How water controls the speed of muscle contraction

Researchers from the University of Michigan have discovered that the flow of water within muscle fibers plays a crucial role in determining the speed of muscle contraction. By creating a theoretical model, they found that the movement of fluid through muscle fibers dictates how quickly muscles can contract. This study challenges previous research that focused solely on the molecular level of muscle function, highlighting the importance of considering the three-dimensional structure and fluid dynamics within muscle fibers. The researchers also identified a new type of elasticity in muscles, termed "odd elasticity," which allows muscles to generate power through unique deformations. Their findings, published in Nature Physics, suggest a revised understanding of muscle function that considers its complex hierarchical organization. The study has implications for diverse forms of animal movement and sheds light on the fundamental mechanisms underlying muscle performance.