Articles tagged with Bones
A collaborative effort between scientists from the Natural History Museum of Utah and cavers led to the discovery of fossils spanning over 3,000 years in Boomerang Cave. The findings revealed a faithful reflection of mammal diversity in the area, including species unknown to the region.
Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a novel biomaterial that speeds up osteoblast differentiation, mimicking a low-oxygen environment. The cobalt-doped calcium phosphate material has the potential to be used in future bone regeneration procedures, reducing surgery risks and hospital stays.
A new fossil assemblage in Brazil has added to the complexity of classifying silesaurid phylogeny, a family of dinosauriforms that lived during the Triassic period. The study suggests that these animals were part of the evolutionary history of dinosaurs, but their classification remains uncertain due to ambiguous anatomy.
A new study has found that most patients with osteoporosis want to receive information on their fracture risk, but only half of them actually get it. Patients prefer visual representations, such as graphs with a colored traffic-light system, to communicate fracture risk and are more likely to take medication if presented in this way.
Researchers have discovered a series of bird footprints from the Early Cretaceous period in Victoria, Australia, indicating that diverse birds lived in southern polar environments during this time. The discovery provides new insights into the distribution and dispersal of early birds across landmasses.
A recent scientific study explores the bite marks left on ancient bones of sauropod dinosaurs like Diplodocus and Brontosaurus by carnivorous theropod dinosaurs. The study found that 68 sauropod bones from the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation bear unmistakable bite traces attributed to theropods.
Researchers develop biohybrid material from eggshell membrane, coated with nanocrystalline calcium phosphate apatite, for guided bone regeneration and dental pulp capping. The material shows improved mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and osteoinductive properties.
Frogs from the genus Eleutherodactylus are geologically the oldest Caribbean vertebrates to be found in Florida. They arrived in North America much earlier than previously thought, with evidence suggesting they reached the peninsula through overwater dispersal on flotsam or other buoyant debris.
Researchers found that a specific gene, MDA-9, initiates a cellular chain reaction sparking prostate cancer metastasis. The study's findings hold significant implications for treating prostate cancer and other forms of disease.
Yabing Chen has received two NIH grants totaling over $5 million to investigate vascular diseases and their link to dementia. Her research focuses on Runx2, a master transcription factor involved in both bone formation and calcification of arteries.
Two ancient species of whales, the North Atlantic right whale and the grey whale, disappeared from European waters centuries before industrial whaling began. Archaeological analysis of 719 whale bones reveals that early whaling had a devastating impact on these species.
Researchers developed an innovative imaging technique to study cells in bones of mice, revealing distinct pockets of bone resorption activity. This knowledge could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis and dormant cancer cells.
A team of Osaka University researchers discovered a link between Rab32 and Rab38 proteins, crucial for both hair pigmentation and bone resorption. Double-knockout mice showed increased bone density and altered physical characteristics, highlighting the importance of these proteins in maintaining bone homeostasis.
Scientists from Central South University develop a novel approach to address bacterial infection in bone transplantation by enriching H2O2 and amplifying the Fenton reaction. The technique enhances biocompatibility and safety, promising reduced transplant failures and post-operative complications.
Researchers have discovered a key mechanism involved in dental pulp inflammation and root apex damage, which could lead to the development of medications against bone loss due to endodontic infections. The study found that tumor necrosis factor-α receptor-1 (TNFR1) plays a crucial role in protecting teeth from inflammatory processes.
Researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that blocking the Notch signaling pathway in aging skeletal stem cells increases bone mass and restores lost bone-healing ability. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal that Notch signaling becomes abnormally active with age, shifting cells towards fatty degeneration.
A study discovered the remains of 9 different camelids in Cordoba, dating back to both the Roman and al-Andalus periods. The findings suggest that camelids were used primarily for transportation and had a significant impact on the city's fauna.
Researchers found a correlation between skeleton complexity and bird diversity, with less complex birds having higher species richness. Birds with more complex skeletons are more ecologically specialised, occupying fewer habitats and foraging in fewer ways, making them more vulnerable to environmental changes.
Researchers have extracted ancient DNA from Caribbean parrots, revealing two species were more widespread and diverse in the past. The study helps explain how parrots became the world's most endangered group of birds, with many island populations gone extinct.
Researchers found that certain bacteria, such as Akkermansia and Clostridiales DTU089, were associated with lower bone density and microarchitecture in older adults. The study suggests that targeting the gut microbiome could lead to better bone health and potentially reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Researchers at Lund University developed a new 3D-simulation method to identify individuals at high risk of osteoporotic fractures. The method uses 2D X-ray images to produce 3D models of the thigh bone, enabling simulations of different scenarios and assessing risk more accurately.
The study found a correlation between the emergence of sophisticated stone-knapping methods and a relative decrease in large prey quantities. Stone-tipped spears with Levallois technology allowed for more substantial wounds, increasing hunting success.
A new Australian study found that implementing simple bone-strengthening strategies throughout the community can lead to a substantial decrease in hip fractures. The study analyzed data from over 3000 individuals aged 60+ and showed a 45% decline in hip fractures despite only a 3% increase in bone mineral density.
Two Late Bronze Age urn burials analyzed, uncovering animal bones and jewelry among cremated remains of a woman and child. The findings provide insights into prehistoric funerary practices and shed new light on the rituals surrounding death in ancient cultures.
A recent study found that patients over 90 have higher complication and mortality rates after total hip arthroplasty (THA), but the risks can be minimized through careful patient selection and adequate preparation. Comorbidity has a major impact on THA risks, with certain conditions increasing the risk of complications and mortality.
Bioarcheological analysis suggests Pompeii victims died from asphyxiation despite potential contamination from plaster casts. The study's findings challenge traditional assumptions about the preservation process in the ancient city.
Researchers used radiocarbon dating and time-series modeling to study the timing and causes of megafauna extinctions at Rancho La Brea Tar Pits. The team found that a sharp decline in population occurred between 13,070 to 12,900 years ago, coinciding with warming and drying climate change and increased fires sparked by humans.
A new study by the PhyloBone project at the University of Turku has identified 255 proteins in 30 species of vertebrates that may play a key role in regulating bone formation and regeneration. The research could lead to new treatments and preventive measures for osteoporosis, a condition that affects millions worldwide.
Researchers found stable antibodies in 800-year-old medieval human teeth that can still recognize viral proteins, allowing them to study the history of infectious human diseases. This discovery expands the field of palaeoproteomics and may enable experts to analyze how human antibody responses developed over time.
Researchers have identified a protein called Hmga1 that may help prevent bone loss associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Increasing the expression of this protein in rats partially reversed bone loss in ovariectomized animals, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
A new study analyzed ancient DNA from Spanish settlements in the Caribbean and Mexico, revealing that cattle were imported from Africa early in the colonization process. This challenges previous historical records, which suggested cattle were only introduced by Europeans from Europe.
Researchers identified a mechanism regulating tumor growth in the skeleton, which decreases with age and can result from hormonal changes or chemotherapy. Mineralization of bone matrix reduces tumor cell growth and promotes genes associated with better patient prognosis.
A large-scale study found that vegetarians face a 50% greater risk of hip fracture than meat-eaters, regardless of sex. The study also identified low BMI as a key factor in the increased risk, and highlighted the importance of ensuring a balanced diet with enough protein for vegetarians.
Research discusses challenges and future directions for porous metallic implant fabrication, focusing on microstructure, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties. The review aims to promote metabolite and nutrient exchange, bone ingrowth, and improved implant-tissue anchorage.
Researchers found osteochondrosis dissecans in fossil bones of Ice Age predators, with an incidence as high as 7% in shoulder and knee joints. The study suggests dwindling populations may have contributed to the disease's prevalence in these ancient species.
A comprehensive review of biochemical markers for bone fragility in diabetes identifies low bone turnover and alterations in bone quality as key factors. The study suggests that glycemic control, AGEs, and serum IGF-1 may have predictive value for fracture risk in patients with diabetes.
Patients undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasty are at a higher risk of complications such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, and blood loss anemia compared to those undergoing unilateral TKA. The study found that the risks of these complications were approximately doubled in the bilateral TKA group.
A new special issue of Calcified Tissue International & Musculoskeletal Research explores how the skeleton functions as both a secretory organ and an endocrine target tissue. Researchers discuss key avenues in this area of research, including deciphering hormone messages encoded in bone cell secretory products.
A new $7 million study at Wake Forest University is investigating the impact of resistance training, bone-loading exercises, and osteoporosis medication on bone health in older adults who are losing weight. The study aims to determine whether these interventions can help preserve bone mass and reduce fracture risk.
Researchers at DTU Health Tech created a multi-levelled scaffold that enables near-perfect bone healing in just eight weeks, without using growth factors or endocrine factors and cells. The scaffold combines essential bone minerals with mechanical properties matching human bone compressive strength.
A second-generation all-inside meniscal repair system demonstrates a high successful repair rate of 84-88% at 10 years, with low failure rates and no correlation to patient characteristics or surgical techniques. Patient-reported outcomes improve after meniscal repair and ACL reconstruction.
Researchers found that treatment with tranexamic acid (TXA) is associated with a decreased incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO), a common complication of abnormal bone formation. The study showed a significant reduction in HO risk, with an odds ratio of 0.49 and a 50% lower risk compared to patients not receiving TXA.
A novel 'robotic pill' has been found to safely deliver the osteoporosis medication teriparatide orally, with comparable bioavailability to traditional injections. This breakthrough technology could offer a painless and more accessible treatment option for patients suffering from chronic conditions.
A global study found that hip fracture incidence rates decreased in most regions between 2005 and 2018, but the number of fractures is expected to nearly double by 2050. The study also revealed significant treatment gaps, particularly among men, with only a fraction receiving therapy to prevent future fractures.
Researchers developed methods to emphasize higher-frequency components of bone-conducted speech signals, improving intelligibility in noisy environments. The study's findings have potential real-life applications in BC-type hearing aids and auditory augmentation.
A study using digital reconstructions of Australopithecus afarensis muscles suggests that the 3.2 million-year-old 'Lucy' hominin could walk upright as efficiently as modern humans. The research, published in Royal Society Open Science, used open-source data on Lucy's fossil to create a detailed model of her lower body muscle structure.
Researchers found 7 aerophones made from bird bones at the Eynan-Mallaha site, dating back to circa 12,000 years ago. The flutes imitate raptor calls, similar to those of kestrel and sparrowhawk birds hunted by Natufian people.
A team of scientists has identified 7 prehistoric flutes in Eynan-Mallaha, Israel, dated to 12,000 years ago. The flutes were made from the bones of small waterfowl and produced a sound similar to certain birds of prey.
A study from the University of Eastern Finland found that pre-term and low birthweight infants have significantly fewer fractures in childhood compared to full-term and normal-weight newborns. The researchers suggest factors other than bone health may explain this difference, including reduced risk-taking behavior.
Researchers have found that spiny mice possess bony plates called osteoderms in their tails, a feature previously thought to be exclusive to armadillos. The discovery reveals that osteoderms can emerge and disappear multiple times in vertebrates throughout evolution.
Scientists at Medical College of Georgia are investigating the impact of HIV treatment on bone and muscle aging. They found that common antiretroviral cocktails can accelerate aging by about a decade, leading to increased inflammation and oxidative stress in bone marrow stem cells.
A new study found that combat-related traumatic injuries can cause localized bone mineral density loss in the hip region, particularly among those who have undergone amputations. The research suggests that this loss is mechanically driven and may be related to altered loading patterns.
A study of skeletal remains from 19th-century England found high incidences of growth delays, vitamin deficiencies, and respiratory disease among child laborers. The analysis suggests low-protein diets and harsh working conditions led to the health consequences.
Increased expression of Musashi 1 on breast cancer cells has significant implications for understanding dormancy and survival in bone marrow. Msi 1 knockdown led to a reduction in cancer stem cells with undetectable PD-L1, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery reports high 10-year implant survival and patient satisfaction rates for robotic-assisted medial knee arthroplasty. The procedure showed excellent outcomes, with over 90% of patients remaining satisfied without revision.
Renowned astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti received the International Osteoporosis Foundation President’s Award for her collaboration on the "Lift Off For Bone Health" public awareness campaign. The campaign reached over three million people, with videos viewed close to two million times.
Professor Bess Dawson-Hughes has been recognized with the 2023 IOF President’s Award for her significant contributions to advancing osteoporosis research and treatment. Her extensive body of work has led to a greater understanding of nutrition's role in age-related bone loss.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has awarded five young investigators grants for their research on nutritional factors and musculoskeletal health. The winners' projects focus on various aspects of diet, exercise, and bone health, with potential to lead to clinical advances or preventative strategies.
A study analyzing 34,000 people found that lowering sclerostin levels may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that strategies to minimize potential impact on heart attack risk are needed.
Moffitt researchers develop CAR T cells that target prostate cancer biomarker PSCA, killing cancer cells and preserving bone health. Zoledronate treatment enhances antitumor activity with minimal toxicity.