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Osteoarthritis: New players involved in joint inflammation

A recent study published in Cell Death & Differentiation highlights the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins in osteoarthritis, revealing their contribution to inflammation and tissue remodeling. The research identifies a promising protein, PDIA4, which may serve as a therapeutic target for limiting disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateAug 31, 2026

Exercise boosts oxygen delivery to arthritic joints using red blood cell extracellular vesicles (EVs) – a new way to relieve osteoarthritis

Researchers discovered that exercise enhances oxygen delivery to arthritic joints through tiny vesicles released from red blood cells, relieving tissue hypoxia and promoting joint health. Physical activity drives the circulation of these EVs into the joint, where they deliver oxygen and maintain joint function.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2026

Doubt cast on effectiveness of widely used ‘KT-tape’ for joint/muscle pain + mobility

Research suggests that Kinesio taping (KT tape) may reduce pain intensity in the immediate and short term, but evidence for long-term benefits and its use in various musculoskeletal conditions is inconclusive. The majority of systematic reviews found inconsistent findings, and potential skin irritation remains a concern.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEvidence-Based Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 31, 2026

Archaeologists combine cutting edge research techniques to shed light on the treatment of individuals with disabilities in the late Middle Ages

Researchers analyzed a skeleton with a severe knee injury to uncover the complexities of social attitudes towards individuals with disabilities in medieval Europe. The study found that despite negative cultural views, some individuals with disabilities received long-term care and prominent burials.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Archaeology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 15, 2025

Shouldering the burden of how to treat shoulder pain

A recent study published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy identified five risk factors for athletes developing shoulder pain, including range of motion, strength, and training load. The research also examined treatment options for frozen shoulder, an inflammatory condition that causes unrelenting stiffness and pain.

SourceTufts University·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Physical Therapy·DateApr 10, 2025

Alternative to hip replacement keeps aging athletes in the game

A surgical procedure called Birmingham hip resurfacing enables aging athletes to remain highly active, even many years after the procedure. Studies have shown that patients who underwent this procedure were able to return to high-impact sports and maintain their activity levels for an average of 14 years after surgery.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·TypeCase study·DateApr 10, 2025

Scientists urge earlier diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis to prevent permanent damage

A new study from the University of Bath reveals that delays in diagnosing and treating psoriatic arthritis often result in irreparable damage to joints. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can prevent this damage and improve physical function and quality of life for patients with PsA.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2025

People with COPD and arthritis have an increased risk of death

A new study found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and arthritis have a significantly increased risk of death compared to those with only arthritis. The research analyzed data from over 11,000 individuals in the US and discovered a strong association between COPD and mortality rates in people with arthritis.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMar 11, 2025

Humans inherited their flexible joints from the earliest jawed fish

Researchers discovered synovial joints in ancient fish lineages, suggesting these features first evolved in jawed vertebrates. The study's findings shed light on the origins of humans' flexible joints and provide critical information for research into vertebrate skeletal architecture.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 25, 2025

SNU researchers apply the principles of mantis shrimp and fleas to create soft robots with powerful movements

Researchers created a 'Hyperelastic Torque Reversal Mechanism' that enables fast and powerful movements in soft robots made from rubber-like materials. The mechanism leverages the characteristics of soft hyperelastic materials to rapidly stiffen as they compress, allowing for rapid and efficient movement.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2025

Researchers develop new test for early osteoarthritis diagnosis

Researchers have developed a new diagnostic test that uses two markers found in the synovial fluid of patients' joints to differentiate osteoarthritis from inflammatory arthritis. The algorithm, based on the ratio of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and interleukin-8, has been validated with high accuracy.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateDec 18, 2024

Study busts myths about cause of gout

A genome-wide association study found that inherited genetics is a key factor in why some people develop gout, while others don't. The research identified new targets for preventing gout attacks and hopes to lead to improved treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 15, 2024

Research findings offer a unique opportunity for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention for rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers propose a better understanding of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, identifying an early pathogenic macrophage cell/gene signature that shapes the inflammatory environment. This discovery offers a unique opportunity for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

Study: Backward hopping may be better indication of recovery from ACL reconstruction

A University of Kansas researcher has found that single leg backward hopping can accurately measure knee strength and recovery in patients after ACL reconstruction. This method shows significant changes in knee mechanics compared to forward hopping, making it a potentially superior indicator of quadriceps strength deficiency.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2024

Infections following hip replacement associated with an increased risk of death, study finds

Patients with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip replacement have a five-fold increased risk of mortality within 10 years. Researchers found that PJI patients had a significantly higher 10-year mortality rate than those who didn't develop an infection, highlighting the need for prevention efforts and best practice gui...

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateSep 4, 2024

Can flexibility help people live longer?

A recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports found that reduced body flexibility is associated with poor survival in middle-aged men and women. After analyzing data from 3,139 participants, researchers discovered an inverse relationship between Flexindex scores and mortality risk.

SourceWiley·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateAug 21, 2024

New biomaterial regrows damaged cartilage in joints

Researchers developed a bioactive material that successfully regenerated high-quality cartilage in animal models, promoting enhanced repair and growth of new cartilage containing natural biopolymers. The material's effectiveness was tested in sheep with cartilage defects, showing promising results for potential use in humans.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2024

Female Australian football players are taking more hits

Sub-elite female Australian football players experience different injury patterns compared to males, highlighting the need for targeted training and injury prevention strategies. Ankle sprains, concussions, and anterior cruciate ligament injuries are the most common and burdensome, resulting in the most missed matches.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2024

Monitoring shows chikungunya epidemics can be predicted by means of surveillance

A study in São Paulo state found that chikungunya virus circulated silently for years before causing major epidemics. The researchers monitored residents for four years and discovered a significant rise in seroprevalence from 0.35% to 2.3%. This finding underscores the need for strengthened disease surveillance.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 11, 2024

When should you neuter or spay your dog?

Researchers at UC Davis have updated their guidelines on neutering popular dog breeds, finding major differences in joint disorders and cancers. The study emphasizes personalized decisions, considering breed, sex, and context, and provides a table with guidelines for all 40 studied breeds.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateMay 28, 2024