Research on muscle biology and repair. Covers tissue maintenance, Parkinson's protection, repair-cell preservation, and muscle strength with age.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
A new study by LSUHSC researchers has found that the ability of a protein called FUS to bind to RNA is essential to the development of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). By mutating FUS and blocking its RNA binding, the team was able to suppress ALS-related neurodegeneration in fruit fly models.
Researchers discovered that leaping toads' muscles adapt to varying impact intensity during landing, protecting them from injury. This study's findings may lead to improved rehabilitation programs for individuals with neuromuscular deficiencies.
A new selective target in muscle regeneration has been identified by researchers at the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute. The association of alpha-enolase protein and plasmin plays a crucial role in regulating immune cell attraction and formation of new muscle tissue from stem cells.
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.
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.