Research on muscle biology and repair. Covers tissue maintenance, Parkinson's protection, repair-cell preservation, and muscle strength with age.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Scientists at USC have developed CALM technology, allowing for high-resolution imaging of single molecules in living animals. The technique revealed that dystrophin regulates calcium channel fluctuations in muscle cells, leading to impaired muscle activity in muscular dystrophy patients.
Researchers found that a combination of delayed walking and cognitive delays in boys can be an early warning sign for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This combination may prompt pediatricians to conduct further testing, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have developed a new compound for treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neurodegenerative disease that causes muscles to weaken. The compound, an antisense oligonucleotide, repairs the expression of the SMN2 gene and improves survival rate in mice studies.
A massive study of 3 million general anaesthetics reveals that most episodes of awareness are short-lived, but 51% lead to distress and 41% to longer-term psychological harm. The use of muscle relaxants is a significant risk factor.
Researchers discovered that mice missing TRPML1 calcium channel developed similar muscle defects as those present in muscular dystrophy patients. Increasing the activity of this channel improved muscle membrane repair and restored function. The goal is to develop a drug that can activate TRPML1 for potential treatment in humans.
Researchers found that a muscle, called axochord, runs along the midline of marine worm Platynereis, similar to where the notochord would be in chordates. This discovery suggests that the notochord may have evolved from a muscle-based structure in an ancient ancestor.
Scientists have pinpointed two new genetic target genes SUN1 and SUN2 that may lead to developing new treatments for Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, a devastating condition causing muscle wasting and stiffening. The discovery opens up new possibilities for patients with the disease, who currently have no effective treatment options.
A new study from the University of Waterloo has discovered exactly why certain sex positions trigger back pain, revealing recommendations for couples to manage their pain during intimacy. The findings suggest that men with flexion-intolerant back pain should replace spooning with doggy-style sex and use a hip-hinging motion.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have developed a novel technique to promote tissue repair in damaged muscles. Cyclic bursts of a STAT3 inhibitor can replenish muscle stem cells, leading to their differentiation into muscle fibers, which could provide a new therapeutic approach to treating muscle diseases.
A new inherited neuromuscular disorder has been identified, resulting from a genetic mutation disrupting nerve-muscle communication. The condition affects multiple generations and is associated with mutations in the synaptotagmin 2 protein.
Researchers used autologous vein grafts to bridge 10-mm segments of tibial nerves in rat gastrocnemius muscles, finding no significant differences in muscle spindle reinnervation between experimental groups. This suggests that autologous vein grafts provide comparable sensory reinnervation results as immediate end-to-end anastomosis.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have successfully mobilized stem cells to form muscle tissue within a biomaterial scaffold. The study, published in Acta Biomaterialia, demonstrates the potential for harnessing the body's natural healing powers to regenerate damaged muscle tissue.
A study of 347 professional baseball pitchers found that those with weak core stability were more likely to miss 30 or more days in a season due to injury. Pitchers with better lumbopelvic control showed less tilt and missed fewer days, suggesting improved performance and reduced risk of injury.
The 'anger face' is a cross-culturally universal facial expression that employs seven distinct muscle groups to signal the emotional state of anger. Researchers found that each component of the face makes an individual appear physically stronger, suggesting it evolved as a threat display to intimidate others.
UMN researchers have created an animal model for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle loss. The model allows for the testing of potential therapies and has revealed new insights into the disease mechanism, including a possible link to skeletal muscle regeneration.
Research suggests that comprehensive fitness and nutrition regimens can minimize bone and joint health decline and maintain overall physical health in seniors. The study recommends individualized exercise programs with resistance, endurance, flexibility, and balance training, as well as proper nutrition to optimize performance.
Researchers developed algorithms to visualize and predict weak spots in tendons, muscles, and bones prone to tearing or breaking. The new algorithms are 1,000 times more accurate than older methods at quantifying large strains near tiny cracks and tears.
Two women with rare stiff person syndrome (SPS) have been successfully treated, one through auto-HSCT and the other through work and activity resumption. Both patients experienced significant symptom improvement, with the first patient no longer experiencing SPS symptoms after a year and the second able to return to work.
North Carolina State University researchers have developed a technique to attach electrodes to moths during pupation, allowing for the monitoring of electromyographic signals. This enables better understanding of moth flight coordination and the development of remotely-controlled 'biobots' for search and rescue operations.
A University of Kansas professor is leading a grant project investigating the effects of nitric oxide synthase on muscle growth. The study aims to understand how this compound can be used to promote muscle growth in various populations, including athletes and the elderly.
Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to correct genetic mutations leading to Duchenne muscular dystrophy in a mouse model, preventing progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. The technique may lead to permanent correction of the disease, offering hope for future therapeutic applications.
Scientists have discovered a new form of dystrophin protein that can be produced through an alternate cellular mechanism in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This mechanism involves an internal ribosome entry site and could offer a novel therapeutic approach for patients with mutations affecting the first four exons.
Small molecule SMN2 splicing modifiers effectively prevent deficits in SMA mouse models by increasing SMN protein production. The treatment also improves life span and normalizes body weight.
A team led by Dr. Edward Debold is using a single molecule laser trap assay to directly observe muscle fatigue at the molecular level. They aim to understand how metabolites disrupt muscle contraction and develop new drug therapies to enhance function under fatigue-like conditions.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered the atomic structure of tropomodulin, a protein that caps actin filaments and regulates muscle movement. The study provides new insights into how mutations in tropomodulin can cause muscle disorders, such as nemaline myopathy.
Researchers found that mesenchymal stem cells help rejuvenate skeletal muscle after resistance exercise, increasing the rate of repair and enhancing growth and strength. The study's findings may lead to new interventions to combat age-related declines in muscle structure and function.
Researchers found that taking off from a compliant surface like a springboard reduces the energy cost of long jumps compared to firm surfaces. This is due to a closer optimal take-off angle for maximum energy efficiency. For shorter distances, no difference was observed in energy expenditure between firm and springy surfaces.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a new class of walking 'bio-bots' powered by muscle cells, controlled with electrical pulses. The breakthrough allows for unprecedented control over their function, opening up possibilities for environmental and medical applications.
Researchers have identified two genes that may help prevent muscle wastage in humans: survivin and checkpoint kinase 1. These genes are highly active in burrowing frogs that survive dormancy without suffering significant muscle damage.
A team of researchers found that the articulation of vowels systematically influences our feelings and vice versa. The study revealed that words containing the long 'i' vowel tend to occur in positive emotional contexts, while those with the long 'o' vowel are associated with negative emotions.
Researchers identify regulatory molecules involved in creating powerful electrical fields in electric fish, found only in fish and evolved independently half a dozen times. The study reveals a common genetic basis for the electric organ across six diverse species, highlighting convergent evolution in these fascinating creatures.
Researchers found over-activity of enzyme HDAC6 exacerbates ALS symptoms in fruit-flies, highlighting potential therapeutic avenues. Inhibition of HDAC6 may offer protective effects against the disease.
A new transdermal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) drug may help older cancer patients build muscle without harming liver function or HDL levels. The novel compound, AUSRM-057, avoids negative impacts on prostate health, making it a promising treatment option.
Patients with metabolic syndrome who exercise before dieting show less muscle loss, according to a new study. Exercising prior to weight loss initiation preserves muscle mass and reduces frailty.
A study published by the Endocrine Society found that low testosterone levels are linked to a higher risk of declining physical function in older men. The researchers also discovered that muscle weakness, possibly caused by decreased testosterone levels, may explain most of this relationship.
A study in Australia discovered that some nutritional sports supplements marketed to athletes are secretly fortified with androgens, which are banned from use in sports. The presence of these substances poses recognized health risks to both athletes and the general public.
A mitochondrial gene defect in the citrate carrier SLC25A1 may underlie deficits in neuromuscular transmission. Investigators identified a homozygous mutation in this gene in two siblings with congenital myasthenic syndrome, characterized by muscle weakness and fatigability.