Compressing bones releases molecules that ease traumatic brain injuries
New Scientist 2026-10-05 11:00:00
Context: Researchers have discovered that compressing bones, specifically shin bones, can release molecules that help alleviate traumatic brain injuries in mice and pigs. The study, led by Xiaochun Bai at Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China, found that applying pressure to the bones for a few minutes a day improved motor and cognitive functions in the animals. This breakthrough could potentially lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating traumatic brain injuries.
Key Facts
- Compressing shin bones in mice with traumatic brain injuries for 2.5 minutes a day over five days improved their motor and cognitive functions, with treated mice descending a pole more quickly and performing better in spatial memory tests.
- The bone-compression treatment increased levels of three molecules in the mice's serum: BDNF, PF4, and dopamine, which support neuron survival, regulate inflammation, and are involved in memory and movement.
- In a follow-up experiment, injecting serum from treated mice into untreated mice transferred the brain benefits, suggesting that the molecules released by bone compression are responsible for the improved outcomes.
- The study was replicated in male adolescent pigs, which showed reduced loss of neurons and brain tissue, less inflammation, and better cognitive performance after bone compression treatment.