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Exercise answer: Research shows it’s how often you do it, not how much

A new study from Edith Cowan University found that exercising six times a day for five days can increase muscle strength by over 10% and improve muscle thickness. The research suggests that daily exercise is more beneficial for maintaining muscle mass and strength, rather than infrequent, longer workouts.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 14, 2022

Rotator cuff regeneration: potential breakthrough treatment

Researchers at the University of Connecticut have developed a potential breakthrough treatment for rotator cuff tears, using an advanced polymer to stimulate regeneration of both the tendon and muscle. This approach addresses the real problem of muscle degeneration and fat accumulation that often leads to re-injury after surgery.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

New insights on how some individuals with obesity can lose weight – and keep it off

A new study suggests that exercise training is crucial for individuals with diet-resistant obesity, improving skeletal muscle metabolism and enhancing weight loss capacity. The research challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to treating obesity and has the potential to help reshape the science of weight-loss programs.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 11, 2022

Muscle mechanics: Improving sports performance with muscle mechanical properties

A recent study investigated the relationship between passive muscle mechanical properties and dynamic performance in athletes. The research found a positive correlation between the shear modulus of the vastus lateralis muscle and performance outcomes during high-speed activities, suggesting that passive muscle properties are essential ...

SourceShizuoka Sangyo University - Iwata Campus·JournalEuropean Journal of Sport Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2022

World-first study reveals physical toll on law enforcement recruits

A new study by Edith Cowan University identified the most common injury types and body regions affected among police recruits, with knee injuries having the greatest impact. The study also found that men under 30 had a substantially reduced injury risk, highlighting the importance of tailored training programs to reduce injury rates.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Occupational Rehabilitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2022

Yoga app can reduce urinary incontinence

A Rutgers study found that a Yoga of Immortals mobile app significantly improves urinary incontinence symptoms in people practicing for four weeks. The app-based intervention engages the pelvic floor and specific energy centers, leading to reduced frequency and severity of urine leaks.

SourceRutgers University·JournalUrology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 26, 2022

How does reduced gravity affect astronauts’ muscles and nerve responses? Japanese researchers answer

Researchers from Japan review the effects of reduced gravity on muscles and nerve responses, suggesting that afferent neural activity plays a key role in regulating muscle properties. They recommend exercise countermeasures such as walking with rear foot-strike landing and periodic passive stretching to prevent neuromuscular problems.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 18, 2022

Skin: An additional tool for the versatile elephant trunk

Researchers found that an elephant's folded skin plays a crucial role in its flexible and strong trunk, enabling it to grasp fragile vegetation and rip apart tree trunks. The study suggests that wrapping soft robotics with a skin-like structure could give machines protection and strength while maintaining flexibility.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2022

How an internal body clock keeps roundworms free from constipation

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have identified the key mechanism behind roundworms' precise bowel movements, revealing a synchronized nerve impulse between the brain and gut. The study found that the AVL nerve cell in the head regulates the defecation rhythm by relaying and modulating pacemaker signals from the gut.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Opioid prescriptions significantly higher for patients with lifelong disabilities, study finds

A Michigan Medicine study found that people with cerebral palsy and spina bifida are prescribed opioids at a rate up to five times higher than those without the conditions. Chronic pain is the most commonly reported symptom among these individuals, raising concerns over addiction and overdose issues.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHeliyon·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 7, 2022

“Unlocking” sarcopenic obesity: A review in portal hypertension & cirrhosis provides clarity on key aspects of disease impact and treatment

Researchers from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital review sarcopenic obesity's impact on liver disease, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. The study aims to clarify the pathogenesis of sarcopenic obesity and identify potential therapeutic avenues.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPortal Hypertension & Cirrhosis·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 6, 2022

Cancer drug shows potential as treatment for muscular dystrophy

Researchers have discovered that a cancer drug could slow the progress of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in mice by increasing muscle fibre resilience. The findings suggest that the drug may help delay disease progression and improve mobility for patients, potentially serving as an adjunct to emerging gene therapy approaches.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Older persons with Type 1 diabetes face risk of reduced muscle strength and more cardiovascular issues, researchers find

Researchers at McMaster University found that older adults with Type 1 diabetes are at a higher risk of reduced muscle strength and cardiovascular complications. They discovered abnormally low diastolic blood pressure in these patients, which may indicate early increased cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCanadian Journal of Diabetes·DateJun 9, 2022

How electric fish were able to evolve electric organs

Researchers discovered how electric fish evolved electric organs by modifying a sodium channel gene. The finding highlights the potential for this genetic mechanism to contribute to human diseases. By studying electric fish, scientists can gain a better understanding of evolutionary processes and their applications in human health.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022

New UCI-led study finds that your genetic sex determines the way your muscle “talks” to other tissues in your body

A new University of California, Irvine-led study identifies sex-specific circuits of muscle signaling to other tissues, highlighting differences in muscle function between males and females. The research sheds light on how muscle functions, such as exercise, promote healthy longevity, metabolism and improve cognition.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 31, 2022

How high-intensity interval training can reshape metabolism

A study published in eLife found that high-intensity interval training increases the production of proteins essential for energy metabolism and muscle contractions, as well as alters key metabolic proteins through acetylation. These changes may contribute to improved metabolic health.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMay 31, 2022

Size-tunable PEG-grafted copolymers as a polymeric nanoruler for passive targeting muscle tissues

Researchers developed size-tunable PEG-grafted copolymers to target muscle tissues by exploiting the blood-muscle barrier. The optimal size range for extravasation was found to be between 11-32 nm, with accumulation in skeletal muscles of Duchenne muscular dystrophy model mice being significantly higher than in normal mice.

SourceInnovation Center of NanoMedicine·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Some monkeys might pull a poker face

Researchers developed a tool to analyze facial movements in common marmosets, finding they have more facial expressions than previously thought. The study suggests that facial expressions may be more ancient and prevalent among social animals.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2022

Clinical study shows postbiotic urolithin a improves muscle strength and exercise performance in middle aged adults

A new clinical study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that daily intake of postbiotic Urolithin A improved muscle strength by 12% in middle-aged adults. The supplement supported the cells' ability to renew their powerplants, the mitochondria, during the aging process.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 17, 2022

Weights can be weapons in battle against obesity

A recent study published in Obesity Reviews found that resistance training, in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet, can lead to significant fat mass and muscle loss. This breakthrough highlights the importance of considering non-aerobic exercise options for individuals struggling with obesity.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalObesity Reviews·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 15, 2022

Combination of weak muscles and abdominal obesity can be an early sign of functional decline in men

A Brazilian study analyzing data from 3,875 elderly men and women found that weak muscles combined with abdominal obesity can indicate an early sign of functional decline. The study suggests that monitoring simple actions such as sitting down, standing up, walking short distances may help identify this condition.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 28, 2022

UC researchers looking for the Goldilocks of exosuits

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are searching for the ideal exosuit design to reduce muscle load and prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The study found that commercially available exosuits have limitations, with the Auxivo LiftSuit being stiff and uncomfortable during prolonged wear.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalApplied Ergonomics·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 26, 2022

Lab grown, self-sustainable muscle cells repair muscle injury and disease, mouse study shows

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully cultivated human muscle stem cells capable of renewing themselves and repairing muscle tissue damage in mice. The self-renewing stem cells were created by reprogramming laboratory-grown human skin cells, which then differentiated into specific cell types using a nutrient-rich broth.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 20, 2022

Can weekly prednisone treat obesity?

A new study from Northwestern University found that once-weekly prednisone treatment improved exercise endurance, increased lean body mass, and reduced weight in obese mice. The treatment also promoted nutrient uptake into muscles and increased adiponectin levels, a hormone that helps protect against diabetes and insulin resistance.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2022

Shoulder injury a rare potential side effect of vaccination

A retrospective cohort study found that shoulder injuries occurred in fewer than 1 in 10,000 patients who received intramuscular vaccinations administered in the deltoid muscle. Researchers also identified risk factors for developing shoulder conditions, including advanced age, female sex, and receiving pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2022