Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Supervised physical therapy improves short-term knee pain and function after ACL surgery in young adults

A randomized clinical trial found that supervised physical therapy after ACL surgery yielded greater improvements in pain, function, and muscle strength compared to a self-directed exercise program. Researchers concluded that supervised exercise therapy combined with education offers meaningful short-term benefits for young adults with...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 28, 2026

Flexing new hope: Muscles may help protect the Parkinson's brain

Researchers found that exercise-induced molecular changes contribute to neuronal health, improving movement and quality of life in PD patients. Exercise types such as aerobic exercises, resistance training, balance training, and multimodal exercise were found to be helpful in reducing falls, disabilities, and improving brain function.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalNeuroprotection·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 7, 2026

Scientists uncover how muscles preserve their repair cells

Scientists have discovered that TRF2, a protein previously known for protecting chromosome ends, plays a crucial role in preserving the identity of muscle stem cells and enabling their regenerative abilities. This new understanding may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies for muscular dystrophy and cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2026

Muscles matter for diabetes risk, new study finds

A major international study led by Curtin University found diabetes risk is linked to both excess body fat and poor muscle health, with nearly 15% of people with sarcopenic obesity developing type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Maintaining muscle strength and mass may be as important as managing body weight in assessing diabetes risk.

SourceCurtin University·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2026

Chonnam National University researchers reveal isoform-specific HIF signaling in skeletal muscles

Mouse study uncovers how oxygen-sensing transcription factors regulate muscle physiology, improving glucose tolerance and producing erythropoietin. The findings suggest that selectively targeting each isoform can lead to different physiological outcomes.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

New research challenges four-decades old obesity theory as to why and how body composition varies in young children before BMI continuously increases from age 6 years – ‘the adiposity rebound’

A 42-year-old theory about children's body mass index (BMI) decrease before continuous rise is refuted by new analysis. Increasing muscle mass, not fat, causes the increase in BMI seen around age 5-7 years.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateApr 16, 2026

Do muscles remember being weak?

New research reveals that skeletal muscle retains a 'molecular memory' of repeated disuse, which differs between young and old muscles. Younger muscles show resilience, while older muscles become increasingly susceptible to atrophy. The study provides insights into how muscle responds to inactivity and its potential for recovery.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Science·DateFeb 25, 2026

Healthy aging 2026: fresh pork in plant-forward diets supported strength and brain-health biomarkers in older adults

An 18-week study found that maintaining grip strength and chair-rise performance alongside weight loss was possible without a prescribed strength-training program, alongside improvements in biomarkers linked to metabolic and cognitive aging. A plant-forward diet featuring fresh lean pork supported healthy-aging markers in older adults.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 15, 2026

Making more supply to meet the demands of muscle cell therapy

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have developed a new method to generate more and potent skeletal muscle progenitor cells. The study found that blocking the activity of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) yields a twofold increase in cell yield, while also delivering more mature and effective cells for regenerative medicine treatment.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2025

Traditional Japanese samurai daily behavior improves leg strength

Researchers at Tohoku University discovered a way to strengthen legs through daily etiquette, known as Rei-ho, which emphasizes slow and controlled movements. The study found that those who practiced Rei-ho for five minutes daily increased their knee extension strength by an average of 25.9%, compared to only 2.5% in the control group.

SourceTohoku University·JournalThe Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 5, 2025

Variation inside and out: cell types in fruit fly metamorphosis

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology reveals that different cell types and variation within these cells play a crucial role in muscle remodeling during Drosophila development. The findings show that sarcolytes, hemocytes, and fat body cells work together to break down larval muscles and scatter the fragments.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 28, 2025

UCLA study reveals complex muscle control behind blinking and eyelid function

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2025

New examination of fish considered a ‘living fossil’ changes our understanding of vertebrate skull evolution

Researchers reanalyzed the coelacanth's skull musculature and found that only 13% of previously identified evolutionary muscle novelties were accurate. The study also identified nine new evolutionary transformations related to feeding and respiration, revealing a more similar anatomy to cartilaginous fish and tetrapods.

Rheumatoid arthritis and muscle wasting: New review points to overlooked complications

Researchers explore the biological mechanisms of myopenia in RA, finding it affects individuals of all ages, with notable muscle mass loss without concurrent fat loss. The review highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic relevance of myopenia in RA, emphasizing the importance of early detection and tailored management strategies.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 10, 2025

Neurodegenerative disease ALS: Cellular repair system could prevent protein aggregation

A team of researchers from Goethe University and Kiel University has discovered a way to prevent the formation of harmful protein aggregates in cultured cells. The study found that linking TDP-43 with SUMO prevents its aggregation, suggesting a potential new approach for treating ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2025

Omnivorous? Vegan? Makes no difference to muscle building after weight training, study finds

A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that a balanced vegan diet has no effect on muscle protein synthesis or muscle gain compared to an omnivorous diet. Protein distribution throughout the day also made no difference in muscle building, contrary to previous assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 21, 2025

Impact of chest tube type on pain, drainage efficacy, and short-term treatment outcome following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy: a randomized controlled trial comparing coaxial silicone drains and standard polyvinyl chloride drains

The study found that patients with coaxial silicone drains had lower analgesic consumption and better-preserved respiratory muscle strength during the first 2 postoperative days. This suggests that coaxial SIL drains can reduce postoperative pain and improve patient comfort and recovery following VATS lobectomy.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 9, 2025

Advanced imaging reveals mechanisms that cause autoimmune disease

A study using cryo-electron microscopy revealed that autoantibodies in myasthenia gravis disrupt acetylcholine receptor function by blocking or activating the immune system's complement pathway. This knowledge helps explain treatment variability and offers a foundation for personalized therapies targeting specific antibody interactions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

The hidden spring in your step

The study reveals that muscle fibers shorten as forces increase during fast hopping, allowing for faster motion. This counterintuitive behavior enhances leg stiffness, which could impact sports training, rehabilitation, and robotics.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025