Scientists turn body fat into bone to heal spinal fractures

Researchers in Osaka have found that stem cells from fat tissue can repair spinal fractures similar to those caused by osteoporosis.
By turning these cells into bone-forming clusters and pairing them with a bone-rebuilding material, rats regained stronger, healthier spines.
The approach could provide a safe and minimally invasive alternative for treating bone diseases in humans.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a promising new method for repairing spinal fractures using stem cells extracted from adipose tissue, also known as body fat.
In animal studies, the treatment successfully healed spinal injuries in rats that mimic osteoporosis-related fractures seen in humans.
Because these cells are easy to collect, even from older adults, and cause minimal strain on the body, the technique could provide a gentle, non-invasive alternative for treating bone diseases.
Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. As Japan’s population continues to age, the number of people affected is projected to surpass 15 million.