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Women are known to suffer osteoarthritis at higher rates to men, but new research has found the way people respond to the disease depends on their gender.
A University of Auckland scientist Raewyn Poulsen has discovered that while male cells focus on renewing tissue as a response to joint stress, female cells adopt a protective strategy.
Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition where the cushioning between bones, called 'cartilage', wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving.
There's no cure as yet, but exercise, medication, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms.
Kathryn speaks to Raewyn Poulsen, a pharmacology researcher, has just received over a million dollars in Health Research Council funding to build on her findings and explore potential drug therapies.
