Magnetic fields strengthen weakened skeletal muscles.
Having a heart attack destroys countless heart muscle cells, which can ultimately lead to heart failure. But as a Dutch research team recently discovered, heart repair may one day be possible.
The team took its inspiration from the zebrafish, which, unlike humans, is able to restore its damaged heart’s cells within two months. This process is stimulated by Hmga1, a protein present in humans at birth – albeit only until cells are fully grown.
Then the gene responsible for enabling its production is deactivated. In tests with mice, a dose of the protein resulted in new muscle cells solely in the damaged areas.
Biodegradable scaffolds encouraging new heart valve growth are also in development.Â
