Research on muscle biology and repair. Covers tissue maintenance, Parkinson's protection, repair-cell preservation, and muscle strength with age.
A newly discovered muscle gene, Srpk3, has been linked to centronuclear myopathy, a rare genetic disorder affecting skeletal muscles. Researchers found that mice lacking the gene exhibit symptoms similar to those seen in humans with centronuclear myopathy, suggesting potential human mutations exist.
Researchers have successfully used human muscle-derived stem cells to restore leak-point pressure in animal models of stress urinary incontinence. The therapy involves injecting the cells into the periurethral muscle, which differentiates into new muscle fibers to prevent atrophy. Clinical trials are underway in Toronto.
Research by Yale University found that insulin-resistant individuals' mitochondria produce less ATP, a key energy molecule. This defect may explain the link between inherited type 2 diabetes risk and reduced insulin signaling.
Researchers discovered the structure of miniature motors in muscles and found out how they are switched off. By studying tarantula striated muscle, scientists created a detailed model of the myosin heads and their interactions with actin filaments.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that insulin resistance, a key factor in type 2 diabetes, develops early in life and is linked to weight gain. The researchers studied children of diabetic parents and found that insulin-resistant individuals have impaired energy production in muscle cells, leading to weight maintenance problems.
A recent study at the University of Bonn found that bone marrow-derived adult stem cells do not take on tissue-specific functions, meaning they cannot replace defective muscle cells. The researchers discovered that the cells migrate into muscle fibers but are unable to produce functioning dystrophin, a key muscle protein.
Researchers discovered that calcium fills a small structure in cells, forcing muscles to relax when full. This understanding can help doctors treat patients more accurately with the body's natural mechanisms.
Researchers have identified a crucial nicotinic receptor in nematode worms that plays a significant role in muscle contraction. The discovery may have direct relevance to humans due to the similarity between the nematode receptor and the alpha-7 nicotinic receptor found in the human brain.
Researchers at University College London have discovered that mesenchymal stem cells create both muscles and bones in vertebrates, with blurred boundaries between cell groups. This sheds new light on human diseases like Klippel-Feil syndrome, where these regions are often malformed.
Scientists at MIMR have identified adult stem cells in the uterus, which could lead to new treatments for conditions like pelvic floor prolapse. The discovery may also aid in understanding how diseases of the uterus develop and further general studies into adult stem cells.
A study by University of Illinois-Chicago researchers found that a plasminogen system component called PAI-1 actually enhances muscle regeneration when deficient. This suggests the plasminogen system may have multiple roles in muscle repair and offers potential therapeutic targets for aging and degenerative diseases.
The new center will explore basic biological mechanisms and translational research on muscular dystrophies, while providing advanced diagnostic services to patients. Researchers will investigate new treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and develop mouse models to test potential therapies.
Researchers found that Tai Chi significantly improved the physical fitness of fall-prone older adults, reducing the risk of falls and fractures. The exercise program showed a 25% reduction in walking time for those who practiced Tai Chi compared to the control group.
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel approach to creating vascularized muscle tissue using a tri-culture scaffold composed of myoblasts, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. The resulting implants showed improved integration with the host tissues and functioned in living mice and rats.
A study by Edward F. Coyle found that Lance Armstrong's long-term training increased muscular efficiency, leading to an 8% improvement in power production. Combining this with a planned weight loss, his steady-state power output improved by 18%. This increase in muscle efficiency may be due to an increase in type I muscle fibers.
A recent study published in the Journal of Physiology reveals that muscle fatigue can significantly impact limb control, particularly when visual cues are absent. This finding has significant implications for athletes involved in high-speed, precision-based sports like serving a tennis ball or shooting a bow and arrow.
A study found that a chemical hibernation trigger may help protect skeletal muscles from damage caused by lack of oxygen. The researchers discovered that the plasma from hibernating woodchucks improved muscle activity after a period of hypoxia and reoxygenation.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that opposing chemical signals from neurotransmitters sculpt the developing nervous system by preserving synapses between motor neurons and muscle cells. This process helps eliminate unnecessary sites, allowing for more efficient neural connections.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that short bursts of high-intensity exercise can improve muscle health and endurance capacity similar to traditional endurance training. The study showed a significant increase in citrate synthase, an enzyme indicating tissue oxygen utilization, in trained subjects.
Researchers found that verbal cues and internal targets affect the muscles used to produce sound and the speed of speech. In noisy conditions, speakers slowed their speech to improve intelligibility, highlighting the complexity of speech production goals.
Researchers found trospium, an anti-muscarinic drug, has a topical effect on the bladder muscle that controls contractions. This effect reduces muscle contractions and increases bladder capacity, offering new hope for patients with overactive bladder.
This article discusses various low back pain relief strategies, including prosthetic fit and production, for individuals with amputations. It also explores the impact of head and body movement on gait in patients with inner ear balance organ abnormalities.
A new kidney test using protein cystatin is more accurate than the standard test for serum creatinine in predicting risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease, especially among elderly people. The test measures kidney function independently of muscle mass, age, gender, and race.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a robotic arm called RUPERT to help stroke survivors regain basic tasks like reaching and feeding themselves. The device uses pneumatic muscles and can be programmed for repetitive exercises to improve arm and hand flexibility and strength.
A six-week cycling study found that regular exercise activates hundreds of genes in young, healthy men, some linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study also showed that individuals who improved their performance most activated more genes in the muscles, a phenomenon not previously seen.
This May 2005 Ophthalmology journal issue presents multiple research findings on various ophthalmic conditions, including temporal arteritis, isolated optic atrophy, diabetic retinopathy, and uveitis. Key studies explore the management of neurological disorders and treatment outcomes for patients with these conditions.
A study suggests non-surgical alternatives to facelifts can improve the neck and chin area, reducing the appearance of a 'wattle'. These procedures use liposuction and muscle tightening techniques, with moderate to marked improvement seen in over two-thirds of treated patients.
A new robotic arm, RUPERT I, can help stroke survivors recover motor function through repetitive exercises. The device is powered by four pneumatic muscles and adjustable to fit different body sizes.
Researchers found that subjects who watched a video of someone learning to navigate a robotic device improved their own performance when faced with similar challenges. However, the benefits of observation were diminished when performing unrelated arm movements during observation.
Scientists have found that activating PPARd genes can increase calorie burning, reduce inflammation, and build resistance to weight gain. This discovery has significant implications for treating obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, potentially using genetic engineering or experimental drugs.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have successfully reversed glycogen buildup in heart and skeletal muscle of genetically altered mice using a muscle-targeted gene therapy. This approach shows promise as a potential treatment strategy for Pompe disease patients who fail to respond to enzyme replacement therapy.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that regular aerobic exercise can help protect muscles in the elderly from damage caused by exertion. After 10 weeks of galloping on a treadmill, retired racehorses showed fewer signs of muscle damage, even after maximum capacity workouts.
Patients with Speaker's Cramp experienced significant relief from grimacing and speech difficulties after receiving Botox injections. The condition's severity was correlated to digastric muscle activity levels.
The American Physiological Society has awarded young investigators in various fields of physiological research, including respiratory physiology and epithelial renal physiology. These awards recognize outstanding promise in the field and support research that could lead to advances in stem cell therapy and gene treatment.
A study by Stanford researchers found that the youthful blood of younger mice can revive the regenerative abilities of older mice's satellite cells, which dot muscle tissue. This phenomenon was also observed in livers of older mice connected to younger lab-mates, suggesting a possible role for blood-borne factors in rejuvenation.
The study uses intense x-ray beams and electronic flight simulators to probe the muscles of flying fruit flies, revealing previously unsuspected interactions between proteins that turn 'on' and 'off'. The research has implications for understanding human heart disease and developing new models for cardiac muscle performance.
Researchers develop a new TMS method that produces controllable and long-lasting effects on the human motor cortex. The method uses short bursts of low-intensity pulses to overcome previous stimulation approaches' limitations.
Researchers at UCL discovered a new method to improve Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) that can produce effects on the brain for more than an hour. By adjusting stimulation patterns, they achieved rapid and consistent changes in the motor cortex area, outlasting conventional TMS.
Researchers at UCLA and VA discovered a link between lipin levels and body weight, finding that excess lipin can lead to accelerated weight gain in mice. Variations in lipin levels may play a role in why some people are more prone to weight gain than others.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found a significant link between heart failure and weight loss. The researchers discovered that angiotensin II inhibits IGF-1 signaling in skeletal muscle, leading to muscle loss, which is reversed by IGF-1 expression.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline recommending the use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone and deflazacort, to slow muscle deterioration in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These medications have been shown to improve muscle strength and function.
A six-year review of DETROL LA data found significant symptom reduction for overactive bladder patients, including improved quality of life measures. The medication was associated with a low frequency of side effects, particularly dry mouth.
Researchers at Stanford University have solved part of the puzzle on how Botox works by binding to specific sites on proteins called SNAREs, preventing muscle contraction and paralysis. The study could help develop alternative treatments for botulism and find new medical applications for Botox and other neurotoxins.
Researchers have developed a treatment for urinary stress incontinence using patients' own stem cells. After a 15-20 minute outpatient procedure, many patients experience no urinary leakage within 24 hours, with increased muscle mass and contractility of the sphincter and thicker urethra.
A study by Dr. Shrawan Kumar helps clarify the definition of whiplash by measuring neck muscle responses to low-velocity impacts. Turning the head reduces the risk of soft tissue injury, according to the research.
Researchers argue that running played a key role in human evolution, favoring the survival of early humans who could cover long distances. The study identified 26 traits that enhanced running ability, such as leg and foot structure and skeletal features that make the body stronger and more stable.
Scientists found that myostatin, a protein limiting muscle growth, is overproduced during PRRSV infection, resulting in reduced skeletal muscle growth and weight gain. This could be a substantial cost for pig producers.
A study by Kandarian found that muscle atrophy caused by prolonged disuse requires the involvement of nfêb1 and bcl3 genes. The researchers also discovered that NSAIDs like aspirin may partially moderate atrophy, offering a potential therapeutic approach to prevent muscle loss.
Joslin and Stanford researchers have made a breakthrough discovery about muscle regeneration, identifying the specific cells that can give rise to new muscle fibers. Contrary to previous studies, these cells are located near muscle fibers and not in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow.
A team of scientists from various universities is investigating the early mechanisms responsible for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. They aim to understand how changes in the muscle cell membrane affect signaling and lead to muscle contraction weakness.
A prospective study found that combining DETROL LA with standard treatment for enlarged prostate results in improved symptoms of overactive bladder, with 73% of patients experiencing relief. The most common side effects were dry mouth and dizziness.
Researchers have discovered that actin acts as a binding protein in the nucleus, recruiting other proteins to facilitate DNA transcription. This process is crucial for cellular activity and understanding its dysregulation is essential for developing new treatments for diseases like cancer.
Children's Hospital Boston geneticist Dr. Kunkel has made significant contributions to understanding muscular dystrophy, from identifying genes to developing new therapies. His work aims to find patterns common to all muscular dystrophies and those distinct to specific forms of the disease.
A study led by Rutgers University College of Nursing faculty member explores a new method to treat urinary incontinence in prostate cancer surgery patients. The research uses biofeedback training to help men develop the skills needed to control their bladder using their pelvic floor muscles.
Researchers have successfully engineered mice with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a particularly deadly childhood muscle cancer. The studies provide insights into the genetic events that cause the disease, paving the way for potential new therapies.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism underlying muscle wasting in various diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Blocking the NF-kB pathway can prevent muscle atrophy and prolong survival in mouse models of disease.
A study presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons annual scientific meeting found that Botox injections significantly decreased muscle spasms and pain after breast reconstruction with tissue expanders. Patients who received Botox used 89% less morphine and had shorter hospital stays compared to those in the control group.
Research reveals Interleukin-6 has various roles in metabolic gene activation, lipolysis, insulin resistance inhibition and TNF suppression. The cytokine's diverse effects make it a promising therapeutic target for treating obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
Researchers used genetic tools to study the effects of exercise and diet on obesity and diabetes. The study found that aerobic training increased key metabolic enzymes in skeletal muscle, improving glucose metabolism and reducing cardiovascular risk factors.
Research by Proctor-Leuenberger-Koch suggests that leg blood vessels constrict more in older men during exercise, indicating a compensatory mechanism for reduced cardiac output. This study aims to understand the impact of aging on blood flow to exercising muscle and target interventions to improve exercise tolerance in older adults.