Our 'inner salamander' could help treat arthritis, study finds

Research links human ability to regrow cartilage to molecules that help amphibians sprout new limbsContrary to popular opinion, humans can regrow cartilage in their joints, researchers have found. Experts hope the research could lead to new treatments for a common type of arthritis.Osteoarthritis, in which joints become painful and stiff, is the most common form of arthritis and is thought to cause pain in about 8.5 million people in the UK alone. It is caused by a breakdown in the cartilage that protects the ends of the bones, as well as the growth of new bone around the joint as the body tries to repair the damage.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Osteoarthritis Science Medical research Health Source Type: news