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ESA Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti receives IOF President’s Award

Renowned astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti received the International Osteoporosis Foundation President’s Award for her collaboration on the "Lift Off For Bone Health" public awareness campaign. The campaign reached over three million people, with videos viewed close to two million times.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMay 5, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Blocking a tiny RNA may forestall age-related bone and muscle loss, inflammation

Scientists discovered that inhibiting microRNA-141-3p can reduce chronic inflammation, muscle loss, and bone degradation in aged mice. By blocking this tiny RNA, researchers found improvements in the spleen's immune response, lower levels of pro-inflammatory proteins, and a more youthful profile in bones and muscles.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalAging and Disease·DateMay 2, 2023

Boxing can take the fight to Parkinson’s Disease

A new study published by Edith Cowan University found that boxing programs can improve symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, including fatigue and sleep, in early-stage patients. The program combined elements of exercise, computerized cognitive training, and socialization into a single activity.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2023

Slowing down in your old age? It may be a dementia warning sign.

Research from Edith Cowan University found that lower grip strength and slower timed-up-and-go tests were significant risk factors for presenting with dementia. The study suggests that incorporating muscle function tests into dementia screening could help identify high-risk individuals who may benefit from primary prevention programs.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2023

Jellyfish-like robots could one day clean up the world’s oceans

Researchers have developed a jellyfish-like robot capable of collecting and transporting waste particles in the ocean without causing harm to marine species. The robot uses electrohydraulic actuators to swim and create currents, allowing it to trap objects along its path and transport them to the surface for recycling.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Brian Clark selected to speak, presented discoveries at NIH workshop and in Journal of Gerontology

Researcher Brian Clark presents findings on the role of the nervous system in age-related muscle weakness, exploring potential therapeutic targets such as exercise and physical therapy. His work identifies neural mechanisms linked to low nerve cell excitability, impaired signal transmission, and reduced motor network integrity.

SourceOhio University·JournalJournal of Gerontology·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 24, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Exercise boosts brain health with chemical signals

Researchers found that exercise releases chemical signals that promote neuronal development in the hippocampus, a crucial area for learning and memory. Astrocytes play a critical role in mediating the effects of exercise on brain health, helping to regulate neuronal activity and prevent hyperexcitability.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNeuroscience·DateApr 18, 2023

Limbitless Solutions selected for 2023 Unity for Humanity Grant

Limbitless Solutions has been selected as one of eight winners for the 2023 Unity for Humanity Grant. The organization will use $85,000 to develop its video game Quantum's Pursuit, which aims to empower children and adults with limb differences to learn how to use their bionic arms in a fun and engaging way.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateApr 18, 2023

Disturbed sleep may partially explain post-COVID condition (long COVID) breathlessness

A major UK study has discovered that disturbed sleep patterns in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 were likely a driver of breathlessness. The study found that 62% of participants experienced sleep disruption, which persisted for at least 12 months and was associated with anxiety and muscle weakness.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateApr 15, 2023

Genetic therapy corrects progressive muscle disorder in mice

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a genetic therapy to correct myotonic dystrophy in mice by targeting the abnormal splicing of the Clcn1 gene. The treatment restored muscle strength and corrected muscle stiffness, reversing muscle fiber type transitions.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Toward a safer ‘artificial muscle’ material

Researchers have created a new material that responds to substantially lower electrical charges, making it suitable for use in medical devices. The material, made of bottlebrush polymers, was found to expand and contract over 10,000 times before degrading when stimulated by voltages as low as 1,000 V.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 12, 2023

Metformin & leucine prevent cellular senescence & proteostasis disruption

Researchers found that metformin + leucine (MET+LEU) treatment prevents myotube atrophy by reversing cellular senescence and improving proteostasis. The study used C2C12 myoblasts, aged mouse single myofibers, and human primary myotubes to demonstrate MET+LEU's skeletal muscle cell-autonomous properties.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2023

To ice or not to ice? Icing promotes muscle regeneration after mild injury

Researchers found that applying ice to minor muscle damage in rats enhances muscle repair and reduces inflammation. The study used an animal model of mild injuries and showed that icing attenuates the recruitment of pro-inflammatory macrophages, preventing injury expansion. This contradicts previous findings on the negative effects of ...

SourceKobe University·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Study elucidates at cellular level how regular exercise preserves physical fitness during aging

A study found that regular exercise increases mitochondrial fusion, benefiting muscle cells and maintaining physical fitness even in old age. Daily sessions of exercise throughout life delay the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria and decline in physical fitness.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2023

Adding hope to the therapeutic mix can empower persons with Parkinson's disease

Researchers propose incorporating 'hopamine' into therapeutic mix to personalize care for individuals with Parkinson's disease. By considering each person's unique physical and personal characteristics, healthcare professionals can avoid false hopes and create more effective treatment plans.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Parkinson’s Disease·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 23, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Biodegradable artificial muscles: going green in the field of soft robotics

A team of researchers has designed fully biodegradable artificial muscles using gelatin, oil, and bioplastics, demonstrating potential for sustainable technology. The new materials system shows outstanding performance and is electromechanically competitive with non-biodegradable counterparts.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

Researchers develop a drug effective in a rare hereditary muscle disease, as well as in severe statin-associated muscle disease

Researchers have discovered a novel medication that effectively treats a rare hereditary muscle disease causing complete immobility and death. The treatment has also shown promise in treating severe statin-associated myopathy, with improved symptoms in patients awaiting treatment.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2023

Muscle health depends on lipid synthesis

A study by IMBA researchers links muscle degeneration to a deficiency in the enzyme PCYT2, essential for lipid synthesis. PCYT2 depletion affects mitochondrial function and muscle energetics, highlighting the importance of lipid balance in muscle health.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

First wearable health sensor for monitoring muscle atrophy

Researchers developed the first wearable sensor for monitoring muscle atrophy, a condition typically caused by degenerative disease or aging. The sensor can measure small-scale volume changes in overall limb size and monitor muscle loss of up to 51%. This technology has the potential to create less burden on patients and improve treatm...

SourceOhio State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study associates long COVID with physical inactivity

Researchers found that COVID-19 survivors with persistent symptoms were more likely to be sedentary, especially those experiencing breathlessness and fatigue. The study, supported by FAPESP, included 614 participants who were analyzed for physical activity and lifestyle habits.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 8, 2023

RNA: Don't kill the messenger

A protein complex formed of HuR and YB1 is crucial for messenger RNA stability during muscle-fiber formation. Further research could help scientists influence protein synthesis and develop novel therapeutics for muscle-related pathologies.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 8, 2023

Group exercise program for older adults led to more independent exercise despite pandemic restrictions, MU study finds

A study by the University of Missouri found that older adults who completed an eight-week resistance training program maintained long-term exercise habits and increased their physical energy despite COVID-19 restrictions. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program improved participants' sleep, balance, flexibility, and self-confidence in da...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Sports Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 8, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

How gut microbes help mend damaged muscles

Researchers found that gut microbes drive the production of regulatory T cells, which act as immune healers that repair muscle injury. These cells were previously thought to be only produced in the gut, but now it's clear they also play a role in healing damaged livers.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

Can’t exercise a particular muscle? Strengthening the opposite side of your body can stop it wasting away

A new study found that eccentric contractions prove most effective in preventing muscle wasting and damage after immobilization. Strengthening the unaffected arm through weightlifting also counteracted muscle atrophy, with a stronger cross-education effect observed for eccentric contractions.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Reaching like an octopus: A biology-inspired model opens the door to soft robot control

A multidisciplinary team developed a physiologically accurate model of octopus arm muscles, providing insight into biological and design challenges. The model enables energy-shaping control, simplifying arm control design and enabling life-like motion in soft robots.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2023

Technical adequacy of artificial intelligence body composition assessed in external CT

Automated AI body composition tools achieved high technical adequacy rates (97.8-99.1%) in a large sample of external abdominal CT scans. The results support the generalizability and potential for widespread adoption of these tools, which can help build trust among radiologists and physicians.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 22, 2023

Hip muscle exercises could help amputees improve functional mobility

Researchers found that strengthening hip abductor muscles can provide effective compensation for weaknesses in knee extensor muscles, leading to improved mobility in people with below-the-knee amputations. The study tested the hypothesis in eight military personnel who had undergone a lower limb amputation and showed promising results.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Mix and match: A new platform for the design of multipigment optical phantoms

Researchers created adaptive optical phantoms by combining multiple pigments to mimic target tissue's optical properties, successfully validating them in extensive experiments. The new platform enables broader band spectra for emerging hybrid modalities and novel instruments.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateFeb 21, 2023

Social media use linked to symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian boys and young men

A recent study from the University of Toronto found that greater screen time is associated with more symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian young people. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 adolescents and young adults and found that social media use, texting, TV watching, and video chatting were linked to muscle dysmor...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity·DateFeb 15, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Exercise solution for gym women with continence concerns

Research found combining Kegel exercises before resistance training improves pelvic floor strength and reduces urinary leakage. Over 8% of incontinent women no longer experienced urinary leakage after performing resistance training.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeCase study·DateFeb 9, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Scientists discover rare superfast muscles in mouse legs

Researchers have identified superfast muscles in mouse legs using new technology, opening up possibilities for therapeutic interventions to improve human limb movements. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind fast twitch muscles and fatigue-resistant oxidative muscles.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2023

New study finds that age-related fat may lead to less effective muscle function

A new study finds that age-related abdominal fat is associated with lower muscle density, leading to less effective muscle function. This accumulation of visceral adipose tissue may represent a modifiable risk factor for poor musculoskeletal outcomes with aging.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateFeb 3, 2023

Smartphone app may help identify stroke symptoms as they occur

A new smartphone application called FAST.AI uses machine learning algorithms to recognize facial asymmetry, arm weakness, and speech changes in people experiencing a stroke. The app's accuracy was validated through a study involving nearly 270 patients with acute stroke, showing promise as a tool for prompt individuals to seek care.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 2, 2023

Illinois Tech professors’ paper challenging classical view of muscle contraction could lead to new cardiac treatments

Researchers discovered that myosin motor proteins must be activated before muscles can contract, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating inherited cardiac conditions. This new understanding could lead to medical remedies for diseases like dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

SourceIllinois Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Loss of muscle mass in acute stage of COVID-19 is associated with persistent symptoms, study shows

A study by researchers in Brazil found that loss of muscle mass during COVID-19 hospitalization is associated with the development of persistent symptoms such as weakness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The study also showed that patients who lost more muscle mass had higher healthcare costs six months after discharge.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateJan 30, 2023

Body phenotypes say a lot, but not everything, about a person’s health, according to new Concordia research

Concordia researchers analyzed muscle and fat mass data from a large US sample population to find that high levels of fat mass are linked to poorer overall health. While BMI was surprisingly effective in predicting some cardiometabolic outcomes, the study suggests new body-composition phenotypes may be a better predictor.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 25, 2023

Stowers scientists use cavefish to learn more about metabolism and the evolutionary basis of being a couch potato

Researchers studied cavefish metabolism to understand how humans might adapt over long periods of inactivity, finding genetic changes that enable muscle endurance and efficient energy storage. The study suggests potential implications for understanding and mitigating the negative effects of sedentary lifestyles on human health.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2023

Midlife obesity linked to heightened frailty risk in older age

Research published in BMJ Open found that carrying excess weight from mid-life onwards increases the risk of physical frailty in older age. The study tracked over 4500 participants and found that obesity and high waist circumference were associated with a higher risk of pre-frailty/frailty, highlighting the importance of maintaining a ...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Dietary nitrate – found in beetroot juice - significantly increases muscle force during exercise

A new study found that consuming dietary nitrate from beetroot juice significantly increases muscle force while exercising. The researchers discovered a 7% increase in muscle torque production, providing the best evidence to date on the mechanisms behind why dietary nitrate improves human muscle performance.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalActa Physiologica·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

Study explores effects of resistance training in older adults at the cellular level

A new study by researchers at Florida Atlantic University explored the effects of resistance training on older adults' cellular level. The study found that resistance training did not significantly affect inflammatory proteins or redox balance markers, but showed a significant reduction in a specific protein ratio. This may support the...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAntioxidants·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Muscle dysmorphia common in male adolescents and young adults

A recent study found that adolescent boys and young adult men in Canada experience high levels of muscle dysmorphia symptoms, with one in four at clinical risk. The study highlights disparities among sexual identities and racial/ethnic groups, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and knowledge among healthcare professionals.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBody Image·TypeSurvey·DateJan 17, 2023

Fruit flies grow brainy on a poor diet

Researchers at Kyoto University found that a poor, low-yeast diet causes fruit flies' larvae to grow dendrites in an unexpected way. The hyperarborization phenotype is triggered by a simultaneous deficiency in vitamins, metal ions, and cholesterol, which increases the production of Wingless signaling molecules from body wall muscle.

SourceKyoto University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.