Unique Imaging used in 5-year Osteoporosis Research Project
A standard
bone density scan can help to identify the onset and development risk of osteoporosis. However, for doctors interested in researching the disease in order to find new prevention and treatment, it is necessary to use a more detailed scan. That's what researchers are
doing now as part of a five-year osteoporosis research project.
The lead researcher on the project, Liyun Wang, developed a unique microscopic imaging method which uses flourescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). The goal of the research is to use this method to actually see inside the living bone to better understand the transfer of communication between the bone and the cells. This is something that has never been accomplished before.
The research project, which was ranked in the top five percent of proposals recommended for NIH funding, could help doctors better understand the development of osteoporosis. Until then, it remains important for people at risk of osteoporosis to
find a doctor who can perform a bone density scan to at least assist in treating the disease as well as we can today.
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