Bones are the body’s framework and support, our strongest tissues. Unlike the scaffold of a building, however, bones are anything but inert. They pulse with life and their maintenance requires a surprisingly delicate balancing act.

Throughout our adult lives, the body works day and night to clear away patches of weak bone and build up new and stronger bone. When that balance falters in either direction, it spells trouble. Osteoporosis, which literally means porous bones, occurs when bone breakdown outpaces bone buildup. Just bending or coughing can cause a fracture. Too much bone, on the other hand, can lead to rare bone diseases or even bone cancer.

A small army of bone researchers, including several HHMI investigators, is exploring the cellular pathways that strengthen weak bones and support healing in broken bones. Their efforts are yielding new drugs to treat osteoporosis, heal severe fractures, and treat rare hereditary bone diseases. They’re working on new precision therapies to stop bone cancer, as well.

Illustration: Patrick Leger