Ustream

Scientists have copied the natural glue secreted by a tiny sea creature called the sandcastle worm in an effort to develop a long-sought medical adhesive needed to repair bones shattered in battlefield injuries, car crashes and other accidents. The traditional method of repairing shattered bones is to use mechanical connectors like nails, pins and metal screws for support until they can bear weight. But achieving and maintaining alignment of small bone fragments using screws and wires is challenging, scientists say. For precise reconstruction of small bones a biocompatible, biodegradable adhesive could be valuable because it would reduce metal hardware in the body while maintaining proper alignment of fractures, the researchers say. See corresponding news release, abstract, and nontechnical summary for AGFD 080.Russell J. Stewart, Ph.D., is with the Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City.