geekosystem

Humanoid robots are popping up more and more often these days, but researchers and engineers at the University of Tokyo have brought a new level of realism to their robotic creation Kenshiro -- a set of 160 robotic muscles inspired by those of the human body. The pulley-style musculature helps Kenshiro resemble a human frame more closely, and researchers hope that closeness in form will eventually help them mimic the movement style of the human body as well. Keep reading to see Kenshiro hitting the virtual gym.

In wonderful news for vain but lazy people everywhere, Australian scientists think they have found one of the molecular keys to muscle growth -- a protein that promotes weight and muscle mass gain without any of the pesky exercise once associated with it. The protein Grb10 -- which scientists have dubbed the "Hulk" protein -- seems to have a significant role in promoting muscle growth in animal subjects without any change in activity, diet, or adverse health effects. While researchers have been careful to point out that whether the protein will have the same effect in humans is unclear, that frankly reeks of quitter talk. I'm already cancelling my non-existent gym membership and breaking out a pint of ice cream to celebrate mankind's victory over exercise.