A new study from Northwestern University developed a customized video game to help chronic stroke survivors regain lost arm function. After six weeks of therapy, participants showed significant improvement in arm function and daily activities, with scores improving up to 7.8 times that of the control group.
Researchers from Aalto University developed an AI model that simulates human motion from touchscreen logs, providing insights into physically effortful smartphone interactions. The model helps designers create user-friendly interfaces and identifies areas requiring additional effort.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting a protein called RBM20 can improve heart filling and flexibility in mice with heart failure. The study also found positive impacts on energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, antioxidant balance, and blood flow.
A recent study using Drosophila as a model organism reveals the involvement of linear ubiquitination in T-tubule biogenesis. The findings highlight LUBEL's role in triggering Amph-mediated T-tubule formation, which promotes membrane tubulation and curvature through self-ubiquitination and positive feedback loops.
A UCLA team has uncovered new details about the muscle controlling blinking, offering a pathway toward developing blink-assisting prostheses. The orbicularis oculi muscle contracts in complex patterns that vary by action and move the eyelid in more than just a simple up-and-down motion.
A new study reveals that myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) is essential for regulating cardiac muscle contraction, particularly under increased stress. The protein's absence or mutation can lead to diseases such as heart failure and hypertropic cardiomyopathy.
Northern Arizona University researchers have developed an open-source robotic exoskeleton framework, OpenExo, which provides comprehensive instructions for building single- or multi-joint exoskeletons. The system helps overcome challenges in developing biomechanically beneficial and technologically advanced exoskeletons.
Researchers discovered bombesin-like peptides in the body can trigger contractions in the vas deferens, a muscular tube carrying sperm in the male reproductive system. The peptides likely act through a specific receptor to induce contractions.
Researchers analyzed over 150 studies involving more than 10,000 participants to find that lowering physiological arousal is key to managing anger. Arousal-decreasing activities such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation were effective in reducing anger, while activities increasing arousal like jogging had no effect.
Researchers at Waseda University used diffusion tensor imaging to reconstruct fascicles in three dimensions, finding that a gearing mechanism reduces individual fascicle elongation during stretching. This mechanism allows muscles to extend without significant fiber length changes, preventing overstretching and injury.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) new practice guidelines for monitoring and reversing neuromuscular blockade aim to reduce residual paralysis after general anesthesia. This can lead to decreased postoperative complications such as pneumonia, respiratory arrest, and reintubation.
Researchers found that calf muscle stiffness contributes to passive ankle joint stiffness, especially when dorsiflexed. The study suggests that exercises to relieve triceps surae stiffness can improve joint flexibility and reduce injury risk.
Researchers developed a fully autonomous biohybrid fish from human stem-cell derived cardiac muscle cells that recreates the muscle contractions of a pumping heart. The device has two layers of muscle cells that work together to propel the fish for over 100 days.
A new study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that a six-week progressive muscle relaxation program significantly improved grief severity and yearning in widows and widowers. This approach was more effective than mindfulness training, which also showed improvements but not to the same extent.
A virtual reality study found that slow music played as background throughout the tunnel reduces drivers' nervousness and fatigue, while sirens are most effective when played at entry points and during emergencies. The combination of slow music with occasional sirens is proposed as a best solution to improve road safety.
Researchers from Skoltech, University of Arizona, and Los Alamos National Laboratory developed an approach to quickly stabilize power grids after demand response perturbation. The study analyzes relaxation of energy consumption dynamics in thermostatically controlled loads, demonstrating super-relaxation and efficient load management.
A study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that American infants relaxed when played unfamiliar and foreign-language lullabies. The researchers discovered universal elements of songs that produced relaxation effects independently of experience, supporting the idea that there is something universal about lullabies.
Researchers found that self-compassion exercises calmed the heart rate and reduced stress responses in healthy individuals. This approach has been linked to improved mental health outcomes and may be beneficial for people with depression. Future studies aim to investigate this method further.
A new study found that relaxation response training can help reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients by altering gene expression. The study identified key genes linked to immune regulation, metabolism, and circadian rhythm as critical for blood pressure reduction.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that relaxation response-based programs can reduce participants' use of health services in the year following participation. The program, which combines practices such as meditation and social support, resulted in a 43% average reduction in healthcare encounters.
A nine-week relaxation response training program improved symptoms and gene expression in patients with IBS and IBD. The study found significant improvements in disease-related symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life, with changes in the expression of nearly 200 genes in IBS patients and over 1,000 genes in IBD patients.
Researchers used X-ray lasers to observe how thymine, a DNA building block, protects itself from UV damage. The experiment revealed a
Researchers at MGH and BIDMC found changes in gene expression related to inflammation, energy metabolism, and insulin secretion during a single session of relaxation response practice. The study suggests that the relaxation response induces physiological hubs that may contribute to its benefits for stress reduction and wellness.
A small study found that online virtual communities can effectively teach patients meditation and relaxation techniques, offering a barrier-free alternative to traditional face-to-face meetings. Participants reported significant reductions in depression- and anxiety-related symptoms and high satisfaction with the virtual environment.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that the relaxation response influences stress-related genes, affecting inflammation, programmed cell death, and free radical handling. Long-term practitioners of relaxation response techniques showed pronounced changes in gene activation patterns compared to non-practitioners.
A study found that relaxation response training significantly improved treatment of isolated systolic hypertension in elderly patients. The approach reduced the need for medication and cut healthcare costs by billions of dollars. By eliciting the relaxation response, participants experienced a significant drop in systolic blood pressure.
Researchers are investigating the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction and progressive muscle relaxation on people with prehypertension. The goal is to identify treatment options during this stage, leading to a healthier community and reversal of heart disease.
A new study by Ohio University researcher Julie Suhr found that simple muscle relaxation techniques can help people with Alzheimer's disease control anxiety, aggression, and irritability. The techniques may also improve mental performance and reduce the need for psychotropic medication.