Articles tagged with Muscles
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein crucial for neuron organization in the developing retina, shedding light on how the eye detects light. Additionally, scientists found that a genetic defect can cause a 'traffic jam' in cellular materials within motor neurons, leading to progressive paralysis and death.
A new study investigated muscle weakness in a mouse model of Down syndrome and found that factors in the nervous system may play a more dominant role in explaining muscle weakness. The research team discovered altered pathways in DS muscle, including breakdown of proteins and neuromuscular transmission.
Researchers developed a novel hybrid conduit that combines soft and electrically-active materials to guide nerve regeneration and reconnection. The design showed promising results in rats, with significant muscle mass gain compared to other designs.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have isolated a previously unknown protein in muscles that spurs their growth and increased power following resistance exercise. The protein, PGC-1 alpha-4, controls the activity of two molecular pathways involved in muscle growth.
A study at Cedars-Sinai found that the common drug tadalafil reversed the effects of a biochemical chain in patients with Becker muscular dystrophy, improving blood flow and oxygenation. The researchers plan longer-term studies to determine if this strategy can slow the course of the disease.
Scientists discovered injecting Wnt7a into muscle affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy significantly increases its size and strength. The treatment shows promise as a therapy akin to insulin use for diabetics.
A new therapeutic technique repairs and rebuilds skeletal muscle using a combination of mesoangioblast stem cells and hydrogel cell-carrier matrix. The study demonstrates improved engraftment, survival, and integration of the stem cells into regenerating muscle fibers.
Researchers discovered that some mantis shrimp species use muscle to propel their spears, unlike their larger cousins which rely on ballistics. The study found that smaller mantis shrimps use a spring-loaded catapult mechanism.
A new diagnostic method for Parkinson's disease is noninvasive and effective in over 90% of cases. The method tracks speech patterns to detect the disorder's early signs.
A novel brain mechanism has been identified that mediates the inhibition of critical breathing muscles during REM sleep, causing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. This inhibition affects the airspace behind the tongue, leading to self-suffocation episodes, which can occur hundreds of times a night.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed artificial muscles made from carbon nanotubes infused with paraffin wax. These yarns can lift heavy loads and generate high mechanical power, making them suitable for robots, micromotors, and intelligent textiles.
A recent study published in Journal of Applied Physiology suggests that ceramide, a fat molecule, may contribute to muscle loss in older adults. The researchers found that older men had higher levels of ceramide in their muscles compared to younger men, and this was associated with reduced leg muscle mass.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a powered exoskeleton that enables people with severe spinal cord injuries to stand, walk, sit and climb stairs. The device provides an unprecedented degree of independence, allowing users to transport it on their wheelchair and use it with minimal concentration.
Researchers discovered that boosting a specific cell adhesion pathway with a common cellular chemical could improve muscle structure and function in zebrafish with muscular dystrophy. This finding holds promise for the development of new therapies for patients with congenital muscular dystrophies.
A study by Indiana University found that physical activity enhances muscle reflexes and coordination across both sides of the body in people of all ages. This improved coordination can help prevent falls and reduce the risk of injury.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that muscle relaxants given to patients during general anesthesia are associated with an increased risk of serious breathing problems after surgery. Giving drugs to reverse the muscle relaxants after surgery may increase the risk further. Strategies to prevent lingering effects after surgery ne...
Researchers found that motor unit firing patterns varied significantly across the menstrual cycle, with a significant increase in the late luteal phase, potentially affecting joint stability and injury risk. The study suggests that hormone fluctuations may play a role in knee injuries among female athletes.
Dysynergic defecation is a condition where the brain and gut communicate improperly, leading to constipation and abdominal pain. Researchers have developed a biofeedback system that helps patients relearn normal behavior and restore communication between the brain and gut, showing an 85% success rate.
Researchers found that HEXIM1 blocks gene expression necessary for muscle regeneration after injury, leading to increased muscle mass and function in mice with reduced HEXIM1 levels. This suggests that HEXIM1 may be a key regulator of skeletal muscle regeneration and a potential therapeutic target for degenerative muscle diseases.
Researchers discovered FNDC5/irisin hormone is secreted by muscle cells and reflects muscle mass. Irisin levels increase after acute exercise and are associated with growth factors that promote muscle growth.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have made a breakthrough in understanding how muscles regenerate and grow. By blocking the action of myostatin, a protein that suppresses muscle growth, they found that muscle mass can be increased significantly without the need for fully functional satellite cells.
Researchers identify FGF2 as a protein that stimulates cells to divide and activates dormant stem cells, leading to muscle depletion. By administering an FGF2 inhibitor, they halted the decline in muscle stem cells in mice.
Researchers found that a developmental protein called fibroblast growth factor-2 drives aging muscle stem cells out of dormancy, reducing their ability to regenerate. Blocking FGF signaling improved muscle tissue repair in aged animals.
Researchers have elucidated how muscle stem cells colonize niches for efficient growth and repair. They found that these stem cells weaken when located outside their muscle fiber niches, leading to weakened muscles. The Notch signaling pathway plays a crucial role in preventing differentiation of stem cells into muscle cells.
Researchers found that viewers' bodily responses are more intense when watching ads for their preferred candidate, but less reactive to opposing candidate's ads. The study used physiological measures such as heart rate and skin conductance to analyze participants' emotional responses to campaign ads.
A clinical trial of Ekso-assisted walking in 13 patients with a range of spinal cord injuries found positive results, including improved gait and balance, increased oxygen consumption, and reduced cardiovascular responses. Long-term studies are needed to fully evaluate the effects.
Researchers have developed a new technique to measure muscle loss in critically ill patients using ultrasound. This breakthrough may help identify those at high risk of muscle-wasting and inform targeted interventions.
Researchers have discovered that Grb10 protein plays a crucial role in increasing muscle mass during development, which could lead to new strategies for treating muscle wasting conditions and metabolic disorders. The study found that blocking Grb10 function while mice were in the womb resulted in increased muscle strength and mass.
A University of New Hampshire researcher is studying the effectiveness of two distinct strength-training regimens on older adults. The study compares traditional resistance training exercises with a light-load program that uses blood flow restriction, which has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength in older adults despite ver...
A study published in PLoS ONE found that statin potency is a critical determinant of muscle-related side effects. Stronger statins like rosuvastatin were associated with higher rates of reported problems, highlighting the need for greater caution when prescribing these medications.
A research team has identified how a genetic mutation affects nerve growth in the eye, leading to Duane Syndrome. This discovery could lead to therapies that reverse the condition and improve our understanding of movement disorders.
A new technique using amniotic fluid stem cells can regenerate damaged urethral sphincter muscles and prevent pressure incontinence in mice. Researchers found that the stem cells induced regeneration of the mouse's own urethral sphincter muscle with proper nerve connections.
A new study finds that strokes alter muscle synergy patterns, with distinct disruptions following stroke severity and time since the stroke. This discovery could lead to improved rehabilitation for stroke patients and a better understanding of brain motor control.
The FastStitch device, developed by Johns Hopkins undergraduates, features a cross between a pliers and a hole-puncher to guide stitch placement and prevent accidental punctures. The device has already received recognition and funding to move forward, aiming to simplify and improve the closure process for surgeons.
A study found that triclosan impairs muscle contractions at a cellular level, slowing swimming in fish and reducing muscular strength in mice. The researchers also observed significant reductions in heart function measures and grip strength in mice exposed to the chemical.
A team of researchers from the University of Iowa has identified Gadd45a as a key culprit causing muscle atrophy, reprogramming hundreds of genes that ultimately lead to muscle deterioration. The protein affects muscles in two main ways: instructing cells to produce fewer proteins and causing existing proteins to break down.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard have developed a soft, peristalsis-driven robot that can inch along surfaces using segments of artificial muscle made from nickel-titanium alloy. The robot, named Meshworm, is remarkably resilient, surviving multiple blows with a hammer without sustaining damage.
A new mouse model has reproduced key cognitive and behavioral symptoms of myotonic dystrophy, a disease marked by progressive muscle wasting and weakness. The study reveals that molecular missteps disrupt brain function, causing toxic RNAs to produce incorrect proteins in the brain.
Researchers at Wayne State University are searching for potential drug targets to treat Barth Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the heart muscle and energy metabolism. Led by Miriam L. Greenberg, the team hopes to identify new treatments by restoring the TCA cycle metabolites affected by cardiolipin deficiency.
A new study found that inhibiting myostatin promotes muscle growth without incorporating satellite cells into myofibers, raising hopes for treating muscular diseases. The research team identified a specific type of cell targeted by myostatin, paving the way for potential drug development.
Georgia Tech researchers have created a new way to simulate and control movement of computer-generated characters without a skeletal structure. This technique allows for unparalleled control of digital creatures, enabling amateur animators and young children to manipulate their movements with simple point-and-click commands.
A Caltech-led team has successfully created a swimming 'jellyfish' using tissue-engineered silicone and muscle cells, which mimics the fluid dynamics of a real jellyfish. The breakthrough demonstrates that function-driven design can outperform natural evolution in engineering complex systems.
Max Planck scientists have successfully imaged the actin-myosin-tropomyosin complex with a resolution of less than one-millionth of a millimeter. This breakthrough allows researchers to accurately identify protein locations and analyze muscle contraction processes.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center developed lab-engineered muscle implants that can prompt muscle regeneration and repair, resulting in significant functional improvement. Exercising the implants accelerates the recovery process and promotes new muscle tissue growth.
Researchers found that flies on low-calorie diets exhibit enhanced transmission of nerve signals in their brains and mouthparts. The team discovered increased release of neurotransmitters, which could be a novel therapeutic approach for people suffering from neuromuscular disorders.
Research finds that both brain and muscle cells require the protein LRP4 to ensure robust communication. Without it, communication is inefficient and short-lived, contributing to disabling disorders like myasthenia gravis. The study suggests that delivering LRP4 through gene therapy may help bolster insufficient levels in patients.
A team of scientists discovered that spaceflight suppressed the accumulation of toxic proteins in a microscopic worm, Caenorhabditis elegans. When the expression of genes involved in aging was lowered, the worms lived longer, suggesting that spaceflight may slow the aging process.
Dietary restriction in flies prolongs life by enhancing fat metabolism and increasing physical activity, critical for extending lifespan. Blocking fat synthesis negates the effect of dietary restriction.
A study at the Buck Institute found that fruit flies on dietary restriction need physical activity to reap benefits, whereas humans using caloric restriction may also need sufficient calorie intake. The research suggests a potential target for mimicking diet-restricted lifespan benefits through drug development.
Researchers have discovered that ancient sea creatures like sponges and jellyfish possess the building blocks of striated muscles found in higher animals. Gene duplication is believed to be responsible for the emergence of muscle myosin, a crucial protein structure, which evolved independently in these organisms.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a new compound, RTC13, that effectively counteracts 'nonsense' mutations causing Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The compound was found to partially restore full-length dystrophin protein, improving muscle strength in mice.
Researchers at University of North Carolina Health Care have discovered a new role for the SMN gene in spinal muscular atrophy, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests that faulty processing of genetic material is not the primary cause of the disease, but rather a separate function of the SMN gene.
A new study by University of Iowa researchers shows that a natural substance found in apple peel can partially protect mice from obesity and some of its harmful effects. Ursolic acid increases muscle and brown fat in mice on a high-fat diet, leading to increased calorie burning and reduced obesity, pre-diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
Researchers found distinct differences in how muscle affects bone microstructure between men and women, with muscle mass linked to bone strength at specific locations. The study also identified a biomarker, IGFBP-2, that can help predict people at higher risk for falls and fractures.
New research from McMaster University debunks the bodybuilding myth that growth-promoting hormones stimulate strength after weightlifting. Contrary to conventional wisdom, anabolic hormones do not influence muscle protein synthesis, leading to bigger muscles.
A University of Utah study found that virgin male moths quickly warm up after smelling female sex attractant, leading to premature takeoff. This behavior may compromise flight power and reduce chances of reaching females. Researchers are studying how odors influence moth behavior, which is critical for understanding insect biology.
A new study finds that older adults with low vitamin D levels are at a 30% increased risk of developing mobility limitations. Vitamin D plays an important role in muscle function and has been linked to various health conditions that can affect physical performance.
The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons May issue highlights new review articles on treating pediatric toe walking, managing pain after rotator cuff surgery, and other orthopaedic topics. The articles provide insights into diagnosis, treatment options, and patient outcomes.
A 71-year-old man regained partial thumb and finger movement after undergoing nerve transfer surgery to bypass a cervical spinal cord injury. The procedure, described as reducing the severity of the injury by placing healthy motor nerves close to damaged ones, took less time than traditional repair methods.
A randomized controlled trial found smoked cannabis to be effective in reducing spasticity and pain in people with treatment-resistant multiple sclerosis. However, the study also showed that smoking cannabis was associated with acute cognitive impairments.