Research on muscle biology and repair. Covers tissue maintenance, Parkinson's protection, repair-cell preservation, and muscle strength with age.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A case study describes a patient with combined complex I+IV defect of the respiratory chain, manifesting as muscular respiratory insufficiency. The condition can also affect peripheral nerves, brain, heart, and extra-ocular muscles, requiring long-term mechanical ventilation.
Researchers found that athletes with favorable genetic profiles have lower levels of muscle damage and fatigue during marathons. The study's findings open the door for personalized training based on an individual's genetic makeup.
A new study found that higher levels of vitamin D, insulin-like growth factor-1, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate are associated with a lower risk of worsening frailty in men. These findings suggest that targeting these hormones may help prevent frailty development in aging men.
A man with quadriplegia has regained arm movements using a brain-computer interface and functional electrical stimulation system. The technology allowed him to perform simple functions like grasping and eating, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of motor function for individuals with paralysis.
A novel neuro-prosthesis has restored brain-controlled reaching and grasping in a person with complete paralysis, enabling them to feed themselves and drink. The technology decodes brain signals and transmits them to sensors in the arm, allowing users to regain movement and independence.
Early mammals developed side-to-side jaw motion, enabling them to grind food and eat a more diversified diet. This adaptation contributed to their survival during mass extinctions.
Researchers at Saint Louis University are developing a potential exercise pill for diabetes and obesity by targeting nuclear receptors. The study aims to optimize two drug compounds, REV-ERB and ERR, which have shown promising results in improving muscle metabolism and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Researchers discovered how mutations in VCP cause cellular damage in IBMPFD, and identified compounds that reverse its effects. The findings suggest potential strategies to combat IBMPFD and other degenerative diseases like ALS.
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that more than half of college football athletes participating in the NFL Combine had inadequate levels of vitamin D, making them more susceptible to muscle injuries. Vitamin D deficiency was linked to lower extremity muscle strain and core muscle injury.
A Mayo Clinic study found that high-intensity aerobic exercise can reverse cellular aspects of aging, improving lean body mass and insulin sensitivity. The study also showed that high-intensity interval training enhanced muscle protein content, causing muscle enlargement and improving energetic functions.
The study reveals unexpectedly large conformational changes in the myosin molecule during the pull, generating force and a paradigm for nanomachine construction. Myosin converts ATP energy into mechanical work through hydrolysis, with a previously unobserved conformational change providing new perspectives on its function.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing a hybrid exoskeleton that combines functional electrical stimulation (FES) with powered exoskeletons. The system will utilize wearable ultrasound sensors to measure muscle fatigue, allowing for real-time sensing and prediction of muscle function.
A study found that exercise, particularly high-intensity interval training, increases mitochondrial capacity and improves insulin sensitivity in both young and older adults. This suggests that exercise may help stave off old age by rejuvenating key organelles responsible for energy production and muscle growth.
A systematic review of 37 randomized controlled trials found that exercise had a positive impact on muscle mass and function in healthy older adults, while dietary supplementation showed less consistent benefits. The combined effect of exercise and nutrition intervention varied depending on the individual's baseline health status.
Researchers discovered that ancient dinosaurs inherited bipedalism from smaller proto-dinosaurs, who developed strong tail muscles. This adaptation allowed early dinosaurs to run faster and for longer distances. However, mammals lost this trait due to the need for burrowing adaptations, which required strong front limbs and short tails.
Researchers developed a minimally invasive tool to measure muscle impairment using fiber-optic technology. The technique accurately assesses muscle properties, enabling personalized treatment plans for patients with movement disorders.
Research suggests that physical activity can have improved effects on muscle and blood vessel function in women in early postmenopause. The study found that high-intensity cycling training improved physiological parameters in this age group, providing a potential benefit against negative estrogen loss and aging effects.
A tool developed at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center can help doctors identify patients at high risk for toxic side effects from chemotherapy. Researchers found that low measures of muscle quality and quantity are linked to serious side effects, including hospitalizations.
A new study reveals that obesity reprograms muscle stem cells through DNA methylation changes, impairing insulin sensitivity and metabolism in fully developed muscle cells. The research, conducted by doctoral student Cajsa Davegårdh at Lund University, found that pro-inflammatory genes like IL-32 play a crucial role in this process.
A new study reveals that nectar-feeding moths can avoid oxidative damage to their muscles by converting carbohydrates into antioxidants. The researchers found that the moths rely on the pentose phosphate pathway to produce antioxidants, a mechanism that may be shared with other animals, including humans.
A study by Ohio State University researchers measured the muscle exertions of 10 central Ohio tattoo artists, finding they exceeded maximums recommended to avoid injury. The study highlighted issues with ergonomic guidelines and workers' compensation in the industry.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that higher active vitamin D levels are associated with increased muscle mass and strength. The study suggests a complex relationship between vitamin D, body fat, and lean mass, highlighting the importance of optimal vitamin D supplementation for healthy muscles.
Researchers from GW University and St. George's University of London discovered a mutation in the INPP5K gene linked to short stature, muscle weakness, intellectual disability, and cataracts. This finding suggests a new type of congenital muscular dystrophy, with potential for targeted therapies.
Researchers identified a genetic signature in nerve cells supplying hands and feet, which is distinct from those in nearby muscles. This signature involves the coordinated activity of multiple genes and suggests that the evolution of extremities may be related to fine motor control, such as grasping.
A new study found that poor thigh muscle strength increases the risk of knee osteoarthritis in women, but not men. The sex-specific relationship between muscle strength and BMI suggests distinct treatment approaches may be needed for women.
Adults with higher intakes of dietary protein see greater benefits in muscle mass and strength, regardless of food source. Greater protein intake improves muscle health and strength in both men and women.
Researchers have created sensor technology for a robotic prosthetic arm that detects signals from nerves in the spinal cord, enabling users to control the device with phantom limb movements. This breakthrough could lead to more functional and user-friendly prosthetics, potentially revolutionizing the lives of amputees.
A study found that premature birth can lead to poor muscle growth, affecting strength and function throughout life. Prenatal stress and malnutrition may contribute to this issue by exposing the fetus to high levels of cortisol, a hormone linked to muscle atrophy.
A recent study published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that hand-grip strength is a reliable indicator of physical function decline in Parkinson's patients. The researchers used a portable monitoring device to measure muscle activity, showing that the test was conclusive and easy to administer.
Researchers have discovered a unique type of spider silk that can lift weights with high efficiency and speed. The silk fibers are actuated by water droplets, exhibiting shrink-stretch behavior similar to muscle performance.
Researchers discovered that fruit fly steering muscles are divided into two types, with tonic muscles always in use for fine-tuned adjustments and phasic muscles used for rapid movements. This unique organization enables efficient flight control.