Nano-shells Deliver Molecules that Tell Bone to Repair Itself

Original Source: University of Michigan

Snippet:

ANN ARBOR—Scientists at the University of Michigan have developed a polymer sphere that delivers a molecule to bone wounds that tells cells already at the injury site to repair the damage. Using the polymer sphere to introduce the microRNA molecule into cells elevates the job of existing cells to that of injury repair by instructing the cells' healing and bone-building mechanisms to switch on, said Peter Ma, professor of dentistry and lead researcher on the project.

I am pretty excited about this new technology. I can see some potential negative applications of course. The upside applications are obvious but I will say that if you ever had a serious break like I have you can imagine how important this technology could become. I hope it finds its way to commercialization quickly.

a reply to: machineintelligence

Doesn't our body already do this? I broke my ankle and without this technology, I healed completely.

For free!

Where is the advantage?

a reply to: machineintelligence

I want the crack down the middle of my knee cap to heal. Apparently it can't do it on its own. I was going to wait for cybernetic. Maybe i won't have to.

originally posted by: bitsforbytes
a reply to: machineintelligence

Doesn't our body already do this? I broke my ankle and without this technology, I healed completely.

For free!

Where is the advantage?

Looks to me like it speeds the process. My guess is NFL (American Football) players will be the eventual guinei pigs for this.

Future Guy A: This sucks man, my star RB just broke his femur and I need those fantasy points!

Future Guy B: Dude, what are you worried about? The game isn't til 3pm!

originally posted by: bitsforbytes
a reply to: machineintelligence

Doesn't our body already do this? I broke my ankle and without this technology, I healed completely.

For free!

Where is the advantage?

It would be of use when a break/fracture is somewhere where blood flow isn't great enough. I had a fracture on my left scaphoid bone in my wrist/hand area, and it wouldn't heal. 14 weeks in a cast, and using the stimulator device daily...

Never did heal fully. Pain is gone. It healed a bit, but I can't bend my hand up at a 90 degree angle when laying it on a table. (hand flat on the table, and raise your arm as far as it can go.. can go beyond 65 degrees.. no biggie, I can use it fine.. but if I use a chainsaw, it could cause pain... I will get surgery sooner or later. They said that is one of the hardest bones to heal (of COURSE it is!) lol... lucky me, eh?

a reply to: machineintelligence

I am pretty excited about this new technology. I can see some potential negative applications of course. The upside applications are obvious but I will say that if you ever had a serious break like I have you can imagine how important this technology could become. I hope it finds its way to commercialization quickly.

Me too!
Sign me up someone please! lol!