Cancer hijacks your brain and steals your motivation − new research in mice reveals how, offering potential avenues for treatment

Cachexia, or wasting syndrome, causes around 80% of patients with advanced cancer to withdraw from life.

Adam Kepecs, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis • conversation
April 10, 2025 ~8 min

Soft ‘muscles’ power robotic exosuit

"Our design showcases how soft actuators—rather than traditional motors—allow for a very lightweight and comfortable wearable device."

Brett Beasley-Notre Dame • futurity
Feb. 24, 2025 ~6 min


How the human neck became a locus of power, beauty and frailty

The neck’s vitality and vulnerability are rooted in a quirky evolutionary history.

Kent Dunlap, Professor of Biology, Trinity College • conversation
Feb. 10, 2025 ~7 min

Brain inflammation may be the reason behind muscle fatigue after infection and injury

Conditions such as long COVID-19, Alzheimer’s disease and meningitis can damage the line of communication between your brain and your muscles.

Aaron N. Johnson, Associate Professor of Developmental Biology, Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis • conversation
Dec. 13, 2024 ~7 min

Strength training early in life can set up kids and adolescents for a lifetime of health and well-being

Strength training programs for young people can improve muscle tone, prevent obesity and develop good exercise habits that last into adulthood.

Zachary Gillen, Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology, Mississippi State University • conversation
Nov. 8, 2024 ~9 min

How looking at your phone can lead to neck pain

Researchers have discovered that sustained neck exertions change the spine and muscles which then leads to pain.

Texas A&M University • futurity
Sept. 6, 2024 ~6 min

Water may control how fast muscles contract

In contrast to prevailing thought, the flow of water within a muscle fiber may dictate how quickly muscle can contract, researchers find.

Morgan Sherburne-Michigan • futurity
July 12, 2024 ~7 min

Portable engine powers artificial muscles

Researchers have created a lightweight engine that can power robots that act as muscles in assistive devices.

Matt Shipman-NC State • futurity
July 1, 2024 ~5 min


Icing an injury may do more harm than good

Experts have tips on properly administering thermal therapies after an injury, surgery, or in simple recovery from exercise.

Tufts University • futurity
May 22, 2024 ~10 min

Why are some people faster than others? 2 exercise scientists explain the secrets of running speed

Your sprinting skills have a lot to do with genetics, but your brain also plays a big role.

Elizabeth (Kip) Webster, Associate Professor of Exercise Science, University of Tennessee • conversation
April 29, 2024 ~7 min

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