Summary VI

Planck's research post gives a materials science perspective on the importance of the calcification in bone strength or FR (fracture resistance). This poses the question what causes calcification, and, may we affect the process by what we do with our horse. Interestingly, further research was discovered as posted early February from the Paul Hansma website.

We begin with the premise that the origin of calcification in bone is "poorly understood", although we know calcium originates in bone cells due to a chemical-physical process at the nano level. They have broken this down farther and farther to some tiny proteins but fail to know how those are produced. We may surmise this process developed over eons, and racing horses in our sliver of time is unlikely to affect how and in what quantity calcium is layed down. But, we need consider the dramatic impact on bone of forces operating on our horse at speed.

Planck states the volume fraction of calcium in bone varies from 33% to 52%. The remainder is water and organic material. Planck also notes the geometrical increase in strength from small increases in calcium volume.

Two questions with respect to horses and calcium:

Production and construction. Does speed work trigger calcium production or affect how HA mineral platelets are layed down inside and outside bone collagen fibrils?

Enter here the 4/09 Paul Hansma research with their Bone Diagnostic Instrument. Hansma sought to find out if exercising mice on a treadmill would affect mouse femurs. Indeed an exercise effect was discerned: 21 days of treadmill exercise 30 min/day produced significant bone changes.

Hansma answered the Q in a general sense, and, absent further research, we next commence speculation.

Training:

Tues. 3/23: Sunny 60 degree day whereas 2 days before was 6 inches of snow. Melting. Off.

Wed. 3/24: Pelting rain. Will see what conditions are at 7 p.m.