Research on muscle biology and repair. Covers tissue maintenance, Parkinson's protection, repair-cell preservation, and muscle strength with age.
A study of mitochondrial DNA found higher levels of lesions and extra copies of genes in veterans with Gulf War illness, suggesting excess DNA damage. This supports the idea that mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to symptoms and persistence of GWI.
Researchers have retrieved original pigment, beta-keratin and muscle proteins from a 54-million-year-old sea turtle hatchling, providing direct evidence that a pigmentation-based survival trait evolved in ancient sea turtles. The study confirms the preservation of multiple proteins over millions of years.
Inflamatory cells retain medication in regenerating muscle cells, improving drug delivery to affected tissue. Researchers discover macrophages as long-term storage reservoirs for prolonged delivery of eteplirsen, opening possibilities for future therapeutics.
A new study by the University of Exeter suggests that Quorn protein may be as effective as animal-based proteins in building muscle. The research compared Mycoprotein, a fungi-based protein source found in Quorn foods, to milk protein and found equivalent bioavailability.
A study using fruit flies has identified a mechanism behind a human heart condition that causes the heart to enlarge and fail. The mutation interferes with heart muscle relaxation, preventing it from fully filling with blood and pumping it out.
Researchers discovered that muscle cell lipid composition varies with the time of day, influenced by a biological clock, which could help regulate insulin sensitivity. This variation is linked to type 2 diabetes development.
Researchers have confirmed that cartilaginous fish fin and hypobranchial muscles develop via a similar mechanism to limb muscles in land-dwelling vertebrates and bony fish. Conserved genes, including Pax3 and Myod, were also identified.
Researchers removed frog embryos' brains and found muscles & nerves developed abnormally without brain; they successfully rescued defects with human-approved drugs. The study reveals the brain's role in early development and could lead to better ways to address birth defects.
A recent study found that young people taking anti-epileptic drugs experience elevated rates of bone fractures and reduced bone mineral density. The study highlights the need to further investigate bone health issues in pediatric patients on these medications.
Researchers at Columbia University developed a 3D-printable synthetic soft muscle with intrinsic expansion ability, outperforming natural muscle in strain density and lifting capacity. The material can be shaped and reshaped to mimic natural motion, enabling the creation of lifelike robots for various applications.
Scientists have successfully replicated facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSH) in mice by inserting the DUX4 gene into skeletal muscle cells. This new animal model holds great promise for developing therapies for FSH, a disease affecting an estimated 38,000 Americans. The study also reveals a previously unknown mechanism of muscl...
Researchers have identified a key molecular connection between inflammation and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. The discovery sheds light on how chronic inflammation increases the risk of developing insulin resistance, which can lead to full-blown diabetes.
Portuguese researchers have discovered how cellular nuclei reach their position within muscle cells, a process disrupted in most muscle disorders. This finding has important implications for developing novel therapeutic strategies to treat muscular diseases and sport-induced muscle injuries.
Researchers at Westmead Institute for Medical Research have discovered a new approach to treating type 1 diabetes, using pancreatic islet transplants delivered into the quadriceps muscle. This method presents fewer risks than current clinical practice of transplanting islets into the liver via the portal vein.
A new method reveals abnormally shortened telomeres in DMD patients' muscle stem cells, leading to early loss of regeneration capacity and disease progression. The finding suggests gene therapy and treatments targeting telomere length could slow or stop the disease.
Reactive oxygen species are crucial signals that start muscle repair processes. Proper mitochondrial function is necessary for energy production and repairing injured myofibers. Excess antioxidants can inhibit this signaling process, exacerbating muscle damage.
Midwestern University researchers found anatomical variations linked with nTOS, revealing a new explanation for its difficulty in diagnosis. Ultrasound diagnostics revealed brachial plexus piercing variations at higher rates in subjects with nTOS symptoms.
Researchers have discovered a unique spring-loaded mechanism in the jaws of Myrmoteras ants, allowing them to capture springtails at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. The mechanism involves a trigger muscle and a lobe on the ant's head that compresses before releasing the jaws.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming protein throughout the day, rather than just at two meals, can lead to greater muscle mass and strength in older adults. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,800 seniors in Quebec and discovered a positive correlation between balanced protein intake a...
A common genetic variant in the LILRB5 gene is associated with an increased risk of muscle aches and statin intolerance. Researchers found that individuals carrying two copies of this variant have a higher risk of general statin intolerance and low-dose intolerance, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options.
Researchers at Mount Sinai developed a clinical index to evaluate muscle-related symptoms associated with statin use. The team proposes re-challenging or switching statins, adopting healthy lifestyle changes, and exploring non-statin pharmacotherapies to optimize cholesterol treatment for patients experiencing adverse muscle symptoms.
A new technique developed at McGill University has made it possible to study the behavior of individual sarcomeres in muscles. The researchers found that neighboring sarcomeres adjust to the activation of one single sarcomere, leading to a cooperative mechanism that is crucial for understanding muscle contraction.
Researchers at Midwestern University discovered that the muscles controlling mammalian perineal structures follow a simple ancient pattern, dating back over 360 million years. This finding defines placental mammals as a group and reveals the evolutionary innovation of cloacal separation into distinct structures.
New UBC study finds that women have greater muscle endurance than men during dynamic exercise, with males becoming fatigued faster. The research suggests adapting exercise programs and work environments to minimize fatigue and improve productivity.
The electronic skin microsystem developed by Kyung-In Jang and John A. Rogers tracks heart rate, respiration, muscle movement, and other health data, transmitting it wirelessly to a smartphone. The device offers improved flexibility, smaller size, and self-adhesive properties.
A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that early surgery to repair supraspinatus tears leads to substantial improvement in clinical and radiographic outcomes at 10 years. The results suggest that preventing later rotator cuff muscle degeneration is key to long-term success.
A team of Vanderbilt University engineers has developed smart underwear that can help prevent back pain by offloading stress on the low back muscles. The device features two fabric sections connected by straps and can be controlled via an app or a simple double tap, reducing muscle fatigue by up to 45%.
A genetic study identified neuronal circuits responsible for mouse pups' ultrasonic calls, which summon their mothers. These findings may shed light on the development and manifestation of speech disorders in humans.
Scientists identified three distinct smile types: reward, affiliation, and dominance, with specific facial muscle combinations. The research provides precise physical descriptions of smile subtypes, enabling better classification and study of smiles in pivotal human interactions.
A robotic training method improves posture and walking in children with crouch gait by strengthening extensor muscles, particularly the soleus, against a downward pull. The device enhances muscle coordination, resulting in improved walking features such as step length and toe clearance.
Researchers found that rats partially recovered hind limb movement using cycling, semi-load bearing treadmill training, and serotonin treatment without healing the spinal cord break. The body re-routes nerve cell outputs to control muscles and stiffens back muscles to support weight and independent steps.
A comprehensive study published in Nature Communications reveals that lean body mass is highly heritable and can be attributed to specific genes. The research may lead to the development of future therapies to prevent the loss of lean mass and associated disabilities such as sarcopenia.
Researchers study brain-movement interaction in mice to understand how cells in the motor cortex communicate with muscles. The findings reveal that neurons pulse similarly to those around them, driving one type of movement over another.
Researchers at UNC and NC State found that acetylation promotes TDP-43 clumping in animals, leading to muscle degeneration. In mouse models, reversing protein clumping prevented sIBM-related muscle weakness, offering potential therapy reversal.
Researchers used X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM) technology to observe bamboo sharks feeding on squid and herring. The study reveals that the shark's shoulder girdle swings internally to create suction, manipulating food down its long pharynx.
A new supplement combining whey protein, creatine, vitamin D, calcium, and fish oil has been found to greatly improve physical strength in senior citizens. The study, published in PLOS ONE, showed significant gains in lean body mass and overall strength, especially when combined with exercise.
BCAA supplements stimulate muscle growth but lack essential amino acids, leading to a suboptimal response. Taking whey protein supplements with BCAAs is more effective for maximizing muscle growth and protein synthesis.
Scientists at UCSF discover primary cilia, found on fat-forming cells in muscle, regulate fat formation and tissue renewal. The study provides new insights into muscle aging and disease, potentially leading to improved muscle regeneration.
Eco-physiologist Alexander Gerson is studying how birds metabolize muscle and organ tissues to fuel long migration flights. He hopes to better understand the influence of climate on flight metabolism and its potential impact on migrating birds.
A study led by the University of Cambridge identified sixteen common genetic variants linked to muscle strength, revealing biological insights into complex traits. The findings suggest that genetic variation in genes related to muscle function may influence differences in strength in the general population.
Researchers found that high-load training conditions the nervous system to transmit electrical signals from the brain to muscles, increasing force production. The study replicated previous findings with similar growth in muscle but greater strength gains in the high-load group.
The SRK-015 antibody program demonstrated beneficial effects in a preclinical model of spinal cord injury, reducing muscle atrophy, fat infiltration, and improving muscle function. The findings support the potential of SRK-015 to address unmet needs in treating degenerative neuromuscular conditions.
Researchers have identified the genetic mutation MYMK as the cause of CFZS syndrome, a rare muscle disorder characterized by facial weakness and scoliosis. The discovery opens new avenues for diagnosis, treatment, and therapy development, including the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that high glycogen levels actually impair endurance muscle performance in mice. Glycogenin-deficient mice underperformed normal mice despite having higher glycogen levels, suggesting a switch from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism in slow-twitch muscles.
Muscles require energy to perform daily movements, and researchers have found a pathway that regulates fuel delivery based on activity level. The discovery is dependent on circadian rhythms and could impact obesity in humans.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that mildly stressing muscle metabolism boosts levels of fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21), a beneficial hormone that prevents obesity and diabetes in mice. FGF21 production reversed conditions and returned mice to normal weight and blood sugar levels.
Researchers have designed two proteins that stabilize the cell scaffolding, restoring muscle structure and function in animal models of congenital muscular dystrophy. The study demonstrates significant improvements in muscle force, body weight, and lifespan, providing a potential gene therapy treatment for this rare disease.
A new Finnish study found that greater muscle strength is associated with better cognitive function in ageing men and women. The association was observed when including upper or lower body muscle strength in the model, but not when using handgrip strength alone.
A research team measured chimpanzee muscles and found a modest performance advantage, contrary to popular accounts of chimp 'super strength'. Chimpanzees have twice as many fast-twitch fibers, but this translates to only about 1.35 times more dynamic force and power output than humans.
A novel study found that cortical targets can be used to enhance hand motor output in humans with spinal cord injury, showing improved force and electromyographic activity. The research provides new insights into the potential of cortical targets for rehabilitation therapies targeting beneficial plasticity.
A new method of measuring sports-related muscle injury uses localised bioimpedance measurement (L-BIA) to quantify damage and provide accurate return-to-play time. The study found L-BIA enables clinicians to differentiate between two types of partial muscle tears that cannot be distinguished using MRI.
Researchers developed a new brain stimulation protocol using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and excitatory intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), which showed significant benefits in reducing spasticity in spinal cord injury patients. The study found that improvements persisted even after the treatment ended.
Neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine report that mouse eyes can constrict in response to light without involving the brain. Melanopsin, a light-sensitive pigment, is found in the iris sphincter muscle and causes it to contract.
SLU researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding muscle regeneration, identifying the nuclear receptor REV-ERB as a key player. By targeting this receptor, scientists may be able to develop new drugs to treat a range of muscle disorders and injuries, including muscular dystrophy and sarcopenia.
Researchers at Monash University have developed a therapeutic approach that promotes muscle mass growth by inhibiting three proteins responsible for muscle wasting. The approach, combining molecules to target activin A, activin B, and myostatin, resulted in a 150% increase in skeletal muscle mass in preclinical models.
A team of researchers has discovered a potential treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy by repurposing a compound originally developed to treat cancer. The compound, SU9516, works by boosting muscle repair and regeneration in affected muscles.
Researchers developed a 3-D crystal structure of the disease's molecular interactions with a neural receptor, providing a clear view of how it attacks and destroys proteins. The model could accelerate research and lead to new therapies for myasthenia gravis, which affects an estimated 36,000 to 60,000 Americans annually.
A new study from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that female runners with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 19 are more likely to develop stress fractures. Lighter women who suffered stress fractures took longer to recover, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy BMI through resistance training.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that vegetarian diets are more effective than conventional low-calorie diets in reducing body weight. Vegetarian diets also improve glucose and lipid metabolism, which is particularly important for people with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered a lipid metabolite called prostaglandin E2 that activates muscle stem cells responsible for repairing damage after injury or exercise. Treating mice with PGE2 accelerates muscle repair and strength regain, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit this process.