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(06/03/2026) Researchers from VA Salt Lake City found sintering can be used to improve bone regeneration. Sintering is the process of compacting material by pressure or heat, often used in ceramics. Fluorapatite (FAp) is a calcium phosphate mineral containing fluoride, primarily used in bone tissue engineering and regeneration. FAp scaffolds provide a porous, biodegradable structure to support new bone growth but are usually not strong enough to be load-bearing. The researchers sintered gel-cast FAp scaffolds with 50%, 60%, and 70% porosity at temperatures of either 1050°C, 1150°C, or 1250°C, achieving compressive strengths of 5-13 megapascals – roughly 725-1,885 psi. The team believes they can further optimize the process before it is ready for human trials, but it is a promising discovery to help Veterans with critical bone defects return to normalcy. (International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology, April 15, 2026)