http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/bone_and_spine/ Read the latest medical research on healthy bone and spine development. Find out about spinal problems and new treatment options. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/bone_and_spine/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525165217.htm Mathematicians have helped biologists figure out why platelets, the cells that form blood clots, are the size and shape that they are. Because platelets are important both for healing wounds and in strokes and other conditions, a better understanding of how they form and behave could have wide implications. Fri, 25 May 2012 16:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525165217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123023.htm Scientists found that loss of the ADA gene directly contributes to B cell tolerance problems and that these defects are mostly corrected after gene therapy. Thu, 24 May 2012 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523145739.htm Researchers have demonstrated that a special surface, free of biological contaminants, allows adult-derived stem cells to thrive and transform into multiple cell types. Their success brings stem cell therapies another step closer. Wed, 23 May 2012 14:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523145739.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523133232.htm Transplanting embryonic cells into adult mouse spinal cord can alleviate persistent pain. The research suggests that reduced pain results from successful integration of the embryonic cells into the host spinal cord. The findings open avenues for clinical strategies aimed not just at treating the symptoms of chronic debilitating pain, but correcting the underlying disease pathology. Wed, 23 May 2012 13:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523133232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523133057.htm Chronic pain, by definition, is difficult to manage, but a new study shows how a cell therapy might one day be used not only to quell some common types of persistent and difficult-to-treat pain, but also to cure the conditions that give rise to them. Wed, 23 May 2012 13:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523133057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163749.htm Tissue engineers can use mesenchymal stem cells derived from fat to make cartilage, bone, or more fat. The best cells to use are ones that are already likely to become the desired tissue. Researchers have discovered that the mechanical properties of the stem cells can foretell what they will become, leading to a potential method of concentrating them for use in healing. Mon, 21 May 2012 16:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521103819.htm Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism regulating the development of breast cancer bone metastases and showed that heparin-like compounds can potentially be used to inhibit breast cancer metastasis to bone. Mon, 21 May 2012 10:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521103819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132250.htm Placental stem cells with important therapeutic properties can be harvested in large quantities from the fetal side of human term placentas (called the chorion). The chorion is a part of the afterbirth and is normally discarded after delivery, but it contains stem cells of fetal origin that appear to be pluripotent -- i.e., they can differentiate into different types of human cells, such as lung, liver, or brain cells. Since these functional placental stem cells can be isolated from either fresh or frozen term human placentas, this implies that if each individual’s placenta is stored at birth instead of thrown away, these cells can be harvested in the future if therapeutic need arises. This potential represents a major breakthrough in the stem cell field. Fri, 18 May 2012 13:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517132055.htm Mental distractions make pain easier to take, and those pain-relieving effects aren't just in your head, according to a new report. Thu, 17 May 2012 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517132055.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515104500.htm Surgeons have restored some hand function in a quadriplegic patient with a spinal cord injury at the C7 vertebra, the lowest bone in the neck. Instead of operating on the spine itself, the surgeons rerouted working nerves in the upper arms. These nerves still “talk” to the brain because they attach to the spine above the injury. Tue, 15 May 2012 10:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515104500.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070439.htm Researchers found that administering a common chemotherapy drug before bone tumors took root actually fertilized the bone marrow, enabling cancer cells, once introduced, to seed and grow more easily. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070439.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514161616.htm Human embryonic stem cells can now be used to grow bone tissue grafts for use in research and potential therapeutic application. The study is the first example of using bone cell progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells to grow compact bone tissue in quantities large enough to repair centimeter-sized defects. Mon, 14 May 2012 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514161616.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113523.htm Scientists have confirmed that mutations of a gene are responsible for some cases of a rare, inherited disease that causes progressive muscle degeneration and weakness: spinal muscular atrophy with lower extremity predominance, also known as SMA-LED. Thu, 10 May 2012 11:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154234.htm For the first time, scientists have transplanted brain cancer patients' own gene-modified blood stem cells in order to protect their bone marrow against the toxic side effects of chemotherapy. Initial results of the ongoing, small clinical trial of three patients with glioblastoma showed that two patients survived longer than predicted if they had not been given the transplants, and a third patient remains alive with no disease progression almost three years after treatment. Wed, 09 May 2012 15:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509123657.htm Dogs are among the best animals when it comes to providing models for better medical treatments in humans. Wed, 09 May 2012 12:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509123657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504135811.htm Hip replacement is one of the most frequent operations carried out in Germany. Each year, doctors implant some 200,000 artificial hip joints. Often the artificial hips need to be replaced just ten years later. In the future, a new implant currently being developed using high technology materials could help prevent premature revision surgeries. Fri, 04 May 2012 13:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504135811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501134319.htm A recent study found that an alarming increase in the consumption of sports and energy drinks, especially among adolescents, is causing irreversible damage to teeth -- specifically, the high acidity levels in the drinks erode tooth enamel, the glossy outer layer of the tooth. Tue, 01 May 2012 13:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501134319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430151752.htm Biomedical engineers have demonstrated the first all-polymeric bone scaffold that is fully biodegradable and offers significant mechanical support during repair. The technique uses silk fibers to reinforce a silk matrix. Adding microfibers to the scaffolds enhances bone formation and mechanical properties. It could improve repair after accident or disease. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430151752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430114939.htm An antibody that neutralizes Kallikrein 6 is capable of staving off MS in mice, new research suggests. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430114939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424205337.htm Women who go through the menopause early are nearly twice as likely to suffer from osteoporosis in later life, suggests new research shows. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424205337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423162355.htm A student may have found the key to keep fat cells from forming. He believes he has identified the trigger that turns a stem cell into a fat cell. Located on the surface of cells, the trigger, a protein called endoglin, regulates what type of cell an existing stem cell will become. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423162355.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423162249.htm The application of high levels of oxygen to a severed bone facilitates bone regrowth, a new study demonstrates. The results that may one day hold promise for injured soldiers, diabetics and other accident victims. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423162249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423143130.htm Students have invented a device they hope will make the process of correcting bone deformities safer and easier for children who currently have to manually turn a screw to lengthen their limb four times a day. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423143130.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423132011.htm Researchers have identified the genetic variations that are believed to cause osteoporosis. The study shows among other interesting facts that women with a higher proportion of genetic variations associated with osteoporosis have a more than 50 percent increased fracture risk. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423132011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423103715.htm Researchers have exploited the molecular mechanism behind acupuncture resulted in six-day pain relief in animal models. They call this new therapeutic approach PAPupuncture. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423103715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120421203911.htm Cochlear implantation provides an effective and safe way of restoring hearing in patients with far advanced otosclerosis, a hereditary condition that can lead to severe hearing loss. Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120421203911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419102520.htm Nanoscale films promote bone growth, creating a stronger seal between implants and patients' own bone. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419102520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417125629.htm Women are more prone to knee injuries than men, and the findings of a new study suggest one cause may be that males and females differ in the way they transmit the nerve impulses that control muscle force. Men control nerve impulses similar to individuals trained for explosive muscle usage -- like those of a sprinter -- while the nerve impulses of women are more similar to those of an endurance-trained athlete, like a distance runner. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417125629.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417102407.htm A study reveals that gum deterioration, which often occurs with increasing age, is associated with a drop in the level of a protein called Del-1. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417102407.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416185800.htm Despite the great promise that injecting a new type of anti-inflammatory pain medicine into the spine could relieve the severe leg and lower back pain of sciatica, a new study has found that the current standard of care with steroid injections still does better. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416185800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120415151337.htm Thirty-two previously unidentified genetic regions associated with osteoporosis and fracture have now been identified. Variations in the DNA sequences in these regions confer either risk or protection from the bone-weakening disease. Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120415151337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102723.htm An abnormally low level of a protein in certain nerve cells is linked to movement problems that characterize the deadly childhood disorder spinal muscular atrophy, new research in animals suggests. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102434.htm A clinical trial is evaluating the use of stem cells from the pelvic bone marrow to improve heart function. Patients’ own stem cells may preserve heart muscle function after a heart attack. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102434.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131220.htm Scientists have made a landmark discovery that could help women minimize or even avoid the risk of having a baby born with congenital birth defects. The scientists show for the first time how "nature" and "nurture" interact to increase the severity and likelihood of developing birth defects, including abnormalities in the heart, kidneys, brain, limbs and cranio‐facial regions (cleft palate). Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120401134939.htm The incidence of breast cancer-associated metastasis was increased in animal models of the chronic inflammatory condition arthritis, according to results of a preclinical study. The results indicate that inflammatory cells known as mast cells play a key role in this increase and that interfering with mast cells reduces the occurrence of bone and lung metastases. Sun, 01 Apr 2012 13:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120401134939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120401105459.htm A new discovery in mice may lead to new treatments that could make bone marrow transplants more likely to succeed and to be significantly less dangerous. Scientists may have found a way to prevent the immune system from attacking transplant grafts and damaging the host's own cells after a bone marrow transplant. Sun, 01 Apr 2012 10:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120401105459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120330081737.htm Glucocorticoids - a type of steroid hormone - are widely used in a number of medical disorders. Worldwide, it is estimated that almost 5% of postmenopausal women take glucocorticoids. As well as having specific benefits, Glucocorticoids have side effects. One of the potentially most important is that glucocorticoid use is associated with bone loss, which is most rapid in the first 3-6 months of treatment, potentially leading to serious complications and osteoporosis in many postmenopausal women. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120330081737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329124605.htm The thymus plays a key role in the body's immune response. It is here where the T lymphocytes or T cells, a major type of immune defence cells, mature. Different types of T cells, designated to perform specific tasks, arise from progenitor cells that migrate to the thymus from the bone marrow. Researchers have now generated artificial thymus tissue in a mouse embryo to enable the maturation of immune cells. In this process, they discovered which signalling molecules control the maturation of T cells. Their results represent the first step towards the production of artificial thymus glands that could be used to replace or augment the damaged organ. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329124605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326113021.htm Researchers have presented evidence that early growth predicts the size, mineralization, shape and strength of the hip bone in childhood. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326113021.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326112458.htm Medicine’s recipe for keeping older people active and functioning in their homes and workplaces — and healing younger people injured in catastrophic accidents — may include “noodle gels” and other lab-made invisible filaments that resemble uncooked spaghetti with nanoscale dimensions, a scientist has said. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326112458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120321105340.htm Scientists have produced powerful new cells which can suppress the body's immune system. The cells are obtained by cloning tissue lining the human cheek, a less invasive process than obtaining adult stem cells from bone marrow. The breakthrough offers long term hope for dealing with immune system disorders. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120321105340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319111831.htm Researchers may make it easier to recover after spinal cord injury or to study neurological disorders. His research can greatly improve animal and human health by developing technology to advance cellular therapy and regenerative medicine. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319111831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120313185850.htm Pain is an important physiological function that protects our bodies from harm. Pain-sensing nerves transduce harmful stimuli into electrical signals and transmit this information to the brain via the spinal cord. A team of scientists has found a novel road-block in the pain pathway, which could be used to treat chronic pain. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120313185850.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305173453.htm Vitamin D may be associated with a lower risk of developing stress fractures in preadolescent and adolescent girls, especially among those very active in high-impact activities, according to a new report. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305173453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120229105126.htm Law enforcement officials who are tasked with identifying a body based on partial skeletal remains have a new tool at their disposal. A new paper from North Carolina State University researchers details how to determine the biological sex of skeletal remains based solely on measurements of the seven tarsal bones in the feet. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120229105126.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120220161233.htm Genomic instability caused by an erosion of the protective caps on chromosomes, followed by activation of an enzyme that reinforces those caps, allows malignant cells to evade destruction and acquire more deadly characteristics, researchers report. Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120220161233.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214171132.htm A person has a tumor removed from her femur. A soldier is struck by an improvised explosive device and loses a portion of his tibia. A child undergoes chemotherapy for osteosarcoma but part of the bone dies as a result. Every year, millions of Americans sustain fractures that don't heal or lose bone that isn't successfully grafted. Orthopaedic researchers have just found a very promising, novel way to regenerate bone. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214171132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207193407.htm Broken bones in humans and animals are painful and often take months to heal. New research shows promise to shorten healing time significantly and revolutionize the course of fracture treatment. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207193407.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133748.htm New research has found that 77 percent of trauma patients had deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133748.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121926.htm A revolutionary new limb lengthening system developed by orthopedic surgeons represents a major advancement in the treatment of limb deformities. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121926.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207095635.htm An endocrine hormone used in clinical trials as an anti-obesity and anti-diabetes drug causes significant and rapid bone loss in mice, raising concerns about its safe use, researchers have shown. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207095635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206122626.htm Much orthopedic research has been devoted to determining why women are far more susceptible to knee ligament injuries than men. According to a new study, the answer may lie in geometry -- the length and shape of a patient's knee bone -- more than gender. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206122626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092631.htm Scientists have developed a novel technique to enhance bone growth by using a molecule which, when injected into the bloodstream, directs the body's stem cells to travel to the surface of bones. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120205163720.htm As the number of knee and hip joint replacements grows, nanodiamond coatings could answer problems related to metal surfaces. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120205163720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202151033.htm Researchers have shown that growth in early childhood can affect bone density in adult life, which could lead to an increased risk of developing bone diseases like Osteoporosis. The study is part of ongoing work in assessing the causes of common diseases at different stages of life from before conception through to old age, and the ways in which environmental influences affect gene expression to produce disease. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202151033.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201104516.htm Experiments in brain-injured rats show that stem cells injected via the carotid artery travel directly to the brain, where they greatly enhance functional recovery. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201104516.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131101652.htm The use of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) for spinal fusion surgery has risen sharply over the past decade, increasing costs with no evidence of improved outcomes, reports a new study. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131101652.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130094358.htm Stem cells derived from fat have a surprising trick up their sleeves: Encouraged to develop on a stiff surface, they undergo a remarkable transformation toward becoming mature muscle cells. The new cells remain intact and fused together even when transferred to an extremely stiff, bone-like surface, which has bioengineers intrigued. These cells, they suggest, could hint at new therapeutic possibilities for muscular dystrophy. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130094358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126161129.htm Researchers have discovered new links between leukemia cells and cells involved in bone formation, offering a fresh perspective on how the blood cancer progresses and raising the possibility that therapies for bone disorders could help in the treatment of leukemia. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126161129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118155338.htm Dogs with spinal cord injuries may soon benefit from an experimental drug currently being tested by researchers — work that they hope will one day help people with similar injuries. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118155338.htm