A study in two macaques reveals the importance of increasing connectivity between muscles and the reticulospinal tract that runs from the brain stem down the spinal cord.

The researchers behind the results propose that an exercise-induced protein in circulation is responsible for the benefits.

Meet some of the people featured in the April 2020 issue of The Scientist.

Studies point to a role for physical activity in fighting malignancies, improving treatment outcomes, and fostering overall health in patients.

Researchers found that people who spend more time outdoors also spend more time being active and socializing, but it probably doesn’t account for all of the health boost associated with green spaces.

Altering DNA methylation in a particular area of the hypothalamus halved the animals’ voluntary exercise as adults.

Men had better fat-burning results when they had breakfast after cycling instead of beforehand.

New, unpublished results show some of the cells produce new neurons for up to 90 days, much longer than a previously identified set of neural stem cells that only generate neurons for a month or two.

Physical activity, independent of diet, shifts the composition of bacteria in the intestines, spurring researchers to search for species that might provide benefits akin to working out.