Research on muscle biology and repair. Covers tissue maintenance, Parkinson's protection, repair-cell preservation, and muscle strength with age.
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.
Researchers discovered that low adrenomedullin levels may contribute to slower muscle contractions and ciliary beating, favoring embryo retention in the oviduct. Administering adrenomedullin reversed this effect, suggesting it could be a useful predictor for tubal ectopic pregnancy.
A new study suggests that pre-operative bladder function tests are not necessary for women undergoing surgery for stress urinary incontinence. Women who had only an office check-up had equally successful outcomes as those with both tests, indicating that these tests provide no added benefit for surgical treatment success.
A study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine revealed that PRDM16 is essential for the normal development of the embryonic palate. The gene was found to regulate over 100 genes involved in diverse processes such as chromatin remodeling and muscle/bone development.
Scientists develop transforming mechanisms inspired by nature to create camouflage effects in soft, stretchy materials. The technology can be used in smart clothing, scaling up to an adaptable skin that stretches and deforms.
Researchers found that working to fatigue with lighter loads is equally effective for inducing muscle growth and promoting strength as training with heavy weights. The study challenges conventional wisdom on weightlifting and provides evidence for a simpler paradigm of resistance training.
Research reveals rats' ability to chew and gnaw makes their bite more effective than specialized rodents like squirrels and guinea pigs. The study suggests that the rat's muscle adaptation is key to its success, allowing it to efficiently eat through a wide variety of materials.
A recent study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that a soy-based S-equol supplement reduced hot flash frequency by 3.09-3.66 daily and muscle/joint pain significantly compared to a standard soy isoflavone supplement. The study involved 102 US postmenopausal women who experienced high hot flash frequencies.
A new study found that consuming a blend of proteins (soy, whey and casein) post-workout can increase muscle protein synthesis and provide an extended release of amino acids. This combination appears to offer the optimal delivery of essential amino acids for up to five hours.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new brain-machine interface that directly delivers electrical signals from the brain to muscles, enabling complex movement of a paralyzed hand. The device was tested on monkeys and showed promising results, with potential applications for paralyzed patients.
Researchers have developed a neuroprosthesis that combines brain-computer interface and functional electrical stimulation to restore complex hand movements in paralyzed monkeys. The device bypasses the spinal cord, allowing intentional, brain-controlled muscle contractions.
A new study found that women's knees are more susceptible to injury due to differences in motion and nervous system processing. Women tend to have knee motions that make them more prone to ACL injuries, whereas men's knees process nerve impulses similar to explosive muscle usage.
Researchers have discovered a hormone that can be produced by fat stem cells to lower blood sugar levels and improve metabolism. The hormone appears to bypass the need for insulin, sending glucose out of the bloodstream and into muscle cells.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reveals that rapamycin triggers diabetic-like symptoms in some patients through activity of protein YY1. The researchers found that mice without the YY1 protein were protected against the effects, raising caution about the use of rapamycin.
A study found that experienced Tai Chi practitioners have better arterial compliance and knee muscle strength than their non-practitioner counterparts. This suggests that Tai Chi may be a suitable exercise for older people to improve both cardiovascular function and body strength, without compromising arterial health.
A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology confirms IVIg as an effective treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The therapy has been shown to be as effective as plasma exchange in treating GBS, with long-term use also helping to manage CIDP. Serious side effects a...
Scientists have developed thin, flexible 'electronic skin' patches that can monitor brain, heart, and muscle activity without wires or invasive procedures. The patches can be applied to the skin like temporary tattoos and provide real-time health data through wireless capabilities.
A study published in PNAS reveals that a deficiency of Mitofusin 2 protein causes insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in mice, highlighting its potential as a target for treating type 2 diabetes. The researchers also note that the protein plays a crucial role in maintaining normal glucose homeostasis.
The University of Texas at Dallas and Virginia Tech have created an undersea vehicle inspired by the common jellyfish, which runs on renewable energy. The robotic jellyfish, dubbed Robojelly, feeds off hydrogen and oxygen gases found in water, producing only water as waste.
Researchers have discovered two proteins, Kif5B and MAP7, that play a vital role in positioning muscular nuclei on the edge of muscle fibers. The study, published in Nature, sheds light on the mechanism behind this process, which is essential for skeletal muscle function.
Researchers discovered that Fasudil increases the size of muscle fibers and their connection to motor neurons, improving the movement of SMA mice. This treatment bypasses the genetic cause of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) by targeting the ROCK intracellular signaling pathway.
Researchers discovered that exercise alters DNA molecules within muscles, leading to improved strength and metabolism. The study also found that caffeine can mimic this effect, suggesting a potential alternative to traditional exercise for some individuals.
The study found that the conversion of testosterone to DHT is not necessary for its effects on muscle mass, strength, and other body functions. The findings suggest that 5α-reductase inhibitors may be safe for men with normal or high testosterone levels, but measurement of testosterone levels may be useful to identify those less likely...
Researchers discovered that inhibiting the activity of Forkhead boxO proteins prevents muscle loss in cancer and sepsis, while promoting muscle growth in healthy control animals. This breakthrough offers new potential treatments for muscle-wasting diseases.
Researchers used computer models to reconstruct T. rex's jaw muscle and found its bite force could reach up to 57,000 Newtons, making it the most powerful bite among terrestrial animals.
A Nationwide Children's Hospital study found that muscle regeneration may create an ideal environment for rhabdomyosarcoma to arise. The research uses mouse models of muscular dystrophy to investigate the growth of eRMS, a fast-growing and highly malignant tumor subtype.
A new clinical trial shows that high doses of 'load' through programmed electrical stimulation of the muscle significantly slows bone density loss in patients with spinal cord injury. Average bone density in the femur was almost 40% lower in patients who received low or no load compared to those who received high load.
Researchers at EMBL Hamburg used advanced techniques to study myomesin's three-dimensional structure and its role in maintaining muscle fibers. The discovery sheds light on the protein's function in living organisms, particularly in animal models.
A protein called biglycan is essential for stabilizing synapses at the neuromuscular junction, a process crucial for muscle control and long-term health. Research suggests that biglycan could be a potential therapy for motor neuron diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy and ALS.
Scientists at EMBL Hamburg have discovered the myomesin protein can stretch up to two-and-a-half times its length, unfolding in a previously unknown way. The study reveals the protein's superhelical architecture and unusual elastic properties, shedding new light on muscle contraction mechanisms.
A new surgical procedure called superior rectus transposition with adjustable medial rectus recession has shown promising results in aligning the eyes of patients with complex strabismus. The procedure, adopted at Boston Children's Hospital, allows for precise eye movement fine-tuning in the recovery room or up to a week after surgery,...
A University of Colorado Boulder study found that continued practice after mastering a task can decrease overall energy costs by up to 20%, making movements more efficient. The research, led by Assistant Professor Alaa Ahmed, used robotic arm exercises to measure metabolic cost and muscle activity in test subjects.
Researchers found that 12-weeks of high-speed power training improves muscular power in older people. The study showed significant gains in neuromuscular and cardiovascular function, as well as improved functional capacity and quality of life. Power training is a promising measure for preventing or reducing loss of functional capacity ...
Researchers found that agrin and LRP4 form two diverse work teams to activate MuSK, enabling communication between neurons and muscles. This discovery may lead to new treatments for myasthenia gravis and other muscle diseases, as well as insights into neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A study by Concordia University and McGill University Health Centre found a strong link between muscle mass and strength in cancer patients with severe fatigue. The researchers suggest that specialized strength training programs could improve muscle mass and reduce fatigue, enhancing the quality of life for these patients.
Research reveals that cirrhosis patients losing muscle mass have a significantly shorter survival rate than those with normal muscle mass. The study's findings suggest that muscle mass should be considered alongside current scoring systems when assessing transplant list placement.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that exercise can trigger adult stem cells in muscle, releasing growth factors that promote muscle regeneration. The findings may provide a link between exercise and muscle health, with potential applications for rehabilitation and preventing age-related muscle loss.
Researchers at McMaster University found a 10-minute massage significantly reduces inflammation in muscle, triggering biochemical signals that can aid healing. The study suggests massage may be an effective alternative to pain medications for recovery from injury.