Researchers at Umea University discovered that motor learning relies on the independent control of sensory neurons in muscles. This adjustment allows for selectively informative sensory information to be extracted from spindles during learning.
SourceUmea University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 31, 2016
Whole body electrical stimulation has emerged as a popular fitness trend, but several cases of muscle damage and rhabdomyolysis have been reported. Doctors argue that the technology needs to be regulated due to limited scientific evidence on its safety and effectiveness.
A University of Guelph professor found that elite athletes in their 80s and 90s have stronger legs and more muscle mass than non-athletes. The study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, compared world-class track and field athletes with individuals of the same age who are living independently.
SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateMar 30, 2016
Researchers at Kobe University have successfully decoded a sugar molecule linked to muscular dystrophy, revealing its role in causing the condition. By identifying the abnormal synthesis of ribitol 5-phosphate, the team uncovered a potential therapeutic target for treating muscular dystrophy.
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
A study published in Cognition reveals that a specific facial expression, known as the 'not face', is universally interpreted as a symbol of negative emotion across languages. The researchers found that this expression is identical across native speakers of English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and American Sign Language.
SourceOhio State University·JournalCognition·DateMar 28, 2016
A team of Stirling academics investigated the effects of fish oil supplements on muscle growth, revealing no significant difference in healthy, resistance-trained young men. Muscle biopsies showed no increased uptake of omega-3 fats by muscle cells.
SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalPhysiological Reports·DateMar 23, 2016
A recent study found that ultrasound-estimated fat content in muscles is inversely associated with physical activity level and positively associated with body mass index. This non-invasive test could be especially useful for individuals with disabilities or certain medical conditions that make other imaging techniques ineffective.
Regular recreational football training significantly improves health profiles in 63-75 year old untrained men, reducing body weight and risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The study also found that football preserves muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining a physically active lifestyle in older adults.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 2016
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 found that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat slows diabetes progression in people with prediabetes whose muscles do not take up glucose properly. In contrast, reducing saturated fat had no effect on progress for those with liver-produced excess glucose.
SourceKing's College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 21, 2016
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new class of miniature biological robots powered by muscle cells genetically engineered to respond to light. The breakthrough allows for non-invasive control over the bots' motion, paving the way for applications in diagnostics, medicine and sensing.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2016
The FDA has cleared Indego exoskeleton for clinical and personal use, allowing people with paralysis to stand up and walk. The device offers advanced features like adjustable robotic assistance and functional electrical stimulation to aid in rehabilitation.
Researchers found that practicing movements at different speeds improves certain nerve functions, particularly for patients with spasticity after a stroke or spine injury. The study suggests tailoring physical therapy routines to reflect the type of neural circuit controlling the movement for optimal rehabilitation outcomes.
SourceHiroshima University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateMar 9, 2016
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.
A team of Penn researchers discovered a new mechanism linking amino acids to insulin resistance in type 2 diabetics. The study found that high levels of certain amino acids can cause fat accumulation in muscles, leading to insulin resistance.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 7, 2016
Researchers found that self-guided exercise programs can be as effective as traditional physical therapy for patients undergoing total hip replacement. The study also suggests that activating the quadriceps muscles immediately after total knee replacement may improve rehabilitation progress.
SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 4, 2016
A new pain management technique, called an adductor canal block, provides effective pain relief while preserving muscle strength in ACL knee surgery patients. The study found a significant reduction in muscle weakness and falls compared to the current standard method.
SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAnesthesiology·DateMar 3, 2016
Researchers have identified a crucial protein complex, ASC-1, that guides the development of motor neurons and their target muscles. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into general disease mechanisms and potentially regenerative therapies for conditions like paraplegia.
SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 1, 2016
Researchers present evidence that extended-release sialic acid supplement stabilizes muscle strength in patients with GNE myopathy, a rare progressive adult-onset muscle disease. Therapy with Ace-ER tablets led to dose-dependent increases in serum sialic acid levels and maintained muscle strength in upper extremities.
SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·DateFeb 22, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have found that fetal muscle stem cells can remodel their microenvironment to encourage adult muscle regeneration. This discovery provides rationale for developing drugs to trigger this transition, offering new hope for treating muscular dystrophies and muscle-wasting disorders.
SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 18, 2016
Researchers have discovered a specific enzyme, JNK3, that plays a critical role in spinal muscular atrophy and suppressing its activity could reduce disease severity. Mice with spinal muscular atrophy showed significant improvement when the JNK3 enzyme was genetically inhibited.
SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateFeb 18, 2016
Researchers at Aarhus University are investigating the effects of increased incubation temperature on chicken growth and welfare. The study aims to improve animal welfare by reducing leg problems and increasing growth rates, ultimately leading to a more efficient production process.
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.
A small peptide called TAxI has been shown to effectively deliver functional proteins into the spinal cord after a muscle injection. This breakthrough delivery method holds promise for carrying biologic drugs into the brain and spinal cord, potentially leading to new treatments for motor neuron disorders.
SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2016
Researchers at Kansas State University confirm that freezing certain steak cuts, like strip loin and inside round, can improve their tenderness by up to 10%. Moisture loss plays a key role in this process. Higher quality cuts are more likely to benefit from freezing.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Research Institute have identified the protein complex controlling muscle gene expression, resolving a longstanding issue in muscle regeneration. The discovery sheds light on molecular targets for regenerative medicine-based interventions to treat muscle degenerative disorders.
Exercise scientists at BYU found that the immune system's T-cells infiltrate damaged muscle fibers, facilitating accelerated repair and reduced muscle soreness after repeated exercise bouts. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about inflammation and its role in exercise-induced muscle damage.
SourceBrigham Young University·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateFeb 8, 2016
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a new cooling method using shape memory materials, which can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The system exploits the ability of nickel-titanium alloys to absorb and release heat when deformed or stretched.
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.
Researchers create soft gripper that uses electroadhesion to pick up fragile objects of arbitrary shape and stiffness. The new technology mimics muscle function, gripping onto objects with electrostatic forces.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 1, 2016
Researchers found that high-protein diets combined with intense exercise can lead to significant muscle gain while losing body fat. The study involved 40 young men who followed a low-calorie diet with varying levels of protein, resulting in impressive muscle gains and weight loss.
SourceMcMaster University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 27, 2016
Researchers at the Wyss Institute have discovered that cyclic mechanical stimulation can improve muscle regeneration and reduce scarring, opening doors for new non-biologic therapies. The study used murine models of muscle injury and found a two-and-a-half-fold improvement in muscle regeneration with both magnetized gel and robotic cuf...
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2016
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Young baleen whale calves have significantly lower myoglobin levels than adults, but these levels increase as they mature. Exercise has been shown to influence the rate of myoglobin accumulation in young baleen whales, potentially explaining their high activity levels during early development.
A new clinical trial found that a specialized oral nutrition supplement reduced the death rate of malnourished adults with heart or lung disease by 50% within 90 days of hospitalization. The study also showed improvements in body weight, nutritional status, and Vitamin D levels.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that songbirds' vocal muscles can change their function to produce different sound parameters, similar to a trained opera singer. The research, led by Samuel Sober, shows that the bird's brain directs complex changes in muscle combinations to create complex songs.
Research by Brown University biologist Christopher Anderson reveals the smallest species of chameleon produces the most powerful tongue acceleration, with peak values 264 times greater than gravitational acceleration.
SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 4, 2016
Duke University researchers successfully treated an adult mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy using CRISPR gene editing. The treatment involved delivering the gene-editing system directly to the affected tissues through a non-pathogenic carrier called adeno-associated virus, overcoming several delivery challenges.
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.
Researchers have developed a CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a debilitating genetic disease. By deleting exon 23 and restoring dystrophin protein levels, the therapy improved muscle function in mice with DMD, including cardiac and pulmonary health.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 31, 2015
A study found that combining botulinum toxin with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers reduces degradation and increases remaining volume, leading to longer-lasting cosmetic improvements. Chemodenervation using Botox results in a 42% decrease in degradation rate and a 50% increase in HA filler volume at three months.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateDec 30, 2015
Researchers studied eye structures in adults with varying vision prescriptions and age, finding significant differences. The study's results suggest that 'customized' intraocular lenses could improve accommodating IOLs' effectiveness in correcting presbyopia.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateDec 28, 2015
A 33-year-old professional goalkeeper suffered an extremely rare complete rupture of his teres major muscle while playing a football match. He recovered after conservative treatment and physiotherapy, eventually returning to competition level without pain or limitation.
A team of scientists has discovered the precise timing of myosin's power stroke, a process that generates movement in muscles. The findings reveal that the lever arm swing 'gates' phosphate release, enabling myosin to efficiently generate force and motion.
SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2015
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.
A new study reveals that musclin, a peptide released during exercise, improves muscle's capacity for energy production and increases exercise tolerance. The research shows that increased levels of circulating musclin trigger a signaling cascade that promotes muscle performance.
SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2015
Researchers discovered that sepsis causes severe muscle damage, impairing muscle function and leading to debilitating long-term effects. Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation has shown promising results in restoring muscle capacity and repairing mitochondrial dysfunction.
SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2015
A new study found that pomegranate extract supplementation reduced blood pressure in hemodialysis patients, who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The study also showed some atheroprotective benefits, but no effects on inflammation or muscle strength.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Medicinal Food·DateDec 14, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Researchers use super-resolution technologies to observe muscle stem/progenitor cells migrating into place guided by 'ghost fibers,' remnants of the old extracellular matrix left by dying muscle fibers. This study reveals that these ghost fibers serve as architectural units guiding the regeneration of muscle tissue.
SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 10, 2015
University of Louisville scientists enhance understanding of muscle repair process by revealing the vital role of protein TAK1 in regulating satellite stem cells. The protein is required for satellite cell proliferation and survival to regenerate adult skeletal muscles after injury or disease.
SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2015
Researchers at Umea University discovered unique muscle fibers in the soft palate of humans, found in greater numbers in snorers and sleep apnea patients. These fibers have a distinct molecular build-up and are absent or modified in some key proteins.
SourceUmea University·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateDec 7, 2015
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that faces transplanted change their appearance due to changes in the bone structure of the recipient, and seem to age at an accelerated rate. The research suggests the need for effective countermeasures to prevent muscle and bone atrophy in face transplant recipients.
SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateDec 3, 2015
A new study uses MRI to diagnose childbirth injuries, revealing that up to a quarter of women suffer from fractures and muscle tears. Women may take eight months or longer to heal, and Kegel exercises often don't work as expected.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateDec 1, 2015
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers at UofL discovered a mechanism involved in skeletal muscle repair that may enable clinicians to boost the effectiveness of adult stem cell therapies. TRAF6 ensures the vitality of stem cells, which regenerate muscle tissue, and its removal depletes Pax7, resulting in reduced muscle regeneration.
SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 30, 2015
Researchers identified a gene, KLF15, which activates to enhance muscle endurance and alleviate muscular dystrophy without the negative side effects of glucocorticoids. Boosting KLF15 in skeletal muscle improved exercise capacity and strength in DMD patients, suggesting new treatment possibilities.
SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2015
Researchers have identified a new protein, NELL2, that acts as a 'Do Not Enter' sign to guide axons across the midline of the spinal cord. This finding contributes to solving the mystery of axon guidance and may advance therapeutic approaches for neuronal repair.
A fossilized muscle-worm, discovered by University of Bristol scientists, was named Rollinschaeta myoplena in honor of punk musician Henry Rollins. The discovery highlights exceptional preservation of soft tissues in fossils, providing details about extinct animals.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateNov 19, 2015
A robotic prosthetic control strategy based on human reflexes has shown promise in simulation and laboratory testing, producing stable walking gaits over uneven terrain and improved balance recovery from trips. The technology will be further developed and tested using volunteers with above-the-knee amputations over the next three years.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateNov 18, 2015
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.
In a new study, elite ultra-endurance runners who eat very few carbohydrates burned more than twice as much fat as high-carb athletes during maximum exertion and prolonged exercise. The study reveals that low-carb diets can augment physical performance and recovery, challenging conventional sports nutrition advice.
A recent report highlights the health risks associated with Taser use, particularly against mentally ill patients. The device has been linked to eye injuries, seizures, and even death, prompting a review of police use of force.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy directly affects muscle stem cells, leading to intrinsic defects in their function. Researchers discovered that dystrophin is a key member of the molecular machinery that enables muscle stem cells sense their orientation in the surrounding tissue.
SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 16, 2015
Researchers used electron microscopy to study the dynamic process of myoblast fusion with muscle cells, revealing a series of distinct stages that require communication between transmembrane elements and actin cytoskeleton. The study provides insights into understanding muscle development and repair processes in vertebrates.
SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateNov 11, 2015
A recent study found that chronic arsenic exposure can lead to stem cell dysfunction, impairing muscle healing and regeneration. Inhibiting a certain protein in an inflammatory pathway can reverse the harmful effects of arsenic exposure.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalStem Cells·DateNov 10, 2015
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Researchers at King's College London found a strong association between leg power and improved brain ageing in healthy female twins. The study suggests that simple interventions like increased walking can have a positive impact on cognitive health.
SourceKing's College London·JournalGerontology·DateNov 9, 2015
A study by researchers from the University of Georgia found that female monarch butterflies have thicker wings and lighter body mass relative to their wing size, making their flight more efficient. This advantage enables females to outperform males in flight and migration success.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Insects·DateNov 3, 2015
Research found that theropod dinosaurs like T. rex and Allosaurus could open their jaws wide due to their powerful muscles, while herbivorous Erlikosaurus had limited jaw movement. This study provides new insights into the relationship between dinosaur diet and jaw musculature.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 3, 2015
Researchers found that older people with an age-related loss of muscle mass and strength are at a greater risk of falling and bone fractures. The study identified the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS) definition as the most effective means of identifying individuals at risk of adverse musculoskeletal events.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalCalcified Tissue International·DateNov 3, 2015
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.