Research on muscle biology and repair. Covers tissue maintenance, Parkinson's protection, repair-cell preservation, and muscle strength with age.
A new study suggests that shivering and bouts of moderate exercise can convert energy-storing 'white fat' into energy-burning 'brown fat'. This process could protect against diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver. The conversion is triggered by the hormones irisin and FGF21, which are stimulated by cold exposure and muscle activity.
A new study suggests that high doses of vitamin C and E supplements can blunt the improvement of muscular endurance through cellular adaptions. The study found that markers for muscle mitochondria production increased only in the group without supplements.
Stanford researchers have solved a riddle about the inner workings of the brain, revealing a previously unknown process that helps two brain regions cooperate when joint action is required. The study used a new approach to analyze large numbers of neurons and discovered that different regions of the brain keep results localized or broa...
A team of scientists at the University of Basel has elucidated a second information pathway taken by motor commands, revealing a complex network of communication between the spinal cord and brain. This dual information stream enables precise control of fine motor behavior, such as arm and hand movements.
Core stabilization exercises can improve postural stability and independent walking in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. Real-time video feedback significantly improves gait velocity and stride length, as well as TUG test performance.
Researchers found that plyometric exercises can improve explosive and aerobic performance in sportspeople without extensive rest periods. Young football players showed significant improvement after consecutive days of training sessions.
A University of Arizona researcher has shown that genetic mutations in the titin gene can cause skeletal muscle myopathy, a disease characterized by muscle weakness. The study, published in the Journal of General Physiology, could be an important step in developing treatments for this condition.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that improves muscle strength, corrects muscle structure, and prolongs life in animal models of X-linked myotubular myopathy. This devastating disease affects approximately 1 in 50,000 male births, causing severe respiratory difficulties and requiring intensive support.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism in salamanders that allows them to jump with minimal push-off force. This 'hip-twist jump' creates a high amount of elastic energy, enabling the animals to propel themselves upwards.
The system eliminates vibrations caused by human muscle co-contraction, allowing the robot to move safely and efficiently. By modeling human operators in this way, robots can actively adjust to changes in movement, improving performance and safety in manufacturing plants.
A study discovered that PGC-1α, a protein regulating energy production in cells, may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. Chronically low levels of this protein in muscle tissue were linked to increased risk and detrimental effects on other tissues, including inflammation in the liver and adipose tissue.
Researchers measured dolphin force using bubble DPIV, proving Gray's paradox was incorrect. Dolphins produce impressive power, even accelerating rapidly at 5400 W.
Researchers found that adding dance exercises to a physiotherapy program improved urine leakage, increased participation rates, and provided more functional pelvic floor muscle exercises. The study opens the door to a randomized clinical trial for treating urinary incontinence with virtual reality and dance.
Researchers have discovered intricate neural networks in zebrafish that could help explain how humans developed limb control. The study found separate circuits for controlling the left and right sides of the body, which may be a precursor to human arm and leg movements.
A new device called Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) therapy has been shown to significantly reduce obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) episodes by approximately 70 percent in patients. The device targets the muscle tone of the throat, leading to improved control of breathing and reduced daytime fatigue.
Researchers found that ants modify their thoracic segments to match the tasks they perform as adults, with worker ants having enlarged neck muscles for strength and maneuverability. Queens have distinct thorax shapes associated with strategies used to found new colonies.
Research found that mothers with higher vitamin D levels during pregnancy had children with stronger muscles, which could lead to better health outcomes in adulthood. The study measured grip strength and muscle mass in children born to these mothers at age four.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have found that beatboxers use the whole vocal tract to produce a range of sounds, spreading the energy among several structures and minimizing wear on any single part. This technique may be protective of the vocal folds and could help singers relieve stress on their vocal cords.
Researchers developed a new antibody that reverses muscle wasting in cancer, COPD, and other diseases by blocking a receptor that puts brakes on muscle development. The compound, BYM338, boosted muscle mass 25-50% and increased strength in animal models, with clinical trials underway.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have created a micro-sized robotic torsional muscle/motor made from vanadium dioxide, achieving unprecedented power density and speed. The device can catapult objects over 50 times its own weight with remarkable efficiency.
Scientists have found a molecular mechanism behind aging that can be reversed using a compound that restores communication between mitochondria and the nucleus. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for age-related diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory disorders.
The study found that the Sunday Driver gene regulates myonuclear positioning and muscle function. Mutations in this gene lead to unevenly spaced nuclei and defective muscle contraction, indicating that mispositioned nuclei may be a possible cause, not consequence, of human congenital myopathies.
Researchers discovered that ATP-sensitive potassium channels in skeletal muscle play a crucial role in regulating energy consumption even during mundane activities. By modulating KATP channel activity, new strategies may be developed to combat metabolic disorders such as muscle wasting and obesity.
A cross-sectional study by Tokyo University found exercising in middle age is a protective factor against sarcopenia and effective in maintaining muscle strength and physical performance. The prevalence of sarcopenia was higher with increasing age, but exercise habits in middle age were significantly associated with lower risk.
A new disease related to NKH has been discovered through genetic research led by University of Colorado professor Johan Van Hove. The variant, also known as non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia, shares similar symptoms with NKH and was found in eight patients from around the world.
Researchers at Monash University have isolated muscle precursor cells from pluripotent stem cells using a purification technique, allowing them to differentiate into muscle cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for degenerative diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy and Parkinson's disease.
A year of resistance and impact training can help older breast cancer survivors preserve bone density, even with less exercise. Muscle strength declines more quickly than bone density and may require continued participation in a supervised exercise program.
A new study reveals that a high-protein diet can help preserve muscle mass during weight loss by slowing the ubiquitin proteasome system, which is primarily responsible for degrading skeletal muscle. Researchers found that adequate protein intake can minimize muscle loss during weight loss efforts.
Researchers found that higher doses of testosterone improved sexual function, muscle mass, and physical performance in postmenopausal women who had undergone hysterectomy. However, side effects such as unwanted hair growth and acne were rare in the study.
Researchers found that playing computer games enhances facial muscle reactions and brainwave synchronization between players, particularly in competitive situations. This effect can aid in anticipating opponents' actions and compensate for a faltering social bond while competing.
Researchers found that two salamander species have distinct ways of regrowing muscles, with one relying on dedifferentiation and the other on stem cells. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of human muscle regeneration and potentially treat muscular dystrophy.
A University of Iowa study found that men's noses are about 10 percent larger than female noses, on average, in populations of European descent. The size difference is attributed to the sexes' different builds and energy demands.
Research presented at SupplySide West highlights the superiority of whey protein in building and maintaining lean muscle, maintaining weight and aging healthy. Whey protein is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids, with benefits including reducing hunger, improving exercise recovery and reducing muscle loss with aging.
A study at Brown University found a connection between protein quality control in muscle tissue and lifespan in fruit flies. Suppressing the activity of activin, a protein complex involved in muscle performance, increased life span by up to 20%. The researchers also discovered a potential link between this protein interplay and human a...
Researchers found that rapamycin treatment increases survival and prevents disease progression in a mouse model of Leigh syndrome. The drug delays neurological symptoms, reduces brain inflammation, and extends lifespans by more than triple.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified a protein called Xin that serves as a biomarker for muscle damage. Xin is only detectable after muscle injury and shows a strong correlation with the degree of damage, regardless of the cause.
Scientists have discovered an antibody to the protein LRP4, which plays a critical role in enabling the brain to communicate with muscles. This finding explains why some patients with myasthenia gravis may not have any obvious signs of the disease despite having low levels of antibodies.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital successfully grew human muscle cells in a dish using a combination of compounds identified through a rapid culture system. They also boosted muscle mass and reversed disease in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, paving the way for potential clinical trials.
Researchers have discovered that zebrafish chemicals can differentiate human stem cells into muscle cells in the laboratory, making muscle cell therapy a more realistic clinical possibility. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize treatments for muscular dystrophy and diabetes.
Researchers from Arizona State University and Stanford Universities have discovered that the key gene Numb plays a role in promoting muscle growth and suppressing Myostatin, which limits muscle growth. The findings provide a new avenue for developing treatments for muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy and ALS.
A new study suggests that brief exposure to anabolic steroids can lead to long-lasting performance-enhancing effects in muscle tissue. After a period of inactivity, the muscles of steroid users recover faster and gain more mass than those of non-users, potentially altering the exclusion time for doping offenders.
Researchers found that taking eight essential amino acids twice daily before and after knee-replacement surgeries can reduce muscle atrophy by 6.2% and speed recovery. This approach shows promise for a growing population of aging adults who face total knee replacements due to loss of mobility and pain problems.
Researchers used the Anklebot robot to characterize the normal mechanics of the joint in healthy volunteers, finding that the ankle is strongest when moving up and down and weakest when turning inward. The findings may help clinicians better understand physical limitations caused by strokes and other motor disorders.
Researchers found that tumors release factors into the bloodstream that inhibit muscle fiber repair, leading to muscle loss in cancer patients. The study identifies new strategies and drug targets for treating cancer cachexia, a condition that causes life-threatening weight loss and lean muscle mass loss.
Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital uncover a joint effort between the liver and muscle to maintain balanced fat production and burning. A phospholipid molecule acts as a signal molecule controlling this process. The study highlights the importance of coordinated changes in organs like the liver and muscle in metabolic responses.
Researchers found that producing music decreases perceived physical strain and increases muscle effectiveness during exercise. This breakthrough insight sheds light on the therapeutic power of music and its role in human society.
Researchers from Brown University traveled to Calaveras County to study the Guinness Book of World Records' top frog jumper, Rosie the Ribeter. They found that bullfrogs at the Jubilee surpassed the old research-grade mark of 1.3 meters a striking 58 percent of the time, with jumps reaching up to 2.2 meters.
Researchers have been studying the impact of an isoform on human resistance to fatigue, which occurs when muscles can't continue contracting. The study found that this isoform provides a 'turbocharger effect,' speeding up muscle function during exercise.
Researchers at the University of Toronto discovered that a dysfunctional relationship between the noradrenaline and hypocretin systems is responsible for cataplexy in narcolepsy. By activating noradrenaline receptors, they reduced cataplexy incidence by 90% and found that restoring noradrenaline levels prevented paralysis during episodes.
Muscle wasting occurs rapidly in critically ill patients, with significant skeletal muscle weakness and physical disability persisting for at least 5 years. Early interventions to enhance anabolism may be required to limit or prevent muscle loss.
Falls account for more than 60% of hospital stays for traumatic brain injury in seniors over age 65. Researchers found that hand impact occurred in 74% of falls, highlighting the need for exercises to strengthen upper limbs and design safer environments.
A team of paleontologists discovered a new evolutionary mechanism for body elongation in early ray-finned fishes, characterized by the doubling of vertebral arches. The exceptionally preserved form, Saurichthys curionii, had a unique two-vertebral arch per myomeric segment, resulting in an overall elongate appearance and flexibility.
Researchers found that seniors over 90 improved their walking speed, balance, and reduced falls with strength training. The 12-week program boosted muscle power and mass in the lower limbs.
Researchers at Harvard University investigated the process of villification, which shapes gut villi, and found similarities in its principles across different animal species. They discovered that mechanical forces from muscle layer differentiation drive early villus growth.
Researchers create sensory illusion where subjects believe an artificial finger is their own, finding that brain uses muscle signals alone to build body representation. The discovery provides insight into clinical conditions like stroke, schizophrenia, and phantom limb syndrome.
A Saint Louis University researcher found that a specific eye muscle in pond turtles adapts to compensate for obstructed vision when their head is retracted into their shell. The study revealed unique characteristics of the turtle's eye movements, which differ from other animals with lateral eyes.
Research finds that fine motor control skills continue to develop until adolescence, contradicting previous beliefs. The study uses a new tool to measure fine motor control and demonstrates its applicability in children as old as 16 years.
Scientists tap into bug biology to design new materials, such as artificial ligaments and chemical-free pest control methods. The study of caddisfly silk reveals its unique properties, including water resistance and collagen-like behavior. Additionally, researchers use X-ray technology to better understand human muscle mechanics and po...
Researchers at Children's National Medical Center have found that the new oral drug VBP15 decreases inflammation and protects muscles, potentially preventing or delaying the onset of symptoms in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. Initial clinical trials are planned pending FDA review and approval.
A novel technique using ultrasound waves could reveal how abnormal forces lead to osteoarthritis development, enabling targeted intervention programs.