Articles tagged with Muscles
Researchers have redefined the understanding of how muscles generate power, expanding the scope of disease treatments. High-energy X-rays and cloud computing facilitated this breakthrough, revealing that muscle force comes from both filament overlap and lattice work.
New research reveals that muscle power comes from multiple directions, including radial forces, which were previously overlooked. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding normal and pathological aspects of muscle function, including cardiac diseases.
The Kessler Foundation received significant funding for research on spinal cord injuries, including studies on assisted walking with Ekso and the impact of aging on cardiovascular health. The grants will help advance therapies that improve function and quality of life for individuals with SCI.
Researchers have discovered four biomarkers that characterize the non-genetic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating motor neuron disease. These biomarkers could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnostics, as well as new directions for therapeutic research.
Researchers discovered that fruitbats can store energy in their triceps tendons, enabling a power boost during take-off and flight. This unique ability allows bats to control joint movement with precision.
Researchers used computer models to study the predatory behavior of Thylacosmilus atrox, a 3.5 million-year-old sabre-toothed super-predator. The results show that the animal relied on powerful forearms and precise neck muscles to kill its prey efficiently.
Researchers have identified unique patterns of chemical marks on histones that distinguish quiescent from active stem cells in muscles of young mice. These findings suggest that stem cells may be more versatile than previously thought, with the potential to become different types of tissue entirely.
Runners in a 200-mile Alpine ultramarathon experienced less muscle damage and fatigue compared to those who ran 103 miles. Protective pacing strategies, combined with sleep deprivation effects, may induce relative muscle preservation.
Researchers found that a protein controlling Alzheimer's disease also affects muscle development and coordination in mice. The study suggests that inhibitors of this protein, currently being tested for Alzheimer's treatment, might disrupt muscle spindle formation and impair movement.
A long-term study of patients with hereditary dystonia found symptom severity dropped to less than 20% within two years after device implantation. Sixty-one percent were able to discontinue all medications and 91% could discontinue at least one class of drugs.
A new study found that participants who received the dietary supplement Juven experienced significant increases in lean body mass, while those who received a placebo did not. Blood concentrations of IGF-1 also increased among Juven recipients, but the correlation with improved muscle mass was not statistically significant.
A new clinical trial shows that whole body vibration therapy increases bone-mineral density and muscle mass in adolescents with cerebral palsy, allowing for improved walking ability and overall health. The therapy significantly enhances leg and spine bone-mineral density, while also increasing muscle mass in the legs.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool identified a distinctive molecular signature in myoglobin that allows diving mammals to store oxygen. This adaptation enables elite divers like sperm whales to hold their breath for over an hour, while land mammals can only hold theirs for a few minutes.
Scientists have reconstructed the soft tissue of a 380 million-year-old armored fish using synchrotron X-rays. The study reveals well-developed neck musculature and powerful abdominal muscles in early vertebrates, challenging previous assumptions about fossil interpretation.
A new study by the University of Michigan Health System has identified a potential therapy to prevent muscle atrophy after ACL tears. By blocking the hormone myostatin, researchers aim to restore athletic and functional abilities in the short term and prevent osteoarthritis in the long term.
Scientists have discovered miraculously preserved musculature in 380 million-year-old fossil fishes from north-west Australia. This finding helps understand the evolution of neck and abdominal muscles in ancient vertebrates.
A study presented at EULAR 2013 found that a progressive muscle strengthening programme using a Swiss ball significantly improves functional capacity, muscle strength, and mobility in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. The programme also showed no harmful effects on disease activity, leading to improved treatment satisfaction.
A new study found that similar timing patterns govern the motion of swimmers like trout and sandfish lizards. The researchers developed a simple model to explain how these animals produce undulating swimming motions, which could also be used to design efficient swimming robots.
Scientists have identified a mutant gene responsible for Native American myopathy, a rare hereditary muscle disease. The discovery of the Stac3 gene may lead to the development of drugs to treat the condition and other related muscle diseases.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have made an engineered stem cell advance that points toward a treatment for ALS. The study, published in Molecular Therapy, found that using adult stem cells to deliver growth factors improved survival and delayed disease progression in rat models with symptoms resembling ALS.
A new study reveals that Allosaurus was a more dexterous hunter than previously thought, using its unique neck structure to strip flesh from prey. Unlike T. rex, which used brute force power, Allosaurus employed a falcon-like technique that relied on agility and control.
A study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that microRNAs play a crucial role in determining muscle fitness by regulating the switch between slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers. The researchers identified specific microRNAs that are elevated in active people, suggesting a potential new target for interventions to ...
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) significantly improves muscle function down to the muscle fibre level in postmenopausal women. HRT has been shown to reduce age-related decline in muscle mass and strength, particularly at cellular and molecular levels.
A study reports that flexible endoscopic treatment of Zenker's diverticulum using a soft diverticuloscope achieves clinical remission in the majority of cases. The technique demonstrates long-term efficacy and has a lower risk of adverse events compared to open surgery or other endoscopic stapling techniques.
Scientists at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center identified two sub-types of pericytes, Type 1 forming only fat cells and Type 2 forming only muscle cells. The study suggests that Type 2 pericytes play a critical role in successful muscle regeneration.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have created a mouse model where degenerating muscle tissue gives off visible light, enabling precise monitoring of disease progression. This technique paves the way for quicker and more accurate assessment of therapeutic drugs.
Researchers found that resistance training promotes the growth of white muscle, which helps regulate blood glucose levels. The study also identified potential drug targets for obesity and metabolic disease.
A study from Newcastle University found that vitamin D supplements improve muscle efficiency in patients with severe deficiency, leading to reduced fatigue and improved mitochondrial oxidative function. The research suggests a link between vitamin D and mitochondrial function, potentially offering a new way to boost energy levels.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School reveal the molecular mechanism behind the roundworm's escape response, linking two separate actions coordinated by tyramine and its interaction with fast- and slow-acting receptors.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a protein MKP-5 as a negative regulator of muscle stem cell function, enhancing muscle regeneration in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Additionally, studies suggest that lactate supports neuronal function and may protect the brain during hypoglycemia.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that loss of MKP-5 enhances muscle regeneration and prevents degeneration in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The results suggest that inhibiting MKP-5 could be a useful therapeutic approach for treating degenerative muscle diseases.
Research suggests that men with muscle dysmorphia prefer traditional masculine roles, while those with anorexia nervosa display greater adherence to traditional feminine roles. The study highlights the increasing pressures men face to define their masculinity in the modern world.
A study led by University of Washington researchers shows that genetic engineering can increase dATP levels in heart cells, leading to improved heart muscle function and greater force of contraction. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic treatment for heart failure conditions.
A small study involving 42 patients found that mechanomyography (MMG) technology effectively measures nerve function and determines whether nerves are compressed. After decompression, 70% of nerves had normal threshold values, while 98% showed a drop in threshold greater than 1mA.
A study by Hospital for Special Surgery found that long nerve grafts comparable to modern nerve transfers restored function in patients with axillary nerve injuries. The outcomes were measured by patient recovery and electromyography tests.
Researchers have made significant discoveries in musculoskeletal health, including bio-enhanced ACL repair and the diagnosis of posterolateral knee injuries. The new approaches aim to stimulate healing and regeneration, reduce future injury-related osteoarthritis, and improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Eric Olson, a UTSW molecular biologist, has won the March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology for his research on heart development and regeneration. His work has led to new insights into congenital heart disease and muscle dysfunction, with several drugs under study.
U of M researchers have successfully generated stem cells capable of muscle regeneration using induced pluripotent stem cell technology and genetic correction. The approach has shown promise in treating muscular dystrophy, paving the way for testing in reprogrammed human pluripotent cells.
A Tel Aviv University researcher finds that a simple home aerobic program is as effective as clinical therapy in treating lower back pain. The program involves walking two to three times a week for 20-40 minutes and has the added advantage of encouraging patients to follow a healthier lifestyle.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that excessive serotonin release triggers central fatigue, a condition where the brain and nervous system become exhausted during exercise. The findings may help develop better drugs for conditions like spasticity and cerebral palsy, as well as improve understanding of antidepressant side effects.
A new study suggests that long-term functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling is associated with substantial improvements in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury. The therapy provides cardiovascular exercise, stimulates movement in paralyzed muscles, and enhances neurological and functional gains.
A shortage of TDP-43 protein leads to muscle wasting, stunted nerve cells, and vascular dysfunction in ALS and FTD patients. The study found that the loss of function plays a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are studying how exercise affects lean and obese rats to better understand insulin resistance and muscle glucose uptake. By comparing responses in both groups, they aim to develop more effective treatments for improving health across different populations.
Researchers developed a robotic bat wing that mimics the shape and motion of lesser dog-faced fruit bats, allowing them to measure aerodynamic forces and energy requirements. The robot showed it could match basic flight parameters of bats, producing thrust and lift.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that thigh fat is a significant predictor of mobility loss in otherwise healthy older adults. The research suggests that preventing age-related declines in walking speed requires addressing not only muscle mass but also body composition changes.
A new study reveals that bite force is influenced by the size of both the eater and the eatee, peaking at an optimal level of muscle stretch. The research found that too much or too little stretch leads to reduced bite force, with some fish able to crush stronger tubes when their muscles are optimally stretched.
A UI researcher has developed a computer program that can accurately predict the effect of role posture on bone and muscle stress in the head and neck during whole-body vibration. The model may reduce the need for human subjects in design and testing, benefiting industries such as automotive and heavy machinery manufacturing.
Researchers created an optimized parvalbumin protein, ParvE101Q, that acts as a 'calcium sponge' for heart muscle, allowing efficient relaxation after contraction. This discovery offers a promising step forward in solving diastolic heart failure, a common killer of both men and women.
A training program to adjust motor reflexes may help individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries walk more efficiently. The study found that participants who could suppress hyperactive reflexes experienced significant improvements in their walking speed and gait symmetry.
A soy-dairy protein blend has been shown to extend the anabolic window and promote muscle growth by stimulating muscle protein synthesis. The study found that consumption of the blend after exercise prolonged amino acid delivery to muscles and extended muscle cell growth signaling.
A new review by the International Osteoporosis Foundation's Nutrition Working Group highlights the importance of protein intake (1.0-1.2 g/kg body weight) and vitamin D supplementation for maintaining muscle mass and strength in seniors. The review also suggests avoiding dietary acid loads and incorporating more fruits and vegetables i...
Researchers measured changes in ion concentration resulting from muscle stimulation and found that extracellular potassium is a larger contributor to muscle fatigue than thought. This discovery may have important implications for conditions like hyperkalemic periodic paralysis and channelopathies.
Researchers discovered that a team of dynein motors can share a load much larger than any one motor can handle due to their ability to change gears. This allows them to work efficiently and generate large forces. In contrast, kinesin motors without gears cannot produce comparable forces.
A study of 78 Spanish footballers found variations in muscle contraction and recovery times depending on their field position. The rectus femoris muscle, which extends the knee, shows different characteristics for central defenders, midfielders, and goalkeepers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a complex signaling system that directs nerve cell branching and connectivity, using protein signals like Sema-1a to coordinate axon travel patterns. This study has broad implications for human disease research, particularly in understanding muscle control and nerve disorders.
Researchers found that the Nopili rock-climbing goby uses the same set of muscles for both climbing and eating, filming jaw muscle movement during both activities. The study suggests that these fish have learned to use similar movements to meet two different needs, potentially coopted through evolution.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have identified a mechanism underlying statin-induced muscle pain, which may be related to low energy production in muscles due to Q10 depletion. Statins, commonly used to treat high cholesterol levels, can affect skeletal muscle function and lead to muscle weakness and pain.
A new rat model simulates traumatic muscle tissue loss in humans, enabling the testing of tissue engineering solutions. The model shows successful repair using a biological scaffold, providing valuable insights for developing treatments.
A new paper in Cell Reports found that paused RNA polymerase plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression during embryonic development. The study revealed that the paused state is regulated over time rather than by tissue type, and that proteins called Polycomb group help keep it in check.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that a specific protein helps nerve cells extend themselves along the spinal cord during mammalian development. The protein, dystroglycan, acts as a hub for instructional molecules that guide nerve axons as they grow.