Articles tagged with Muscles
A new gene therapy approach has shown promising results in treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in mice by improving muscle strength, coordination, and locomotion. The treatment involves injecting the gene-carrying therapeutic directly into the brain and spinal cord of newborn mice.
A study by Henry Ford Hospital researchers found Mechanomyography (MMG) to be extremely effective in detecting the presence of nerves during minimally invasive surgical procedures. MMG detected nerves on average 1.2 seconds earlier than Electromyography (EMG), using approximately half the amount of stimulating current.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified the role of VEGF-B protein in regulating fatty acid transport proteins in blood vessel walls, leading to increased fat intake and potential new treatments for metabolic diseases. The study found that blocking VEGF-B signalling may reduce insulin resistance and blood glucose levels.
A new procedure using grafts of muscle and connective tissue from the neck has resulted in improved appearance for at least two years. The amount of vermilion showing increased by an average of 20 percent to 24 percent, while the average projection of the upper and lower lip increased by an average of 0.9 to 0.99 millimeters.
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that short-term high-intensity interval training (HIT) can be an effective alternative to traditional long-term exercise. By incorporating brief bursts of intense exercise, individuals can improve muscle function and burn fat without needing extensive exercise time.
A recent study by Dr. Richard Kremer found that nearly 60% of healthy young women had insufficient vitamin D levels, leading to increased body fat and decreased muscle strength. The research highlights the importance of vitamin D in maintaining overall health and suggests a potential link between low vitamin D levels and various diseases.
A team of scientists at UC San Diego identified a protein called Sestrin as a natural inhibitor of aging and age-related pathologies in fruit flies. Sestrin regulates the AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) and Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway, which controls aging and metabolism.
A study published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that soccer training increases bone density, muscle mass, and postural balance in both young and older adults. The results suggest that soccer is an effective method for reducing the risk of falls and fractures, particularly among women and elderly men.
The American Academy of Neurology has released a new guideline evaluating the treatment options for muscle cramps. Quinine is no longer recommended for routine muscle cramps due to potential serious side effects, while naftidrofuryl and diltiazem may be considered as alternative treatments. More research is needed on these options.
A Stanford University School of Medicine review confirms FDA concerns about quinine's effectiveness and safety for treating muscle cramps. The study suggests alternative therapies like vitamin B complex, calcium-channel blocking agents, and anti-epileptic drugs may be effective but require further research.
Research shows that eye position has no effect on speed and agility in mammals, with some species able to travel as fast as cheetahs without blurring vision. The vestibulo-ocular reflex is adapted through muscle switching, allowing the brain to cope with changing eye positions.
Researchers discovered a link between antioxidant enzyme deficiency and impaired mitochondrial function, leading to muscle cell death. The findings offer new insights into sarcopenia and neuromuscular diseases, potentially paving the way for future muscle-preserving therapies.
Researchers found that humans' heel-first gait is more efficient for walking due to reduced energy loss and improved muscle efficiency. However, there was no significant difference in efficiency between heel-first and toe-first postures while running.
A study published in CMAJ found that low handgrip strength at 85 and 89 years is associated with increased all-cause mortality, highlighting its potential as a tool to assess mortality. The researchers also found that handgrip strength has a greater impact on mortality as people age.
A team of Marshall University researchers has successfully developed bionanomotors that can efficiently transport and manipulate single molecules at the nanoscale. Using myosin and actin proteins, they created a system that can move cargo with controlled movement and stop it at designated points.
Researchers identify potential new targets for preventing early loss of transplanted pancreatic islets, which could improve the efficiency of pancreatic islet transplantation. Meanwhile, studies show that engineering macrophages to store triacylglycerol protects mice from diet-induced insulin resistance and inflammation.
A study published in Physical Therapy found that decreased muscle strength is associated with difficulty performing daily activities like stooping, crouching, and kneeling. Older adults with weakened trunk extensor, knee extensor, and ankle flexion muscles had significant difficulties with these tasks.
Researchers at Kansas State University found that antioxidants can cause harm by suppressing key signaling mechanisms necessary for muscle function. The study suggests that increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skeletal muscle is crucial during physical activity.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology suggests that human running speeds can exceed 28 mph due to limitations imposed by muscle fiber contractile speed. Researchers found that elite sprinters' foot-ground contact times are brief, implying a biological limit on how quickly muscles can generate forces.
Researchers at UC Davis develop artificial muscles to restore eyelid blinking in patients with facial paralysis, a development that could benefit thousands of people. The technique uses electroactive polymer artificial muscles and may also be used to control other parts of the body.
Researchers found that tendons play an active role in initiating bone ridge patterning and regulating skeletal growth. The discovery sheds light on a key mechanism underlying the assembly of the musculoskeletal system.
A new study reveals how the ATP-sensitive potassium channel affects food intake and energy balance, pointing to a potential pathway for managing and preventing obesity. Disrupting the channel's function in mice led to reduced fat deposition and increased energy efficiency, but also impaired endurance.
Researchers find that muscles with inefficient energy-burning mechanisms contribute to obesity, proposing a potential anti-obesity strategy involving muscle-targeted treatments. Regular activity or exercise may increase muscle calorie burn, aiding weight control.
Researchers found that MyoD activates CDC6 expression to promote rapid proliferation of muscle stem cells. The study suggests a new mechanism for muscle regeneration and highlights the importance of transcription factors in controlling cell cycle progression.
A study published in the FASEB Journal shows that free radicals cause mitochondrial damage in muscle cells, resulting in accelerated age-related muscle loss. Researchers hope to develop new treatments to slow or limit this process.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a previously unknown gene, ZBED6, that regulates muscle growth in pigs and has evolved to be essential for placental mammals. The study found that the protein plays a crucial role in regulating hundreds of genes in mammals.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a naturally occurring molecule in muscle tissue can slow the progression of Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) in mice. The study suggests that the molecule, microRNA-206, may be used to develop potential therapies for ALS by promoting nerve regeneration and delaying symptoms.
A new study demonstrates that muscle cells grown in the lab can restore an intestine's ability to squeeze shut properly. The technique may strengthen sphincters, which are bands of muscle separating intestinal sections, and treat conditions like gastric reflux and fecal incontinence.
Researchers found that mice deficient in a gene required for autophagy develop muscle atrophy and weakening, resembling certain diseases. Maintaining normal autophagy levels is crucial to clear away damaged cells and prevent muscle weakness with age.
Researchers found that good taste and pleasant meals stimulate muscle glucose uptake and decrease blood glucose levels. Orexin is involved in the regulation of muscle glucose metabolism, suggesting a potential role in controlling feeding behavior and blood sugar levels.
Researchers have identified a new genetic cause of cardiac failure, specifically mutations in the nexilin protein that destabilize the Z-disk. This discovery has significant implications for clinical therapy, suggesting that early treatment with stress-reducing medications may prevent progressive damage to the heart.
Chronic musculoskeletal pain in two or more locations and high levels of severe pain are linked to a higher risk of falls in older adults. The study found that participants who reported chronic pain had an increased rate of falls, with those reporting the highest levels of pain severity also at elevated risk.
A mechanical model of vocalization has been developed to study the phonation process and combat voice disorders. The model, which mimics the airflow and vibrations within the vocal folds, aims to improve surgical assessments for patients undergoing vocal tract surgery.
A study by the American Physiological Society found that strength training exercises using dumbbells can improve function and reduce pain in the trapezius muscle of women suffering from trapezius myalgia. The exercises also enhance the muscle's ability to respond quickly and forcefully.
Scientists have found that odor-detecting tools in the nose, specifically MOR23, aid muscle cells' repair process. The receptor regulates cell migration and adhesion to form long fibers, offering potential new treatments for muscular dystrophies.
A study demonstrates the effectiveness of a gene delivery strategy producing follistatin, which inhibits myostatin, in non-human primates, showing pronounced increases in muscle size and strength. The treatment is well-tolerated and has long-term effects, paving the way for potential clinical trials.
A study found higher Anisakis spp presence in anchovies from Atlantic South East coast and Mediterranean North West coast. Freezing or cooking fish can reduce the risk of anisakiasis.
A study of 970 older adults found that those with weaker muscles were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and experience cognitive decline. Muscle strength was also linked to the development of mild cognitive impairment, suggesting a common pathogenesis underlying loss of muscle strength and cognition in aging.
A study by Indiana University found that adults with intellectual disabilities increased their personal health knowledge after taking a semi-weekly class for four weeks. The study also investigated the use of stability balls at work, finding that they can strengthen core muscles and promote more natural movement.
Researchers at EMBL developed an integrated approach to forecast CRM activity, predicting gene expression patterns in fruit fly development. The study identifies flexibility in genetic regulation, enabling organism development without essential transcription factors.
Researchers found a significant link between osteoporosis and bronchiectasis, as well as a new formula to calculate 'lung age' in smokers that may help with quitting. Low muscle mass and high body fat are also associated with poor lung function in the elderly. Additionally, vitamin B12 deficiency may be linked to chronic cough.
Researchers found that sprinters have significantly shorter lever arms in their ankles compared to non-sprinters. This allows muscles to produce greater force without sacrificing speed. The study suggests that a unique foot structure is essential for sprinting success, with longer toes providing an additional advantage.
Research by Stephen Piazza and Sabrina Lee found that elite sprinters' Achilles tendons translate 25% less than non-sprinters. Despite this mechanical disadvantage, sprinters still possess a powerful push-off due to slow-contracting muscles producing greater forces.
Muscle weakness is a common side effect of long stays in intensive care units, increasing mortality rates and prolonging hospital stays. New classification scheme proposed by researchers helps identify treatable complications acquired in ICUs.
A recent study found that consuming moderate amounts of protein per meal, around 30 grams, is most effective for building muscle. Eating larger portions does not necessarily lead to greater muscle synthesis. Shifting extra protein from dinner to lunch and breakfast may help optimize daily intake and reduce muscle loss in the elderly.
Researchers at MIT and San Camillo Hospital have shown that motor impairments in stroke patients can be understood as impairments in specific combinations of muscle activity. The findings support the concept of synergies, which are thought to represent fundamental building blocks for complex movements.
A new publication in Molecular Therapy outlines the dramatic effects of an exon skipping PPMO in preventing severe deterioration of dystrophin-deficient mice. The treatment restores dystrophin protein expression and maintains near-normal muscle function, suggesting great potential for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients.
A two-year study will assess the impact of exercise on physical and mental health in ICU patients on ventilators. The research aims to improve recovery outcomes by reducing muscle loss and inflammation.
A systematic review of 62 trials involving 7,101 women found minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations to be just as effective as traditional open surgery for stress urinary incontinence. The procedures had shorter operating times and were more effective than a second type of open surgery.
A high-fat diet impairs muscle health in adolescents with pre-diabetes, leading to initial adaptations but ultimately decreased ability to use fat or glucose as fuel. The study suggests early therapeutic interventions are needed to prevent long-term functional impairment.
Researchers found that a program combining pelvic floor muscle exercises with pelvic health education can significantly improve urinary incontinence symptoms in elderly women. The study showed that 83% of participants experienced improved symptoms, including reduced frequency of urination, urine leakage, and increased self-confidence.
Researchers identified critical biochemical pathways linked to human muscle aging, revealing that old human muscle stem cells can be restored to youthful vigor with the right mix of biochemical signals. The study provides promising new targets for preventing muscle atrophy and other tissue degenerative disorders.
A new study published in Emotion journal proposes that consciousness mediates competing requests from different parts of the brain, allowing for decision-making and action. The research found that participants were more aware of conflicting urges involving skeletal muscles, such as those controlling movement or body temperature.
Researchers at University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have found that increasing insulin levels can restore impaired muscle-building processes in elderly individuals. This breakthrough suggests a novel approach to addressing age-related muscle loss and has implications for developing new treatments.
Researchers found that acetaminophen intervention restored Akt activity in aged muscles, improving cell size and reducing death. The study's results suggest the pain reliever may be beneficial for treating age-related muscle dysfunction.
Researchers have uncovered the genetic switch that controls macrophage polarization, essential for muscles to regenerate properly. Macrophage polarization allows them to shift from clearing debris to promoting repair in damaged areas.
A study published in Genetics suggests that superoxides from the air can harm muscle tissue, leading to problems like aging and Parkinson's disease. Researchers found that introducing a mitochondrial enzyme helped protect muscle cells, increasing survival rates in fruit flies.
Critically ill patients in ICUs can benefit from mild physical therapy exercises to reduce muscle wasting and promote recovery. The new approach involves introducing muscle-strengthening exercises early into treatment plans, with patients exercising while on ventilators and other life-support equipment.
Researchers are investigating the impact of low-level inflammation on skeletal muscle in obese individuals. They aim to determine how obesity affects muscle synthesis and breakdown, and whether an insulin-sensitising drug can reverse these effects.
Research by the University of Nottingham found that older people's muscles are less responsive to insulin, leading to increased muscle breakdown. Weight training has been shown to improve blood flow and potentially mitigate this effect. This blunting of muscle response may contribute to age-related muscle loss.