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The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a vital interface between motor neurons and muscle fibers, and alterations in its structure and function can substantially influence the onset and progression of sarcopenia. Electromyography (EMG) is a critical tool to assess motor unit and NMJ function, providing insights into neuromuscular activation patterns and the integrity of motor unit communication. However, its implications for aging and muscle performance during sarcopenia have not been fully...

Loss-of-function mutations in the PINK1 and PRKN genes are the most common cause of early-onset Parkinson disease (PD). The encoded enzymatic pair selectively identifies, labels, and targets damaged mitochondria for degradation via the macroautophagy/autophagy-lysosome system (mitophagy). This pathway is cytoprotective and efforts to activate mitophagy are pursued as therapeutic avenues to combat PD and other neurodegenerative disorders. When mitochondria are damaged, the ubiquitin kinase PINK1...

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation has been shown to exert an important effect on the progression of a growing number of neurodegenerative disorders. Prolonged exposure to detrimental stimuli leads to a state of progressive activation and aging-related features in microglia (also termed as senescent microglia). However, the mechanisms by which senescent microglia contribute to neuroinflammation-induced cognitive dysfunction remain to be elucidated. Here, we developed a mouse model of...

Tai Chi practice has been widely adopted to improve balance and prevent falls in older adults. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the benefits of Tai Chi are difficult to evaluate during traditional balance assessments. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi and healthy aging on corticomuscular coherence (CMC) while standing in virtual balance-demanding environments. We recorded neural, muscular, and behavioral data in an immersive virtual reality environment while...

A new evolutionary analysis of butterflies finds “false heads” arose from the coalescence of multiple traits

New experiments show elephants use a wide range of movements to express their desires