Friedrich Schiller University Jena

A substance known as calcium phosphate cement is commonly used to repair broken bones, both holding them together and encouraging the growth of new bone tissue. Now, scientists have added carbon fibers to the material to also make it self-healing.

A breakthrough from an international team of researchers raises hopes of a new, targeted approach to regenerative medicine, demonstrating how violet light can be used to switch on a drug and promote growth in highly selective areas.