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New study supports nervous system's role in age-related weakness

Researchers found that older adults experience physical weakness due to impairments in brain and nerve function, rather than muscle changes. The study suggests that addressing the nervous system's role could improve quality of life for older adults with age-related strength loss.

SourceOhio University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 9, 2019
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.

Army bio-inspired theoretical research may make robots more effective on the future battlefield

Researchers at U.S. Army Research Laboratory have made significant breakthroughs in developing artificial nanomotors inspired by biological molecules, which can harness Brownian motion for efficient energy production. These advancements aim to create faster, more versatile robots with improved autonomy and stealth capabilities.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalJournal of Biomechanical Engineering·DateOct 9, 2019

MDI Biological Laboratory scientist receives federal grant to study aging

Aric Rogers' research on cellular and molecular mechanisms governing aging aims to develop new therapies for sarcopenia and age-related diseases. The grant will support further research on the genetic pathways that regulate dietary restriction, which has shown to extend healthy lifespan in various organisms.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·DateOct 9, 2019

UA research shows drug can extend survival rates for heart failure patients

Researchers at the University of Arizona have shown that Aliskiren, a FDA-approved drug, can delay the progression of congestive heart failure and lengthen survival rates in properly identified patients. The study used non-invasive technology to evaluate changes in muscle mass and fluid retention over time.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 8, 2019

Gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy safely preserves muscle function

A Penn Medicine study shows delivering a 'distant cousin' of a key protein prevents muscle damage and maintains muscle function in both small and large animal models. The synthetic substitute, utrophin, proved to be an effective and safe alternative to dystrophin, with significant implications for gene therapy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 7, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Icaros: Flight simulator home trainer

Researchers at the German Sport University explored the effects of full-body exergaming in VR on cardiovascular system and strength endurance. Results showed that VR-based training had little to no cardiovascular benefit but created incentives for increased physical activity, motivating users to take up exercise.

SourceGerman Sport University·JournalJMIR Serious Games·DateOct 7, 2019

250-million-year-old evolutionary remnants seen in muscles of human embryos

A team of evolutionary biologists discovered that atavistic limb muscles, lost in adult humans, are formed during early human development and then disappear. These muscles are present in many limbed animals but are absent in adults. The study uses high-quality 3D images to analyze the development of human arm and leg muscles.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 1, 2019

University of Alberta researchers developing new 'DNA stitch' to treat muscular dystrophy

Researchers at the University of Alberta are developing a new treatment that could help almost half of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by restoring dystrophin protein production. The experimental cocktail of DNA-like molecules has shown dramatic regrowth of dystrophin, which acts as a support beam to keep muscles strong.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateSep 25, 2019

A protein essential for chikungunya virus replication identified

A recent study has identified FHL1 protein as a crucial cellular factor for the replication and pathogenesis of chikungunya virus. The researchers found that FHL1 interacts with viral protein nsP3 to facilitate viral infection, making it a promising target for antiviral development.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature·DateSep 25, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Microbiome may be involved in mechanisms related to muscle strength in older adults

Researchers identified differences in gut microbiome composition between physically high-functioning and low-functioning older adults. The study suggests that the gut microbiome plays a role in maintaining muscle strength in older adults, with mice colonized with fecal samples from high-functioning individuals showing increased grip st...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·DateSep 17, 2019

Does adding therapy before, after surgery for urinary incontinence help?

A randomized clinical trial found that combining behavioral and physical therapy before and after midurethral sling surgery improved symptoms of mixed urinary incontinence. However, the small difference may not be clinically significant due to a lack of established thresholds for minimal clinically important differences.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 17, 2019

Researchers build microscopic biohybrid robots propelled by muscles, nerves

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed soft robotic devices driven by neuromuscular tissue stimulated by light, enabling biobots to swim and walk autonomously. The new generation of two-tailed bots uses skeletal muscle tissue and optogenetic neurons for propulsion.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Biology of bat wings may hold lessons for cold-weather work, exercise

A new study reveals that bat wing muscles are uniquely adapted to operate at low temperatures during flight, a phenomenon with implications for human exercise in extreme conditions. By understanding this adaptation, scientists hope to develop strategies to improve human performance and safety in cold weather.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 11, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

More time spent standing helps combat effects of sedentary lifestyle

A study by the University of Granada recommends spending more time standing to increase energy expenditure and reduce negative health effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Standing burns approximately 45 kilocalories more per six-hour period than sitting or lying down, making it an effective way to combat excess weight and obesity.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 6, 2019

European whitefish is healthy to eat, but the nutritional quality varies among season

Researchers found that European whitefish muscle omega-3 fatty acid concentration declined by 60% from growing to spawning seasons. Local people traditionally fish for winter supplies during the main growing season when nutritional quality is optimal, reflecting an understanding of the fish's energy-demanding spawning process.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalFreshwater Biology·DateSep 4, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

It's never too late to start exercising, new study shows

Researchers found that older men who never exercised before could build muscle at a similar rate as master athletes, highlighting the benefits of starting exercise later in life. The study suggests that regular physical activity can help delay age-related decline and improve overall health.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateAug 30, 2019

Review: Biofeedback could help treat a number of conditions

Biofeedback has shown promise as a treatment for various conditions, including headache pain reduction, improved urinary and fecal incontinence, and aid in stroke recovery. The review highlights the benefits of biofeedback for several conditions, while also identifying areas where further research is needed.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 27, 2019

Artificial muscles bloom, dance, and wave

Researchers from KAIST have created an ultrathin artificial muscle that expands, contracts, and rotates using electricity, opening doors for applications in wearable electronics and advanced prosthetics. The actuator is flexible, durable, and highly responsive, with a durability of over five hours.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Robotics·DateAug 21, 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.

Robotic neck brace dramatically improves functions of ALS patients

A novel robotic neck brace has been developed to assist ALS patients in holding their heads and supporting range of motion. The device incorporates sensors and actuators to restore approximately 70% of the active range of motion, allowing for improved eye contact and computer control.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateAug 12, 2019

Oral appliances may be highly effective in treating a type of sleep apnea

A new study suggests that oral appliances can be an effective alternative to CPAP for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Patients with mild collapsibility and weaker reflex responses tend to benefit more from oral appliances, which move the lower jaw forward to prevent airflow obstruction.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateAug 9, 2019

The mind-muscle connection: For aesthetes, not athletes?

Focusing on movement during weightlifting may improve performance by reducing mechanical inefficiency and increasing automatic control processes. This contradicts the traditional mind-muscle connection theory, which suggests focusing on individual muscles enhances activation and development.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·DateAug 9, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

A genetic chaperone for healthy aging?

Scientists discovered a protein called LIN-53 that controls muscle integrity, lifespan and levels of an essential sugar. The protein is an epigenetic factor that affects gene expression and heritable traits.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalAging Cell·DateAug 9, 2019

Low muscle mass in arms and legs can heighten the mortality risk in older men and women

A study of individuals over 65 years old found that low appendicular muscle mass significantly increased all-cause mortality risk nearly 63-fold in women and 11.4-fold in men. The researchers used DXA body composition analysis to determine the correlation between body composition factors and mortality risk.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJul 31, 2019

How and why resistance training is imperative for older adults

A new position statement suggests resistance training is crucial for improving the health and longevity of older adults. It provides evidence-based recommendations for successful resistance training programs, highlighting practical applications and functional benefits.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·DateJul 25, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

How neuromuscular connections are maintained after nerve lesions

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the activation of mTORC1 must be tightly balanced to maintain the neuromuscular junction after nerve injury. This balance is crucial for proper muscle response and preventing age-related muscle atrophy.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2019

NIH awards contract for acute flaccid myelitis natural history study

The University of Alabama at Birmingham will organize and implement an international, multi-site study to learn more about AFM incidence and progression. The study aims to better understand how the disease develops in children and identify potential risk factors.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJul 23, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

UMN Medical School researchers explain muscle loss with menopause

Researchers at UMN Medical School found that estrogen deficiency leads to a 30-60% drop in muscle stem cells and severe difficulty reproducing new muscle after injury. Estrogen replacement therapy may help maintain muscle health, but risks cancer due to its effects on tissues.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 18, 2019

Drinking red wine on the red planet

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that resveratrol supplementation preserved muscle function and mitigated muscle atrophy under Martian gravity. The study suggests that resveratrol could be a key dietary supplement to maintain musculoskeletal health on long-term Mars missions.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJul 18, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

How invading fungus forces zombie ant's death grip

Researchers have discovered how a fungus controls zombie ants by invading their mandibular muscles, breaking open membrane covering muscle fibres and causing the muscle to contract forcefully, resulting in the ant's death grip.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 17, 2019

Sheaths drive powerful new artificial muscles

Researchers have developed a new type of artificial muscle called sheath-run artificial muscles (SRAMs), which use a polymer coating to twist yarns and create powerful contraction. SRAMs outperform human muscle power density, with some yarns producing contractile powers up to 40 times that of human muscle.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalScience·DateJul 11, 2019

Fiber-based artificial muscles get new and powerful twists

Researchers developed new fiber-based designs for artificial muscles that can be activated by heat, electricity, and chemistry, offering potential uses in miniaturized medical devices and smart textiles. The resulting materials show impressive contractile powers, including 40 times that of human muscle.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 11, 2019

Cyborg-like microchip valve driven by earthworm muscle

The team of researchers from RIKEN BDR and Tokyo Denki University have developed a bio-MEMS that is driven by real muscle, which could be useful in surgical implants. The new study successfully demonstrates an on-chip muscle-driven valve that can open and close without any external power source.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 9, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Strengthening muscle may be healthier than losing fat

Researchers suggest that strengthening muscles, rather than losing fat, may be a better way to protect against weight-related health risks like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Muscle health is linked to metabolic function, insulin sensitivity, and glucose uptake, making it a potential indicator of overall health.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJul 9, 2019

The Lancet: Nerve transfer surgery restores hand function and elbow extension in 13 young adults with complete paralysis

A novel surgical technique connects functioning nerves with injured nerves to restore power in paralyzed muscles, enabling participants to perform everyday tasks independently. The study suggests that nerve transfers can achieve similar functional improvements to traditional tendon transfers, with the benefit of smaller incisions and s...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 4, 2019

Quorn protein builds muscle better than milk protein

A study by the University of Exeter found that mycoprotein stimulates post-exercise muscle growth more effectively than milk protein. This breakthrough could have significant implications for those seeking to reduce their meat intake while maintaining optimal muscle mass.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateJul 3, 2019

Medically unnecessary ambulance rides soar after ACA expansion

Researchers found a significant jump in medically unnecessary ambulance rides for minor injuries like abrasions and muscle sprains after the ACA expansion. In New York City, these dispatches increased by 37%, equivalent to 2,868 additional rides per year.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 28, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Muscling in on the role of vitamin D

A recent study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle found that vitamin D signaling is crucial for maintaining normal muscle size and strength. Researchers discovered that mice lacking vitamin D receptors in their muscle cells had smaller muscles and reduced physical performance.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·DateJun 25, 2019

KIST gets robot to trap ball without coding

A KIST research team has successfully taught a robot to trap a dropped ball like a soccer player using surface electromyograms (sEMG) of muscles. The technology enables robots with flexible joints to mimic human movements, advancing the study of interactions between humans and robots.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·DateJun 20, 2019

Artificial muscles powered by glucose

Scientists at Linköping University have created artificial muscles that harness energy from glucose and oxygen, mimicking biological muscle movement. The innovation uses enzymes to convert chemical energy into electrical energy, enabling the creation of implantable and autonomous microrobots.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 19, 2019

The evolution of puppy dog eyes

Researchers found that dogs have developed a muscle above the eyes to intensively raise their inner eyebrow, making them appear larger and more infant-like. This movement, known as AU101, triggers a caregiving response in humans, potentially leading to enhanced social interaction.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

UTMB researchers learned how to better combat muscle loss during space flights

A new study from UTMB has identified biomarkers that predict individual susceptibility to muscle function decline and found effective exercise and hormone treatments to combat atrophy. The findings may allow scientists to personalize space medicine by designing specific programs for each astronaut before long-term missions.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 13, 2019

Worm study sparks hope for slowing muscle decline

A recent study published in the FASEB Journal has found that inhibiting various stages of mitochondrial dysfunction can suppress muscle atrophy. Researchers used Caenorhabditis elegans worms to model human muscle diseases and showed that experimental drugs could prevent muscle decline caused by dysfunctional mitochondria.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 7, 2019

Scholars investigate how mirror activity works

Researchers investigated mirror activity in healthy humans and found that amplitude grows with repetition, while latency decreases. This inverse relation may be linked to fatigue-induced inhibitory mechanisms failure.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalNeuroscience·DateJun 7, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Dietary supplements linked with severe health events in children, young adults

Research found that supplements for weight loss, muscle building, and energy were associated with nearly three times the risk of severe medical outcomes compared to vitamins. Reputable physicians do not recommend these products due to adulteration with prescription pharmaceuticals and other dangerous chemicals.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJun 5, 2019

Lithium boosts muscle strength in mice with rare muscular dystrophy

Researchers have identified a potential therapy for limb girdle muscular dystrophy using lithium to improve muscle size and strength in mice. The findings suggest that inhibiting the protein GSK3beta with lithium chloride can lead to significant improvements in mouse strength and muscle mass.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeurology Genetics·DateJun 3, 2019

Newfound autoimmune syndrome causes muscle pain, weakness

Researchers at WashU Medicine have discovered a previously unknown autoimmune muscle disease causing sudden onset of debilitating muscle pain and weakness. The syndrome can be effectively treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, but accurate diagnosis is crucial to manage related symptoms.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateJun 3, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Scientists discover novel genes responsible for regulating muscle cells

York University researchers have identified novel genes that play a crucial role in regulating muscle cell differentiation and growth. The study found that Smad7 and β-catenin proteins work together to control the pathway for normal gene expression, resulting in normal skeletal muscle cells.

SourceYork University·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateMay 22, 2019

Researchers document impact of coffee on bowels

Researchers found that coffee suppresses bacteria growth in the gut and increases muscle motility, regardless of caffeine content. This could lead to potential treatments for post-operative constipation and ileus.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·DateMay 19, 2019