The Plot Thickens on Thin Bones The signals that keep bones strong deteriorate with age. New findings reveal why, and researchers are using the knowledge to develop ways to treat osteoporosis

Page 1 With age, bones thin and weaken, leaving the elderly susceptible to fractures. The affliction, known as osteoporosis, strikes millions of people, especially postmenopausal women. Recent strides in understanding the signals that control whether bone grows or shrinks offer insight into the causes of osteoporosis and promise to lead investigators to a new class of treatments. In addition, research is illuminating links between bone loss and other health problems such as heart disease.