Research on muscle biology and repair. Covers tissue maintenance, Parkinson's protection, repair-cell preservation, and muscle strength with age.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that inhibiting the PHD3 enzyme improves mouse exercise capacity, running distance, and VO2 max. This finding sheds light on a key mechanism for fat metabolism and offers clues toward understanding muscle function and fitness.
A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of a Human-on-a-Chip technology in modeling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology. The system reproduces assays used in clinics to assess ALS deficits, showing promise for accelerated drug development and treatment screening.
A six-week blueberry-enriched diet was found to increase human muscle progenitor cell numbers and reduce dead cells, while also lowering oxidative stress and increasing oxygen consumption rate. The study paves the way for future clinical interventions to support skeletal muscle regeneration in humans.
Researchers at McMaster University isolated genes that cause some people to gain muscle while others don't through a novel experiment. A set of 141 genes regulates skeletal muscle growth, and isolating these genes may help target lifestyle and drug therapies to prevent muscle loss in older individuals.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects both obese and non-obese individuals, with distinct differences found in male and female patients of varying body mass indexes. Key findings include lower skeletal muscle mass and insulin resistance in non-obese NAFLD patients compared to their obese counterparts.
A team of scientists identified a gene mutation that causes distal arthrogryposis (DA), a condition characterized by joint deformities and muscle loss. The MYLPF gene plays a crucial role in normal muscle development and function, and its mutations can lead to reduced muscle strength and degeneration.
A study found that smokers, even those with a lower body mass index (BMI), have a higher risk of depositing fat in organs and tissues compared to non-smokers. This excess fat can disrupt normal functions and increase health complications such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that venomous rattlesnakes are slightly more vulnerable to threats in colder temperatures, but not significantly so. The snakes were able to strike quickly even at low temperatures, suggesting they may be using a mechanism beyond muscle contraction.
Scientists have developed a simple clinical test, the 'enhanced paper grip test,' to assess lower limb strength and predict falls. The test shows reliability and validity in detecting muscle weakness in patients with diabetes.
A study of 9,029 adults found that cystatin C-based kidney function was associated with lower odds of frailty, falls, and cardiovascular disease events. The difference between cystatin C- and creatinine-based kidney function could be used to predict adverse outcomes in older adults.
Researchers say that five to 10 days of physical inactivity can lead to muscle loss and chronic diseases. Older adults who walk fewer than 1,500 steps a day can lose up to 4 percent of their muscle tissue in just two weeks.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed an alternative energy source for muscle protein myosin, enabling controlled muscle activity and potentially treating conditions like cerebral palsy and chronic heart failure. The new energy source, Azobenzene triphosphate, has been shown to modulate myosin function and generate force and velo...
Research shows that plant proteins like soy and wheat can help maintain skeletal muscle mass with age, but a larger dose is required to achieve the same effect as animal protein. A balanced diet that includes both animal and plant-based proteins is recommended for optimal muscle health.
Researchers have discovered that neurons interact differently with the same muscle partner, revealing a previously unappreciated diversity in their propensity to respond to changes. The findings suggest that these subclasses of neurons exhibit distinct types of plasticity, which is essential for learning and memory.
The NETOIMS method effectively alleviates postoperative pain by inserting a needle in the muscle and electrically eliciting twitch responses, targeting strained muscle fibers. This technique results in improved circulation, relaxing the muscle and reducing postoperative complications after open abdominal surgery.
Adults who meet recommended weekly physical activity levels have a significantly lower risk of death. Engaging in sufficient muscle strengthening and aerobic activities provides greater survival benefits, with those fully meeting guidelines experiencing a 40% lower risk of death from any cause.
Research reveals that seabirds produce efficient propulsive wakes when flying and swimming, allowing them to move with minimal metabolic energy in both environments. However, the birds' wing movements indicate a cost to using their wings for movement in air and water.
Scientists have developed a 3D mathematical model of the paradise tree snake's flight, revealing that aerial undulation enhances rotational stability. The team measured over 100 live snake glides and found that undulation is essential for maintaining control during glides.
New research reveals that weightlifting strengthens the reticulospinal tract, a neural pathway controlling posture and movement. The study, published in JNeurosci, found that increased strength is driven by strengthened signaling in this pathway.
A synthetic molecule has been designed to stop production of a toxic protein that destroys muscles in people with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Researchers found that the treatment effectively reduced DUX4 production by over 99% and improved muscle cell function.
Long-term use of muscle relaxants has increased dramatically since 2005, particularly among older adults, who are prescribed these drugs at a rate nearly three times that of their proportion in the US population. This trend is concerning, as it can lead to dangerous interactions with opioids and other serious side effects.
Researchers at the University of Bonn identified a receptor that regulates two side effects of aging: increased abdominal girth and shrinking muscles. The A2B receptor is found in mice and human cell cultures, and its activation increases heat generation and muscle growth.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a family of soft materials that imitates living creatures, bending, rotating and even crawling on surfaces when hit with light. The materials move without complex hardware or electricity, and have potential applications in energy, environmental remediation and advanced medicine.
Scientists at Max Delbrück Center develop mouse model to study sarcomere structure and function, identifying key proteins involved in muscle contraction and relaxation. They discover that myosin enters the Z-disc, challenging current models of sarcomere mechanics.
A study finds that distal femoral cortical irregularities (DFCI) occur in over half of young competitive alpine skiers, primarily due to repetitive stress on tendon attachment sites. DFCI should not be mistaken for cancer or infection and are associated with increased bone remodeling and fibrous proliferation.
Researchers found that skeletal muscles release interleukin-15, which helps to settle and activate T-cell precursors. This enables the immune system to fight chronic infections over long periods. Regular training may strengthen the immune system by increasing muscle mass.
Research shows that just one 60-minute bout of exercise can shift the muscle clocks of mice by around an hour, influencing circadian rhythms. This discovery highlights the potential of exercise as a treatment for conditions like heart disease, where disrupted body clocks are a contributing factor.
Low physical function and muscle mass after hip fracture increase the risk of accelerated bone deterioration in older patients. Substantial decrements in physical function, muscle strength occur after hip fracture, markedly increasing the risk for subsequent fractures.
A new study from Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital found that three hours of weekly strength training combined with protein supplements can break the vicious circle of muscle loss in patients with cirrhosis. This leads to improved muscle strength, size, functional capacity, and quality of life.
Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology discovered a key mechanism controlling muscle stem cell dormancy, involving the release of conserved introns upon activation. This discovery sheds light on the importance of Intron Retention (IR) in regulating gene expression and stem cell quiescence.
Researchers from SUTD and NTU developed insightful analyses of in vitro skeletal muscle tissue models, reviewing state-of-the-art bioengineering approaches for mimicking skeletal muscle tissues. Despite progress, challenges remain in replicating native muscle functionality, including proper innervation and vascularization.
Cystatin C provides a more accurate estimate of kidney function than traditional methods, reducing errors in diagnosis and treatment planning. The new cystatin-based eGFR estimation method has the potential to improve patient outcomes for those with cardiovascular disease.
A large study of middle-aged women found that physical activity helps slow the decline in muscle mass during menopausal transition. The research, conducted by the University of Jyväskylä, measured muscle size in perimenopausal and postmenopausal states.
A world-first therapeutic for treating sleep apnea and weak muscle conditions will be showcased at Bio Digital. Developed by RMIT University, the patented technology uses modified tetanus toxin molecules to effectively tone muscles, offering a promising alternative to cumbersome airway pressure machines.
Scientists have discovered that a mutant protein associated with familial ALS disrupts neurotransmission at the squid giant synapse. Intermittent high-frequency stimulation restores synaptic function, suggesting a new approach to therapeutic intervention for ALS. This study provides insights into fundamental synaptic physiology and off...
Researchers found that a single intense bike ride increases Ubiquitin tagging on worn-out proteins, leading to their degradation and removal. This process helps maintain muscle health and function by replacing damaged proteins with new ones.
A study found that replenishing the SV2 protein can restore synaptic function and prevent cells from dying in a genetic form of ALS. This suggests that SV2 is a promising therapeutic target for slowing disease progression and prolonging muscle strength.
A new study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine finds that human growth hormone (HGH) treatment after ACL reconstructive surgery may prevent the loss of muscle strength in the knee. Researchers found a 29% higher knee extension strength in patients who received HGH injections compared to those in the placebo group.
Researchers found that gesturing while speaking affects the sound of a person's voice, adding acoustic emphasis. The study suggests that gestures carry additional information about bodily tension and motion, contradicting traditional views on language.
Researchers report that vitamin B3 niacin boosts energy metabolism and slows disease progression in mitochondrial myopathy patients by increasing NAD+ levels in blood and muscle tissue. The study reveals niacin's therapeutic effect in delaying disease progression, offering a promising treatment option for this progressive muscle disease.
People with ACL injuries can lose up to 40% of muscle strength due to muscle atrophy. A new University of Michigan study found that adding eccentric exercises to physical therapy can increase muscle volume and improve outcomes.
Researchers mapped out how gene networks change as muscle cells mature from embryonic development to adulthood. The roadmap could lead to better methods for creating muscle stem cells from stem cells, potentially treating muscular dystrophies and sarcopenia.
A study in mice suggests gene therapy can build significant muscle mass quickly and reduce the severity of osteoarthritis, even without exercise. The therapy also prevented obesity and improved cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that consuming potato protein isolate increased the rate at which muscles made new protein in young women, highlighting its potential as a plant-based alternative for supporting muscle maintenance. The study suggests that current dietary recommendations may be inadequate to support muscle growth and development.
A recent UBC Okanagan study shows that progressive-resistance exercises can be effective in altering the path to frailty. Seniors who participated in a 12-week free weight exercise program improved their muscle performance and became less frail, without injury.
Researchers at the University of Illinois used nanostimulators to boost stem cells' regenerative powers, increasing blood flow and oxygen levels in ischemic limbs. The treatment showed improvements in mobility and strength, offering a promising approach for muscle repair.
Northumbria University researchers received funding to advance our understanding of the Sun's impact on planets. They developed nanostimulators that enhance stem cells' regenerative powers, showing improved muscle recovery in mice with ischemia.
Research highlights age-related muscle loss as a contributing factor to diabetes in the elderly. Men with lower lean body mass are more prone to developing diabetes, but not women.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a potential treatment for myotonic dystrophy by inhibiting the CDK12 molecule. The study found that inhibiting this molecule reduces the symptoms of the condition, suggesting a possible route to therapy.
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign developed spinobots that can walk using a rat muscle and spinal cord tissue. The integration of the spinal cord gives them a natural walking rhythm, which could have implications for neurocomputing and restorative medicine.
Researchers found that FDA-approved drugs Betaxolol and Pravastatin can increase muscle strength in mouse models of DMD by stimulating utrophin production. This approach could lead to novel therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, potentially offering advantages over traditional gene replacement methods.
A team of doctors and engineers created biocompatible electrodes for compression stockings to stimulate muscles while bedridden. The technology aims to retain muscle mass in intensive-care patients, potentially reducing recovery time.
A recent study from Tampere University found that direct gaze during video calls elicits similar psychophysiological responses as in-person eye contact. The researchers measured skin conductance and facial muscle activation to investigate the effects of eye contact in various situations.
A recent University of Montana study found that a diverse diet rich in carbohydrates is just as effective for muscle recovery as sports supplements for female athletes. The study showed that muscles in both men and women replenish carbohydrate stores similarly, regardless of whether they used potato products or sports supplements.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have uncovered the detailed shape of a key protein involved in muscle contraction using cryo-EM technology. The discovery may lead to improved understanding of muscle-weakening genetic conditions.
A new study found that sugammadex significantly reduced rates of pulmonary complications and respiratory failure in patients undergoing surgery compared to neostigmine. The drug works by removing the molecule of rocuronium from muscle receptors, resulting in fewer side effects and a more complete reversal of muscle relaxation.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new microscopy technique that allows them to visualize the dynamics of protein assemblies in cells, providing insights into cellular muscle movements. The study reveals that myosin proteins exhibit different regimes of fluctuations, enabling the cell to exert forces and propagate.
A new study suggests that the brain uses multiple sources of sensory information, including vision and posture, to control movement. When visual cues are distorted or removed, the intensity of muscle stretch reflexes is reduced.
Researchers found that exercise only improves muscle strength when specific muscle cells age, report Hokkaido University scientists. A cell-aging drug combined with exercise restored FAP aging and improved muscle function and regeneration in mice with chronic inflammatory myopathy.
Researchers have found a way to halt and reverse muscle fibrosis caused by overuse injuries in animal studies. The discovery uses the drug FG-3019 to block protein CCN2, which promotes connective tissue growth, leading to significant improvements in muscle strength.