News by Subject Medicine & Health

A collaborative team at the Wyss Institute, Harvard SEAS, and the University of Nebraska Omaha reports in Science that they now have developed the first portable exosuit that can assist the extension of the hip joint during both walking and running. The team successfully tested their wearable robot in uneven outdoor environments while wearers walked uphill, and walked and ran at different speeds.

An increased concentration of cardiac troponin (a regulatory protein) in the blood after prolonged walking is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. This was the conclusion of a study involving 725 participants in a long-distance walking event (Nijmegen Four Days Marches) that was published in the journal Circulation.

A new study reveals why young men aren't eating their five-a-day. From not being able to cook to not liking the taste of vegetables -- the study shows why British men aged 18-24 are struggling to eat even three portions of fruit and vegetables a day. As well as not having the culinary skills to cook for themselves, the researchers found that young men are more focused on gaining muscle and improving their physique than eating a healthy diet.

People in middle-age need to keep up their physical activity levels if they are to enjoy a fit and healthy retirement -- according to a new report. The study reveals that over-55s in particular should be doing more to keep fit as they approach retirement age -- because of the physical, mental and social benefits of being active. But health problems, not having enough time or energy because of work, and a lack of motivation are leaving many approaching retirement in poor shape.

The 'mind-muscle connection.' Ancient lore for bodybuilders, latest buzz for Instragram fitness followers. But when the goal is muscle performance rather than growth alone, does the idea still carry any weight? Published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, new analysis suggests that to lift heavier, or longer, it is better to focus on moving the weight itself -- not your muscles.

According to the survey, respondents indicated that sustaining the weekly 150 minutes of exercise would require the support of family and friends, as well as an emotional shift, in which students would use exercise as an outlet for stressors. Respondents also said social changes, like making friends who also exercise regularly would improve their ability to persist.

Hot summer weather, stressful situations and intense workouts can produce unpleasant sweaty odors. But what if clothing could cover up these embarrassing smells with a burst of fragrance? Now, researchers have modified cotton fabric to emit a lemony citronella aroma upon contact with sweat. They report their body-odor-fighting strategy in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

A new study reveals that school fitness tests have little impact on student attitudes to PE -- contrary to polarized views on their merits -- and for many students, fitness testing during PE may be wasting valuable class time when used in isolation from the curriculum.

Lower-income parents are less likely than their higher-income counterparts to involve their children in youth sports because of obstacles such as rising costs of these extracurricular activities, according to a new RAND Corporation study.