Articles tagged with Muscles
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A new gene therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in clearing glycogen buildup from muscles in mice, potentially replacing enzyme infusions. The therapy uses a modified virus to deliver a gene that produces an enzyme missing in people with Pompe disease.
A new study published in Experimental Physiology found that sprint interval training is a powerful stimulus to elicit cellular remodelling in both men and women. The research, conducted at McMaster University, showed that changes in gene expression over a short time-scale are similar between the sexes.
Researchers found that myokines enhance human cognitive function, plan to use this feature to correct conditions such as autism and memory disorders without medication. They conducted comprehensive studies involving volunteers and animals, including mice, to investigate the production of myokines.
Scientists at Linköping University and the University of Borås developed a new technology that turns fabric into muscular tissue, allowing it to actuate like muscle fibers. The 'textile muscles' can be integrated into clothing, providing power for devices like exoskeletons, and opening up new opportunities for people with disabilities
Muscle stability relies on two proteins: titin and α-actinin. The TUM researchers used optical tweezers to measure the forces between these proteins, finding a bonding force of five piconewtons that stabilizes muscles and enables heart function.
Researchers found that the fluid-filled nature of muscle fibers plays a role in creating tension when stretching. The study used a model and experiments with real bullfrog muscle to demonstrate the mechanical properties of fluid in muscle fibers. This discovery argues for accounting for fluid in models of muscle mechanics.
Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that blinking prompts the brain to reposition eyeballs, keeping vision in line. This mechanism allows our brains to adapt to changes and compensate for errors in our bodies' own hardware.
Research by UTA professors Marco Brotto and Mauro Marrelli shows that a healthy diet and regular exercise can mitigate damage to the heart and skeletal muscles caused by malaria. The study highlights the importance of addressing the impact of malaria on these areas, which is often overlooked in previous studies.
New research identifies physiological changes in the body that could explain why older mothers are more likely to experience complicated births. The study found that maternal age influences the structure of the uterus, leading to impaired muscle contraction properties, reduced sensitivity to oxytocin, and altered hormonal signals.
Researchers discovered the TFEB gene plays a central role in regulating muscle metabolism and energy use during exercise. Overexpressing TFEB improved mitochondrial health and increased energy production in mice, suggesting potential new treatments for diseases like diabetes and obesity.