Articles tagged with Muscles
Researchers find that rapsyn helps ensure optimal positioning and functioning of acetylcholine receptors on muscle cells, enabling precise brain-muscle communication. This discovery provides new insight into diseases like muscular dystrophy and offers potential therapeutic targets.
MIT researchers create a new system for producing artificial muscle fibers that contract and expand like natural muscles, using ordinary nylon fiber. The approach harnesses the bending motions of nylon fibers by selectively heating one side to produce complex patterns of movement.
Researchers have developed a technique to remove mutated DNA from mitochondria, which could help slow or reverse aging. The study found that increasing mitophagy, a form of cellular quality control, can reduce the levels of mutant mtDNA in cells.
Researchers found that fat-free mass index, but not body mass index, was a significant predictor of survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Lower fat-free mass index was linked to worse survival over an average follow-up of 2.3 years.
A naturally occurring growth factor called FGFBP1 is secreted by muscle fibers to maintain neuromuscular junctions. However, ALS patients have reduced levels of FGFBP1 due to the accumulation of TGF-beta, a growth factor associated with the immune system.
Researchers used 3D electron microscopy to visualize collagen cables in skeletal muscle fibrosis, a roadblock to muscle recovery. Targeting these cables could provide treatments for conditions like muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and age-related muscle loss, improving muscle function and reducing pain.
Researchers found that four key muscle-cell proteins undergo a critical splicing transition in fetal forms, essential for adult muscle function. Disrupting this transition leads to major structural problems and muscle weakness in adult mice, highlighting the importance of alternative splicing in maintaining muscle health.
A primate regained control of its paralyzed leg using a neuroprosthetic system that decodes brain activity associated with walking movements and relays this information to the spinal cord. The system was tested in collaboration with an international network of collaborators, including Medtronic and the University of Bordeaux.
Researchers found a weak correlation between muscle size and strength gains following training. Muscle growth can occur with low or high load resistance training, but strength results vary.
New research from University of Southern Denmark shows that elite athletes' muscles produce more energy-efficient mitochondria, generating up to 25% more energy. This discovery has implications for treating diseases affecting muscle function and may lead to new treatment options.
Dr. Phillips' review suggests that protein sources high in leucine, such as whey protein, can maximize muscle protein synthesis and growth. Whey protein's high-quality amino acid profile and digestibility make it an ideal supplement for strength trainers and those looking to preserve muscle mass with age.
A study found that long-duration spaceflight weakens the muscles supporting the spine, leading to increased back pain and disc disease. Researchers suggest exercise countermeasures like core-strengthening exercises and yoga may help prevent muscle atrophy and improve spinal function.
A NASA-funded study found that prolonged spaceflight leads to significant atrophy of the muscles supporting the spine, resulting in increased back pain and spinal disc disease. Despite no change in disc height, these changes may be preventable through core-strengthening exercises or yoga.
Researchers have adapted a facial analysis software to quantify how often patients' eyes closed when instructed to keep them open, finding a correlation with clinician ratings. The new program has the potential to help study facial tics and twitches in other contexts, including Tourette Syndrome, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease.
A Kent State biologist has received a $450,000 grant to investigate how the body allocates energy and burns fat. Her research aims to understand how thermogenesis, the biological phenomenon of burning caloric energy, can be used to induce weight loss in humans.
Researchers discovered that muscle tissue has a built-in clock controlling energy efficiency, with optimal performance during the day. The finding suggests that humans may be able to respond better to exercise during daylight hours.
Large doses of nicotinamide riboside have been found to effectively counteract the progress of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in animals, reducing muscle inflammation and increasing comfort. The treatment aims to provide worn-out mitochondria with fuel, reversing the disease's damaging effects.
A new investigation finds that vitamin supplements can slow muscle wasting by boosting NAD+ levels in mice. The study supports the potential benefits of NAD+ precursors for patients with muscular dystrophy and other muscle disorders.
Researchers are testing two new treatments for presbyopia, a condition that causes blurry near vision. Femtosecond laser reshaping of corneal tissue and electrostimulation have shown potential benefits over traditional procedures.
Two studies found that patients with a higher resting heart rate after an exacerbation are at risk for recurrent exacerbations, while hand grip strength is associated with fewer COPD exacerbations. Muscle weakness is linked to exercise limitation and exacerbations, making hand grip strength a useful marker.
Researchers found that satellite cells differentiate into myofibres only when Prox1 is active. The study also revealed that Prox1 is expressed in adult slow muscle fibres, which have high metabolic activity and are linked to type 2 diabetes risk.
Researchers developed a smart textile that can sense and move like a muscle, enabling new device applications. The textile generates a mechanical work capacity and power output higher than human muscles, with potential uses in robotics, sensors, and smart clothing.
Researchers found that increasing satellite cell numbers can increase muscle regeneration and stifle degeneration. Muscles with genetically modified TEAD1-expressing fibers showed a six-fold increase in satellite cells, allowing for faster repair after injury.
Researchers at KIT discovered that scavenger cells play a crucial role in repairing torn muscle fibers by removing repair patches and restoring normal cell membrane structure. This process requires the aid of macrophages roaming within the muscle, and a short amino acid sequence in the dysferlin repair protein.
A new study compares Botox to sacral neuromodulation as treatments for urge incontinence, finding that Botox provides more daily relief but may be associated with more adverse events. The study analyzed data from 381 women and found a significant reduction in symptoms with botulinum toxin.
New research challenges the use of ice baths after exercise, suggesting they may not reduce inflammation in muscles. The study found no significant benefit from cold water immersion on muscle inflammation compared to active recovery.
Researchers used electron microscopy to capture the first three-dimensional image of a myosin filament in a Thai water bug. This discovery sheds light on how mutations in myosin can cause cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle. The study provides new insights into muscle contraction and relaxation.
Researchers at UB and Johns Hopkins University discovered glutamate's crucial role in neuromuscular development, contradicting long-held assumptions. Glutamate receptors activate muscle fibers, while NMDA receptors play a key role in brain development and learning.
A PolyU study reveals that running in minimalist shoes can significantly increase leg and foot muscle volume. The experimental group showed a 7.05% increase in extrinsic foot muscles and an 8.8% increase in intrinsic foot muscles compared to the control group.
Italian researchers identified a biomarker bio-Adrenomedullin that correlates with good microcirculation and longevity in centenarians. The study found that low levels of this peptide hormone are associated with efficient blood perfusion, similar to that in younger individuals.
Researchers found that retroviral genes are essential for placenta development and contribute to male muscle mass. In mice, the inactivation of syncytins led to a fusion deficit during muscle growth, resulting in smaller fibers and less effective regeneration in males.
Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a new target for treating Kennedy's disease by focusing on the role of genes in muscles. Contrary to previous beliefs, researchers found that the affected gene does not cause muscle fibers to lose connections with neurons, but rather appears broken and disorganized.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that the sympathetic nervous system comprises different neurons regulating specific physiological functions. The research found that goose bumps and nipple erection are caused by specialized neurons controlling erectile muscles in these tissues.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a protein called Perilipin 5 that promotes the efficient breakdown of fat. This discovery could lead to new ways to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, as excess fat can accumulate in tissues not specialized for storage and cause dysfunction.
A baby born with Zika infection remained infected for two months and one week after birth, showing delayed psychomotor development and spastic hemiplegia. The virus may have been sexually transmitted, as the father also showed symptoms before his wife.
Tendon transfer surgery can significantly improve hand and elbow function in quadriplegics, enabling patients to perform daily activities like dressing and bathing. However, the procedure remains underused due to lack of coordinated collaboration among specialists.
A new study from the University of Stirling found no difference in muscle growth response to protein after a full-body workout between larger and smaller participants. Consuming 40 grams of protein after exercise was more effective at stimulating muscle growth than 20 grams, regardless of body size.
Eight people with spinal cord injuries regained partial sensation and muscle control in their lower limbs after training with brain-controlled robotics. The research, led by Miguel Nicolelis, offers promise for regaining strength, mobility, and independence for those with spinal cord injury, stroke, and other conditions.
Researchers developed a brain-machine interface to help paraplegic patients regain motor function and sensation in their paralyzed limbs. After a year of training, patients showed significant improvements in bladder and bowel control, cardiovascular function, and even reduced hypertension.
Researchers at VIB-KU Leuven have unraveled the mechanism by which DYT1 dystonia causes cellular defects, linking it to dysregulation of lipids. The findings may lead to new medical approaches to overcome this poorly understood condition.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism has discovered that a compound called NAD can reverse muscle degeneration in mice with tissue aging. The research, led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, found that NAD supplementation improved muscle function and reduced inflammation in aged mice.
A new study published in Nutrients found that Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate improved recovery among semi-professional male soccer players after a simulated game. The study found greater functional performance, reduced inflammation, and decreased muscle soreness in the Montmorency group compared to the placebo group.
Competitive swimmers are at risk of shoulder injuries due to the high stress on their joints. Proper technique, training, stretching, and strengthening can help prevent these injuries. Swimmers may experience signs such as a dropped elbow or excessive body roll, which can be diagnosed with a thorough physical examination.
Researchers have found evidence that botulinum toxins can move beyond the injection site, entering nerve cells and causing symptoms consistent with botulism. The study uses a lab dish system to visualize toxin movement, shedding light on the potential for remote effects of this deadly substance.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified a novel genetic mutation that may lead to progressive loss of motor function in children. The study, published in Science Signaling, found that a gain-of-function mutation in the KCC3 protein causes extreme swelling of neurons, leading to nerve damage and muscle weakness.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed dust-sized wireless sensors that can be implanted in the body to monitor internal nerves, muscles, or organs in real-time. The technology also enables stimulation of nerves and muscles to treat disorders such as epilepsy or stimulate the immune system.
A microfluidic device has been developed to replicate the neuromuscular junction, enabling precise stimulation of nerve cells and observation of muscle interactions. This innovation may help identify effective treatments for ALS and other neuromuscular disorders.
A new study by the University of Malta and CNRS/Université de Montpellier reveals a faulty cellular machine cutting and pasting genetic instructions for motor neuron disease. The research suggests that ALS and SMA are related disorders with a shared mechanism that could lead to common treatments.
A novel gene therapeutic approach has been developed by WSU researchers to combat muscle wasting disease, which affects millions worldwide. The treatment, targeting a specific hormone, aims to prevent muscle loss and improve cancer patient survival rates.
Australian researchers have developed a novel gene therapy that targets muscle cells to prevent cachexia, a condition of weight loss and frailty associated with severe muscle wasting. The approach has shown promise in pre-clinical mouse models, suggesting potential benefits for treating frailty in other chronic illnesses.
A key gene called AUF1 determines whether adult stem cells can regenerate muscle after injury and with age. The study found that mice engineered to lack the AUF1 gene showed reduced stem-cell-driven repair, leading to muscle breakdown.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine showed significant improvement in strength and range of motion, as well as evidence for skeletal muscle regeneration in patients treated with bioscaffolds. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of regenerative medicine in i...
A study published in The BMJ found that supervised exercise therapy is as effective as arthroscopic surgery in improving thigh muscle strength and knee function in middle-aged patients with degenerative meniscal tears. Researchers recommend considering structured exercise therapy as a treatment option for this type of knee damage.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a protein that boosts the growth of damaged muscle tissue, potentially contributing to treatments for age-related muscle degeneration and diseases like muscular dystrophy. The protein, β1-integrin, promotes stem cell growth and restoration after muscle injury, with results showing...
A recent study by researchers at University of Alabama at Birmingham found that imposing a mild to moderate strain on muscles and nerves can provoke symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Participants with CFS reported significantly increased body pain and concentration difficulties during the procedure, as well as greater symptom inten...
Researchers have created biohybrid robots that crawl like sea turtles on the beach, combining tissues from a sea slug with flexible 3-D printed components. The robots are designed to be compliant and interact with their environment, making them suitable for tasks such as searching for toxic leaks or lost flight data recorders.
Researchers discovered that a signaling molecule called TGF-beta inhibits genes important for glucose and fat burning, reducing insulin sensitivity. The study suggests that a tailored training program could help prevent type 2 diabetes by overcoming this molecular response.
A new study from McMaster University found that lifting lighter weights many times can be as efficient as lifting heavy weights for fewer repetitions in building muscle and strength. Researchers analyzed muscle and blood samples and found gains in muscle mass and fibre size were virtually identical between the two groups.
A team of scientists from Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and UNIST created an octopus-inspired smart adhesive pad to mimic the suction cups on octopuses' tentacles. The pad uses thermally responsive polymer to create suction, allowing for strong bonding and detachment in wet conditions.
A new skin electrode can measure muscle and nerve cell activity for hours without irritating the skin. This technology has potential applications in mapping emotions, improving rehabilitation outcomes, and monitoring driver alertness.