Osteoporosis is a progressive metabolic bone disease that causes a decrease in bone density and gives rise to weak, fragile bones that are prone to fracture. Most commonly, these fractures occur in the spine, wrist and hips when a person falls or bumps into something. If such an event triggers a visit to the doctor, a test of the bone mineral density called a DEXA scan may be performed and reveal osteoporosis.
The term osteoporosis refers to the porous (spongy) state of bone that eventually manifests as the bone’s ability to replenish itself declines over time. When individuals reach the age of around 40, the rate of bone breakdown starts to exceed the rate at which it is replaced, creating increasingly larger holes in the bone that make it less dense and more prone to fracture.
Some of the risk factors for osteoporosis such as gender, age and family history for the condition cannot be changed. However, factors such as diet and activity level can be improved to increase bone strength and individuals are advised to exercise regularly, eat a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium, and quit any smoking or drinking habits.
Osteoporosis is currently thought to be affecting more than 200 million people worldwide but is most common among older, post-menopausal women who have reduced levels of estrogen, an important contributor to bone health.
An international study led by the Institut de Neurociències at the UAB (INc-UAB) found that raising levels of the Klotho protein in mice extends lifespan and improves both physical and cognitive health as they age.
The ‘super stem cells’ perform better than regular stem cells, being able to develop into many different cell types, researchers from the University of Copenhagen find, with many potential applications, including improved IVF treatment.
It's no coincidence that our bodies feel a little creakier as we age. The trillions of cells that make up our skeleton age too, and some change in ways that weaken the very structure of our bones.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common disease affecting an estimated 17 million people worldwide. The disease is caused by immune cells attacking the joints and can result in pain, swelling, and damage to the cartilage and bone.
Researchers have discovered a protein that inhibits the activity of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) by preventing their maturation during the process of migrating to bone-formation sites.
New stem cell therapies may result from a novel method that McGill researchers have created for mechanically modifying stem cells, which has not yet reached its full therapeutic potential.
Around half of the human genome is composed of DNA fragments originating from ancient viruses. These "transposable elements" (TEs) are now known to play various roles in modulating gene expression and disease development.
Cortisone and other related glucocorticoids are extremely effective at curbing excessive immune reactions.
The gut microbiome, a community of trillions of microbes living in the human intestines, has an increasing reputation for affecting not only gut health but also the health of organs distant from the gut.
Former CEO and Chairman of Google Eric Schmidt, and Ken Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst, are today (Monday 30 October) being announced as the first members of a new consortium that will shape the future of the best-in-class UK Biobank.
Bone is maintained via delicate balance between formation and resorption, and its imbalance leads to bone related diseases like osteoporosis rheumatism and periodontitis.
Freiburg researchers discover a mechanism by which cancer cells escape the immune system.
People's ability to regenerate bones declines with age and is further decreased by diseases such as osteoporosis.
In space, the bone density of both the human astronauts and rodent variety decreases. Scientists published this study on April 19th, 2023, in the journal Cell Reports. It says that alterations to the gut microbiomes of space travelers may be linked to this bone loss.
The biological foundations of a reproductive disease caused by a DNA mutation have been discovered by a University of California, Riverside study. Fragile X Syndrome, a major genetic contributor to cerebral impairment and autism, is also caused by this gene mutation.
Space travel has always tested the human body by the effects of the new conditions of altered gravity on biological systems.
New study reveals that a family of proteins that help many different types of cells move and retain their form may induce disease when they work too hard and disturb the cellular environment.
One out of every 500 to 1,000 boys is born with one or more extra X chromosomes, which can cause a variety of symptoms as the extra chromosomes to including infertility, larger breasts, osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiac problems, intellectual incapacity, and cancer.
Channels on the surface of bone cells called osteocytes help build stronger bones in response to mechanical stress, shows a study published today in eLife.
The secret to producing large batches of stem cells more efficiently may lie in the near-zero gravity conditions of space. Scientists at Cedars-Sinai have found that microgravity has the potential to contribute to life-saving advances on Earth by facilitating the rapid mass production of stem cells.
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