Articles tagged with Muscles
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...
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Scientists discover that amyloid precursor protein binds to FE65 and FE65L1 proteins to facilitate eye and muscle health. Mice lacking these proteins develop severe lens degeneration and muscle weakness, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for cataracts and Alzheimer's disease.
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.
A team of Massachusetts General Hospital investigators has developed a bioartificial replacement limb suitable for transplantation using an experimental approach previously used to build bioartificial organs. The researchers successfully engineered rat forelimbs with functioning vascular and muscle tissue, and provided evidence that th...
A new study reveals that AMPK, the body's fuel gauge, is essential for slowing muscle wasting with aging. Researchers found mice lacking AMPK in their muscles developed significant muscle weakness.
A new study published in Nature Communications shows that light can be used to stimulate larynx muscles in mice, a potential breakthrough for treating laryngeal paralysis. The researchers used Channelrhodopsins, exotic molecules that open ion channels when illuminated, to create static and dynamic contractions.
Collegiate women wearing high heels regularly developed an imbalance of 4 functional ankle muscles, strengthening at first but leading to imbalance and increased risk of injury. Regular ankle strengthening exercises and limiting high heel wear are recommended as preventative measures.
A two-year clinical trial will study whether human growth hormone can safely improve recovery and prevent long-term osteoarthritis after an ACL tear. The trial aims to help professional athletes recover more easily and maintain their quality of life.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that an enzyme called 11β-HSD1 is increased in muscles of older women, leading to reduced grip strength and insulin resistance. The researchers believe inhibiting this enzyme could hold the key to preventing or reversing muscle wasting associated with aging.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism has raised doubts about the age-reversal properties of GDF-11, a molecule previously linked to anti-aging effects. The research found that GDF-11 actually worsened muscle regeneration in older animals, contradicting previous findings.
Researchers found that vitamin E helps muscles heal by repairing damaged plasma membranes, which are essential for maintaining cell function. Without it, cells can't properly recover from injury, leading to conditions like muscular dystrophy and diabetes-related muscle weakness.
Dr. Ana Buj Bello, a leading expert in gene therapy, has received the Outstanding New Investigator Award for her groundbreaking research on treating myotubular myopathy through gene therapy. Her work has shown promising results in animal models and paves the way for a potential clinical trial to treat children with this rare disease.
A new study found that a deep-water fish called the opah harnesses heat generated by flapping its pectoral fins to warm its body. This unique adaptation enables the opah to operate in cold and deep water with high-performance capabilities.
A large international study found that weak grip strength is linked with shorter survival and a greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Grip strength was also found to be a stronger predictor of death than systolic blood pressure.
A study published in The Lancet found that firmness of hand grip is a better indicator of health than blood pressure. Researchers analyzed data from over 140,000 adults and found that reduced muscular strength measured by grip strength was consistently linked to early death, disability, and illness.
A recent review of combined diet and exercise training trials found that the effects differ across studies, suggesting more research is needed to determine their benefits for older people. Exercise training and diet supplementation have been shown to be effective in preventing muscle loss, but little is known about their combined effects.
Researchers at UC Berkeley discover a small-molecule drug that perks up old stem cells in the brains and muscles of mice, potentially leading to multi-tissue rejuvenation. The drug inhibits TGF-beta1, a growth factor that depresses stem cell activity with age.
A new study suggests that exercise training to strengthen hip flexor muscles can increase walking distance and reduce calf pain in patients with clogged leg arteries. Researchers found that PAD patients use their ankle flexors more during walking due to weakness in hip muscles.
Artificial muscles made from gold-plated onion cells have been created by National Taiwan University researchers. The onions' cell structure allows them to bend and stretch in different directions depending on the applied voltage, enabling unique actuation modes.
Researchers discovered that birds with complex courtship displays have muscles sensitive to testosterone, enabling them to perform impressive acrobatics. This groundbreaking study sheds light on how hormones control social behavior in birds, paving the way for further research into the evolution of bird brawn.
Researchers at Empa use computer simulations and 3D X-ray imaging to study back pain caused by mechanical issues. They aim to identify misalignments in the spinal column and develop personalized therapy recommendations.
A new grant-funded project aims to create effective exercise programs for people with dysferlinopathies, or dysferlin-linked muscular dystrophies. The researchers will investigate the impact of mechanical loading on muscle damage and inflammation in dysferlin-deficient mice.
Researchers have developed a new method for muscle regeneration using autologous minced tissue grafts, which can restore functional muscle at the site of injury. The approach uses a collagen hydrogel-based expansion method and demonstrates similar functional recovery as donor muscle grafts with reduced tissue requirements.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that the body's muscle begins to process nutrients differently after just five days of a high-fat diet. This change can have dire consequences on the rest of the body and may lead to the development of diabetes and other diseases.
A new study published in the journal Bone found a strong link between lean muscle mass and healthy bone development in children aged six and seven. The research, led by Dr Rebecca Moon, suggests that higher muscle mass is associated with larger, denser bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis.