Regeneration of Bone- and Tendon/Ligament-Like Tissues Induced by Gene Transfer of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-12 in a Rat Bone Defect

Members of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family have diverse physiological roles. For instance, BMP-2 stimulates osteogenesis, while BMP-12 induces the formation of tendon/ligament-like tissues. Here, we designed a study to determine whether BMP-12 has bone and/or cartilage regeneration abilities similar to those of BMP-2. We implanted plasmid vectors encoding either BMP-2 or BMP-12 in rats with femur defects, and monitored the bone healing process for 8-weeks. The BMP-12 transgene induced prominent fibrogenesis by 2 weeks, with bone substitution occurring by 8 weeks. BMP-2, however, was associated predominantly with osteogenesis throughout the 8 week period. Thus, we conclude that BMP-12 does not function similarly to BMP-2 during bone healing. Further work is needed to better understand the mechanisms by which it stimulates bony growths to replace the connective tissues formed during the first stages of bone healing

GREEN ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER IN CHINA AND INDIA <Research Notes>

Climate change has recently become a hot topic of debate for academia, politics and business due to its serious impacts on environmental, socio-economic conditions and human well-being. Reducing CO2 emissions as a way to mitigate climate change has been a focus since the Kyoto Protocol came into effect. Most of the efforts, however, have been for the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and green energy development and technology transfers have emerged to take the leading roles in recent years. The two biggest CO2 emitters, China and India (after China and USA), have made progress to maintain their leading role in developing and transferring green energy. This study aims to analyses green energy development and technology transfers in these two countries, and makes conclusions on some experiences for other developing countries to consider as they shift to low carbon societies. The study shows that besides good policy, market-based instruments and management skills, the development of green energy requires scientific and international cooperation and green technology transfers. Technology transfers can be implemented through bilateral agreements, international commitments and market-based mechanisms