Research on muscle biology and repair. Covers tissue maintenance, Parkinson's protection, repair-cell preservation, and muscle strength with age.
A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that trained sexologists could correctly infer vaginal orgasm through watching the way women walked over 80% of the time. The sum of stride length and vertebral rotation was greater for vaginally orgasmic women, suggesting a link between gait and sexual function.
Researchers found that cyclic compression of muscles after intense exercise reduced swelling and muscle damage in a study using animals. The massaged muscles recovered an estimated 60% of strength and had fewer damaged muscle fibers compared to rested muscles.
Researchers investigated physiological methods used by well-trained runners to control exercise intensity and avoid exhaustion. They found that heart rate response scales with race distance, indicating athletes actively manage their body's increasing strain.
The project utilizes physiological information to develop more sophisticated assistive aids for individuals with neuromuscular diseases and musculoskeletal injuries. Researchers aim to create robotic orthoses that can aid patients with muscular dystrophy regain significant use of their limbs.
Researchers focus on two muscle fibre types to achieve tastier cuts of meat without sacrificing production values. The study aims to identify genes important in slow muscle growth, enabling farmers to breed naturally flavorful and succulent meat.
A randomized, placebo-controlled study found that creatine supplementation had negligible effects on exercise function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite increased muscle creatine levels, the study's results suggest that physical training alone remains essential for improving outcomes.
Researchers discover two compounds that enhance exercise endurance in mice, offering potential therapeutic benefits for certain muscle diseases. The drugs, PPARd and AICAR, work by reprogramming muscle gene activity, increasing running distance and time by up to 70%.
Two drugs, GW1516 and AICAR, have been identified by researchers to enhance exercise endurance by increasing fat burning in muscle fibers. In laboratory experiments, mice treated with the drugs ran longer distances on treadmill tests than untreated animals, with one compound increasing endurance by 44 percent.
A CU-Boulder study using a space-age, low-gravity training machine found it reduced impacts on muscles and joints by nearly half when subjects ran at 50% of their body weight. The G-Trainer, built by Alter-G Inc., was retrofitted with force-measuring technology to quantify its effects.
Researchers from Stanford's Bio-X program have devised a needle-thin probe to observe sarcomeres, the basic contracting engines of muscle, in live humans. This microendoscopy technique provides an alternative to painful muscle biopsy and could prove useful in understanding muscular diseases.
Researchers have shown that purified stem cells isolated from adult skeletal muscle can restore healthy muscle and improve muscle function in mice with muscular dystrophy. The injected cells also replenished the pool of regenerative cells normally found in muscle, allowing the treated muscle to undergo subsequent rounds of injury repair.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have successfully transplanted muscle stem cells into mice with muscular dystrophy, improving muscle function and replenishing the stem cell population. This breakthrough study demonstrates the potential of stem cell therapy for treating degenerative muscle diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Researchers found that songbirds control their songs with superfast muscles that can produce work at frequencies over 100 Hz, a 100 times faster than human blink rate. This discovery suggests these muscles are more common than previously thought and provide precise control of song modulations.
Researchers found that rats on diets enriched with industrial or natural trans-fats showed no significant changes in insulin or glucose responses. The study also confirmed these findings in cell culture studies, indicating that muscles can utilize trans-fatty acids without increasing the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.
Researchers discovered that European starlings and zebrafinches control their songs with the fastest-contracting muscle type yet described. These songbirds can alter volume and frequency of their songs up to 250 times per second, providing precise control over their vocalizations.
Researchers are studying two myostatin inhibitors to optimize recovery of injured soldiers, with promising results in muscle regeneration and bone formation. The goal is to develop a stronger, more rapid recovery for victims of traumatic limb injuries.
A new study led by Dr Alexandra Sänger found that slower exercise methods, such as SuperSlow, increase muscle mass and reduce connective tissue, benefiting menopausal women. The results suggest that these exercises may contribute to a better quality of life in old age.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that athletes who ingested caffeine with carbohydrate after exhaustive exercise had 66% more glycogen in their muscles four hours later. This suggests that post-exercise caffeine consumption can aid in muscle refueling and potentially enhance athletic performance.
Researchers identified two key pathways controlling adult stem cells' repair and replacement abilities. By tweaking these pathways, they revived the ability of old mice's muscle tissue to repair itself nearly as well as younger counterparts.
Research shows that patients need to re-learn the sit-to-stand position technique after TKA, relying on a larger hip extensor movement. Physical therapists can help by teaching correct techniques, potentially preventing future knee osteoarthritis.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a key molecule linked to the progression of ALS. The protein VAPB plays a crucial role in regulating nerve-cell interactions and protein folding, with abnormal function contributing to the disease.
A new University of Illinois study found that a higher-protein diet with lean meats and low-fat dairy can lead to significant weight loss without compromising bone health. The research, published in the Journal of Nutrition, showed that participants who followed this type of diet experienced stable or even increased bone density.
Researchers are rethinking how muscles work by studying toads' rapid feeding actions. They've discovered that muscles behave like springs, allowing for efficient energy storage and release. This new model could lead to innovations in prosthetics, electric motors, and treatments for Parkinson's disease.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.