A significant problem encountered in the elderly is the loss of muscle mass and strength.  Death of muscles cells underlies this condition known as sarcopenia, which contributes to weakness and disability in the aged. New research by the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a company called CellThera has led to the creation of functional muscle tissue from human stem cells. The scientists were able [...]

Scientists studying mice and nematodes have discovered the presence of a protein that acts to inhibit muscles growth. This protein switch is called NCoR1.  It acts to repress a suite of genes involved in the building of muscle tissue. In the current experiment, the researchers used genetic techniques to decrease the function of that switch.  In so doing they found that the genetically modified animals [...]