Findings show promise for new anti-inflammatory drugs and treatments for autoimmune diseases
New research shows a group of enzymes may have a critical role in how immune cells are activated and then migrate to certain sites in the body – findings that could improve our understanding of inflammation and potentially lead to new treatments. In a recent study, researchers explored a particular family of enzymes called neuraminidases. "We…
Hormones alone are not enough to explain the difference
Female astronauts could avoid knee injuries during space flight – and better tests, prevention and treatments could be developed for knee osteoarthritis in women on Earth – based on newly published research on the sex differences in knee meniscus tissue. Knee osteoarthritis is more common in females than in males, but hormones alone are not…
Device built by U of A team could help researchers learn how osteoarthritis develops
Members of a University of Alberta student club are walking on air after testing samples of bioengineered knee cartilage in a reduced-gravity experiment competition. Amira Aissiou and Kirtan Dhunnoo of the University of Alberta Space Design Group strapped themselves in and went for a wild ride in the Canadian Space Agency’s Falcon 20 parabolic aircraft to get a…
New decision tool on cannabis use may help provide the answer
People with arthritis are more likely than others to use cannabis for pain, mood and sleep disorders, but few studies have examined whether the products effectively treat the disease. But that is about to change. An interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Alberta is developing a cannabis use decision tool for the estimated…
Sport-related injuries affect up to a third of Canadian teens yearly, says researcher recommending ways to help kids follow exercise plans
Young patients who don’t do their exercises tend to be one of the biggest challenges for physiotherapists, and a University of Alberta study reveals some of the reasons why. Lack of time – and lack of fun – are two of the main reasons kids with musculoskeletal conditions such as scoliosis, juvenile arthritis and sports injuries tend…
New approach controls viruses indoors to hopefully avoid future pandemic shutdowns
An engineering researcher is building smarter controls for building ventilation systems to maximize fresh air intake and minimize the spread of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Yousef Alipouri’s project is one of six to receive new funding from the Alberta Innovates Graduate Fellowship in Health Innovation. “With our approach we can control viruses indoors…
Researchers find no evidence that BMI is a good determinant of surgical outcomes for osteoarthritis
A new study shows that losing weight before knee replacement surgery doesn’t lead to better outcomes for patients. In a systematic review published in Joint Bone Spine, researchers in the University of Alberta's Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine found that weight loss before surgery may not be beneficial for people with advanced knee osteoarthritis. Medical practitioners have long advised patients…
Astronauts and seniors with frailty have much in common and innovative research may help solve problems for both
For decades, researchers have studied the effects of reduced physical activity on astronauts during prolonged journeys to space. But what's surprising is one of the uses of that research. It turns out that understanding the effects of space travel on the body may be important to understanding what happens to us on Earth as we…
We don’t take pain into account when assessing where to invest health sector research and delivery dollars. That needs to change
Pain is a difficult topic for Canada’s health care sector. It can arise from many diseases, but not always. For example, arthritis in a joint can be visible on X-rays and not cause any pain; but it can also be so painful as to completely disable an individual. Pain is subjective, so sufferers can be…
A growing body of research shows that most older adults will get the same long-term outcomes from less invasive treatment
By Eric Bohm University of Manitoba and Ivan Wong Arthroscopy Association of Canada Nearly half of Canadians aged 65 and over experience osteoarthritis in their knees. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of bones wears down over time leading to pain, stiffness and decreased…