Damn, just got a new hip, 11 months ago!
Article:
"Mice stem cells capable of regenerating bone, cartilage," RedOrbit, Jan 16, 2015 (link)
Excerpt:
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) have announced the discovery of a new stem cell in mice that is capable of regenerating both bone and cartilage, according to a new report in the journal Cell.
The study team found the new cells by following the activity of a protein called Gremlin1. When they transplanted the cells, called osteochondroreticular (OCR) stem cells, to a fracture site – they saw that the cells aided in bone repair ...
The researchers predicted that OCR stem cells will eventually be found in humans because we have a biological makeup similar to that of mice. The CUMC team said they were optimistic that their work could eventually lead to treatments for bone-degenerative diseases like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis – in addition to therapy for bone fractures.
Research paper discussed in article:
DL Worthley et al, "Gremlin 1 Identifies a Skeletal Stem Cell with Bone, Cartilage, and Reticular Stromal Potential," Cell, Jan 15, 2015 (abstract).
