Two graduate students from the Department of Biomedical Engineering have received awards from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) for research they conducted on bone strength.

Samuel Stephen received the ASBMR Young Investigator Award for his abstract presentation titled: “Formation of Carboxymethyl-Lysine — an Advanced Glycation Endproduct — Promotes Immature Crystal Growth, Increases Mineralization, and Alters Bone Matrix Quality.” Working in Professor Deepak Vashishth’s lab, Stephen examined the link between type 2 diabetes and an associated increase in skeletal fragility. His research found that carboxymethly-lysine (CML), a type of advanced glycation end product that can degrade the function of molecules like collagen in the bone matrix, can potentially modify the quality of the bone matrix in people with type 2 diabetes, resulting in a higher risk of bone fragility.

Meghan Pendyala receive an ASBMR Young Investigator Travel Grant, and was invited to present her work in the plenary poster session at ASBMR for her paper, titled: “Loss of Hyaluronan Synthases Impacts Bone Morphology, Quality, and Mechanical Properties.” Working in Assistant Professor Liz Blaber’s lab, Pendyala studied the effects on bone when hyaluronan, or hyaluronic acid — a well-known glycosaminoglycan used in many skincare and beauty products — is reduced within the body. Her research found that a loss of this glycosaminoglycan can change bone mineral density, impacting bone strength and stiffness.