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Why buses can’t get wheelchair users to most areas of cities

A recent study in Columbus reveals striking disparities in accessibility for wheelchair users traveling by public bus. Manual wheelchair users have access to only 1% of the city, while powered wheelchair users can reach about 25%. The main obstacle is infrastructure, particularly sidewalks, which are damaged or missing in many areas.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2023

CHEST releases clinical practice guideline on respiratory management of patients with neuromuscular weakness

The American College of Chest Physicians released a clinical practice guideline on respiratory management for patients with neuromuscular weakness, providing evidence-based recommendations for mouthpiece ventilation and airway clearance therapies. The guideline aims to improve care for this vulnerable population.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateMar 14, 2023

Spinal muscular atrophy patients’ walking distance improved after Nusinersen treatment

A study published in Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases demonstrates a positive effect of nusinersen treatment on motor function in ambulant pediatric and adult SMA patients. Clinically meaningful improvements in walking distance were observed in a subgroup of patients, with only five adult walkers showing a decline.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2023

New application of intramuscular electromyography may facilitate detection of neuromuscular disorders

Researchers developed an iEMG classifier framework for detecting myopathy and neuropathy, achieving high accuracy in three muscle types and low computational time. The study showed promise for real-time implementation, aiding clinicians in making quick and accurate diagnoses.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalInternational Journal of Imaging Systems and Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 22, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Gold ribbon not necessary—healthy brain and body function are the rewards in this game

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that Synapsology, a game-like dual-task exercise, helps maintain or improve cognitive and physical abilities in older adults aged 85-97. The study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that this cost-effective intervention can have a societal impact.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·DateJun 15, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

How it works: The protein that stimulates muscle growth

Scientists discover that activating TAK1 in skeletal muscle promotes muscle growth and prevents atrophy, with implications for treating conditions like cancer, COPD, and genetic diseases. The research also highlights the importance of maintaining healthy neuromuscular junctions.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2022

New study discovers novel inhibitory roles of hnRNPK in skeletal muscle cell differentiation

Researchers uncover the pleiotropic functions of hnRNPK in regulating skeletal muscle cell differentiation, including inhibition of myoblast differentiation and suppression of genes involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress. The study suggests that targeting hnRNPK could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating human disorders.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022

Epstein-Barr virus may be leading cause of multiple sclerosis

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between Epstein-Barr virus infection and multiple sclerosis. The risk of MS increased 32-fold after EBV infection, while serum levels of neurofilament light chain, a biomarker of nerve degeneration, only increased after EBV infection.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

The GIST scientists confirm horse riding as a viable mobility treatment for cerebral palsy

A study by GIST scientists found that physical interaction between children with cerebral palsy and horses improves motor skills and balance. The research team recorded horse and child movements, tracking acceleration and angular velocity to quantify interactions, which were linked to improved outcomes.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

The positive impact of sharing negative research results

Researchers highlight the importance of sharing well-conducted studies with negative or irreproducible results, even if they disprove a hypothesis. The Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases special issue on 'The Null Hypothesis' presents eight articles that contribute valuable information to the scientific record.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 18, 2021

Tracking muscle activity with clothes on your back

Researchers developed a wearable, biocompatible, and low-cost biosensor that measures electromyography signals in muscles. The sensor uses a gold-silver nanocomposite printed onto fabric, providing a comfortable and effective way to track muscle activity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateSep 28, 2021

Nusinersen improves motor function in adults with spinal muscular atrophy

A study published in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases found Nusinersen treatment improved motor and respiratory functions in adults with longstanding SMA3. Functional testing showed significant improvements on the 6-Minute-Walk-Test, with patients experiencing a mean improvement of 8.25 meters.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·DateNov 11, 2019

Expand the role of patients, the true experts, in neuromuscular disease research

A new position paper published in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases emphasizes the importance of patient-centered approach in neuromuscular disease research. The paper advocates for shared decision-making and patient involvement in research activities, including clinical trials, biobanks, and regulatory processes.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·DateFeb 6, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

New knowledge on how neurons talk to muscles

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new way in which nerve cells control movement by dynamically adjusting neurotransmitter production. This finding opens up new avenues for treating diseases such as myasthenia gravis and spinal muscular atrophy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2018

New advances in medication for muscle disease in children

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Spinraza significantly improves outcomes for children with spinal muscular atrophy type 2, who have not yet begun to walk. The drug also shows promise for reversing muscle weakness and improving mobility.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2018
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Plant extract hope for infant muscle disease

Researchers have discovered a plant-based compound that targets the root cause of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disorder causing muscle wastage and weakness in infants. Quercetin has shown promise in tests on zebra fish, mice, and fruit flies, offering a potential treatment option for early stages of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 4, 2014

Plant extract hope for infant muscle disease

Researchers have discovered a plant pigment called quercetin that targets the mutated gene causing spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of death in children. Quercetin has been shown to improve nerve and muscle cell health in tests on zebra fish, mice, and fruit flies.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 3, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.