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Chimpanzee 'super strength' and what it might mean in human muscle evolution

A research team measured chimpanzee muscles and found a modest performance advantage, contrary to popular accounts of chimp 'super strength'. Chimpanzees have twice as many fast-twitch fibers, but this translates to only about 1.35 times more dynamic force and power output than humans.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

SLU researchers find key to muscle regeneration

SLU researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding muscle regeneration, identifying the nuclear receptor REV-ERB as a key player. By targeting this receptor, scientists may be able to develop new drugs to treat a range of muscle disorders and injuries, including muscular dystrophy and sarcopenia.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateJun 14, 2017
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.

Now you can 'build your own' bio-bot

The paper provides a detailed protocol for building muscle-powered biological machines, enabling the creation of complex behaviors like self-assembly and adaptation. Researchers designed flexible 3D printed hydrogels and living cells to power 'walking' bio-bots, paving the way for applications in health, medicine, and environment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Protocols·DateFeb 13, 2017

Huntington's disease affects muscle as well as neurons, study reveals

Researchers discovered that Huntington's disease affects muscle maturation, leading to disrupted skeletal muscle function and potentially improving motor symptoms. The study suggests targeting skeletal muscle tissue may provide a new opportunity to improve patient care.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateNov 29, 2016

CNIC researchers discover the molecular mechanisms that produce the heart's contractile structure

Researchers at CNIC have discovered a crucial mechanism underlying the contractile structures in both hearts and skeletal muscles. The study reveals how Chd4/NuRD acts as a molecular key to shut down one muscle program in another, leading to hybrid striated muscles that can cause severe myocardiopathies and polymyositis-type myopathies.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 10, 2016

Can exercise be replaced with a pill?

Several laboratories are developing exercise pills targeting skeletal muscle performance, aiming to improve strength and energy use. However, the benefits of exercise extend beyond muscular improvements, and it's unrealistic to expect pills to fully substitute physical exercise.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Pharmacological Sciences·DateOct 2, 2015

Keeping older muscles strong

Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a protein that causes age-related muscle weakness and loss. They also discovered two natural compounds, found in apples and green tomatoes, which reduce this protein's activity and can restore muscle mass and strength.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 8, 2015
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.

Scientists grow leg muscle from cells in a dish

Researchers successfully generated mature, functional skeletal muscles in mice by growing cells in a dish and implanting the graft near a normal muscle. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for various muscle disorders, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2015

Long-term endurance training impacts muscle epigenetics

A new study reveals that long-term endurance training affects thousands of DNA methylation sites and genes associated with improved muscle function and health. The research also found epigenetic differences between male and female skeletal muscle, which may lead to gender-specific therapies in the future.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEpigenetics·DateDec 9, 2014

Scientists identify which genes are active in muscles of men and women

A new study published in the FASEB Journal reveals never-before-detected gene activity and sex differences in human skeletal muscle. The research found that men have approximately 400 more active genes than women, providing a reference for future studies on muscle disease and dysfunction.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 30, 2014

How physical exercise protects the brain from stress-induced depression

Researchers found that exercise training induces changes in skeletal muscle that prevent the accumulation of a substance called kynurenine, which is associated with depressive behavior. In contrast, genetically modified mice with well-trained muscle characteristics showed no depressive symptoms despite being exposed to stress.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateSep 25, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sensory reinnervation of muscle spindles after TN defect repaired by autologous vein graft

Researchers used autologous vein grafts to bridge 10-mm segments of tibial nerves in rat gastrocnemius muscles, finding no significant differences in muscle spindle reinnervation between experimental groups. This suggests that autologous vein grafts provide comparable sensory reinnervation results as immediate end-to-end anastomosis.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateSep 2, 2014

Studying muscle function to advance treatment of heart failure

A team led by Dr. Edward Debold is using a single molecule laser trap assay to directly observe muscle fatigue at the molecular level. They aim to understand how metabolites disrupt muscle contraction and develop new drug therapies to enhance function under fatigue-like conditions.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateAug 6, 2014
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.

CU-Boulder stem cell research may point to new ways of mitigating muscle loss

Researchers at CU-Boulder have identified two key pathways affecting skeletal muscle renewal, which could lead to the development of therapeutic treatments for age-related muscle wasting. The study found that altering these pathways enhances muscle stem cell renewal and improves muscle regeneration in aged mice.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2014

Wayne State receives grant to examine exercise's effects on proteins in muscles

A Wayne State University researcher is studying the effects of exercise on a process that plays a critical role in insulin signaling within skeletal muscle. He aims to identify molecular mechanisms responsible for improved insulin action after exercise and provide novel targets for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateSep 26, 2013

Aging really is 'in your head'

Researchers have identified a mechanism by which Sirt1 promotes neural activity in the brain, leading to significant delays in aging and increases in longevity. The study found that mice with increased Sirt1 expression in their brains exhibited dramatic physical changes, including improved muscle structure and vigor.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 3, 2013
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.

JCI early table of contents for Nov. 1, 2012

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation identifies a rare mutation in the DGAT1 gene as the cause of congenital diarrheal disorder. Additionally, research on natriuretic peptides reveals their role in enhancing human skeletal muscle metabolism and increasing fat oxidation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2012

Putting a 'HEX' on muscle regeneration

Researchers found that HEXIM1 blocks gene expression necessary for muscle regeneration after injury, leading to increased muscle mass and function in mice with reduced HEXIM1 levels. This suggests that HEXIM1 may be a key regulator of skeletal muscle regeneration and a potential therapeutic target for degenerative muscle diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2012

'SIRT(ain)' benefit of reducing calories

A team of researchers has identified Sirt1 as a crucial protein linking caloric restriction to improved insulin action in skeletal muscle. This finding provides new targets for therapeutics to reduce insulin resistance and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 10, 2011
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.

Researchers explain mechanism behind rare muscle disorders

Mutations in RYR1 lead to calcium release channel dysfunction, causing dominant-negative effect that reduces muscle force generation. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the consequences of this mutation in muscle fibers.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateDec 13, 2010

New NIH grant helps MU scientist get to the heart of muscular dystrophy

A new $2.1 million NIH grant will help MU scientist Dongsheng Duan develop a treatment that prevents heart muscles from weakening due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Tests have shown that treating skeletal muscle alone can lead to complications, highlighting the need for comprehensive treatment targeting both skeletal and cardiac muscle.

SourceUniversity of Missouri School of Medicine·DateDec 6, 2010

Going from strength to strength: effects of growth hormone on muscle

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine used mice engineered to lack specific molecules to show that growth hormone controls skeletal muscle development via IGF-1, but not nutrient uptake. This study provides insights into the use of growth hormone or analogs for promoting muscle development and reducing muscle loss.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2010

'Stress' protein could halt aging process, say scientists

Researchers found that excessive HSP10 production can preserve muscle strength and halt the aging process. The study, funded by BBSRC, suggests that artificially increasing HSP10 levels could be used as a therapeutic measure to prevent age-related muscle loss.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMay 24, 2010
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

TWEAK triggers atrophy of disused muscle

A study in JCB identifies TWEAK as a key trigger for muscle breakdown in disused skeletal muscle. Blocking this pathway could prevent muscle loss in immobilized patients. Inhibiting TWEAK with an antibody was sufficient to block muscle breakdown, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 22, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 1, 2010

Researchers identify potential new targets for preventing early loss of transplanted pancreatic islets, which could improve the efficiency of pancreatic islet transplantation. Meanwhile, studies show that engineering macrophages to store triacylglycerol protects mice from diet-induced insulin resistance and inflammation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2010

Australian team reveals world-first discovery in a 'floppy baby' syndrome

Researchers at Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) have cured mice with a congenital myopathy disorder that causes babies to be born without normal muscle function. They achieved this by replacing missing skeletal muscle actin with heart actin, allowing the mice to live normally into old age.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 25, 2009

Heart saves muscle

Researchers found that a heart muscle protein, ACTC, can compensate for a lack of skeletal muscle protein, ACTA1, in mice with myopathy. Mice with this compensation survived more than three months and showed improved endurance, locomotor performance, and muscle strength.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 25, 2009
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.

The fight against obesity -- a new insight

Scientists at Maastricht University have discovered that mitochondrial uncoupling occurs naturally in human skeletal muscle cells when exposed to mild cold. This process can increase energy consumption, potentially leading to new obesity treatments. Further research is needed to identify the proteins responsible for uncoupling.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 2008

Case Western Reserve researchers breed a mighty mouse

Case Western Reserve researchers have bred a line of 'mighty mice' with the ability to run five to six kilometers at high speeds. The mice utilize fatty acids for energy and produce little lactic acid, allowing them to maintain endurance over extended periods.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 1, 2007

Study reveals how stem cells decide to become either skeletal or smooth muscle

A study reveals a new mechanism controlling how stem cells become either skeletal or smooth muscle cells, with implications for treating heart disease and cancer. The discovery of myocardin suggests new ways to treat diseases driven by stem cell replacement programs.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2007

Gene therapy accelerates healing of damaged skeletal muscle

Researchers found that injecting mice with gene therapy containing myostatin propeptide accelerated muscle regeneration and reduced fibrosis after injury. This approach could significantly reduce recovery time for athletes and lead to more complete functional recovery.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·DateJun 4, 2006
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.

A few 30 second sprints as beneficial as hour long jog

A new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that short bursts of high-intensity exercise can improve muscle health and endurance capacity similar to traditional endurance training. The study showed a significant increase in citrate synthase, an enzyme indicating tissue oxygen utilization, in trained subjects.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJun 1, 2005

Resistance exercise resets the body clock

Researchers found that resistance exercise can alter the expression of clock genes in human skeletal muscle, causing a phase shift similar to winding on (resetting) the muscle clock. This suggests that peripheral clocks can regulate themselves independently of the central clock.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateSep 24, 2003

Muscle capillaries respond differently to exercise in men and women

A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that muscle capillaries respond differently to exercise in men and women. Women's skeletal muscle increased in capillary density after 24 weeks of supervised exercise training, while men did not. Both genders showed similar improvements in exercise capacity.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateMay 31, 2003
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.

UCSF prion finding in mice leads team to urge similar study in cattle

Researchers found high levels of prions in skeletal muscle of mice, which may lead to transmission in cattle. The team suggests investigating the distribution of prions in the muscles of animals with prion diseases to improve diagnostic tools and disease understanding.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2002

Researchers prevent obesity and diabetes in mice

Scientists have developed genetically-altered mice that resist diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance by producing uncoupling protein-1 in muscle tissue. This protein burns excess energy as heat instead of storing it as fat, mirroring the effects of exercise on weight loss.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateSep 30, 2000

Weight loss and walking in older obese women produces extra health benefits

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that walking and weight loss reduced midthigh fat and improved glucose metabolism in older obese women. The intervention resulted in significant decreases in body weight, waist circumference, and cholesterol levels, as well as improvements in aerobic capacity.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 27, 2000
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.

Effects of Muscular Dystrophy reversed by gene therapy, reports team fromChildren's National Medical Center and the University of Pittsburgh

Researchers from Children's National Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh successfully reverse muscle damage caused by limb girdle muscular dystrophy using gene therapy. The non-toxic virus-based approach increases muscle strength and size by nearly 100% in animal tests, paving the way for potential treatment of Duchenne muscula...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·DateOct 22, 1999

Oxygen-Carrying Myoglobin Not Necessary For Survival

Researchers discovered that mice lacking myoglobin survive normally despite their inability to transport oxygen. Further study will explore alternative genes that enable the heart and muscles to function correctly.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 1998

Molecular Deficiency Appears To Play Key Role In Muscle Diseases

A molecule discovered in a University of Illinois laboratory has pivotal roles in muscle formation and stabilization. Research finds Alpha 7 integrin deficiency positively linked to three cases of congenital muscular dystrophy, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCell and Tissue Research·DateOct 1, 1998
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.

Researchers Generate A Mouse With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Researchers have created a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, allowing for study of both skeletal muscle and heart disease. The double mutant mouse develops severe symptoms, including muscle wasting and heart disease, similar to humans with the disorder.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateAug 18, 1997

UT-Houston Researchers Probe Mechanism Behind Heartbeat

Researchers have identified key features of cardiac troponin C, a protein that regulates muscle contraction. The study's findings may lead to the development of new therapies for patients with congestive heart failure, by targeting calcium binding to regulatory proteins.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 18, 1997
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Calorie Restriction Reduces Age-Related Muscle Loss

Researchers at UW-Madison found that limiting calorie intake later in life can stall muscle deterioration associated with aging. The study shows promise for human health, particularly for addressing sarcopenia, a condition contributing to physical frailty in older people.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateJun 16, 1997

Creatine Plus Carbohydrates May Help Performance

A recent study suggests that combining creatine supplements with extra carbohydrates can increase muscle creatine levels by 60% and muscle glycogen levels. This combination allows athletes to improve performance in both aerobic exercise and short, intense bursts of strength.

SourcePenn State·DateJan 21, 1997
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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