Skeletal Biology Laboratory

Skeletal Biology Laboratory

College of Health

The Skeletal Biology Laboratory (SRL) is dedicated to improving bone health and reducing osteoporosis-related fractures.

The SRL consists of two research divisions: Basic and Applied. Each division houses state-of-the-art equipment and has a successful externally funded research program.

The Basic Research Division conducts studies related to regulation of bone growth and turnover at the molecular, cellular, and tissue level.

The Applied Research Division conducts clinical research to understand human musculoskeletal health and to develop, test and implement physical activity programs that reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.

Together, the Basic and Applied Research Divisions span from the basic biology of skeletal health and disease to the application of this knowledge to reduce osteoporosis-related fractures at the public health level and are well positioned to conduct clinical-translational research.

A femur scanned and reconstructed using micro-computed tomography

A femur scanned and reconstructed using micro-computed tomography. The femoral neck (not readily visible here between the baseball and glove) is a common fracture site in postmenopausal women.

Recent publications

See more publications

2026

Monfared, V., Iwaniec, U., Turner, R.T.  (2026)  Spaceflight and the rodent skeleton: A perspective  Bone Reports  

2025

Wong, C.P., Keune, J.A., Philbrick, K.A., Branscum, A.J., Iwaniec, U.T., Turner, R.T.  (2025)  Introduction of Mature Mast Cells into Bone Marrow Alters Bone Metabolism in Growing Mice  International Journal of Molecular Sciences  26(24)
Zhakubayev, A., Grant, K.A., Sattgast, L.H., Turner, R.T., Iwaniec, U.T., Benton, M.L.  (2025)  Ethanol consumption has minimal effects on cancellous bone architecture in femur and lumbar vertebra in two species of non-human primates  Bone  203
Turner, R.T., Wong, C.P., Philbrick, K.A., Keune, J.A., Labut, E.M., Menn, S.A., Branscum, A.J., Iwaniec, U.T.  (2025)  Adoptive Transfer of Lepr+ Bone Marrow Cells Attenuates the Osteopetrotic Phenotype of db/db Mice  International Journal of Molecular Sciences  26(11)
Turner, R.T., Kuah, A., Trevisiol, C.H., Howe, K.S., Branscum, A.J., Iwaniec, U.T.  (2025)  Chronic heavy alcohol consumption impairs the ability of demineralized allogenic bone matrix to support osteoinduction in alcohol-naïve rats  Bone Reports  25

Lab news and stories

  • Microscopic view of a porous, organic structure with interconnected orange, yellow, and green colored surfaces and dark holes.

    Could a nightly glass of wine improve bone health?

    OSU researchers find that moderate alcohol consumption may lower osteoporosis risk by reducing bone turnover in postmenopausal women.

  • Russ Turner and Urszula Iwaniec in the Skeletal Biology Laboratory

    Are botanical estrogens safe?

    OSU researchers Russ Turner and Urszula Iwaniec are conducting an $8 million NIH-funded study to determine if botanical estrogens found in supplements offer benefits that outweigh potential risks for bone health, breast cancer, and cognitive function.