Articles tagged with Muscles
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Recent APS exercise research highlights significant findings in various areas, including reduced flu mortality and improved cardiovascular function. Studies on protein expression and skeletal muscle regeneration have also shed light on the mechanisms behind these processes.
The Wisconsin team developed two assays for botulinum toxin, including a real-time test and a cell-based assay that can screen millions of chemicals. The new technology could lead to the development of drugs that act like a prophylactic to confer protection from botulinum poisoning.
In a breakthrough study, scientists discovered that stimulating the production of utrophin improves muscle function and quality in mice with muscular dystrophy. The research uses a small molecule to turn on utrophin production, bypassing the need for gene therapy. Utrophin levels increased by threefold, leading to improved muscle tissu...
Researchers are using genetically engineered 'mighty mice' to study the relationship between muscle and bone health. They hope to find a way to build bone and avoid osteoporosis in young people. Early evidence suggests that exercise may not have as much of an impact on bone density as previously thought.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that Coxsackievirus A21 can cause polio-like symptoms in genetically engineered mice, as it bypasses the usual nasal cavity route and infects muscle cells instead. The findings have significant implications for the understanding of viral behavior and potential vaccine development.
A rapid review of the Atkins diet suggests that it can lead to significant weight loss in the short-term, with individuals on the low-carbohydrate diet losing more weight than those on an energy-restricted low-fat diet. However, long-term effects and potential health risks remain uncertain, highlighting the need for further research.
A new study found that eccentric muscle training, such as hiking downhill, improves glucose tolerance by 25.0%, compared to 9.4% with concentric training, like hiking uphill. This research provides insight into the specific metabolic effects of different types of exercise on glucose metabolism in humans.
Researchers used an extremely sensitive measurement technique to study myosin VI's movement. They found that it walks in a 'hand-over-hand' mechanism, causing part of the protein to come undone. This challenges the long-held inchworm motion theory for this molecular motor.
A 56-year-old man with a cancer-induced jawbone removal underwent a new bone grafting procedure, resulting in successful bone remodelling and mineralisation. He regained the ability to chew and enjoyed his first solid meal in 9 years after transplantation.
A genetically engineered mouse with activated PPAR-delta receptor burns fat more rapidly, resulting in improved endurance exercise capabilities. This discovery may lead to new treatments for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Researchers found a five-fold increase in knee torque and muscle force when humans switch from walking to running. This increased force generation leads to higher energy costs for running compared to walking due to the more flexed knee joint.
Researchers genetically engineered mice to enhance endurance by altering muscle fiber types. These changes improved running performance, but also led to muscle damage when pushed too far. Additionally, a new technique using PPARα protein transformed slow-twitch fibers into fast-twitch fibers, increasing exercise time and distance.
The study found that mice with enhanced PPAR-delta activity exhibit a major transformation in skeletal muscle fibers, increasing slow-twitch fiber population and decreasing fast-twitch fiber population. This leads to improved endurance and protection against weight gain, even on high-fat diets.
Researchers at UCSD developed genetically modified mice with superior endurance capabilities by deleting the HIF-1 gene, which enables aerobic energy production. These 'super mice' can run and swim longer than normal counterparts but exhibit muscle damage after prolonged exercise, highlighting a double-edged effect.
Researchers discovered that muscles use acidosis to maintain proper nerve signal response, avoiding fatigue. By peeling away the muscle fiber's surface membrane, the team studied the effects of acidity on force response, finding it counteracts fatigue at a critical step in excitation-contraction-coupling.
Scientists at UCSF discovered a new protein, SNF-6, that transports neurotransmitter acetylcholine away from the nerve-muscle synapse, potentially treating muscular dystrophy. The protein plays a critical role in clearing excess acetylcholine during intense muscle activity, preventing muscle degeneration.
A new minimally invasive approach to upper lumbar fusion surgery has been developed, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes. The procedure, which involves a direct lateral approach through the psoas muscle, offers several practical advantages, including minimal muscular retraction and bleeding.
The USC Biomechanics Research Laboratory uses high-tech biomedical modeling to analyze athlete performance, identifying areas for improvement. The lab's approach combines experimental and simulation results to develop personalized training plans for athletes.
Researchers found that muscle mechanoreceptor stimulation, independent of central command, significantly increased forearm sweat rate during passive cycling recovery. In contrast, chest sweat rate was only increased at the mid-recovery period. The study suggests that muscle mechanoreceptors are equally important in producing sweat as h...
Researchers have identified a new source of stem cells that can restore dystrophin expression and improve function in dystrophic skeletal muscle. Circulating AC133+ stem cells from humans showed potential in treating muscular dystrophy.
Researchers found a naturally occurring mutation in a child's myostatin gene, resulting in twice the normal muscle mass. The discovery provides hope for agents blocking myostatin activity to increase muscle mass in humans.
A study of over 200 patients with hernia found that post-surgical pain was inversely related to age, with younger patients experiencing less pain. Laparoscopic repair was also associated with lower first-day pain scores and faster return to normal activities compared to open surgery.
Researchers discovered that the Hoxb1 gene is necessary for forming a circuit between the brain and facial muscles, controlling movements such as blinking and facial expressions. The study's findings have implications for understanding and potentially treating Mobius syndrome and other nerve-related disorders.