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
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
A pooled data analysis found that between 30 and 60 minutes of muscle strengthening activity per week is associated with a 10-17% lower risk of death from any cause. The J-shaped curve showed no conclusive evidence that more than an hour of this activity reduces the risk further.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·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.
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
Researchers at HKUST discovered a protein called CPEB1 that drives skeletal muscle stem cell activation to repair damaged muscle. The study reveals discordance between SC proteome and transcriptome during activation, showing post-transcriptional regulation.
SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022
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
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
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.
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
Researchers have solved atomic-level structures of the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, a crucial step in understanding its function. The new findings could lead to breakthroughs in treating neurological disorders such as congenital myasthenic syndrome and myasthenia gravis.
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
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.
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
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
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
A new study reveals that microbes in the guts of hibernating ground squirrels play a crucial role in recycling nutrients and maintaining muscle mass. The discovery could have significant implications for humans with muscle-wasting disorders and astronauts on extended space voyages.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2022
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
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
A study published in JAMA found that 75% of COVID-19 ICU survivors experience symptoms one year post-admission, including fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive issues. These health problems significantly impact their daily lives, with over half reporting work-related issues.
SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeSurvey·DateJan 24, 2022
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
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Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
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
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
A new study reconstructs the limb muscles of Thecodontosaurus, a small to medium-sized two-legged dinosaur that roamed the UK during the Triassic period. The research suggests that Thecodontosaurus was agile and used its forelimbs to grasp objects, contrasting with its later relatives.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 19, 2022
An international team led by the University of Ottawa has published findings on the importance of the enzyme GCN5 in maintaining muscle integrity. The study discovered that GCN5 plays a crucial role in boosting the expression of key structural proteins, notably dystrophin.
SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 19, 2022
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.
Researchers at Penn State will investigate ways to stimulate muscle growth by increasing ribosome production. Their goal is to find molecular targets that can be used to promote muscle growth without exercise or drugs. This study aims to prevent muscle loss due to aging, cancer, and other chronic diseases.
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
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.
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
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
Researchers have identified IRE1 and XBP1 proteins as crucial for skeletal muscle regeneration after injury and in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The study's findings pave the way for drug development to treat genetic and acquired muscle disorders.
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.
Researchers found that standard shopping carts, which activate triceps muscles, may constrain buying and result in missed sales. In contrast, alternative cart designs with parallel handles activate biceps muscles, leading to increased purchasing and spending.
SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateDec 9, 2021
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
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
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.
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
Researchers discover changes in muscle torque recovery can predict maximum voluntary strength gains but not delayed-onset muscle soreness. The study's findings offer a promising approach to assessing muscle damage symptoms after exercise.
SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2021
A team of researchers led by Guy Genin and Stavros Thomopoulos found a previously unknown fibrous architecture in the shoulder joint, revealing new features of the attachment system. The discovery sheds light on how the rotator cuff functions and why repairs fail frequently.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 26, 2021
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.
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
Researchers discovered that chemotherapy drugs can affect protein synthesis in muscle cells, even at low doses. This finding has significant implications for cancer treatment and exercise rehabilitation programs, suggesting that even non-oxidative stress effects of chemotherapy should be considered.
Researchers developed a technology that accurately detects lies by analyzing facial muscle contractions, achieving a success rate of 73%. The study identified two distinct groups of 'liars' based on cheek muscle and eyebrow activation, with potential implications for real-life deception detection.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalBrain and Behavior·DateNov 17, 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.
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
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
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
Scientists have identified a previously unknown species of ground sloth, Parocnus dominicanus, from fossils found in the Dominican Republic. The species was smaller than its tree-dwelling cousins and had anatomical differences that may have allowed it to occupy lowland areas.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalVertebrate Anatomy Morphology Palaeontology·DateOct 12, 2021
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.
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
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
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
A study published in Cell Metabolism identified a protein called neurturin as crucial for muscle health, improving metabolic rates, motor function and exercise capacity. Mice genetically modified to produce more neurturin had increased resistance to degeneration in neurons associated with ALS.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
A research study is being conducted to understand muscle fatigue in older adults, with a focus on its effects on mobility and daily activities. The study aims to develop a new metric called fatigability to assess an individual's change in performance and perceived effort in response to standardized activity.
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