Injectable 'goo' could replace painful knee surgery

Scientists have invented an injectable goo that can regrow cartilage in the body

For now, they've only tested it in sheep - but it could someday be used to treat humans

Painful knee surgery could be replaced by injections of a new goo that regenerates lost cartilage in joints, scientists suggest.

Cartilage is a tough, flexible tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints. It helps to reduce friction and absorb shock.

When cartilage is damaged, it can lead to pain, swelling and stiffness. In severe cases, it can even lead to osteoarthritis, a debilitating condition that can cause significant disability.

Current treatments for cartilage damage include surgery to repair or replace the damaged tissue. However, these surgeries can be painful and invasive, and they often do not provide long-term relief.

The new injectable goo, developed by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, could offer a less invasive and more effective way to treat cartilage damage.

The goo is made from a combination of polymers and proteins that are similar to those found in natural cartilage.

When the goo is injected into a joint, it forms a scaffold that helps to support and guide the growth of new cartilage tissue.

In a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers tested the goo in sheep.

They found that the goo was able to regenerate cartilage in the sheep's knees, and that the new cartilage was similar to natural cartilage in terms of its structure and function.

The researchers believe that the goo could be used to treat cartilage damage in humans.

They are currently conducting clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of the goo in humans.

If the clinical trials are successful, the goo could provide a new and effective treatment for cartilage damage.