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Dr. Janet Rubin and colleagues study the ways bones remodel themselves in response to mechanical signals, such as exercise.

In Dr. Rubin’s lab, UNC scientists were able to show that stem cells that were “exercised” twice a day, were less likely to become fat cells, and more likely to become bone cells upon differentiation. Bones continually remake themselves through “intelligent remodeling” based on a reaction to daily mechanical stimulation. The team believes that two daily sessions of moderate exercise could lead to improved bone composition, more so than one longer session. This results in stronger bones that are less vulnerable to fractures.

Dr. Rubin discusses this and related findings with Gretchen Reynolds at the New York Times’ Well blog. Read “Phys Ed: More Bone (and Less Fat) Through Exercise” on the web.