Region, age, and sex decide who gets arthritis-linked 'fabella' knee bone
The once-rare 'fabella' bone has made a dramatic resurgence in human knees, but who's likely to have a fabella or two — and why?
Read moreOsteoporosis
Adults with undiagnosed Celiac disease have lower bone density
New research has found lower bone density in adults who are likely to have undiagnosed celiac disease, an autoimmune disease triggered by consuming gluten, despite this group consuming more calcium and phosphorous than the control group.
Read moreViagra shows promise for use in bone marrow transplants
Researchers have demonstrated a new, rapid method to obtain donor stem cells for bone marrow transplants using a combination of Viagra and a second drug called Plerixafor. Bone marrow transplants, used mostly in the treatment of cancer, are life-saving procedures to restore the stem cells that generate new blood cells throughout a person's life.
Read moreResearch maps key signaling pathways linking calcium entry and exit in activated T cells
Like entrance and exit doors on a building, a cell's outer surface has doors — channels, pumps, and transporters that selectively control what molecules enter or exit. In the immune system, T cells possess unique sets of 'doors', including ones that specialize in calcium ion movement. Now, researchers describe a unique mechanism for coordinating these calcium entrance and exit 'doors' on T cells that helps them carry out their jobs and ensure normal immune function.
Read moreNew test for thyroid cancer could prevent unnecessary surgery
Each year, thanks to inconclusive tests for thyroid cancer, thousands of people undergo unnecessary surgeries to remove part or all of their thyroids. A new test based on the unique chemical fingerprints of thyroid cancer might change that. It's faster and about two-thirds more accurate than the diagnostic tests doctors use today.
Read moreVoltage gated calcium channels 'read' electric patterns in embryos to create cartilage and bone
Scientists have revealed how the electrical patterns formed within an embryo initiate a cascade of molecular changes that culminate in the development of cartilage and bone. Prior studies have shown these electrical patterns appear like blueprints of the tissues and organs that eventually take shape as the embryo matures. The new study demonstrates that voltage gated calcium channels 'read' the electrical pattern, setting off the expression of genes that guide differentiation to mature cells.
Read moreCritical process for how breast cancer spreads in bones
Researchers have identified a pair of proteins believed to be critical for spreading, or metastasizing, breast cancer to bone.
Read moreRecommendations to prevent secondary fractures in adults 65+ with osteoporosis
A multistakeholder coalition has issued clinical recommendations for the optimal prevention of secondary fracture among people aged 65 years and older with a hip or vertebral fracture — the most serious complication associated with osteoporosis.
Read moreTest for life-threatening nutrient deficit is made from bacteria entrails
A pocket-sized zinc deficiency test could be taken to remote regions where masses are malnourished – no complex transport or preservation necessary. It could be evaluated on the spot, and this initial test could be expanded into more comprehensive micronutrient fieldtests.
Read moreNew target regulating mitochondria during stress
Like an emergency response team that is called into action to save lives, stress response proteins in the heart are activated during a heart attack to help prevent cell death. As part of this process, researchers show for the first time that one of these specialized emergency responder proteins, known as MCUB, temporarily decreases harmful levels of calcium transport into mitochondria, the energy-generating batteries of cells.
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