Bad to the Bone

Children of Tibetan nomadic communities are often afflicted with a crippling malady locals call “Big bone disease.” Also known as Kashin-Beck disease, the disorder causes stiff, deformed joints. USU engineering students discovered significant levels of the mineral strontium in village water supplies, which may be a contributing factor and may provide clues in the search for a remedy.

The USU student researchers are part of the USU chapter of Engineers Without Borders, an international organization that helps rural communities with engineering needs. The chapter welcomes donations to purchase project supplies and cover travel costs. For more information, contact William Grenney, professor, 435-797-3186; and Laurie McNeill, assistant professor, 435-797-1522; Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Utah Water Research Laboratory, College of Engineering, Utah State University. Visit the chapter’s Web site.