How weight training instructs cells to enter fat-burning mode

While jogging, cycling, swimming and other forms of cardio exercise are well-known ways to burn calories, the relationship between weight training and weight loss is more complex. A new study has dug into the molecular underpinnings of this and identif… Continue reading How weight training instructs cells to enter fat-burning mode

More protein at breakfast makes for better muscle growth, study indicates

A fascinating new study from researchers in Japan indicates a person’s metabolism of dietary proteins is influenced by when they consume their meals. The study found protein consumed early in the day promotes better skeletal muscle health and growth.Co… Continue reading More protein at breakfast makes for better muscle growth, study indicates

Caloric restriction beats fasting diets for weight loss, new trial finds

A trial led by researchers from the University of Bath is questioning the value of popular fasting diets, finding a simple calorie-controlled diet is more effective at reducing weight. The trial also found fasting can lead to greater losses of muscle m… Continue reading Caloric restriction beats fasting diets for weight loss, new trial finds

Scientists discover how stem cells trigger muscle regeneration

Researchers at the Salk Institute have uncovered a mechanism by which stem cells can help regenerate muscles. The discovery could provide a new drug target for repairing muscles after injury or rebuilding muscle mass lost during the normal aging proces… Continue reading Scientists discover how stem cells trigger muscle regeneration

DNA-inspired artificial muscles contract by “supercoiling”

Tiny robots could serve all kinds of useful functions, but shrinking their actuators has proven challenging. Now researchers at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Australia have made artificial muscles that surpass your puny natural ones, inspired b… Continue reading DNA-inspired artificial muscles contract by “supercoiling”

Boron-loaded hydrogel halves the recovery time for injured muscles

Over the past few years we’ve seen some interesting examples of how injectable hydrogels can boost the recovery of damaged muscles and tendons, whether by flooding them with stem cells or acting as supporting scaffolds. Scientists in Spain have now dev… Continue reading Boron-loaded hydrogel halves the recovery time for injured muscles

Can’t stand the cold? Blame this genetic mutation

New research has found one in five people have a specific genetic mutation that confers greater resilience to cold temperatures. The experimental study shows how people with a deficiency in generating a certain skeletal muscle protein shiver less and h… Continue reading Can’t stand the cold? Blame this genetic mutation

Reprogrammed cells mix with hybrid scaffold to rebuild injured muscle

One of the ways scientists hope to rebuild muscles in patients where they are lacking is by taking cells responsible for entirely other functions in the human body and repurposing them. Known as direct cell reprogramming, scientists have now combined t… Continue reading Reprogrammed cells mix with hybrid scaffold to rebuild injured muscle

Protein discovery promises powerful new muscle regrowth treatments

Although muscle stem cells are able to grow and repair torn muscle tissue after we sustain an injury, they become less effective as we age. Now researchers at the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute at Monash University have discovered a novel p… Continue reading Protein discovery promises powerful new muscle regrowth treatments

Molecule found to promote muscle health in response to magnetic fields

With an eye to improving quality of life for the elderly and frail, scientists at the National University of Singapore have discovered a molecule that can promote muscle health when subjected to weak magnetic fields. This process is said to mimic some … Continue reading Molecule found to promote muscle health in response to magnetic fields