A study published by The Endocrine Society found that gastric bypass surgery improves relative muscle strength and physical performance in people with obesity. Despite dramatic weight loss causing a decline in absolute strength, patients experience meaningful improvements in walking speed and other measures of physical function.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 16, 2019
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have found that muscle stem cells can give rise to cancer in DMD patients. The study identified two genes linked to the tumor's growth and suggests that treatments targeting muscle stem cells should consider potential cancer risk.
SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 15, 2019
Acute flaccid myelitis, a devastating illness affecting mostly children, has seen breakthroughs in treatment through nerve transfer surgery. Dr. Scott Wolfe's pioneering work has restored arm movement and function in several young patients, providing new hope for those affected by this mysterious and debilitating condition.
SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalPediatric Neurology·DateJan 15, 2019
A study by the University of Exeter and the University of Queensland reveals that plantar intrinsic muscles have a minimal impact on supporting the arch of the human foot during walking and running. However, these muscles are crucial for propelling forward motion.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 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.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that vitamin D supplements have no significant impact on bone mineral density or falls among older adults. However, higher doses may improve bone metabolism and be safe for those over 70.
SourceNewcastle University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 14, 2019
A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that childhood body composition plays a crucial role in determining future lung health. Boys and girls with higher muscle mass in childhood have higher lung function, while those with more fat mass have lower lung function.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 11, 2019
A study found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduced muscle mass loss and enhanced recovery after immobilization. Young women who consumed fish oil for four weeks experienced significant muscle preservation compared to those consuming sunflower oil.
SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 10, 2019
Researchers found that small limbs like insect legs can execute fast movements without central nervous system control, thanks to dynamic passive forces generated by the flexor muscle. These findings contradict previous notions of how small limbs move quickly and highlight the importance of active-muscle and opponent interactions.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 9, 2019
A study of 17 astronauts found that long-duration spaceflight reduces paraspinal muscle size by 4.6-8.8% and increases fatty tissue content, with some changes persisting for up to four years after returning to Earth.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalSpine·DateJan 9, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
A research team has identified and overcome a barrier in CRISPR gene editing that may lay the foundation for sustained treatments using the technique. By increasing the quantity of 'flags' in CRISPR, they were able to extend the effectiveness of treatment from three months to 18 months in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJCI Insight·DateJan 8, 2019
Researchers at San Francisco State University found that poor head and neck alignment while working on computers can cause fatigue, headaches, and neck pain. By adopting good posture, such as keeping the head aligned with the neck, individuals can reduce muscle tension and alleviate these symptoms.
SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalBiofeedback·DateJan 3, 2019
A new neuroprosthetic device may provide a more natural approach to restoring facial movement in patients with hemifacial palsy. The device uses paired muscle contractions linked to electrical activity on the unaffected side to produce more natural, symmetrical movements.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJan 3, 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.
Surgeons perform primary targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) to reduce phantom limb and stump pain in amputees. The procedure, done at the time of initial amputation, greatly improves patient outcomes and quality of life.
SourceMediaSource·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateDec 27, 2018
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have made a significant breakthrough in understanding FSHD by determining the three-dimensional structure of the DUX4 protein. This protein is responsible for the disease, which affects approximately 1 million people globally and currently has no treatment. The study's findings provide valuabl...
SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 12, 2018
Scientists at the University of Texas Health Science Center have engineered a novel human stem cell line for skeletal muscle, enabling faster and more efficient generation of muscle stem cells. The breakthrough could lead to disease modeling, gene correction, and potential cell therapy for patients with muscle disorders.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 12, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers highlight advancements in electrospinning for use in rotator cuff tissue engineering, focusing on improving nano-topographical properties and mechanical strengths. Human tissue is used to determine cyto-compatibility, but outcome measures vary across studies.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Stem Cell Research & Therapy·DateDec 10, 2018
A study published in Clinical Endocrinology found that DHEA therapy increased bone mineral density in older women, particularly in the lumbar spine, total hip, and trochanter. However, the increases were not as large as seen with other treatments like bisphosphonates.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalClinical Endocrinology·DateDec 4, 2018
Acute flaccid myelitis is a rare but serious condition in children that can progress rapidly and result in persistent health deficits. The disease is usually caused by enteroviruses and requires urgent testing and medical attention.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 3, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes weakening of skeletal muscles. Researchers at Kanazawa University found that the immune system regulatory molecule programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1) is abundant in muscle tissue of patients, which may help reduce disease symptoms.
SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of Neuroimmunology·DateNov 30, 2018
Three JAMA Pediatrics articles focus on acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a poorly understood condition causing muscle weakness and spinal cord lesions in children. The studies aim to better understand the cause, progression, biomarkers, prognosis, and treatment of AFM.
Researchers have developed a prosthetic arm that can detect and replicate phantom limb movements, revolutionizing amputee rehabilitation. The device uses muscle activity generated by mobilization of the phantom limb to achieve precise control, allowing patients to interact with their prostheses without extensive training or surgery.
SourceCNRS·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateNov 29, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
A new study found that left gastric artery embolization, a weight loss procedure, not only reduces body fat but also leads to significant muscle mass loss. The researchers emphasized the need for proper nutritional counseling after the procedure to mitigate this risk.
SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 26, 2018
Research from the University of Pittsburgh suggests that Klotho protein can rejuvenate muscle healing in old mice. By raising Klotho levels or mitigating its deficiency, researchers were able to restore functional levels of muscle regeneration in aged skeletal muscle.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2018
Researchers found a link between shoulder muscle brightness on ultrasound and type 2 diabetes, with low glycogen levels suspected as the cause. The study's findings suggest that radiologists can use ultrasound images to predict diabetic status in nearly nine out of ten patients.
SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 19, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Researchers found a bright appearance on deltoid muscle ultrasounds is associated with type 2 diabetes, indicating earlier treatment may be warranted. The study suggests using shoulder ultrasound as a supplemental screening option to detect undiagnosed patients.
Research reveals that women who undergo reconstructive surgeries using a large back muscle after radiation therapy experience significant losses in shoulder stability and function. Conversely, other methods such as pectoral muscle rebuild and abdominal tissue transfer produce equally good results for future shoulder function.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateNov 19, 2018
Harvard researchers create highly-detailed musculoskeletal model of an echidna forelimb to gain insight into its biomechanics and optimize limb leverage for certain movements. The study also reveals the importance of muscle configuration in supporting limb rotation, a key feature of the echidna's sprawling gait.
SourceHarvard University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 16, 2018
A newly published mouse model of Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) has been developed to test potential therapeutics. The TIC-DUX4 mice express DUX4 only when exposed to the drug Tamoxifen, allowing researchers to control gene expression and study its effects on muscle weakness.
SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJCI Insight·DateNov 16, 2018
Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), identifying the nerve cells responsible for involuntary leg movements. By targeting these nerve cells, new drug treatments may be effective in preventing RLS symptoms.
SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateNov 14, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A new study from Iowa State University found that weightlifting for less than an hour a week can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by 40 to 70 percent. The research suggests that strength training alone is enough to lower this risk, independent of running, walking, or other aerobic activity.
SourceIowa State University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateNov 13, 2018
Researchers at the University of Montreal have discovered two proteins essential to the development of skeletal muscle. The study, published in Nature Communications, sheds light on the 'dance' of muscle cell movement and how cells fuse together to form a single large cell, leading to improved understanding of rare muscular diseases.
SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2018
A new study from NTNU and Harvard University reveals that young men who strive for an unattainable muscular body are at risk of depression, weekend binge drinking, and disordered eating. The study also shows that over one-third of young men have been on a diet in the past year, unrelated to obesity.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateNov 8, 2018
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.
Researchers analyzed data from 28 papers involving over 1,300 participants and found no evidence linking high protein diets to kidney disease in healthy individuals or those at risk of kidney disease. A high-protein diet can actually increase kidney function, making it a safe and important tool for muscle health across the lifespan.
SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateNov 5, 2018
Researchers found that postmenopausal Hispanic/Latina women had the highest risk of falls related to sarcopenic obesity. Postmenopausal women younger than 65 were also at a higher risk for falls connected to sarcopenic obesity, highlighting the need for targeted solutions to address this growing health concern.
SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 5, 2018
A national poll found that nearly half of women over 50 experience urinary incontinence, but many don't discuss it with their doctors. The poll also revealed common triggers and coping strategies, emphasizing the need for physicians to ask about incontinence issues in older female patients.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateNov 1, 2018
Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder found that amyloid-like structures play a beneficial role in the development of healthy muscle tissue during regeneration. The discovery sheds new light on potential origins of diseases such as ALS, inclusion body myopathy, and muscular dystrophy.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018
A new rehabilitation protocol combining targeted electrical stimulation and weight-assisted therapy enables paraplegics to walk again, even without stimulation. All three study participants regained voluntary control of leg muscles after just one week and maintained improvements for five months.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018
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 new study by Northwestern University found that facial exercise after Botox injections can make wrinkle reduction occur one day sooner. The exercises included raised motions of the forehead and scowls, which improved forehead wrinkles by two to three days after treatment when followed by facial exercise.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateOct 25, 2018
Researchers found that consuming 30 grams of protein about 30 minutes before bed supports muscle quality, metabolism, and overall health. The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, provides evidence that whole foods can be as effective as protein supplements for presleep nutrition.
SourceFlorida State University·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateOct 25, 2018
SIRVA is an uncommon phenomenon where vaccines are administered too high in the arm, causing pain that doesn't improve with over-the-counter medications. Proper vaccination landmarking techniques can help avoid SIRVA by targeting the deltoid muscle instead of the shoulder capsule.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCanadian Pharmacists Journal / Revue des Pharmaciens du Canada·DateOct 23, 2018
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.
A study found that home-based biofeedback therapy is about 70 percent effective in helping patients learn to coordinate and relax bowel muscles to relieve dyssynergic defecation. The therapy involves using a reusable sensor probe connected to a handheld pressure monitor to provide visual feedback on muscle contractions.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 22, 2018
A new study finds that pelvic floor muscle exercises can significantly improve overactive bladder symptoms in patients with neurogenic and non-neurogenic conditions. The study suggests that PFM training activates the frontal cortex of the brain, leading to improved conscious control of bladder function.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateOct 19, 2018
A comprehensive review confirms low muscle mass is linked to increased risk of serious health complications and decreased survival. Muscle mass should be considered a key factor in evaluating a person's health status, especially if living with a chronic disease.
SourceGCI Health NY·JournalAnnals of Medicine·DateOct 18, 2018
Researchers have discovered that a specific gene mutation, R403Q, affects the force and velocity of myosin molecule contractions in individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This finding has implications for developing targeted drugs to improve heart function in affected patients.
SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2018
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.
Researchers used muscle-on-a-chip technology to model ALS, revealing a promising treatment combination that may improve symptoms. The study found that combining two neuroprotective molecules can efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier and recover muscle contraction and neuronal survival.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2018
A team of MIT engineers created a microfluidic chip with 3-D tissue model of the interface between motor neurons and muscle fibers, replicating the effects of ALS. The researchers tested two drugs in clinical trials and found that giving both restored most of the lost muscle strength.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2018
A new study from McMaster University reveals that whey protein is the most effective protein source for seniors to rebuild lost muscle, with minimal impact on lean muscle loss. In contrast, collagen peptides showed no benefits in mitigating muscle loss.
SourceMcMaster University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 9, 2018
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.
Scientists at Northwestern University have created a bioelectronic medicine that uses electrical stimulation to accelerate nerve regeneration and improve muscle strength in rats. The device, made of biodegradable materials, is powered wirelessly and operates for up to two weeks before naturally absorbing into the body.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 8, 2018
Researchers developed an implantable device that delivers electrical pulses to damaged peripheral nerves in rats, promoting nerve regeneration and recovery. The device lasts about two weeks before being absorbed into the body, providing a continuous boost to the healing process.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 8, 2018
UMass Amherst researchers are developing a synthetic compound to power skeletal and cardiac muscle contractions during stress. This alternative energy source aims to improve heart function during a heart attack and maintain skeletal muscle function during fatigue, which is a debilitating symptom of many common diseases.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateOct 4, 2018
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.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have discovered a subset of muscle stem cells that are located close to blood vessels and are likely to be the more potent stem cell population in maintaining muscle health. This groundbreaking study uses 3D technology to study the interaction between stem cells and blood vessel...
SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 4, 2018
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new way in which nerve cells control movement by dynamically adjusting neurotransmitter production. This finding opens up new avenues for treating diseases such as myasthenia gravis and spinal muscular atrophy.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2018
Researchers develop a system using IL-4 nanoparticles to target macrophages, reducing inflammation and promoting muscle fiber regeneration. Mice with injured muscles treated with IL-4 nanoparticles showed improved muscle structure and strength.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2018
Biomedical engineers at Duke University discovered that immune cells, specifically macrophages, play a critical role in regenerating lab-grown adult muscle tissue. The discovery could lead to new treatments for degenerative muscle diseases and enhance the survival of engineered tissue grafts.
SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 1, 2018
Researchers will explore how smooth muscles control feathers and aid birds in flight, a novel approach that could reveal the role of smooth muscle in limb control for the first time. By studying body contour feathers and wing movement, they aim to transform our understanding of bird flight.
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers found that exercise stimulates autophagy, a cellular process responsible for removing damaged proteins and toxins from muscles. The study shows that regular physical activity can reduce the buildup of toxic proteins in muscles, leading to improved muscle function and reduced wasting.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2018
Researchers discovered Sherpa muscles can resist fatigue up to twice as much as lowlanders' in a low-oxygen environment. The study found that Sherpa fatigued 33% less and recovered nearly twice as fast compared to lowlanders.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateSep 26, 2018
Massachusetts General Hospital researchers discovered that extracellular RNA in urine can serve as a source of biomarkers for muscular dystrophy. This non-invasive assay allows for the monitoring of systemic diseases and may reduce or eliminate the need for muscle biopsies, enabling early identification of therapeutic response.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2018
Encouraging strength-based exercises like squats and lunges could play a key role in tackling child obesity by reducing body fat percentage. The findings also suggest an increase in muscle mass gained from strength training can help boost children's metabolism and energy levels.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalSports Medicine·DateSep 19, 2018
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
The POPULAR study confirms a significant association between neuromuscular blocking agents and respiratory complications after surgery. Established techniques to avoid residual paralysis did not lower the patients' risk of pulmonary complications.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateSep 17, 2018