February 11, 2010

UCSB Professor to Speak About Bones and Why They Break

George Foulsham

UC Santa Barbara's Paul Hansma, professor of physics and developer of the Atomic Force Microscope, will deliver a speech titled "Why Do Bones Break?" at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 21, at the Goleta Valley Library, 500 N. Fairview Ave., Goleta.

Hansma's speech is part of The Friends of the Goleta Valley Library Lecture Series. It is free and open to the public.

According to Hansma, bone fractures are a growing health problem, but surprisingly little is known about how to prevent them. Loss of bone leads to osteoporosis and most treatments focus on reversing bone loss. However, there is recent evidence that bone quality is just as important as bone density.

Hansma's talk will include information about a new instrument, designed and built in Santa Barbara by Hansma and colleagues, that his research shows can measure bone quality.

About UC Santa Barbara

The University of California, Santa Barbara is a leading research institution that also provides a comprehensive liberal arts learning experience. Our academic community of faculty, students, and staff is characterized by a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that is responsive to the needs of our multicultural and global society. All of this takes place within a living and learning environment like no other, as we draw inspiration from the beauty and resources of our extraordinary location at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.