Cartilage Repair (IMAGE) University of Iowa Health Care Caption A University of Iowa research team is working on an injectable, bioactive gel that encourages self-healing of cartilage. The confocal image shows chondrogenic progenitor cells migrating into the cartilage injury site in response to the stromal cell-derived factor 1(SDF1) contained in the hydrogel. Subsequent application of a growth factor causes the cells to mature into normal cartilage repairing the injury. If successful, the gel could provide a minimally invasive, practical, and inexpensive approach for repairing damaged cartilage and preventing osteoarthritis Credit UI Health Care Usage Restrictions The image may be used with appropriate credit for educational or informational purposes only. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.