Myostatin And Superhuman Strength

Myostatin is a protein in mammals that acts as a signal for muscles to stop growing. Researchers at the National Children’s Hospital and Ohio State University have blocked myostatin production in monkeys, leading to impressive muscle growth. A human trial is the next step pending approval by the FDA.

And although the promise of super-strength is intriguing, this research has a more noble goal in mind.

Singularity Hub reports:

The National Children’s Hospital interest in myostatin is not to create super strong children, but to help those children whose muscles have already atrophied. Muscular Dystrophy (MD) affects thousands of children in the US who slowly lose muscle and rarely survive into adulthood. Follistatin gene therapy could serve as a method to extend their lives or perhaps even reverse the symptoms of their conditions. Likewise, the eldery are susceptible to several diseases that lead to a loss of muscle strength and coordination. By blocking myostatin, we may all be able to live with the strength of our youth even as we age into our 80s.

Singularity Hub: “Super Strength Substance (Myostatin) One Step Closer to Human Trials”