Osteoporosis

Computer Simulations of Human Bone Structures Help Doctors Analyze Fragile Bones and Fracture Risk

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, July 2, 2008 -- Using a Blue Gene supercomputer, scientists of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) and the IBM (NYSE: IBM) Zurich Research Laboratory demonstrated the most extensive simulation yet of real human bone structures, providing doctors a "high definition" view of the strength and fragility of bones they never had before.

This achievement could lead to better clinical tools to improve the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, a widespread disease that affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50.(1)    » read more »

15 May 2007 -- Osteoporosis in older men and women is a public health problem around the world, especially as people in many countries live longer. As bones become more fragile with age, they are more likely to break or fracture. In some countries, the lifetime risk of an older woman having either a hip, wrist or vertebral fracture is between 40 and 50 percent.    » read more »

May 09, 2007 -- ROCHESTER, Minn. -- A class of drugs called bisphosphonates has become the new mainstay treatment for postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis in the post-hormone-replacement era. Taking just one pill a week, or even one a month, may prevent, slow or stop the breakdown and progress of this bone-thinning condition, according to the May issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.    » read more »