Research on muscle biology and repair. Covers tissue maintenance, Parkinson's protection, repair-cell preservation, and muscle strength with age.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Research reveals that humans can't pump enough blood to meet the demand of highly trained muscles during exercise, leading to hypotension. This finding has implications for understanding reduced exercise tolerance in pathologic conditions and may guide new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers found that expressing LARGE protein in cells from patients with distinct gene defects can restore alpha-dystroglycan's ability to bind to the extracellular matrix, leading to improved muscle structure and function. This approach may have clinical benefits for patients with muscular dystrophy.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a groundbreaking gene therapy technique that safely delivers therapeutic DNA to muscle cells. The innovative approach, which uses a non-viral method to inject genes into limb veins, has exciting implications for treating muscle and blood vessel disorders.
Researchers found that histamine cell activity continues during cataplexy, while norepinephrine and serotonin cell activity ceases, leading to loss of muscle tone. The study sheds light on the biological causes of narcolepsy and may aid in developing drugs to induce sleep and increase alertness.
Researchers found that exercising in a swimming pool during plyometric training significantly decreased muscle soreness two to three days after the workout. Muscle strength and mass increased in both groups, with no significant differences between gym-based and pool-based exercise.
A study on tablet splitting found that the practice can lead to significant weight variability and uneven drug content, potentially putting patients at risk of experiencing side effects. Researchers recommend taking the prescribed dose as intended to ensure consistent medication amounts.
Researchers found that HDAC inhibitors promote adult muscle growth and regeneration by stimulating follistatin levels in skeletal muscle tissues. Follistatin is proposed as a potential drug target to regenerate healthy new muscle tissues in animal models of muscular dystrophies.
A six-year study by University of Pittsburgh researcher found botox injections to be a safe and effective treatment for bladder dysfunction, reducing incontinence in 67.2% of patients. The therapy works by blocking muscle contractions, restoring normal bladder function and improving quality of life.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that women with overactive bladder experience reduced sexual function and thoughts. Overactive bladder affects half of the 17 million Americans suffering from it, significantly impacting their quality of life.
Max Planck researchers discovered that the body's own cannabinoid receptor acts as a protective system against colon inflammation. The study found that mutant mice lacking this receptor are more prone to inflammatory responses, but treatment with cannabinoids can alleviate inflammation in wild-type animals.
Researchers found that intact eye movements are necessary for reflexive attention development. Voluntary orientation works even with impaired eyesight.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist have developed a non-surgical treatment for cerebral palsy patients using Botox injections. The treatment has shown significant improvement in functional ability and muscle relaxation, allowing patients to perform daily activities with greater ease.
This May 2004 Ophthalmology journal issue covers a range of topics including refractive surgery, protective eyewear in the military, and ultraviolet absorption of intraocular lenses. Key findings also include higher risk of multiple falls among elderly women with visual acuity loss and patterns of macular edema in patients with uveitis.
A study by Dr. Jonathan Strober found creatine supplementation to be safe in children with neuromuscular disorders, but failed to improve muscle mass or motor function. The treatment had varying effects on range of motion in patients with different conditions.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that natural testosterone delivery products improved muscle strength and function in HIV-infected women with low testosterone levels. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in muscle mass and overall quality of life.
A Mayo Clinic study found that most children with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) carry a particular gene from their mother, triggering an immune response. The research suggests that maternal cells may play a role in the development of JDM, a rare condition that causes inflammation and muscle damage.
A three-year study shows that Botox injections significantly improve the voices and quality of life of patients with spasmodic dysphonia. The treatment produces a powerful and sustained improvement in voice-related quality of life, even after repeated injections.
A new study found that sacral nerve stimulation significantly reduces the number of weekly episodes of incontinence, from 16 to 3-2 per week after one-two years. The technique also shows an improvement in quality-of-life scores and is a safe option for patients with intact or repaired anal sphincters.
Researchers successfully converted muscle stem cells into cells showing properties of neurons through the use of an artificial gene. This breakthrough suggests that stem cells may be 'flexible' and able to develop into different cell types, paving the way for potential neuroregeneration techniques.
Researchers found that ultrasound treatment didn't hasten healing for muscle contusions in rats. In fact, the treated muscles healed at the same rate as non-treated muscles, suggesting no physiological benefit from ultrasound.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a second chemical pathway that enhances smooth-muscle cell contraction when the primary pathway is limited. This finding has implications for treating conditions such as hypertension and other smooth muscle-related disorders.
Defects in mitofusin 2, a critical mitochondrial fusion gene, underlie CMT type 2A. Gene therapy may alleviate symptoms by restoring lost gene function.
Researchers discovered a myosin gene mutation that correlates with anatomical changes in early hominid fossil record, including smaller jaw muscles and larger brain size. The mutation, estimated at 2.5 million years ago, may have lifted an evolutionary constraint on brain growth in early humans.
A new study found that carbohydrate intake has a limited positive impact on muscle protein synthesis after resistance exercise, but not enough to achieve the desired effect. Muscle protein breakdown decreased and net balance improved in the carbohydrate group compared to the placebo group.
Studies investigate relationships between energy expenditure, lean muscle mass, and upper-body strength in persons with SCI. Researchers also explore potential treatments for bowel movement issues, respiratory problems, and pain management.
A study suggests that genetic enhancement can increase muscle mass and strength in rats, which could benefit elite athletes, patients with muscle wasting, and elderly individuals. The research also highlights the need for regulatory bodies to distinguish between allowed and banned endurance enhancement practices.
A study found that mice with silenced small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels in the DCN had increased firing rates and ataxia. Despite this, Purkinje cell input into the DCN remained intact, indicating a direct relationship between SK channel regulation and proper muscle coordination.
Researchers discovered that Ozz-E3 ligase is essential for the correct assembly of sarcomeres, which disrupts muscle formation. The study also found a close link between PPCA and Ozz genes, potentially explaining why some children with severe neurodegenerative disease suffer from muscle disorders.
Researchers have created a strain of mouse whose muscle cells continuously produce mIGF-1, leading to significant muscle regeneration and tissue repair. This breakthrough sheds light on how stem cells specialize and integrate into damaged tissues.
Researchers have found that patients with spinal cord injuries can generate muscle activity independent of brain signals when one leg is moved during therapy. This discovery has significant implications for developing rehabilitation strategies and improving walking abilities in spinal cord injury patients.
Researchers at Northeastern University have demonstrated that swinging limbs during running requires significant energy, contrary to previous research. They estimated energy use by measuring blood flow to hind leg muscles of guinea fowl and found swing-phase muscles consume 26% of energy.
A traditional herbal medicine enhances bilirubin clearance by activating the nuclear receptor CAR, potentially improving pharmaceutical treatments for neonatal jaundice. Additionally, a viral cure for type 1 diabetes has been discovered, where infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus completely abolishes the diabetic process i...
Research by Stanford researcher Thomas Rando and postdoctoral scholar Irina Conboy found that older muscles produce less Delta after injury, leading to slower regeneration. However, artificially activating Delta in older muscles restored regenerative ability comparable to younger muscle, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
Women with myasthenia gravis are at increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including higher rates of cesarean section and preterm rupture of amniotic membranes. However, neonatal deaths and prematurity were not significantly affected by the condition.
Researchers are developing a new drug to treat myasthenia gravis by targeting the nerve-muscle communication point and reducing complement activation. The study aims to provide a more effective treatment with fewer side effects than existing therapies, which have limited success due to their adverse effects.
The Rochester center will focus on three uncommon neurological disorders: periodic paralysis, episodic ataxia, and nondystrophic myotonias. These disorders are caused by abnormal cell channels or gates that regulate crucial chemicals in our cells, leading to symptoms such as paralysis, muscle stiffness, and coordination loss.
Regular exercise has been shown to have a generalized beneficial effect on how the brain functions, reducing symptoms of depression in both animals and humans. Mental practice can also improve strength and recovery from spinal cord injuries.