Articles tagged with Muscles
Scientists at TGen discovered the likely cause of severe muscle weakness in six previously undiagnosed children using state-of-the-art genetic technology. The researchers identified pathogenic variants in genes such as CACNA1S, RYR1, COL6A3, and COL6A6, providing new insights into rare myopathies.
A new computer simulation approach found that muscles play a bigger role in injury risk and prevention than previously thought. The study shows that individual pitchers can be at high or low risk of elbow injury depending on their muscle strength, highlighting the importance of targeted training and accurate assessments.
Sarcopenia, age-related muscle mass and strength loss, lacks a widely accepted clinical definition. A new review aims to develop refined criteria, addressing the need for a consensus definition.
A single metabolic protein called estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ) controls the flow of blood and nutrients throughout the body. It turns on fat-burning pathways in muscles and sugar-burning pathways in the brain.
Researchers examined muscle physiology in deer mice from high and low-altitude habitats, revealing heritable differences in energy metabolism and muscle plasticity. Genetic changes associated with increased oxidative capacity and blood supply enabled improved fitness under hypoxic conditions.
A new unpowered ankle exoskeleton developed by Carnegie Mellon and North Carolina State researchers reduces the metabolic cost of walking by approximately 7%, equivalent to taking off a 10-pound backpack. The device uses a mechanical clutch to offload energy-consuming calf muscle forces, allowing individuals with mobility issues to wal...
Researchers at NC State University and Carnegie Mellon University developed a lightweight ankle exoskeleton that increases walking efficiency without using energy from batteries. The device reduces metabolic energy consumption by 7 percent, improving the 'gas mileage' of human walking.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a key indicator of chronic pain in whiplash injuries: large amounts of fat in the neck muscles. This discovery enables early treatment and may help prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Researchers at Saarland University have developed an artificial hand with muscles made from shape-memory wire, enabling precise movements and adaptability. The technology has potential applications in industrial production lines and prosthetic devices.
Researchers have found that people with cystic fibrosis have limited ability to uptake and use oxygen in their muscles, leading to exercise intolerance. The study uses Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to evaluate skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in patients with CF, providing a non-invasive method for measuring muscle function.
A potential treatment for myotonic muscular dystrophy has been identified, using an experimental drug that improves muscle function and reduces symptoms in mice. The therapy targets excessive activity of a cellular protein called TWEAK and its receptor Fn14, which correlates with disease severity.
Researchers at McMaster University found that women's muscle appears more efficient in neutralizing the protein PTEN, which reduces insulin resistance and increases protection against type 2 diabetes. This discovery provides a potential therapeutic target for improving muscle responses to insulin and treating the disease.
Researchers have used cyborg insect technology to study the behavior of giant flower beetles in flight, revealing a key muscle used for steering. The findings demonstrate improved control over the beetles' free-flying movements, with potential applications in search-and-rescue operations.
Researchers found no correlation between hip width and efficient locomotion, debunking a long-held assumption that wider hips make women less efficient when walking and running. The study used biomechanical models to analyze the forces acting on the hips, revealing fundamental flaws in previous theories.
Researchers evaluate changes in gluteal muscle volume after silicone implant placement, finding significant muscle atrophy despite improved body shape. A new classification system is proposed to standardize labiaplasty techniques, ensuring better patient outcomes and satisfaction rates.
Researchers successfully generated mature, functional skeletal muscles in mice by growing cells in a dish and implanting the graft near a normal muscle. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for various muscle disorders, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Three Austrian men have undergone a new technique called 'bionic reconstruction', enabling them to use a robotic prosthetic hand controlled by their mind. The technique restored a high level of function, aiding in activities of daily living and improving quality of life.
A study found that taking a pre-exercise supplement of omega-3 PCSO-524, derived from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, has significant positive effects on post-exercise muscle damage. The subjects experienced less muscle soreness, pain, strength loss, fatigue, and inflammatory proteins in their bloodstreams.
Researchers at Hiroshima University developed a prototype called Sensorimotor Enhancing Suit (SEnS) to support human motion. SEnS reduces muscle load on the upper limbs, improving sensorimotor functions and enhancing the quality of life for both elderly individuals and healthy people working under extreme conditions.
A new injection approach shows promise as a potential weight-loss therapy by making muscles less energy efficient and increasing calorie burning. This could help people overcome their body's natural resistance to weight loss, especially for those with limited mobility.
A new treatment shows promise in reducing muscle cramp intensity by three times, taking effect within minutes and lasting up to six hours.
Researchers have developed implantable devices that can record muscle activity and provide more natural prosthesis control. The technologies aim to improve the reliability of prosthetic limbs and enable users to experience sensations in their residual limbs, enhancing overall prosthetic performance.
A new clinical trial led by Northwestern Medicine aims to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) in treating chronic pain caused by limb amputation. The procedure involves transferring a damaged nerve into a functioning muscle, allowing it to grow and prevent neuroma formation.
Researchers have successfully improved muscle repair in mice with muscular dystrophy by increasing the BMI1 gene, leading to increased strength and longer treadmill runs. The study provides a proof of concept for harnessing this gene to enhance muscle regeneration and may lead to new treatments for patients.
Researchers at Duke University have successfully grown human skeletal muscle that contracts and responds like native tissue, enabling the testing of new drugs and study of diseases in functioning human muscle outside the body. The lab-grown tissue can also mimic clinical responses to various drugs.
Research at the University of Illinois at Chicago found that playing catch can improve balance and prevent falls in seniors by enhancing anticipatory postural control. The study also showed a transfer effect, where training improved performance on other tasks beyond the specific activity.
A study by King's College London found that amateur cyclists aged 55-79 had levels of physiological function similar to younger individuals. The study revealed that exercise can buy extra years of healthy function compared to sedentary people, and cycling is particularly beneficial for maintaining health and wellbeing.
Muscle spindle sensory feedback promotes repair of damaged neuronal networks after spinal cord injury. Basic locomotor functionality can be restored spontaneously, but fine motor task performance remains permanently lost. Activation of muscle spindles is essential for recovery, suggesting a key role in designing novel treatment strateg...
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that faulty stem cells surrounding muscle fibers are responsible for the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A drug called losartan has been shown to inhibit fibrosis and partially restore muscle function in laboratory mice, offering new hope for potential treatments.
A new study found that Montmorency tart cherry juice helped cyclists recover from intense exercise by maintaining muscle function and reducing inflammatory responses. The study showed a 4% reduction in oxygen consumption at 24 hours compared to the placebo group, indicating improved exercise efficiency.
Scientists have developed a new light-based tool to monitor and improve swimming technique and aid in muscle recovery. The technology uses near-infrared spectroscopy to measure muscle oxygenation underwater, providing valuable feedback for swimmers and helping track rehabilitation progress.
Scientists discovered ancient engravings from human ancestors on a 400,000 year old fossilised shell from Java. The discovery is the earliest known example of ancient humans deliberately creating pattern.
Researchers have discovered that electric eels use a Taser-like system to locate and incapacitate their prey. The eel emits high-frequency pulses that cause muscle contractions, temporarily paralyzing the prey within three to four milliseconds.
Researchers from Aarhus University developed a comprehensive overview of gene interactions in muscles, providing insights into the effects of exercise on metabolism. The study's results, published in Scientific Data, offer a platform for future research into diseases like diabetes and obesity.
Scientists at Max F. Perutz Laboratories have elucidated the molecular structure and regulation of α-actinin, a crucial muscle protein. The findings provide unprecedented insights into the protein's mode of action and its role in muscle disorders, paving the way for improved treatments.
Researchers found that blocking the ALS mutation in the brain slowed disease onset and progression, suggesting that early dysfunction of brain motor neurons may contribute to later disease development. The study used rats with ALS, showing delayed disease onset and extended survival when suppressing the mutation in the brain.
Researchers have discovered a single mutation in a gene that explains a significant proportion of unsolved cases of progressive myoclonus epilepsy. The mutation disrupts brain signal transmission, leading to epileptic seizures and muscle twitching starting in childhood.
A new gene therapy treatment has demonstrated effectiveness in a canine model of DMD, skipping exons to produce functional dystrophin protein. The treatment was well-tolerated and resulted in high levels of dystrophin expression, with muscle strength increasing at higher doses.
University of Michigan researchers demonstrate how chains of self-assembling particles can form and extend when exposed to an alternating electric field. This innovation could enable electronics that rewire on demand and pave the way for development of tiny, mobile robots with potential applications in medicine and manufacturing.
The Seattle Singing Accuracy Protocol (SSAP) measures how well people handle the translation from listening to singing. The program assesses individual singers' ability to match specific tones and melodies, providing a tool for early music education programs and researchers studying musical ability.
Scientists have found that turtles breathe with the aid of a muscle sling attached to their shell, which contracts and relaxes to aerate the lungs. The origin of this unique ventilatory apparatus was discovered in the ancient fossil reptile Eunotosaurus africanus.
Research reveals a new mechanism for proper sarcomere organization, controlled by protein cofilin-2 that trims actin filaments to precise lengths. This finding explains mutations in the cofilin-2 gene resulting in nemaline myopathy and highlights its importance in muscle function.
A recent study published in Neural Computation found that CoQ10 supplements improved physical function in 80% of treated veterans with Gulf War illness. The study suggests that CoQ10 may be beneficial for those suffering from this chronic condition, which is linked to chemical exposures and mitochondrial damage.
A study published in Nature reveals that a 'wimpy' mouse antibody may actually play a key role in protecting against kidney disease. The researchers found that the antibody, which is abundant in mice and thought to offer poor assistance in fighting infections, can prevent the development of kidney disease when injected into genetically...
Researchers developed a method to process ultrasound data in small, handheld instruments that can provide fast and convenient medical information. This technology could enable people with muscular dystrophy to monitor the effectiveness of their medication on a smartphone.
Paleontologists uncover fatal stab wound in allosaur's pubis bone, suggesting stegosaurs wielded their tails as deadly weapons. The discovery challenges conventional views of stegosaurs as lumbering plant-eaters, highlighting their impressive dexterity and fighting skills.
Researchers found a strong connection between the pelvic floor muscles and the glutes in the brain, highlighting the interconnected nature of the body. This discovery may help identify the causes of chronic pelvic floor pain and improve treatments for incontinence.
Researchers found that asynchronous cell repair causes muscle fibrosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, leading to progressive weakness and tissue replacement. This study suggests that resynchronizing regenerative processes could be a potential treatment for fibrosis.
The new guideline offers direction in evaluating symptoms, family history, ethnicity, physical exams, and lab test results to determine the most suitable genetic tests. It also provides recommendations on treating and managing complications such as muscle wasting, heart problems, and breathing difficulties.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a novel osseointegrated implant system, enabling patients to control prosthetic arms with direct bone-anchored connections. The technology allows for long-term stable fusion between man and machine, providing mechanical stability and intimate union.
A new vaccine has been developed to treat a non-inherited autoimmune form of muscle weakness, with the researchers finding it effective in reversing the disease in rats. The vaccine targets immune cells that recognize and target a self protein, marking them for death.
Researchers are developing methods to restore mobility and recover function in individuals with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. A new NIH-funded study led by Dr. Guang Yue will investigate the impact of high-effort training on muscle strength in women with breast cancer.
Approximately one out of three adults over 50 suffer from sarcopenia, a condition that affects ability to live an active life. Research found that increased resistance exercise and specific nutrition, such as protein and essential amino acids, can improve muscle mass and function.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding the interactions between botulinum neurotoxins and cells, paving the way for safer forms of Botox. By designing inhibitors or specific antibodies, scientists hope to prevent toxic interactions and engineer safer toxins for medical and cosmetic use.
A new study published in the FASEB Journal reveals never-before-detected gene activity and sex differences in human skeletal muscle. The research found that men have approximately 400 more active genes than women, providing a reference for future studies on muscle disease and dysfunction.
Researchers at UC San Diego used mesh-free simulation to analyze skeletal muscle tissue, finding loss of force exceeds loss of volume with aging. The method cuts back on processing time and can be applied to study injuries from extreme events.
Researchers found that exercise training induces changes in skeletal muscle that prevent the accumulation of a substance called kynurenine, which is associated with depressive behavior. In contrast, genetically modified mice with well-trained muscle characteristics showed no depressive symptoms despite being exposed to stress.
Dietary supplements can cause severe health issues and are often ineffective. States should increase regulation of these products to protect consumers, particularly adolescents. Recommended state actions include conducting laboratory testing, generating safety warnings, and instituting minimum age purchase limits.
A study published by Kessler Foundation researchers found that using a foot drop stimulator during walking can retrain the temporal activation of the tibialis anterior muscle, improving muscle function. The results suggest that this intervention may facilitate recovery from foot drop, a common complication of stroke.
A Harvard team developed a human airway muscle-on-a-chip that accurately mimics the way smooth muscle contracts in the human airway. The chip can be used to test new drugs and measure human responses to asthma triggers, paving the way for patient-specific treatments.