Articles tagged with Muscles
Researchers found a motor protein, myosin 2, remains structurally identical in turkeys and scallops despite their different physical paths. This suggests the protein's importance in regulating smooth muscle function, potentially holding key to understanding aneurisms in humans.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have discovered a potential new treatment for cardiac complications in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that administering sildenafil protects the heart in mice with the disease.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends botulinum toxin as an effective treatment for conditions such as cervical dystonia, spasticity, and excessive sweating. However, the toxin is not recommended for migraine or chronic tension-type headache treatment.
Experimental studies on pigs found that stun gun discharges can stimulate the heart, particularly when barbs are located across the heart. This contradicts theoretical studies suggesting that cardiac stimulation does not occur with stun gun discharges.
Researchers have discovered the molecular basis of a form of muscular dystrophy by identifying c-FLIP and calpain-3 proteins as drug targets. The study found that people with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy lack the c-FLIP protein, which regulates muscle cell death.
Researchers found that higher creatinine levels in black patients with kidney disease cannot be explained by differences in muscle mass. The study suggests new theories are needed to account for the racial difference, which could help explain why blacks are more affected by progressive chronic kidney disease.
Researchers identified a genetic defect affecting energy production in muscles of children with autism spectrum disorders, leading to muscle weakness. The study found that 65% of the children had defects in oxidative phosphorylation, highlighting the importance of understanding how genes impact mitochondrial function.
A new international study reveals how the Komodo dragon can efficiently kill prey despite having a weak bite and featherweight skull. The 'space-frame' skull, combined with powerful neck muscles and razor-sharp teeth, allows it to butcher large animal prey.
Researchers from Pitt and the University of Chicago discovered a previously unknown role of two enzymes in regulating heart muscle contractions. By controlling these enzymes, they found that heart muscle fibers become more sensitive to calcium, strengthening contraction without increasing energy consumption.
A University of Iowa study reveals a biological link between pain and fatigue, with a protein called ASIC3 playing a crucial role in protecting against muscle fatigue in women. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome due to hormonal differences.
A study by physiologists at Ball State University found that daily dosages of ibuprofen and acetaminophen increased quadriceps muscle mass and strength gained during three months of weight lifting. The findings suggest a positive effect on the metabolic response to resistance exercise, allowing for enhanced protein synthesis in muscle.
Researchers have discovered a key role for RNF5 in the development of Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis (sIBM), a muscle disease affecting older men. The study provides new insights into the mechanism underlying sIBM and offers potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
A genetic disorder linked to fatal muscle contractions during anesthesia may also be connected to heat stroke, according to new research. The study found that antioxidants could protect against heat stroke in genetically prone individuals.
A recent study found that obese adolescents burn fat at lower intensities than their lean counterparts during exercise. The researchers identified the optimal intensity levels required to maximize fat oxidation in both groups, with the lean boys reaching a higher VO2 peak and burning more fat at higher intensities.
A team of University of Michigan scientists has identified a possible link between genetic mutations and toxic substance exposure in the development of motor neuron disease. The study found that abnormal protein changes caused by organophosphate exposure may contribute to the disease, offering new leads for diagnosis and treatment.
A UC Irvine study finds that lithium chloride can slow the development of inclusion body myositis, a skeletal muscle disease affecting the elderly. The treatment reduced phospho-tau levels and motor function loss in mice, suggesting potential effectiveness for humans.
Researchers found that bile acid derivatives can activate the vitamin D receptor without causing calcium buildup, suggesting a new therapeutic direction. Additionally, overexpressing lipoprotein lipase in mice improved their tolerance to cold temperatures by increasing muscular thermogenesis.
Researchers have successfully treated mice with a gene responsible for making follistatin, a protein that inhibits myostatin, leading to long-term improvements in muscle mass and strength. The therapy has potential for older patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who often lose treatment options once muscles degenerate.
Researchers identified a protein called follistatin that could lead to new clinical treatments for musculoskeletal diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Gene-delivery therapy involving FS treated hind leg muscles of mice, resulting in increased muscle mass and strength, well-tolerated for over two years.
A new study suggests that mid-level viewing height promotes upright, symmetrical posture and low average muscle activity in children. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing display heights to reduce musculoskeletal strain in children.
Researchers analyzed skin biopsies from patients with acne before and after 1 week of treatment with 13-cis RA, suggesting new treatments may be developed to combat severe side effects. Estradiol-binding proteins play a role in protecting against hearing loss, potentially leading to new treatments for this condition as well.
A new study by the University of Calgary's Faculty of Kinesiology found that Botulinium type-A toxin (BTX-A) can easily spread to surrounding muscles after injection. This challenges the widely-held belief that BTX-A remains localized to the targeted muscle site.
A new study using neurophysiology technology will track pelvic floor damage in women before, during, and after pregnancy. The goal is to determine if vaginal birth affects pelvic floor strength and coordination, or if other factors like pregnancy itself play a role.
Researchers found that muscle cells play a vital role in communicating with neurons, and when this communication is disrupted, it can lead to nerve problems. The study provides new insights into the development of neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy and ALS.
A study published in Circulation Research reveals that flexing muscles send biochemical signals through nearby matrix proteins, increasing blood flow and potentially reversing poor circulation and healing chronic wounds. The discovery sheds light on the role of extracellular matrix proteins like fibronectin in controlling bodily function.
Researchers found that leaky muscle cells cause fatigue in both marathoners and heart failure patients. An experimental drug that plugs the leak may provide relief from exhaustion for those with chronic heart failure.
A USC biomedical engineer examines the intricate circuitry between hand manipulation skills and specialized neural circuits in the brain. The study found that the human nervous system employs a time-critical strategy for tapping and pushing, which is necessary for executing fine finger movements.
Researchers at Boston University found that increasing type II muscle mass reduces body fat and improves metabolic parameters in genetically engineered mice. This study suggests that strength training may be beneficial for overweight individuals and could lead to new treatments for obesity and diabetes.
Oregon researchers have identified a key switch that allows embryonic cells to form into muscles in zebrafish, revealing the importance of protein interaction and timing control. The discovery of Smarcd3 proteins forms a chromatin-remodeling complex that alters DNA shape, triggering muscle development.
Researchers investigated how cell signaling in the stroma of cervical cancer affects tumor growth, revealing a key role for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). A genetic variant impairing glycogen synthesis was also identified in human skeletal muscles and linked to decreased muscle glycogen content.
A new study suggests that myostatin inhibitors, currently under study for medical conditions and bodybuilding, may also increase the risk of small, brittle tendons making muscle injuries more likely. Researchers found that myostatin's absence led to shorter, stiffer tendons in mice.
Researchers have developed a technique to sort embryonic stem cells to preserve only the desired muscle-type cells, avoiding tumor formation and improving muscle strength and coordination. The study shows significant improvements in muscle function and quality of life for mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The marsupial lion's 'bolt-cutter' type teeth allowed for rapid killing of prey, while African lions used a 'clamp and hold' technique that could take up to 15 minutes. Research suggests the marsupial lion was an efficient predator that could inflict mortal wounds on large prey.
A protein found in human hair, keratin, has been shown to speed up nerve regeneration and improve nerve function in animal studies. The study used keratin-filled gels to repair nerve gaps and showed promising results compared to current treatment options.
Scientists discovered that bare subatomic protons can act like neurotransmitters, making gut muscles contract in round worms. The researchers identified genes and proteins involved in the process and found proton pumps and receptors in human intestinal cells and brains.
Researchers discovered that a transient and local rise in interleukin-6 (IL-6) is essential for the growth of muscle fibers. This finding could lead to new treatments for reversing or improving muscle loss in diseases such as cancer and AIDS, as well as normal aging.
Researchers connected to the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven have been able to prevent muscular tissue with severe hypoxia from dying, enabling new therapeutic possibilities for heart attacks, strokes, and organ preservation. They discovered that a metabolic shift allows muscles to use less oxygen in safer manner.
A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that specific strength training exercises led to significant prolonged relief of neck muscle pain in women. In contrast, general fitness training resulted in only a small amount of pain reduction. The study suggests that supervised high-intensity dynamic strength training may be ...
A review published in Dermatologic Therapy reveals that men need higher doses of Botox due to greater muscle mass, leading to inadequate results from under-dosing. The study suggests that larger, stronger men require more units per treatment area than slender, small-boned men.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that stimulating hand muscles using low-amplitude vibration can help treat musician's dystonia. The therapy, which lasts just 15 minutes, has been shown to restore a more normal brain response in people with the condition.
Researchers at SLU School of Medicine have found a way to prevent or reverse muscle weakness in myasthenia gravis by blocking the immune response that causes it. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for related autoimmune disorders like arthritis and lupus.
Researchers have found a naturally occurring protein called CnAß1 that permanently activates calcineurin, increasing muscle stem cell proliferation and regeneration. This uncouples the protein's activity from injury signals, making it a promising candidate for treating muscle damage and wasting.
Researchers have successfully reprogrammed human adult stem cells to correct the genetic mutation causing muscular dystrophy. The corrected cells were then transplanted into mice with the disease, resulting in significant recovery of muscle morphology and function.
Researchers at Burnham Institute for Medical Research discovered how two signaling pathways control epigenetic modifications that regulate muscle stem cell growth and differentiation. The study highlights potential pharmacological avenues for selective gene expression control in regenerative medicine.
Researchers explore how heart muscle adjusts contractions based on protein spacing and DNA elasticity, revealing new insights into cellular control and potential applications for measuring picoscale forces. The studies also provide a more accurate model for single-molecule research.
A UTSouthwestern urologist has used botulinum toxin A (Botox) injections to treat involuntary bladder contractions in quadriplegic patients. The treatment has shown promising results, enabling patients to regain control of their bladders and improve their quality of life.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new imaging technology called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) that can provide images of affected muscles with greater clarity than traditional MRI. This technology measures tissue elasticity and can detect abnormal hardening of tissues, which is a hallmark of myofascial pain syndrome.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has identified the atrogin-1 gene as a key player in statin-related muscle toxicity. The researchers found that statins activate this gene, leading to muscle damage and atrophy, with potential implications for patients taking these cholesterol-lowering drugs.
A University of Georgia study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that obesity may be bad for bone health in young women. The research used advanced three-dimensional bone scans on 115 women aged 18-19 and found that obese participants had weaker bones by 8-9% compared to those with normal body fat.
A new model regarding physical activity recommendations is emerging, highlighting the importance of non-exercise activities in countering health risks. Researchers found that sitting for extended periods can have negative effects on fat and cholesterol metabolism, while standing can burn double the number of calories.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have identified a synthetic RNA-based molecule that eliminates myotonia, a symptom of muscular dystrophy, in mice. The study restored normal muscle function by re-establishing a critical cellular mechanism that controls electrical activity in muscles.
Researchers developed a morpholino antisense oligonucleotide to correct the abnormal inclusion of exon 7a in ClC-1 mRNA, restoring chloride channel function and eliminating myotonia in mice with DM1. This approach may potentially treat myotonia in individuals with DM1.
Researchers found that skeletal myoblasts can help improve urinary incontinence in female rats with urethral sphincter deficiency when transplanted into their nerve-damaged muscles. The transplanted muscle cells increased urethral pressure, leading to significant improvement in incontinence and near-normal urethral closure pressures.
Researchers have developed a new neural-machine interface that enables prosthetic arms to respond directly to the brain's signals, allowing for greater control and movement. This technology has the potential to provide an even greater number of arm and hand movements beyond the four already achieved.
Researchers at Indiana University found that women's brains respond differently to male faces depending on the menstrual cycle stage. During ovulation, their brains show more activity in areas related to rewards and less activity in areas associated with inhibition. Additionally, training has been shown to improve balance in older adul...
Researchers found that severely restricting calories can maintain physical fitness into advanced age, reducing visceral fat and improving overall physical function assessments. This approach may slow the progression to physical disability and loss of independence.
A study found that Pycnogenol enhances healthy nitric oxide production, leading to increased blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles. The supplement allows for better expansion of arteries, meeting the enhanced oxygen demand of performing muscles.
Researchers discovered microRNAs linked to 10 major muscular disorders, opening doors to new treatments. The study found that targeting specific microRNAs may slow muscle loss by addressing the underlying biological processes.
Scientists at UCSD School of Medicine identified a potential new therapy for chronic spasticity and rigidity, a painful condition often resulting from spinal cord injuries. They found that the AMPA receptor antagonist NGX424 suppresses spasticity and rigidity in rats, providing a novel means of reducing muscle tone.
A 20-week randomized trial found that perindopril improved exercise capacity and maintained health-related quality of life in elderly participants. The degree of improvement was equivalent to that reported after 6 months of exercise training.