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.
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new robotic tool has been introduced for assessing muscle overactivity and movement dysfunction in stroke survivors. The robotic-assisted rehabilitation therapy is expected to improve the mobility of patients surviving a stroke.
Researchers at Georgia State University have discovered a link between male sexual behavior and elevated male sex hormone receptors in the muscles of sex-changing fish. The study found that males express more androgen receptors in the supracarinalis muscle, which is associated with increased rates of courtship and aggressive displays.
A new gene therapy has been shown to preserve muscle strength and neurologic function in dogs with myotubular myopathy, a type of muscular dystrophy. The therapy, which involves replacing the mutated MTM1 gene, has provided long-lasting benefits over 4 years.
Aging stem cells lose their ability to make bone and muscle, leading to frailty and falls. Researchers are targeting the metabolite kynurenine and IDO inhibitors to reverse age-related damage and improve healthspan.
A study published in eLife discovered that loss of muscle stem cells is the main driving force behind muscle decline in old age in mice. By depleting muscle stem cells, researchers found that muscle decline accelerated, while mice with preserved stem cells maintained healthier muscles at older ages.
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.
A new study suggests that CT scans can be used to detect core muscle frailty in elderly patients with hip fractures, predicting survival rates and guiding treatment decisions. The research found that patients with better core muscle had significantly better survival rates over a 10-year period.
Despite popular belief, a new study from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that compression tights do not reduce muscle fatigue in runners. However, the tights did significantly reduce muscle vibration, which may still have some benefits for runners.
Scientists identify a new gene essential to the fusion of muscle stem cells and form functioning skeletal muscle tissues. The study's findings provide new avenues for cell therapy approaches in regenerative medicine.
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 surgical technique devised by MIT researchers could allow amputees to sense and control artificial limbs through coordination of existing nerves, muscle grafts, and prosthetic limbs. The approach has the potential to reduce the rejection rate of prosthetic limbs and improve patient care.
Researchers at Rice University and the Italian Institute of Technology developed a skin-stretch device that provides tactile feedback to prosthetic hands. This 'muscle sense' allows blindfolded test subjects to more than double their ability to discern object sizes, opening up new possibilities for amputees.
Research found that Sherpas have evolved to produce more efficient red blood cells and nitric oxide levels, allowing them to adapt to low oxygen environments. This study could lead to new ways of treating hypoxia in ICU patients, who often experience life-threatening complications due to lack of oxygen.
A study of 28 healthy individuals found that just 14 days of reduced physical activity led to significant changes in body composition, including loss of skeletal muscle mass and increases in total body fat. The findings highlight the importance of remaining physically active and the dangers of continuous sedentary behavior.
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.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that weekly glucocorticoid steroid doses, such as prednisone, promote muscle repair and recovery in muscle injuries. The study showed that daily doses cause muscle wasting, but weekly doses stimulate the production of annexins and KLF15 proteins, leading to improved muscle performance.
Researchers found that a 61-year-old man with severe alcohol dependence and stuttering stopped stuttering after taking baclofen, a muscle relaxant. Further studies are needed to confirm the finding, but the authors propose plausible biological explanations for the effect.
A study found long-term off-label quinine use for muscle cramps increases the risk of death, with a higher risk observed in those under 50 years old. The risk is also dose-dependent, with exposure to 200mg/d or higher increasing mortality rates.
Reducing glucocorticoid steroid frequency improves muscle recovery and function in mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Intermittent dosing regimens may prevent debilitating side effects while preserving therapeutic effects on muscle function.
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 new study found that simple calf muscle stretching can improve blood flow and reduce leg pain in people with peripheral artery disease. After four weeks of daily stretches, participants were able to walk half a city block farther and their leg discomfort was prolonged.
Research found that hermit crabs living in broken shells are more aggressive and fight at a higher intensity than those with intact shells, compensating for their apparent disadvantage. This is attributed to the 'resistance training' of carrying heavy, unusable parts of the shell.
Researchers found that mice lacking Bax/Bak genes failed to develop sophisticated neural circuits, leading to impaired skilled movements. The study suggests testing individuals with motor development disabilities for mutant forms of the same genes.
Salk Institute scientists discover a chemical compound that mimics exercise benefits, increasing fat burning and stamina in sedentary mice. The compound, GW1516, activates a gene pathway linked to aerobic endurance, allowing mice to run for 70% longer than controls.
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers found that brain glucose levels play a crucial role in 'hitting the wall,' and training can help preserve glucose as an energy source for the brain. A small molecule drug also stimulated PPARδ, increasing fat oxidation and preventing hypoglycemia in mice.
Researchers have made progress in understanding how genetic mutations cause spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a disease that cripples motor neuron function and leads to muscle weakness. A new discovery identifies the Gemin3 protein as a key player in the mechanism, and suggests targeting its receptors may be beneficial for treating SMA.
Amazentis' Phase 1 clinical data show that Urolithin A is safe and effectively increases mitochondrial gene expression and modulates plasma metabolites linked to muscle function in healthy elderly individuals. The study's findings have significant implications for the treatment of age-related decline in mitochondrial and skeletal muscl...
Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized step in muscle regeneration, highlighting the molecular mechanisms that impair muscle stem cells with age. The study also provides insight into the connection between accelerated muscle stem cell aging and muscular dystrophies.
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 discovered that inhibiting myostatin production in mice significantly enhances muscle mass and improves markers of heart and kidney health. The findings suggest a promising pathway for protecting against obesity-derived cardiometabolic dysfunction, potentially leading to the development of an 'exercise pill'.
Researchers used virtual reality to identify balance impairments and train people to improve their balance. The study found that virtual reality can reveal balance deficits that are not apparent during normal walking, providing an important roadmap for detecting balance impairments.
Research shows that ocean-going spinner dolphin calves do not develop physical characteristics essential for sustaining deep dives as quickly as shallow-diving coastal species. This slow development may lead to mother-calf separations during tuna purse-seine fisheries, posing a significant threat to dolphin populations.
A Stanford study has identified a protein called hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) that can prime mouse stem cells to quickly respond to injury. The researchers found that HGF helps activate a critical signaling pathway in the cells, stimulating the production of proteins important for alerting stem cells and promoting tissue repair.
A new study shows that a high-salt diet can lead to increased hunger and muscle wasting, while also conserving water and producing more urea. This unexpected finding has significant implications for the prevention of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
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.