UW-Madison team's collagen find could help treat arthritis

Source: MJS

Jan. 18A team of UW-Madison scientists manipulating collagen's triple helix  the structure that holds our bodies together  has created that important protein in "the strongest form known to science."

The step takes biochemistry closer to discovering a way to treat such diseases as arthritis, and a way to heal wounds.

Ron Raines' contingent at the Raines Laboratory on campus busted the synthetic collagen barrier years ago. In their latest discovery, Raines, a professor of biochemistry, and his group in their latest discovery have managed to manufacture a stable, strong synthetic collagen in the triple helix form the protein takes.

Put simply, they are perfecting a molecular bandage, a potential that already has led to "pre-clinical stage" testing, Raines said.

The team's synthetic collagen is not only tougher but also more stable than natural collagen, the always degrading, almost always being created, structural protein that supports all tissues and holds our bodies, and everything in our bodies, together.


Read more: http://www.rr.com/news/topic/article/rr/4473267/10072175/UW-Madison_teams_collagen_find_could_help_treat/1

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Here is some good news from the leader in stem cell research.

I dare say its research has done far more than many of those schools that supposedly rank ahead of it in that stupid US News and World Report ranking list.

As a number one party school.

I have never understood why people do not think that brains and fun cannot go together...

To the extent they party, it's generally smaller affairs rather than the craziness that happens in the frat houses.

And, vain though I am, I would start with the soles of my feet.

I don't often think to come to this forum, so often I miss important health news. Not good, DU.