Hi. I’m running. I’m also telling some ofmy stem cells what to do right now. Well, I probably am, based on a new study with mice.

 

We have what are called mesenchymal stemcells. This type of stem cell goes on to become either fat or bone. Researchersfound out that endurance exercise triggers the stem cells to preferentiallymature into bone. And having more bone cells means improved blood production,which means a higher oxygen carrying capacity, and better immune reaction andbetter wound clotting. The research appears in the Journal of theFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, commonly known asthe FASEB Journal. 

 

Researchers at McMasterUniversity in Canada had micework out on a treadmill for about an hour three times a week. A control groupof mice watched Matlock reruns. Well, they may as well have. They did not workout. And the mice that exercised had way less fat in their bone marrowcavities, and a big increase in blood cells in the marrow and in thecirculation. I don’t like exercising. But I really don’t like fat in my marrow.

 

Thanks for the minute. For ScientificAmerican’s 60-Second Science. I’m Steve Mirsky.