, 2009

UMMS researchers publish DNA identification of czar's children

Researchers have confirmed the identities of the two missing Romanov children murdered in 1918 using DNA analysis. The study used mitochondrial and nuclear DNA to link the remains to Empress Alexandra and Crown Prince Alexei, resolving a 90-year-old mystery. Genetic connections were established through maternal and paternal lineages.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2009

Cell injections accelerate fracture healing

A multi-centre study found that osteoblast cell injections accelerated fracture healing, with increased bone growth and no significant patient complications. The treatment is considered a safe and effective alternative to traditional methods, allowing for faster recovery without surgery.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Musculoskeletal Disorders·DateFeb 11, 2009

A case of mistaken dino-identity

A Texas state dinosaur is facing a name change after research revealed it was misidentified as Pleurocoelus. The new species, Paluxysaurus jonesi, was discovered by Southern Methodist University scientist Peter Rose, who studied sauropod bones in central Texas.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateJan 13, 2009

Four, three, two, one . . . pterosaurs have lift off

Ancient flying reptiles employed all four limbs for take-off, defying conventional wisdom. The study reveals that pterosaurs had stronger front limbs than legs, allowing them to generate massive power without sacrificing size. This discovery sheds new light on the biology and evolution of these fascinating creatures.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalZitteliana·DateJan 6, 2009

Joslin research finds nearly three-quarters of youths with diabetes insufficient in vitamin D

A study by researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that nearly three-quarters of youths with type 1 diabetes have insufficient levels of vitamin D, which may lead to bone fragility and increased fracture risk. The study recommends vitamin D supplementation to children with diabetes, especially those with inadequate sun exposure and...

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateDec 15, 2008

Cancer treatment may result in bone loss

A new cross-Canada study found that breast and prostate cancer treatment can cause significant bone loss, affecting up to 46,000 people each year. The researchers discovered that medications called bisphosphonates can help combat osteoporosis and fractures in cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 13, 2008

International Osteoporosis Foundation supports UK charity call for NICE guidance changes

The International Osteoporosis Foundation backs the National Osteoporosis Society in criticizing NICE guidance on osteoporosis prevention and treatment. Key concerns include women's access to effective treatments, exclusion of high-risk men, and lack of incorporation of the WHO-supported Fracture Risk Assessment Tool.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateOct 31, 2008

Calcium during pregnancy reduces harmful blood lead levels

A study at the University of Michigan found that high-dose calcium supplements can significantly lower lead levels in pregnant women. The researchers analyzed data from 557 women and discovered that those taking calcium supplements had an average reduction of 11% in blood lead levels, with some groups experiencing even greater reductions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateSep 9, 2008

Engineers create bone that blends into tendons

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology successfully created artificial bones with a graded interface, allowing them to blend seamlessly into surrounding tissues like tendons. This breakthrough technology has the potential to improve outcomes in ACL surgery and other applications where tissue integration is critical.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2008

HIV patients at greater risk for bone fractures

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that HIV-infected patients have a higher prevalence of fractures compared to non-HIV infected patients. The study analyzed data from over 8,500 HIV-infected patients and more than 2 million non-HIV infected patients, revealing a significant increase in fr...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 28, 2008