What makes our bones strong and healthy: SVI student wins award

Bone fragility is a major global health challenge that can lead to painful fractures, loss of independence and reduced life expectancy.

SVI Honours student Milana Kuropatkina is investigating how bone quality, not just density, is integral in maintaining skeletal strength.

Bone material is a mixture of hard calcium-containing mineral crystals and flexible collagen. The right balance between mineral and collagen is essential. Too much mineral makes bone brittle and more likely to break.

The Bone Cell Biology and Disease group is studying how the cells that produce bone also regulate bone material by releasing acids to reduce mineral build-up.

Milana’s research focuses on understanding the signals that happen inside the cells to make them produce acid keep the balance optimal.

By testing ways to reduce acid production, Milana aims to uncover new strategies to strengthen bones and lower fracture risk.

Milana’s contribution was recently recognised at the University of Melbourne’s Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) Honours Conference, where she was awarded first prize for her poster presentation.

“Understanding the signals that bone cells use to control mineral levels gives us a new lens on bone strength,” said Milana.

“I’m excited that this work could contribute to better approaches for preventing fractures and improving quality of life for people worldwide.”