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Questions over safety of whole body electrical stimulation

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 30, 2016

Exercise keeps muscles -- and you -- young: Study

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
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.

The 'Not Face' is a universal part of language, study suggests

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

Stirling scientists examine the merits of fish oil supplements

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

Football training reduces the risk of disease in elderly men

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.

Light illuminates the way for bio-bots

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 tortoise and the hare of spinal neural circuits

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.

Signposts to the muscles

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

Phase 2 clinical trial to treat rare hereditary muscle disease shows promise

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.

Teaching stem cells to build muscle

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

Study unveils new therapeutic target for spinal muscular atrophy

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

Higher incubation temperature and improved chicken welfare

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.

SourceAarhus University·DateFeb 17, 2016
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.

TAxI shuttles protein cargo into spinal cord

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

Freezing steak improves tenderness of some cuts, study finds

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.

SourceKansas State University·DateFeb 15, 2016

Why your muscles get less sore as you stick with your gym routine

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
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.

Robotic fingers with a gentle touch

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

Newfound strength in regenerative medicine

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.

Singing in the brain: Songbirds sing like humans

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.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateJan 12, 2016

CRISPR treats genetic disorder in adult mammal

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateDec 31, 2015
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.

Genetically correcting a muscle disorder

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

With Botox 'chemodenervation,' dermal fillers last longer

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

Extremely rare muscle rupture in a professional goalkeeper

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Case Reports·DateDec 22, 2015

Peering under the hood into the workings of molecular motors

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.

New 'exercise hormone' promotes physical endurance

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

Sepsis: Cell therapy to repair muscle long-term impairment

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

Can pomegranates reduce heart disease risk?

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.

'Ghost Fibers' left by injured muscle cells guide stem cells to regenerate

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

UofL scientists enhance understanding of muscle repair process

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

Discovery of unique muscle fibers of upper airway in humans

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

Research provides insights on how to improve face transplants

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
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.

UofL scientists identify critical pathway to improve muscle repair

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

Discovery helps explain what guides neurons to connect

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2015

Fossil fireworm species named after rock musician

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

Strategy based on human reflexes may keep legged robots and prosthetic legs from tripping

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.

Report raises concern over health risks of Tasers

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 17, 2015

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a stem cell disease

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

Contact, connect and fuse: An ultra-structural view of the muscle formation process

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
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.

Fitter legs linked to a 'fitter' brain

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

The better to eat you with? How dinosaurs' jaws influenced diet

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

Muscle loss linked with falls and fractures in elderly

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.