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Sci. Aging Knowl. Environ., 25 May 2005
Vol. 2005, Issue 21, p. nf39
[DOI: 10.1126/sageke.2005.21.nf39]

NEWS FOCUS

The Skeleton Goes to Pot

Prodding marijuana receptors spurs bone loss

R. John Davenport

http://sageke.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2005/21/nf39

Abstract: In the kids' cartoon, slacker Shaggy and his canine sidekick Scooby Doo snarfed Scooby Snacks that, according to urban lore, contained a magic ingredient: marijuana. Maybe that's why Shaggy had bad posture. New results reveal that activating a marijuana receptor spurs bone loss, and obstructing it reinforces bone, at least in mice. If the findings hold up in people, receptor-blocking drugs--already in trials to battle obesity--might combat osteoporosis.

Citation: R. J. Davenport, The Skeleton Goes to Pot. Sci. Aging Knowl. Environ. 2005 (21), nf39 (2005).

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Science of Aging Knowledge Environment. ISSN 1539-6150