Search Weight Loss Topics: |
Engineered "Mighty Mice" sent to space retain their mass in low gravity – New Atlas
The short- and long-term impacts of the space environment on the human body is still a great unknown, and one that a number of research groups are trying to get to the bottom of. The results of an interesting experiment in which muscled-up mice were sent into space has shed some new light on the matter, revealing that these brawny rodents could retain their muscle mass in low-gravity when engineered to lack a certain protein.
While there is a lot we dont know about human physiology and space, we do know that weightlessness can cause bones to lose calcium and muscles to lose mass as they atrophy. Weve seen a few inventive approaches to counteract this process and ensure the health of astronauts, including skin-tight body suits and human centrifuges, but the authors of the new study have instead sought answers by diving into genetics.
The team was led by Professor Se-Jin Lee at The Jackson Laboratory, who more than two decades ago discovered a protein called myostatin that limits muscle growth in mice and which could be turned off to allow for considerable muscle gains. As it turns out, this protein plays the same role in a number of species including humans, spawning a number of research projects geared towards developing a form of exercise pill to tackle obesity and other health problems.
Last December, Lee and his team launched 40 mice into space for a 33-day stint living aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This included a group of regular mice, a group of so-called "Mighty Mice" engineered to be missing the myostatin gene, and another group that were given a compound called ACVR2B/Fc that inhibits not just myostatin, but a protein that complements it called activin A.
These were compared to similar groups of mice kept on Earth in conditions replicating those on the ISS, but without microgravity. Unsurprisingly, the regular mice lost considerable mass during their stay on the ISS, between eight and 18 percent of weight in individual muscles and 11 percent of their bone density, compared to the regular mice on Earth.
Meanwhile, the group engineered to lack myostatin maintained their muscle mass and the group receiving the ACVR2B/Fc compound actually gained muscle mass and exhibited an increase in lean body weight of 27 percent, compared to the same group on the ground which gained 18 percent lean body weight. Both of these groups of mice also showed an increase in bone mineral density.
Using molecular analysis, the researchers also delved into the differences between these groups of mice, revealing large differences in protein levels, expression of dozens of genes and signaling pathways linked to muscle and bone maintenance.
The team hopes improving our understanding of muscle mass and bone density in this way, along with the different factors that influence them, can guide the development of specialized exercise programs for astronauts traveling into deep space. Additionally, this kind of research could lead to new therapies for people with limited mobility on Earth who suffer from ailments like muscle atrophy and bone fragility.
The research was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Source: The Jackson Laboratory
Read more here:
Engineered "Mighty Mice" sent to space retain their mass in low gravity - New Atlas
- Exercise Programs - Getting Started [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2011]
- Staying on TRAC: New Fall Group Exercise Programs [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2011]
- Exercise Programs Lake Forest CA, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Hi [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2011]
- Exercise Programs Laguna Beach [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2011]
- Basic Exercise Plans : How to Do a Proper Push-Up [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2011]
- Muscle building form and exercise programs on TV with Robert Marting [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2011]
- Basic Exercise Plans : How to Do Military Push-Ups [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- Exercise Programs - National MS Society [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- Can Brain Exercise Programs Save New Neurons? [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- Community Exercise Programs - Walking Wellness - Get Your Walk On! [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2011]
- What types of exercise or exercise programs are recommended? [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2011]
- Personal Training Exercise Programs for Fitness and Osteoporosis [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2011]
- Try These Proven Weight Loss Exercise Programs [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2011]
- Basic Exercise Plans : How to Do Jumping Jacks [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2011]
- Why Do I Keep Failing on Exercise Programs? [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2011]
- MIKE'S WORKOUTs @ MEFIT STUDIO GYMEA - FAT LOSS + MOVEMENT DEVELOPMENT MODERATE DEMAND [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2011]
- (WARNING) The Best Penis Exercise Programs (THE DIRTY TRUTH) [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- Les Mills Group Exercise Programs IHRSA 2011 [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2011]
- MSC Group Exercise Programs [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2011]
- The Truth About Supervised Exercise Programs and Lower Back Pain [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2011]
- Online Personal Trainer - Customized Exercise, Weight Loss and Exercise Programs ONLINE [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2011]
- Weight Loss Exercise Program Week 1 [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2011]
- Lose Fat [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2011]
- Choosing the Right Exercise Program : How to Create a Workout Schedule [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2011]
- 10 fitness secrets #1 daily exercise programs [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2011]
- Get Fit Team KMBC: Exercise Programs [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2011]
- Mike's Workouts - Free-Styling Wk - Quikie 20min Ab Blast [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2011]
- DNAMSEL - Review of our favorite workout programs [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2011]
- Mike's Workouts - Quickie AB Blast (10min) [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2011]
- Chiropractors and Medical Exercise Programs - Medical Fitness Academy [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2011]
- PWR! Training - Unfreezing for an individual with Parkinson disease with severe freezing [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2011]
- Personal Trainer Sydney |Fitness Program |Exercise program [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2011]
- Soviet Union 1985 Morning exercise TV show [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2011]
- tlantic dance academy. Body developmental exercise programs [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2011]
- Maintaining the gains - guidelines for community baesd exercise programs for people with stroke [Last Updated On: August 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 13th, 2011]
- Newsletter #3-Muscle Soreness, Lunges and Exercise Programs [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 17th, 2011]
- B3 Garage Manual Promo - Dirt Bike Fitness Training Programs [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- Mike's Workouts - Full Body Toning [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- Lauren Capozzi - Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Survivors [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- Intense Cardio Exercise [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- Basic Exercise Plans : How to Slim the Waist Without Losing Weight in Other Areas [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Basic Exercise Plans : How to Do a Pull-Up [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Australian Women's Weekly Body Balance exercise program [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Day 22: Sexy Back with SELF Magazine [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Day 18: Toneitup's SELF Magazine Workout [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Vibration Plate workout guide exercise program Power Vibe CF1000 Toning Plate Fitness Workout [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2011]
- Stronger Seniors Chair Exercise Program [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Sweaty Workout with Toneitup.com [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Insanity~Plyo Cardio Circuit (The tatas might need a lil more support) [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Stronger Seniors Core Fitness Pilates exercise program for Seniors [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2011]
- Stronger Seniors 'Stretch' - Lower Back Stretching Exercises for Seniors www.strongerseniors.com [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2011]
- Flat Abbs [Last Updated On: September 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 13th, 2011]
- Full Body Workouts - A KILLER Fitness Workout Plan For Women [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Repetitive Strain Injury Exercise Program - Wrist [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2011]
- Free weight loss exercise program - Lose 50 lbs. in 5 months [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2011]
- Hip Replacement Exercise Program [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2011]
- Basic Exercise Plans : How to Perform a Sit-Up [Last Updated On: September 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 21st, 2011]
- 6 weeks post natal exercise program to do at home www.getfitforbirth.com [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- GET A BIGGER SEXIER ROUNDER BOOTY ConikiXXX XPress Workout [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Paintball Home Fitness - P90X vs Insanity? [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- GAIN Fitness iPhone App (v1) [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Metabolic Resistance Training [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Bringing Sexy Back: Toneitup [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Medical Exercise Program - Medical Fitness Academy [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- abs exercises women upper [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Chair Dancing® Fitness programs 2011 [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- Sport and Fitness Program for children.wmv [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- Hot Daisy Dukes Fashion Haul [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- How to do Head Banger Pull ups [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- LifeSpan TR 800 Folding Treadmill [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2011]
- Basic Exercise Plans : How to Do Proper Push-Ups [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2011]
- 49 yo Trains for Tough Mudder using P90X / TRX Moves [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2011]
- Insanity Workout Review | Max Plyo Live Workout Clips [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- Shoulder Press Exercise [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Fitness- rubber band [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Pull Up Technique Tips [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Best Tricep workouts Best triceps workout program bodybuilding workouts exercises routine [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Diabetes - Exercise Program - Reverse Insulin Resistance [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Update on Eye Exercise Program Progress [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Easy Exercise for Foot, Arch and Leg Pain from Fallen Arches, Flat Feet, Pronation [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]