Research on muscle biology and repair. Covers tissue maintenance, Parkinson's protection, repair-cell preservation, and muscle strength with age.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Muscle gradually increases Annexin A2 expression in the absence of dysferlin, driving fatty deposits and promoting adipocyte formation from fibro/adipogenic precursors. Shutting down Annexin A2 or blocking FAP differentiation arrests disease progression.
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.
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.
Researchers discovered that V1 neurons in fish spinal cords inhibit slow muscle activity during high-speed swimming. This mechanism enables fast swimming by preventing disturbance from slow muscle activity.
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.
A new anatomic study highlights critical technical issues to ensure safe performance of the Brazilian butt lift, a procedure using patient's own fat to augment and improve buttock appearance. Researchers recommend injecting only under skin, never into muscle, to prevent serious complications.
Researchers studied embryonic development to understand how neurons regulate digestive movement. They discovered that intestinal nervous system coordinates muscular contractions and reflexes.
Two patients with paraplegia regained the ability to walk with minimal assistance through a fully non-invasive brain-machine interface, producing over 4,500 steps. The technology combines EEG-based brain control with functional electrical stimulation to produce a smoother gait pattern.
A study by James Cook University found that pelvic floor exercises can effectively manage erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) in men, with cure rates as high as 47% for ED and 83% for PE. Physiotherapists recommend non-invasive exercises to build strength and control.
A team of researchers found that a protein called leucine tRNA-synthetase influences muscle regeneration and regrowth in an unexpected way. Lower levels of this protein enable mice to recover from muscle injury more quickly than those with normal levels, leading to stronger regenerated muscles.
Research by Jena University's sport psychology team reveals that loud grunting noises in tennis can lead to a biased perception of the ball's trajectory, causing players to overestimate its distance. Despite this, the sound of grunting does not hinder opponents' ability to predict the ball's flight.
A new study suggests that consuming a variety of protein sources, rather than relying on a single type, can have numerous health benefits. The research found that excessive consumption of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) from popular protein powders may reduce lifespan and negatively impact mood and weight gain.
A new study has created a three-dimensional model of skeletal muscles responsible for bird flight, providing the most comprehensive picture of anatomy to date. The technique, developed by researchers at the University of Missouri, can be displayed virtually or through a printed 3D model.
Researchers have discovered that injecting cells called pericytes into muscles depleted by inactivity can help restore lost muscle mass. The treatment showed significant improvement in muscle recovery compared to those who regained mobility without injections, particularly in older adults and disabled individuals.
Regular exercise increases antioxidant protein expression in skeletal muscle, driven by the cooperative action of p62 and Nrf2. Enhanced muscle contractility activates p62, leading to increased Nrf2 nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity.
Researchers created hydrogels that mimic muscle properties through mechanical training, producing strong, soft, and fatigue-resistant materials for medical implants and engineering applications. The trained hydrogels demonstrate improved tensile strength, soft flexibility, and high water content.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a catalyst that efficiently decomposes nerve agents like sarin, eliminating their harmful effects. The multimodal approach used in the study identifies the active site of the catalyst and validates its effectiveness in real-life conditions.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have identified a molecular signaling pathway involving Stat3 and Fam3a proteins that regulates muscle stem cell fate. Boosting these cells could lead to muscle-boosting therapeutics for muscular dystrophies or age-related muscle decline, potentially helping people live an active and independent life.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that individuals with higher muscle power tend to live longer. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,800 non-athletes aged 41-85, showed that those with above-median muscle power had the best survival rates.
St. Jude scientists discover that ULK1 and ULK2 break down stress granules, which build up toxic proteins that kill muscle and brain cells in diseases including IBM, ALS, and FTD. Boosting these enzymes could help treat the conditions.
A Rutgers study found that high-intensity interval training increases injury risk, especially in the knees and shoulders. Most injuries involved knees, ankles, and shoulders, with white males aged 20 to 39 being most injured. The researchers recommend conditioning, proper form, and recovery phases to minimize preventable injuries.
Preliminary results from a clinical trial show that 5-minute Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training can significantly lower blood pressure and improve large-artery function. The study also found improvements in cognitive performance and endurance during exercise.
Muscle-tendon attachments must resist high mechanical forces for life, but surprisingly few Talin molecules experience detectable forces at developing attachments. To cope with increasing tissue forces, muscles recruit a large number of Talin molecules to share the peak forces produced during contractions.
Recent studies examining three mutations at the molecular level found separate mechanisms at work in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Researchers suggest that multiple mechanisms may be responsible for the disease, rather than a single explanation. This discovery holds promise for developing new treatments for this condition.
Researchers at Scripps Research have developed a potential drug that targets the genetic defect causing myotonic dystrophy type 1, a disease affecting 1 in 2,500 people. The therapy, called Cugamycin, improves muscle defects without harming healthy gene transcripts.
Researchers have developed a new group of medicinal products called IASPs that increase muscle and bone mass in mice. The treatment has shown promise in counteracting osteoporosis and improving muscle mass, but its effects on blood cells are still being studied.
Researchers have described a new muscular disease called Myoglobinopathy, caused by a mutation in the myoglobin gene. The study, led by IDIBELL, identifies characteristics lesions in muscle biopsies and altered biochemical properties of mutated myoglobin.
A study of elite female weightlifters found they have the same amount and in some cases more fast twitch fibers than their male counterparts. This challenges a persistent stereotype about women athletes and highlights the influence of training on muscle fiber development.
Researchers at HSE Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience propose preoperative training to enhance neurobiomechanical patterns for better motor activity. The study focuses on autotransplanting latissimus dorsi muscle for elbow flexion, showing promising results in accelerating rehabilitation.
Researchers developed a simple field test to evaluate hockey players' groin and hip function. The test, called the five-second squeeze test, correlates pain levels with impaired sporting function and diminished hip muscle strength.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a gene mutation that causes motor axon misrouting, leading to improper connection with muscles. The study reveals how p190 acts as a blinder to guide axons outside of the spinal cord, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms of cell signaling and development.
A new device, paired with a customized video game, helps retrain stroke survivors' arm muscles into moving more normally. Most participants experienced increased arm mobility and reduced arm stiffness, retaining function after finishing the training.
Researchers at Saarland University develop robotic arms with flexible, shape-memory wires, allowing for greater agility and precision. These 'muscles' can be used to create large grippers or tiny endoscopes, enabling new applications in medical procedures.
A new study suggests that combining blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy with traditional rehabilitation efforts may slow bone loss and reduce return to function time after ACL reconstruction. The addition of BFR was found to minimize muscle mass loss, preserve bone density, and improve functional outcomes in patients.
A University of Texas at Arlington nursing professor has been awarded $6.575 million in grants to combat debilitating musculoskeletal diseases such as sarcopenia and osteoporosis. His research aims to advance discovery of how aging leads to these conditions, with the goal of developing new diagnostics and treatments.
Researchers discovered that muscle stem cells produce proteins MyoD and Hes1 in an oscillatory manner, ensuring a sufficient supply of stem cells. This phenomenon is crucial for muscle regeneration and differentiation. The study aims to develop new therapies for muscular disorders by understanding the oscillation mechanism.
University at Buffalo researchers found a relationship between sub-vocalization, auditory imagery, and poor pitch singing accuracy. Sub-vocalization, or silent muscle movements of the face and larynx, may be a counterproductive strategy for singers, leading to inaccuracy.
Researchers discovered a 'snapping organ' in planthopper bugs that enables them to produce fast, rhythmic motions of their abdomen to attract mates. The mechanism involves the release of stored elastic energy, allowing the bugs to communicate effectively despite their small size.
A recent study found that moderate muscle mass reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by 32 percent. The benefits were independent of cardiorespiratory fitness, and higher levels of muscle strength did not provide additional protection. Building strength with resistance exercise may be a helpful way to prevent type 2 diabetes.
A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that consuming a casein shake just before overnight sleep increases muscle protein synthesis, leading to bigger squat and quad gains. This effect is thought to be due to increased total protein intake, not just the bedtime beverage.
Researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory developed methods to study protein structures under force, revealing a protein 'strain absorber' that stretches up to 2.5 times its original length. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding molecular elasticity in proteins and their response to small forces.
Researchers studying Alston's singing mouse found a brain circuit that enables fast back-and-forth conversation, like human talking. The motor cortex is necessary for vocal interaction, and separate circuits enable rapid starts and stops.
Researchers discovered areas within the motor cortex responsible for muscle control and rapid sensorimotor transformations required for vocal interactions in Alston's singing mice. The study's findings suggest that effective vocal communication may rely on functional separation of sound generation and timing functions.
A recent study found that resistance training improves health in over 65-year-olds, with benefits even when training as little as once per week. The benefits include improved blood values, muscle strength, and mental well-being.
Researchers used a mouse model to isolate stem cells in rotator cuff muscles and calf muscles, finding that rotator cuff stem cells develop into fewer muscle cells and more fat cells. DNA-level studies revealed genes involved in fat metabolism were activated in rotator cuff muscle stem cells.
Elevation of blood sugar levels triggers muscle atrophy by increasing KLF15 protein abundance, slowing down its degradation via WWP1. This leads to diabetes-induced skeletal muscle mass decline.
A new oral medication targeting NF-κB, a key link between loss of dystrophin and disease progression, has been well-tolerated in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The Phase 1 clinical trial results indicate that the drug can reduce levels of NF-κB-regulated genes and serum proteins thought to originate from damaged muscles.
Researchers find that a peripheral nerve injury can trigger the onset and spread of ALS in an animal model, with inflammation spreading from the site of injury. The study uses genetically-engineered rats with ALS-like symptoms to demonstrate the link between nerve injury and disease progression.
A modified push-up exercise called 'push-up plus' strengthens the serratus anterior muscle, which connects the rib cage to the shoulder blade. This study found that different hand positions and orientations activated various muscle groups, making it an effective exercise for athletes and individuals with specific needs.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a promising drug that significantly increases muscle size, strength and metabolic state in aged mice. The study found that the drug resets muscle stem cells to a more youthful state, rejuvenating them to effectively repair muscle tissues.
A University of Minnesota Medical School research breakthrough highlights the potential of cell therapies for treating muscular dystrophy. The study identifies the molecular signature of muscle stem cells generated in vitro and their transformation upon transplantation into mice with muscular dystrophy.
Recreational cyclists experience reduced exercise efficiency and skeletal muscle oxygenation at high cadences, unlike elite professionals who can sustain high intensities. The study found forces exerted on the pedals decrease at higher cadences, and cycling efficiency decreases.
A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that rotator cuff muscle stem cells have a higher propensity to develop into fat cells, leading to fatty infiltration and weakening of the muscles. This genetic basis may explain why rotator cuff tears are difficult to rehabilitate.
A genus of deaf moth has evolved a novel sound-producing structure in its wings to warn bats of its presence. The discovery suggests that the moths are acoustically mimicking unpalatable, sound-producing moths to deter bats.
A study by BCN MedTech researchers found that muscle tension significantly reduces human stability, especially in daily stress situations. The study suggests that many young subjects struggle with abdominal breathing, highlighting the need for explicit exploration of breathing difficulties.