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A robot hand makes contact with a human finger on a dark blue background.
Fine Tuning Muscle Control with Light
By leveraging optogenetic stimulation for more precise muscle activation, scientists hope to advance neuroprosthetic technology.
Fine Tuning Muscle Control with Light
Fine Tuning Muscle Control with Light

By leveraging optogenetic stimulation for more precise muscle activation, scientists hope to advance neuroprosthetic technology.

By leveraging optogenetic stimulation for more precise muscle activation, scientists hope to advance neuroprosthetic technology.

muscle

The feet of several runners wearing brightly colored shoes.
How Exercise Sparks, then Soothes, Inflammation
Rachael Moeller Gorman | May 15, 2024 | 4 min read
Regulatory T cells in muscles surge after exercise, quelling inflammation, protecting mitochondria, and enhancing performance.
Zero Gravity, Zero Gain: The Genetics Behind Muscle Loss in Space
Kamal Nahas, PhD | Jan 29, 2024 | 4 min read
Simulated microgravity in mice reveals a constellation of genes that may influence muscle weakening during spaceflight.
Discovering the Secrets of Motor Neurons with Single Cell Sequencing
LabTalk Podcast - Discovering the Secrets of Motor Neurons with Single Cell Sequencing
The Scientist and 10x Genomics | 1 min read
Researchers identify new motor neuron subgroups and gain insights into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Education anatomy and Histological sample Striated (Skeletal) muscle of mammal Tissue under the microscope.
Mechanical Implant Stirs Wasting Muscle Back into Action
Holly Barker, PhD | Apr 3, 2023 | 3 min read
An implantable device stimulates muscle contraction and prevents muscular atrophy in mice.
Illustration showing an experimental device called MAGENTA and how it works
Infographic: Tissue Implant Gets Muscles Moving, Prevents Atrophy
Holly Barker, PhD | Apr 3, 2023 | 1 min read
The experimental device, known as MAGENTA, forces muscles to contract, simulating natural movement. 
The MSC: Regeneration Orchestrator
The Scientist Staff | 7 min read
Scientists uncover the promise of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), also known as medicinal signaling cells, to modulate the immune system and regenerate tissue.
T regulatory cell in red sandwiching an antigen presenting cell in blue
Gut Bacteria Help T Cells Heal Muscle: Study
Natalia Mesa, PhD | Mar 14, 2023 | 4 min read
Regulatory T cells in the colon travel to muscles to promote wound healing in mice, raising questions about how antibiotics may impact injury recovery.
a mouse moves away from the camera, its left leg caught in a cloth
Scientists Discover New “Superfast” Muscle Fibers in Mouse Limbs
Katherine Irving | Feb 9, 2023 | 4 min read
Fast twitch fibers like these could one day be used to treat diseases like Parkinson’s.
a centrifuge from a birds-eye view, spinning quickly with a colored blur 
Scientists Use Centrifuge to Discover a Hormone
Katherine Irving | Jan 23, 2023 | 3 min read
A new method for isolating extracellular fluid aims to discover molecules with therapeutic potential that were previously obscured by highly abundant proteins.
close-up photo of fruit fly on white background
Scientists ID Heart-Damaging SARS-CoV-2 Protein
Grace van Deelen | Nov 22, 2022 | 3 min read
In flies and mice, a viral protein increases the rate of energy use by heart cells. But it’s not yet clear if the finding applies to humans.
Genetic knockout experiments reveal a role for the protein in forming and maintaining synapses between motor neurons and muscle fibers in mice.
Infographic: Vangl2 in Muscles Keeps Neuromuscular Junctions Organized
Catherine Offord | Sep 12, 2022 | 1 min read
Genetic knockout experiments reveal a role for the protein in forming and maintaining synapses between motor neurons and muscle fibers in mice.
small striped mammal
Gut Microbes Help Ground Squirrels Endure Hibernation
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | Jan 27, 2022 | 4 min read
By breaking down urea, the animals’ gut bacteria recycle nitrogen, which can be then used to build new molecules during prolonged fasting.
MUSCLE CONTROL: Researchers pinpoint how C. elegans (pictured) manages to expel food from its mouth.
The Science Behind How Roundworms Spit
Diana Kwon | Dec 1, 2021 | 4 min read
By viewing countless hours of expectorating worms, researchers discover a unique way in which neurons control the movement of muscles.
Illustration of a rat with red, white and blue sections
Hormones May Contribute to Asymmetrical Effects of Brain Injury
Catherine Offord | Sep 2, 2021 | 4 min read
Researchers studying rats claim to have found a novel connection between damage on one side of the brain and problems with the posture or movement of limbs on the opposite side of the body.
Image of the Day: Muting Muscle Spasms
Amy Schleunes | Apr 16, 2020 | 1 min read
Nimodipine, a drug used to treat brain hemorrhages, alleviates spasticity in mice after spinal cord injuries.
New Discoveries in Human Anatomy
Diana Kwon | Feb 18, 2020 | 4 min read
Using advanced microscopy and imaging techniques, scientists have revealed new parts of the human body and overturned previous misconceptions.
Infographic: The Modern Human Body
Diana Kwon | Feb 18, 2020 | 1 min read
The last few years have yielded new insights into human anatomy. Explore this interactive graphic to learn about some of these discoveries.  
Why Do We Forget How to Walk on Ice?
Scott Grafton | Jan 13, 2020 | 3 min read
A new book explores the crosstalk between mind and body and how it helps humans navigate their worlds.
Image of the Day: Moth Movement
Emily Makowski | Jan 2, 2020 | 1 min read
Neuronal signal timing is crucial for muscle coordination during flight.
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