The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY, has received a $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate the biologic and physical mechanisms of very low-magnitude mechanical signals and how they strengthen bone and muscle.
The research may provide a foundation to the non-pharmacologic intervention for the control of osteoporosis and obesity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 60% of Americans are overweight and obese.
The findings may explain why a sedentary lifestyle is permissive to both osteoporosis and obesity and could suggest how low-magnitude mechanical signals reduce the development of fat cells and strengthen the musculoskeletal system.
The department’s goal is to integrate the cutting edge of engineering and physical sciences with biological sciences to advance the understanding of biomedical problems. Faculty and students use the science to drive the development of therapeutics, diagnostics, and medical devices.
[Source: Newswise]
