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New lab model simulates effects of exercise on muscles

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new lab-based system to grow human muscle cells that contract vigorously. They found that muscle cells from patients with sporadic inclusion body mitosis (sIBM) have similar muscular properties to healthy humans but exhibit altered responses to exercise.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2022

Ergonomic chair based on the innovation by Lithuanian researchers might help reduce back pain

A joint team of Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania researchers, and JSC Abili created a prototype of an office chair that activates deep muscles and improves trunk stabilisation. This innovation aims to prevent musculoskeletal disorders caused by prolonged sitting, common among sedentary workers.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalTechnology and Health Care·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022
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.

Why exercise gets harder the less you do

Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered that deactivating the Piezo1 protein, a blood flow sensor, reduces muscle capillary density and restricts blood flow to muscles. This results in reduced exercise capability and increased risk of disease, highlighting the crucial link between physical activity and physical performance.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 28, 2022

Herbs that protect the heart: Bilobalide reduces cardiac damage in myocardial ischemia, says new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Researchers found that bilobalide, an active ingredient in Ginkgo biloba extract, protects the heart from ischemic injuries by preserving ATP generation and enhancing metabolic flux. The study suggests that bilobalide may provide a new herbal therapy for treating myocardial ischemia.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Could gene therapy soon curb muscle loss in the elderly?

Researchers discovered a crucial RNA strand called CYTOR that helps build muscle mass, and found it decreases with age. Gene therapy stimulated CYTOR production, leading to increased fast-twitch muscle fibers and improved muscle function in humans and mice.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Nebulin no longer nebulous! Scientists obtain first high-resolution 3D image of muscle protein

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute have obtained the first high-resolution 3D image of the muscle protein nebulin using electron cryo-tomography. The structure reveals that each nebulin repeat binds with an actin subunit, acting as a ruler to dictate filament length and interacting with neighboring actin subunits to stabilize it.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How motor neurons develop into subtypes that activate different muscles

A study in mice reveals how the Kdm6b gene influences motor neuron development into subtypes with distinct synaptic targets. The research, led by biologists at the University at Buffalo, founds that Kdm6b works cooperatively with proteins Isl1-Lhx3 to diversify motor neurons.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 17, 2022

Statin intolerance is “over-estimated and over-diagnosed”

A new study found that statin intolerance is over-estimated, affecting only 6-10% of patients worldwide. Researchers identified risk factors for statin intolerance, including age, sex, ethnicity, and medical conditions.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2022

Feeling dizzy when you stand up? Simple muscle techniques can effectively manage symptoms of initial orthostatic hypotension

Researchers discovered two simple physical maneuvers to effectively reduce blood pressure drops and alleviate symptoms of IOH in young women. Lower body muscle preactivation (thighs) and tensing improved cardiac output and stroke volume, respectively, leading to a reduction in symptoms upon standing.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

In animal battles, cheaters can win

A new study reveals that animals use cheap tissues like chitin to build their weapons, allowing them to deceive opponents and gain advantages in battles. This tactic is used by species such as snapping shrimps and fiddler crabs, which can exaggerate their size and strength through clever deception.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2022

No time to exercise? What about THREE SECONDS a day?

A recent study from Edith Cowan University found that even brief periods of weightlifting, such as three seconds a day, can increase muscle strength. The research involved 39 healthy university students performing isometric, concentric, or eccentric bicep curls for three seconds daily over four weeks.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 2022

Key amino acid in heme production helps fight aging in muscles

A dietary supplement combining 5-aminolevulinic acid and sodium ferrous citrate helps slow down aging-related muscular decline in fruit flies. The study reveals improved muscle architecture and mitochondrial function, offering a potential therapeutic option to address age-related muscle health.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalFEBS Open Bio·DateFeb 5, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Farther or faster? Both improve distance running performance

A recent study found that block periodization with either increased low-intensity training volume or high-intensity interval training improved endurance performance in recreational athletes. Both methods resulted in average time improvements of 11-13 seconds on a 3000m run.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateJan 26, 2022

Late-life exercise shows rejuvenating effects on cellular level

A study published in Aging Cell found that late-life exercise can reverse skeletal muscle epigenetic aging in mice, making them appear 8 weeks younger than sedentary mice of the same age. The researchers used a weighted exercise wheel to stimulate muscle growth and reduce DNA methylation, a biological process linked to aging.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Preoperative shear wave elastography helps predict rotator cuff repair

A prospective observational study found that preoperative shear wave elastography (SWE) can predict successful rotator cuff repair. SWE-derived elasticity was higher in patients with insufficient repair, and the elasticity ratio independently predicted insufficient repair.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2022

Supplement appears to boost muscle, mitochondria health

A study found that a daily supplement of urolithin A improved muscle function and reduced inflammation in older adults. The supplement, produced by gut bacteria, was shown to stimulate mitophagy, a process that recycles damaged mitochondria.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 20, 2022

Origin of rare disease FOP rooted in muscle regeneration dysfunction

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) may be rooted in impaired and inefficient muscle tissue regeneration, which enables unwanted bone growth. This discovery could lead to new therapies targeting both extra-skeletal bone formation and muscle function.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 14, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New target may help protect bones as we age

Researchers have found that blocking mineralocorticoid receptors, a key factor in bone health, may help protect against bone loss and osteoporosis. This new target is thought to be more effective than previously believed logical targets, such as reducing glucocorticoid receptor activity.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJan 5, 2022

Fitness sensor warns when you're at your limits

A new wearable sensor has been developed using MXene nanomaterials that can detect changes in pH levels in sweat, which correlate with muscle fatigue. The device measures electrical resistance patterns in response to mechanical stress and pH changes.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2022
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.

Brain stimulation may facilitate rehabilitation of children with arthrogryposis

Researchers found that brain activity in children with arthrogryposis is different from healthy controls, with increased motor neuron activity and less precise movements. Non-invasive brain stimulation may be a possible rehabilitation strategy to help them start movements.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·DateDec 23, 2021

New muscle layer discovered on the jaw

A new muscle layer has been discovered on the jaw, contradicting traditional anatomy descriptions. The masseter muscle was found to have an additional third layer, which is involved in stabilizing the lower jaw and pulling it backwards.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalAnnals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger·DateDec 20, 2021

Muscles seem to grow, rather than shrink, in some critically ill Covid patients

Contrary to previous research, some Covid patients exhibit increased muscle mass, particularly those with a strong immune response, while others experience significant muscle wastage. This study suggests that immune response to Covid may exacerbate muscle damage, potentially impacting recovery and quality of life.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateDec 16, 2021
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.

RNAging: An exercise-regulated noncoding RNA counteracts muscle aging

The study found that exercise induces expression of long noncoding RNA CYTOR, which enhances myogenic differentiation and improves muscle morphology and function in aged muscles. CYTOR also re-configures chromatin accessibility at binding sites of other genes, shedding light on its mechanisms.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 8, 2021

Study identifies factor in ‘young blood’ that helps rejuvenate aged mouse muscle

A new study reveals that extracellular vesicles deliver genetic instructions for the longevity protein Klotho to muscle cells, which declines with age. This finding suggests that EVs could be developed into novel therapies for healing damaged muscle tissue and improving functional recovery in older individuals.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Synthetic tissue can repair hearts, muscles, and vocal cords

Researchers at McGill University create injectable hydrogel that forms stable structure allowing cells to grow and repair injured organs. The material's toughness and porosity make it suitable for heart, muscle, and vocal cord repair.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Early interventions could help counteract muscle loss

Researchers found that some individuals with probable sarcopenia can improve after five years, suggesting the condition is modifiable. Factors such as physical activity and cognitive function are associated with improved outcomes.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021

Taking it easy as you get older? Wrong.

Research from Harvard University reveals that physical activity later in life shifts energy towards mechanisms that extend health, reducing chronic illnesses. The study highlights the importance of staying physically active as we age to allocate energy to physiological processes that slow down deterioration.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2021
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.

New cell database paints fuller picture of muscle repair

Researchers at Cornell University have launched scMuscle, a large single-cell database that provides a comprehensive picture of the dynamics of muscle repair. The database houses transcriptomic data from approximately 365,000 cells involved in muscle injury across various ages and experimental conditions.

SourceCornell University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateNov 18, 2021
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.

Greater muscle mass may increase risk of hot flashes

A new study found that hot flashes are less common in women with sarcopenia, and are positively associated with paraspinal muscle mass. The research highlights the need for further studies to understand the relationships between menopause symptoms, body composition, and aging.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2021

Pinniped craniofacial musculature provides insight on its role in aquatic feeding

A Baylor University researcher led a study comparing pinniped craniofacial musculature and its potential role in aquatic feeding, revealing unique adaptations in suction- and biting-specialist species. The study provides foundational data for further research on pinnipeds and their evolution of functional morphology.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateNov 2, 2021

Reactivating memories during sleep improves motor skills

Researchers found that reactivating memories during sleep improves motor skills by enhancing learning of new motor tasks. The study showed participants performed better without sound cues after a nap, indicating improved memory recall and muscle activation.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateOct 18, 2021

Power walk

Researchers developed a powered exoskeleton that provides extra energy for walking, reducing the strain on amputee muscles. The device was tested by six individuals with above-knee amputations, showing a 15.6% improvement in metabolic rate and allowing users to walk for extended periods.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 11, 2021
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.

Massage doesn’t just make muscles feel better, it makes them heal faster and stronger

A Harvard study found that massage therapy using mechanotherapy rapidly clears immune cells from severely injured muscles, enhancing regeneration. The treatment also removed inflammatory cytokines, leading to greater repair and strength recovery in injured muscles.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

New hope for the treatment of Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy

Researchers have created a human disease model of FCMD using stem cells from a patient, which successfully mimicked the disorder's brain defects. The study found that a small compound called Mannan-007 can restore αDG glycosylation and reduce FCMD-related defects.

SourceFujita Health University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021

Among the ocean's slowest swimmers, seahorses snag prey at exceptional speed

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered seahorses can move their head up to catch prey at incredible speeds, facilitated by a powerful flow of water and spring-like mechanism. This study sheds light on the ecology of seahorses, revealing that longer noses enable stronger suction currents for catching smaller prey.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalExperimental biology·DateSep 30, 2021
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.

Tracking muscle activity with clothes on your back

Researchers developed a wearable, biocompatible, and low-cost biosensor that measures electromyography signals in muscles. The sensor uses a gold-silver nanocomposite printed onto fabric, providing a comfortable and effective way to track muscle activity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateSep 28, 2021

Using the microbiome to promote muscle growth in muscle loss conditions such as ageing and cancer

A new study found that a healthy gut microbiome is essential for skeletal muscles to grow after exercise. Researchers used mice with antibiotics to disrupt the microbiome, showing reduced muscle growth compared to healthy mice. The findings support previous studies linking the gut microbiome to muscle health.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2021

The circadian rhythm of the liver is regulated by muscle activity

Skeletal muscle secretes a molecule that regulates around 35% of liver functions, with the remaining basal functions independent of muscle activity. Ageing alters this communication, leading to non-optimal functions and accelerated ageing.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Strength training can burn fat too, myth-busting study finds

A new UNSW Sydney-led study suggests that strength training can lead to significant weight loss, with participants losing an average of 1.4% of their total body fat after a five-month program. The study analyzed existing evidence and found that this level of fat loss is comparable to cardio-based exercise.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalSports Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 22, 2021

Older people with abdominal fat and weak muscles are more likely to develop mobility problems

A Brazilian-UK study found that older individuals with both abdominal fat and muscle weakness experience a significant loss of gait speed over eight years. This decline can lead to difficulty walking and increased risk of falls, impacting independence. Researchers urge health workers to measure abdominal fat and muscle strength to pred...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAge and Ageing·DateAug 31, 2021

Robot-assisted therapy can help treat stroke survivors, study finds

Researchers at UTHealth found that exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation can be beneficial for stroke survivors, correcting impaired walking patterns and increasing motor coordination. The study used the Ekso 1.1 exoskeleton to guide patients with chronic post-stroke hemiplegia or hemiparesis in a 10-15 session training program over thre...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateAug 30, 2021

Synthetic biology enables microbes to build muscle

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to produce synthetic muscle protein using microbes, which can be spun into fibers with exceptional toughness and strength. The resulting material has potential biomedical applications, such as sutures and tissue engineering.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021
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.

Mathematical model predicts best way to build muscle

A mathematical model developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge can predict the optimum exercise regime for building muscle. The model takes into account individual physiology and optimizes exercise regimes based on user input, promising to maximize athletes' potential.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2021