Abstract: A combinatorial microenvironment generator is configured for the generation of arbitrary, user-defined, steady-state, concentration gradients with negligible to no flow through the growth medium to perturb diffusion gradients or cellular growth. More importantly, the absolute concentrations and/or gradients can be dynamically altered upon request both spatially and temporally to impose tailored concentration fields for in-situ stimulus studies. Here, diffusion occurs via an array of ports, each of which can be an independently controlled source/sink. Together, the array of ports establishes a user-defined, 3D concentration profile. Useful methods related to this device are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention shows that levels of certain micro RNAs (MiRNAs) are altered in NF1 cell lines and NF1 tumor cell lines as compared to non-NF1 controls. Methods are provided, e.g., to diagnose NF1 and NF1 tumors. Methods are also provided to treat NF1, NF1 related cancer, and cognitive deficits resulting from NF1.

Abstract: A combinatorial microenvironment generator is configured for the generation of arbitrary, user-defined, steady-state, concentration gradients with negligible to no flow through the growth medium to perturb diffusion gradients or cellular growth. More importantly, the absolute concentrations and/or gradients can be dynamically altered upon request both spatially and temporally to impose tailored concentration fields for in-situ stimulus studies. Here, diffusion occurs via an array of ports, each of which can be an independently controlled source/sink. Together, the array of ports establishes a user-defined, 3D concentration profile. Useful methods related to this device are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention shows that levels of certain micro RNAs (mRNAs) are altered in NF1 cell lines and NF1 tumor cell lines as compared to non-NF1 controls. Methods are provided, e.g., to diagnose NF1 and NF1 tumors. Methods are also provided to treat NF1, NF1 related cancer, and cognitive deficits resulting from NF1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the toughness and/or stiffness of bone and/or reducing the likelihood and/or severity of bone fracture by administering a parathyroid hormone. The method can be employed to increase toughness or stiffness of bone at a site of a potential or actual trauma, such as the hip or spine of a person at risk of or suffering from osteoporosis. The method of the invention can reduce the incidence of vertebral fracture, reduce the incidence of multiple vertebral fractures, reduce the severity of vertebral fractur and/or reduce the incidence of non-vertebral fracture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the toughness and/or stiffness of bone and/or reducing the likelihood and/or severity of bone fracture by administering a parathyroid hormone. The method can be employed to increase toughness or stiffness of bone at a site of a potential or actual trauma, such as the hip or spine of a person at risk of or suffering from osteoporosis. The method of the invention can reduce the incidence of vertebral fracture, reduce the incidence of multiple vertebral fractures, reduce the severity of vertebral fracture, and/or reduce the incidence of non-vertebral fracture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the toughness and/or stiffness of bone and/or reducing the likelihood and/or severity of bone fracture by administering a parathyroid hormone. The method can be employed to increase toughness or stiffness of bone at a site of a potential or actual trauma, such as the hip or spine of a person at risk of or suffering from osteoporosis. The method of the invention can reduce the incidence of vertebral fracure, reduce the incidence of multiple vertebral fractures, reduce the severity of vertebral fracture, and/or reduce the incidence of non-vertebral fracture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the toughness and/or stiffness of bone and/or reducing the likelihood and/or severity of bone fracture by administering a parathyroid hormone. The method can be employed to increase toughness or stiffness of bone at a site of a potential or actual trauma, such as the hip or spine of a person at risk of or suffering from osteoporosis. The method of the invention can reduce the incidence of vertebral fracture, reduce the incidence of multiple vertebral fractures, reduce the severity of vertebral fracture, and/or reduce the incidence of non-vertebral fracture.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for increasing bone mass in a subject by administration of PTH and raloxifene. Another aspect of the invention is a method for treating bone loss in a subject by administration of PTH and raloxifene. The invention further provides for a composition of PTH and raloxifene for increasing bone mass in a subject. Another aspect of the invention is a composition of PTH and raloxifene for treatment of bone loss in a subject.