Friday March 27, 2009
Artificial cartilage performs better than the real thing
Colin Barras
New Scientist
The smooth cartilage that covers the ends of long bones provides a level of lubrication that artificial alternatives haven't been able to rival – until now. Researchers say their lubricating layers of "molecular brushes" can outperform nature under the highest pressures encountered within joints, with potentially important implications for joint replacement surgery.
With every step we take, bones at the knee and hip rub against each other. That would quickly wear them away if it wasn't for the protection afforded by the thick layer of smooth and slippery cartilage that covers their ends.
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Posted in: by bubblejam at 03:43 AM | Comments (0) | Email This Entry