Study cuts to the bone

SCIENTISTS have discovered a gene strongly implicated in osteoporosis, raising hope of a potential new treatment and early detection of the bonethinning disease.

The gene called GPC6 is one of 153 new gene variants associated with osteoporosis identified by Australian and Canadian researchers. Studies in mice showed when this particular gene was removed bone thickness increased, said said Professor David Evans at the University of Queensland’s Diamantina Institute.

One in 10 Australians aged over 50 have osteoporosis or low bone mineral density.