Cartilage is an essential part of our bodies. Once lost, it's very difficult to replace. Our joints are particularly prone to wear and tear, especially as we get older. So how do we rebuild cartilage? Well, we normally can't, but researchers at Brown University may on the verge of something very exciting. Using carbon nanotubes combined with electrical pulses, researchers have demonstrated that cartilage may regenerate naturally in the body. This research is still very preliminary, but it provides hope for those who suffer from joint problems. The research was funded by the National Science Foundation under the federal National Nanotechnology Initiative.