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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that three minutes of high-intensity exercise changes how muscle cells manage calcium, leading to improved endurance. Antioxidants may undermine this effect by removing the breakdown of calcium channels.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found participants with MS had significantly higher peak aerobic capacity and muscle strength when using computerized dynamometers and recumbent steppers. This challenges conventional methods that may underestimate participants' capabilities, highlighting the need for more effective exercis...
A $250,000 grant from the National Institute on Aging will help researchers at UTA and Ohio State University study the molecular mechanisms of muscle aging. The study aims to discover new ways to keep muscle function optimal during aging, potentially leading to treatments for age-related muscle loss.
The electric eel has been found to possess intricate maneuvering techniques, allowing it to double its electrical shock on larger prey. Its electrical system also enables remote control over prey muscles, producing strong muscle contractions. The eel uses high-voltage pulses to track fast-moving prey and detect hidden meals.
Researchers have identified a new way to trigger the instructions given by the muscle protein dystrophin, which is found in muscles used for movement and in cardiac muscle cells. The study suggests using drugs that activate AMPK signaling to bypass defective steps in the protein complex pathway.
Researchers successfully treated dogs with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy using gene therapy, developing a miniature version of the dystrophin protein that protects all muscles. The treatment uses a common virus to deliver the gene, which has shown no symptoms in human bodies and is being planned for human clinical trials.
Researchers discovered that mutant GlyRS enzyme blocks molecular signals essential for maintaining motor neuron health, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness and decreased sensation. By amplifying the 'health' signal, they were able to reverse symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in mice.
A young adult developed clonic seizures while trying to solve Sudoku puzzles after being exposed to oxygen deficiency during an avalanche. The patient stopped solving the puzzle and has been seizure-free for over five years.
A study published in PLOS Medicine identified genetic ablation of P2RX7 as a promising approach to treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy, improving muscle structure, strength, and reducing cognitive impairment and bone loss. The findings suggest that P2RX7 antagonists may also reduce certain DMD phenotypes.
A new series of studies found that powerful individuals strongly rely on internal body cues from their motor system when making judgments about preferences, objects, movements, or letter sequences. This bias affects not only artistic preferences but also practical decision-making.
Researchers at NC State University have used 'Avatar' experiments to study locomotion and discovered that resonance tuning is a key mechanism behind springy leg behavior. By understanding how the nervous system interacts with the leg, they aim to design more efficient exoskeletons for humans.
Researchers studying ancient neural circuits in humans have found that vestigial muscles behind the ears are still responsive to sounds that attract attention. This discovery could lead to new insights into infant hearing deficits and the development of objective measures for positive emotions in adults.
A 125-million-year-old bird fossil from Spain provides a unique glimpse into the anatomy of early bird flight. The discovery supports the notion that some ancient birds were capable of aerodynamic feats similar to those of modern birds.
A new study demonstrates that vitamin D3 supplementation can increase muscle strength in postmenopausal women by up to 25.3% and reduce the loss of muscle mass, while also reducing the risk of falls. The trial found that vitamin D supplements provided significant protection against sarcopenia, a degenerative loss of skeletal muscle.
Researchers found that children's short legs struggle to push off the ground during running due to limited muscle contraction time. This discovery led to a new model explaining kids' clumsy movements, which is supported by calculations of muscle activation and gait parameters.
Researchers have successfully isolated human muscle stem cells that can robustly replicate and repair damaged muscles when grafted onto an injured site. The findings hold promise for patients with severe muscle injury, paralysis, or genetic diseases like muscular dystrophy.
A study found that inadequate protein intake during pregnancy activates a genetic pathway leading to muscle atrophy and autophagy in the fetus. This can result in low birth weight and stunted growth in male offspring, increasing the risk of chronic health problems such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that concentrated beet juice increases muscle power in patients with heart failure by up to 13% within two hours, benefiting activities of daily living. The study suggests dietary nitrates may be a valuable strategy for improving quality of life in this population.
A new study identifies USP19 as a potential drug target for muscle wasting diseases in cancer patients, improving quality of life and longevity. The research team discovered that inhibiting the USP19 gene could protect against muscle wasting in mice models.
Researchers have discovered a molecule produced by skeletal muscle that increases bone mass and strength. This finding has significant implications for treating sarcopenia and osteoporosis, two conditions that often occur together.
Researchers found changes in brain representation for affected muscles due to nerve damage caused by leprosy, indicating evidence of brain plasticity. The study may lead to new treatment strategies for individuals suffering from this ancient disease.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a protein that causes age-related muscle weakness and loss. They also discovered two natural compounds, found in apples and green tomatoes, which reduce this protein's activity and can restore muscle mass and strength.
A 260-million-year-old fossil species, Eunotosaurus africanus, provides crucial information into the origins of turtles. The study reveals that early turtles had a quicker bite than modern ones, with the skull of Eunotosaurus showing diapsid characteristics, challenging the long-held notion of turtles being an ancient reptile lineage.
Researchers have created a method to observe motor neuron activity in real-time, revealing how spinal cord cells connect with motor neurons. The findings suggest that the genetic identity of each subtype of cells is also important in forging connections.
Researchers found that statins yield an off-target reaction disrupting muscle mitochondria function, causing muscle pain and weakness. The lactone form of statins is more potent at disturbing mitochondrial function than its acid form.
Studies have shown that an increase in muscle mass can lead to improved glucose metabolism and blood vessel dilation, even in obese mice. The researchers are now exploring the role of galectin-3 and Nox1 in this process to identify potential targets for intervention.
Scientists have identified a uterine trigger called hypoxia-induced force increase (HIFI) that allows muscle cells to adapt to low oxygen levels, leading to stronger contractions in labor. This discovery could help resolve issues of prolonged labor and emergency cesareans.
Researchers from MDC and Charité elucidate the process of skeletal muscle atrophy in patients with congestive heart failure, identifying a new regulator and signaling pathway. The study reveals that angiotensin II induces muscle atrophy through the activation of MuRF1, but also highlights potential therapeutic targets to prevent furthe...
Researchers have deciphered a new molecular signaling pathway that promotes muscle loss in heart failure patients. The study found that suppressing this pathway may inhibit muscle atrophy, offering high potential for therapeutic options.
A comprehensive study found that cold water immersion after strength training reduced long-term muscle mass and strength gains. Muscle biopsies revealed blunted activity of satellite cells and pathways needed to build bigger muscles up to two days after exercise in the ice bath group.
Researchers identified a protein produced by white blood cells that puts the brakes on muscle repair. Removing CD163 from mice boosted muscle repair and recovery of blood flow after ischemic injury. The findings point to a target for potential treatments aiming to enhance muscle regeneration.
Researchers developed the Equine Facial Action Coding System (EquiFACS) to identify individual facial expressions in horses. The study found that horses share a rich repertoire of complex facial movements with humans and chimps, suggesting evolutionary parallels in communication.
A randomized clinical trial of high-dose vitamin D supplementation in postmenopausal women found no benefits on bone mineral density, muscle function or falls. The study's results contradict some experts' recommendations for optimal serum vitamin D levels.
Researchers have successfully directed adult stem cells to turn specifically into muscle using a new method that mimics the body's natural approach. This breakthrough could potentially help treat patients with muscular dystrophy, as well as address spinal cord injuries and other conditions.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a groundbreaking 3D computer model to study pelvic organ prolapse, a condition affecting millions of women worldwide. The model aims to better understand the intricacies of the pelvic floor and help personalize treatment options for individual patients.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that a nutritional supplement can improve exercise tolerance and reduce fatigue in mice by optimizing energy use in exercising muscles. The study suggests that carnitine and its enzyme CrAT work together to enhance muscle energy metabolism during exercise.
Researchers at McGill University found that treadmill workstations lower neck and shoulder muscle activity, leading to less discomfort. The study suggests that minor movements and adjustments can help prevent muscle pain in office workers.
Researchers identified enzyme carnitine acetyltransferase (CrAT) that enhances energy metabolism during exercise. Carnitine supplementation improved exercise tolerance in healthy mice, but its effects on humans are unclear.
Research suggests that cheek muscles can maintain their mass and function better than leg muscles in low-gravity environments, such as space. The study found that the cheek muscles of mice experienced less atrophy when exposed to weightlessness compared to their leg muscles.
Athletes should drink only when thirsty to prevent exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH), a condition that can lead to life-threatening swelling in cells. Drinking excess fluids does not prevent fatigue or heat stroke, and athletes can safely lose up to 3% of their body weight during competition without loss of performance.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that inactivity leads to rapid loss of muscle mass and strength, affecting both young and older men equally. Young people lose twice as much muscle mass and experience greater reductions in physical fitness compared to their older counterparts.
University of Tokyo researchers created a single-step printing process to form highly conductive and stretchable connections on textiles. The ink, made of silver flakes, organic solvent, fluorine rubber, and fluorine surfactant, exhibited high conductivity even when stretched three times its original length.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism behind diabetes-related heart damage and developed a potential treatment strategy. By targeting the movement of sugar molecules and enzymes inside heart cells, they were able to restore normal function in diabetic rat hearts.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge developed a method to combine multiple functions in a single material by integrating structure at the nanoscale. This approach enables the creation of multi-functional artificial muscles that can move, sense, and report on their environment.
Researchers found that groups of neurons work together to signal muscles about when and where to move, firing in complex rhythms. The study aims to create prosthetic devices that better understand and respond to a person's thoughts.
Researchers at Brown University found that largemouth bass use their swimming muscles to generate suction power for feeding. The study revealed that up to 95% of the power required for suction comes from the swimming muscles, not the mouth bones.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have updated Penfield's motor homunculus by showing the neck's motor control region in the brain is between the shoulders and trunk. This finding may help guide future studies and medical interventions for cervical dystonia and other disorders involving abnormal head movements.
Winning fish in Siamese fighting fish battles can generate more muscle energy than losing fish, highlighting the crucial role of biochemical processes. The study reveals how energy metabolism affects aggression in animals, contradicting the assumption that only conspicuous traits like antlers drive success.
The defense cascade is a continuum of innate defensive behaviors in response to threats. Clinicians can use targeted interventions to decrease arousal, manage traumatic memories, and alleviate negative emotional reactions.
A control system that incorporates electrical signals generated during muscle contractions and gait information resulted in improved real-time control of a powered prosthetic leg for different modes of walking. This system reduced classification error rates by an average of 41% compared to mechanical sensor data alone.