https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/joint_pain/ Information on causes of joint pains and how to find relief. Read latest research on early lupus symptoms and Lyme disease symptoms, and unravel the mystery behind the common aches and pains of fibromyalgia. en-us Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:43:49 EDT Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:43:49 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/joint_pain/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260331001107.htm A surprising breakthrough suggests that a drug best known as Viagra could help treat a devastating childhood disease. Researchers found that sildenafil significantly improved symptoms in patients with Leigh syndrome—a rare and often fatal disorder that affects the brain and muscles. In a small study, patients showed stronger muscles, fewer seizures, and better recovery from dangerous metabolic crises, with some experiencing dramatic improvements in mobility and daily life. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:33:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260331001107.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260308201620.htm Exercise normally boosts the body’s ability to use oxygen, a key marker of health and longevity — but high blood sugar can block that benefit. Researchers found that a ketogenic diet helped mice normalize blood sugar and dramatically improved how their muscles responded to exercise. Their muscles became better at using oxygen and built more endurance fibers. The results suggest diet and exercise may work together in surprising ways to improve metabolic health. Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:24:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260308201620.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260303145725.htm Stiff knees and aching hips may seem like an inevitable part of aging, but experts say we’re getting osteoarthritis all wrong. Despite affecting nearly 600 million people worldwide — and potentially a billion by 2050 — the most powerful treatment isn’t surgery or medication. It’s exercise. Movement nourishes cartilage, strengthens muscles, reduces inflammation, and even reshapes the biological processes driving joint damage. Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:35:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260303145725.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260219040816.htm A new human study has uncovered how the body naturally turns off inflammation. Researchers found that fat-derived molecules called epoxy-oxylipins rein in immune cells that can otherwise drive chronic disease. Using a drug to boost these molecules reduced pain faster and lowered harmful inflammatory cells. The discovery could pave the way for safer treatments for arthritis, heart disease, and other inflammation-related conditions. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:16:55 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260219040816.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121549.htm Researchers have figured out how psoriasis can quietly turn into joint disease for some patients. Immune cells formed in inflamed skin can travel through the blood and reach the joints, where they sometimes trigger inflammation. The key difference lies in the joint’s ability to keep those cells in check. This insight could help doctors identify warning signs early and prevent lasting joint damage. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:44:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121549.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127010144.htm A long-term study found that while a ketogenic diet prevented weight gain, it also triggered major metabolic problems. Mice developed fatty liver disease, abnormal blood fats, and an impaired ability to control blood sugar—especially after reintroducing carbohydrates. Male mice were hit hardest, showing severe liver damage. The results suggest keto’s benefits may come with hidden risks over time. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:24:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127010144.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120000333.htm Scientists at Stanford Medicine have discovered a treatment that can reverse cartilage loss in aging joints and even prevent arthritis after knee injuries. By blocking a protein linked to aging, the therapy restored healthy, shock-absorbing cartilage in old mice and injured joints, dramatically improving movement and joint function. Human cartilage samples from knee replacement surgeries also began regenerating when exposed to the treatment. Tue, 20 Jan 2026 23:55:09 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120000333.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251214100940.htm Back pain is wrapped in persistent myths, but many are far from the truth. From misconceptions about heavy lifting and bed rest to confusion over posture, exercise, and surgery, Dr. Meghan Murphy breaks down what really causes pain and what actually helps. Her insights reveal that everyday habits, movement, and smart prevention often make a bigger difference than people realize. Mon, 15 Dec 2025 01:55:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251214100940.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251126095037.htm Rheumatoid arthritis begins years before pain ever appears, and scientists have now mapped the hidden immune battle that unfolds long before symptoms. By studying people with RA-linked antibodies over seven years, researchers discovered sweeping inflammation, malfunctioning immune cells, and even epigenetic reprogramming in cells that had never encountered a threat. These changes show that the body is preparing for autoimmune attack long before joints become damaged. Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:01:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251126095037.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124075330.htm A research team has found that specific immune cells can connect with muscle fibers in a lightning-fast, neuron-like way to promote healing. These cells deliver quick pulses of calcium, triggering repair within seconds. The mechanism works in both injury and disease models. The discovery could inspire new treatments for muscle recovery and degeneration. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:06:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124075330.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251021083638.htm New research reveals that exercise counteracts the mood-damaging effects of a Western-style diet through specific gut and hormonal mechanisms. Running restored metabolites tied to mental well-being and balanced key hormones like insulin and leptin. However, poor diet limited the brain’s ability to generate new neurons, showing diet still matters for full brain benefits. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 23:31:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251021083638.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015032318.htm Scientists discovered that lean pork builds muscle more effectively post-workout than high-fat pork, even with identical protein levels. Using advanced tracking techniques, they found that fat content blunted the body’s muscle-building response. The results contradict previous findings about fattier foods enhancing synthesis, suggesting that food form and processing matter. Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:02:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015032318.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250826081915.htm Knee osteoarthritis is a major cause of pain and disability, but routine X-rays often do more harm than good. New research shows that being shown an X-ray can increase anxiety, make people fear exercise, and lead them to believe surgery is the only option, even when less invasive treatments could help. By focusing on clinical diagnosis instead, patients may avoid unnecessary scans, reduce health costs, and make better choices about their care. Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:27:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250826081915.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809101024.htm Sunniva Kwapeng struggled with lipoedema, a painful condition causing disproportionate fat accumulation, until finally being diagnosed in her 40s. An NTNU study found that a low-carb diet helped alleviate pain and resulted in more weight loss than a low-fat diet. Though compression garments provided relief, the overall treatment options for this poorly understood condition remain scarce. Sun, 10 Aug 2025 01:57:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809101024.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809100959.htm Ozempic’s weight loss benefits might come at the cost of muscle strength, even if muscle size remains relatively stable. This raises significant concerns for older adults, who are already at risk for muscle loss and reduced mobility. Researchers stress the urgent need for human clinical trials to understand these effects fully. Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:15:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809100959.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250805041616.htm People eating minimally processed foods lost twice as much weight as those on ultra-processed diets, even though both diets were nutritionally balanced and participants could eat freely. This real-world, long-term study revealed that food processing itself—not just nutrients—plays a significant role in shaping body weight and health outcomes. Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:14:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250805041616.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250704032922.htm Scientists have discovered that the bacteria behind Lyme disease and anaplasmosis have a sneaky way of surviving inside ticks—they hijack the tick’s own cell functions to steal cholesterol they need to grow. By tapping into a built-in protein pathway, the bacteria keep themselves alive until they can infect a new host. The research opens the door to new methods of stopping these diseases before ticks ever get the chance to bite. A new web tool also reveals that this trick might be used by other blood-feeding bugs too. Fri, 04 Jul 2025 07:57:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250704032922.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514180735.htm Some patients with lupus who possess specific antibodies are at a higher risk of thrombotic events such as a blood clot, stroke or heart attack, a new study shows. The finding might help clinicians determine which patients may need early treatment and clinical monitoring for thrombotic events. Wed, 14 May 2025 18:07:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514180735.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250512165549.htm Researchers confirm and explore the role of estrogen-related receptors in regulating energy production in muscle cells during exercise. The findings indicate that developing a drug to boost estrogen-related receptors could be a powerful way to restore energy supplies in people with metabolic disorders, such as muscular dystrophy. Mon, 12 May 2025 16:55:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250512165549.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142956.htm Just in time for tick season, new research is shining a light on how animals develop resistance to tick bites, which points toward the possibility of developing more effective vaccines against the tiny, disease-carrying bloodsuckers. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:29:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142956.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423164033.htm Piperacillin, an antibiotic in the same class as penicillin, effectively cured mice of Lyme disease at 100-times less than the effective dose of doxycycline, the current gold standard treatment. At such a low dose, piperacillin also had the added benefit of 'having virtually no impact on resident gut microbes.' Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:40:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423164033.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423164030.htm Scientists believe they know what causes the treated infection to mimic chronic illness: the body may be responding to remnants of the bacteria that causes Lyme that tend to pool in the liver and joint fluid. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:40:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423164030.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250421163231.htm A new study asked three questions about muscle protein synthesis in response to a nine-day diet and weight training regimen: First, does the source of protein -- plant or animal-based -- make any difference to muscle gain? Second, does it matter if total daily protein intake is evenly distributed throughout the day? And third, does a moderate but sufficient daily protein intake influence any of these variables? The answer to all three questions is 'no,' the researchers found. Mon, 21 Apr 2025 16:32:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250421163231.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250326122932.htm A team has discovered a possible therapeutic approach to repair injured muscles either from aging or degenerative muscle disorders. Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:29:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250326122932.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250312165829.htm A recently completed study found that certain terpenes in Cannabis sativa are effective at relieving post-surgical and fibromyalgia pain in preclinical models. Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:58:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250312165829.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250312125003.htm Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs, causing inflammation and damaging organs. A new study has now shown that the natural active ingredient gluconolactone restores immune regulation, reduces inflammation and could enable targeted therapy with fewer side effects. Wed, 12 Mar 2025 12:50:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250312125003.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250305134928.htm People with Crohn's disease and related joint inflammation linked to immune system dysfunction have distinct gut bacteria or microbiota, with the bacterium Mediterraneibacter gnavus being a potential biomarker, according to new study. Wed, 05 Mar 2025 13:49:28 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250305134928.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250227125107.htm Research reveals how a specific mutation in a protein called TRAF1 can shut down an overactive immune response, dramatically reducing inflammation in mice. This discovery could pave the way for a new class of drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, according to one of the authors. Using gene-editing technology, the researchers identified a critical mutation of a protein called TRAF1 and discovered that this mutation dramatically reduces inflammation by disrupting a critical molecular interaction that fuels the immune system into kicking into overdrive. Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:51:07 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250227125107.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226163244.htm A new study of more than 2,900 patients provides evidence that it's likely best to use as little corticosteroid medicine as possible when treating people who have lupus pericarditis, a common heart complication of the autoimmune disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:32:44 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226163244.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250225201252.htm The efficient architecture of our joints, which allows our skeletons to be flexible and sturdy, originated among our most ancient jawed fish ancestors, according to a new study. Tue, 25 Feb 2025 20:12:52 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250225201252.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250129194603.htm Systemic lupus erythematosus commonly presents as a rash. The rashes are caused by inflammation from the immune system fighting the body. Wed, 29 Jan 2025 19:46:03 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250129194603.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250123163521.htm Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are changing how millions lose weight, but they come with a hidden drawback: they can strip away muscle along with fat, sometimes making up nearly half of the weight lost. Scientists at the Salk Institute may have found a solution in a little-known protein called BCL6, which helps muscles stay strong. In mouse studies, boosting BCL6 reversed muscle weakness and shrinkage, hinting at a future where weight-loss shots could be paired with a muscle-preserving therapy. Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:35:21 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250123163521.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250119230805.htm People with pockets of fat hidden inside their muscles are at a higher risk of dying or being hospitalized from a heart attack or heart failure, regardless of their body mass index, according to new research. This 'intermuscular' fat is highly prized in beef steaks for cooking. However, little is known about this type of body fat in humans, and its impact on health. This is the first study to comprehensively investigate the effects of fatty muscles on heart disease. The new finding adds evidence that existing measures, such as body mass index or waist circumference, are not adequate to evaluate the risk of heart disease accurately for all people. Sun, 19 Jan 2025 23:08:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250119230805.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250117161232.htm Across most of the Northeast, getting bitten by a blacklegged tick-- also called a deer tick -- is a risk during spring, summer, and fall. A new Dartmouth study, published in Parasites and Vectors, finds that 50% of adult blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease while 20% to 25% of the younger (nymph) blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria. Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:12:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250117161232.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241209163205.htm Studying the cells of people and genetically engineered mice, scientists say they have uncovered a potential reason why patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome, an inherited connective tissue disorder, are especially prone to developing aneurysms at the root of the aorta. Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:32:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241209163205.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241203154111.htm Knowing the precise mechanisms by which MYC drives muscle growth could prove instrumental in creating therapies that reduce muscle loss from aging, potentially improving independence, mobility and health. Tue, 03 Dec 2024 15:41:11 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241203154111.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241127135402.htm Scientists create potential for genetic tools to control disease-spreading ticks. Wed, 27 Nov 2024 13:54:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241127135402.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241112123739.htm Exercise can have benefits at the level of neurons, through chemical and mechanical effects, researchers find. The discovery could inform exercise-related therapies for repairing damaged and deteriorating nerves. Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:37:39 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241112123739.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241108113743.htm Changes in the gut microbiome before rheumatoid arthritis is developed could provide a window of opportunity for preventative treatments, new research suggests. Fri, 08 Nov 2024 11:37:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241108113743.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241105113823.htm Researchers employed analysis tools and machine learning algorithms to identify two genes linked to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis that could serve as diagnostic tools and potential targets for treatments. Drawing from a large database of genetic information, they gathered dozens of sequenced genomes from people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis to look for any similarities, using recently developed computational methods to narrow down their search. They identified genes ATXN2L and MMP14 as significantly associated with the progression of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Tue, 05 Nov 2024 11:38:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241105113823.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241023131356.htm Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne infectious disease in Europe. Up to 70,000 new cases are estimated each year in Austria alone. The bacterial infection can cause lasting health problems for patients. A research team has made significant progress in understanding the mechanism of infection and identified a potential way forward for the development of targeted therapies that do not rely on antibiotics. Wed, 23 Oct 2024 13:13:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241023131356.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241008103828.htm Muscle activation in people suffering from hip osteoarthritis might be a case of 'mind over matter', new research has shown. A recent study investigated muscle function in people with hip osteoarthritis and found that these patients were unable to activate their muscles as efficiently. Tue, 08 Oct 2024 10:38:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241008103828.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241008103800.htm Rates of babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic disease, increased an average of 9% per year in the United States between 2015 and 2022 and four in 10 patients were found to be co-infected with another tick-borne illness such as Lyme disease, according to a new study. Tue, 08 Oct 2024 10:38:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241008103800.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240926131913.htm With the global population ageing rapidly, sarcopenia, a condition that affects millions of older adults and severely diminishes their quality of life, is emerging as an urgent public health issue. Scientists have now identified a protein that regulates cellular clean-up, could also hold the key to new treatments for age-related muscle loss and muscle wasting in cancer patients, enhancing quality of life. Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:19:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240926131913.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240910120947.htm A new study shows that the body's muscles sense mechanical pressure. This new discovery has important implications for movement neuroscience and may improve the design of training and rehabilitation to relieve stiff muscles. Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:09:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240910120947.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240827140707.htm Researchers have developed a novel, automated device capable of diagnosing glioblastoma, a fast-growing and incurable brain cancer, in less than an hour. The average glioblastoma patient survives 12-18 months after diagnosis. Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:07:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240827140707.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240820221822.htm A team of researchers report that autoantibodies alone directly affect heart function in lupus patients. Tue, 20 Aug 2024 22:18:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240820221822.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240815163614.htm A groundbreaking new study reports important differences in oxygen physiology and red blood cell function in individuals with Down syndrome. Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:36:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240815163614.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240815124144.htm Researchers have produced a genetic analysis of Lyme disease bacteria that may pave the way for improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the tick-borne ailment. Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:41:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240815124144.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240814124553.htm A team defined key cells behind severe kidney damage in lupus. The research can inform future antibody therapies. Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:45:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240814124553.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240805164407.htm Scientists have developed a new bioactive material that successfully regenerated high-quality cartilage in the knee joints of a large-animal model. New material comprises peptides, proteins and polysaccharides that mimic the microstructure of natural cartilage. Within six months, researchers observed new cartilage growth. Mon, 05 Aug 2024 16:44:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240805164407.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240731140910.htm Using powerful new visualization technologies, researchers have captured the first 3-D images of the structure of a key muscle receptor, providing new insights on how muscles develop across the animal kingdom and setting the stage for possible future treatments for muscular disorders. Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:09:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240731140910.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240725154715.htm A gentle rumble ran under a researcher's feet as a rocket carrying her research -- live, human muscle cells grown on scaffolds fixed on tiny chips -- lifted off, climbed, and disappeared into the sky to the International Space Station National Laboratory. These chips would help her better understand muscle impairment, often seen in astronauts and older adults, and test drugs to counter the condition. Thu, 25 Jul 2024 15:47:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240725154715.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240722155152.htm In a finding that opens the door to the development of targeted therapies for various muscle disorders, newly published research identifies key mechanisms of skeletal muscle regeneration and growth of muscles following resistance exercise. Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:51:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240722155152.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240712222133.htm Research reveals how brain inflammation triggers extreme muscle weakness across several diseases, including viral infection, bacterial infection and Alzheimer's disease. The study, in fruit flies and mice, also identified ways to block this process, which could have implications for treating or preventing the muscle wasting sometimes associated with inflammatory diseases, including bacterial infections, Alzheimer's disease and long COVID. Fri, 12 Jul 2024 22:21:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240712222133.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240711215518.htm The flow of water within a muscle fiber may dictate how quickly muscle can contract, according to a new study. Thu, 11 Jul 2024 21:55:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240711215518.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240710130824.htm Scientists have discovered a molecular defect that promotes the pathologic immune response in systemic lupus erythematosus (known as lupus) and show that reversing this defect may potentially reverse the disease. Wed, 10 Jul 2024 13:08:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240710130824.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240708222240.htm Research found a self-guided smartphone-based behavioral therapy led to significant improvements for patients with fibromyalgia. Mon, 08 Jul 2024 22:22:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240708222240.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240626151903.htm New research describes how nerve cells and muscle cells communicate through electrical signals during development -- a phenomenon known as bioelectricity. The communication, which takes place via specialized channels between cells, is vital for proper development and behavior. The study identifies specific genes that control the process, and pins down what happens when it goes wrong. The finding offers clues to the genetic origins of muscle disorders in humans. Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:19:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240626151903.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240621122839.htm Biomedical engineers have grown muscles in a lab to better understand and test treatments for a group of extremely rare muscle disorders called dysferlinopathy or limb girdle muscular dystrophies 2B (LGMD2B). The research revealed the biological mechanisms underlying the disease and showed that a combination of existing treatments could alleviate its symptoms. Fri, 21 Jun 2024 12:28:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240621122839.htm