Research.
Every peer-reviewed study on fascia in one place — graded for strength of evidence, summarised in plain language for clinicians, researchers, and curious readers.
We grade studies from A to 1A+++ using the Fascia Research Database rubric — 1A+++ is the strongest.
Researchers behind the studies- A2008
Anti-angiogenic effect of high doses of ascorbic acid
Nina A Mikirova, Thomas E Ichim, Neil H RiordanThis laboratory study investigated how high doses of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) affect the formation of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. Researchers exposed several types of human endothelial cells, incl…
AngiogenesisVitamin CAscorbic acid - A2008
Can cancer be reversed by engineering the tumor microenvironment?
Donald E IngberIn this perspective article, the author proposes a different way of looking at cancer. Instead of focusing solely on genetic mutations, he argues that the physical environment around a tumor, particularly the extracellu…
fasciaextracellular matrixmechanicalcytoskeletonstroma - B2008
Hyaluronan (HA) Deposition Precedes and Promotes Leukocyte Recruitment in Intestinal Inflammation
Kessler S, Rho H, West G, Fiocchi C, Drazba J, de la Motte CHyaluronan (HA) accumulation is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but whether it is a cause or an effect has been unclear. In this study using a mouse model and human tissue, researchers found that HA builds u…
inflammationcolitisinflammatory bowel diseaseintestineendothelium - A2008
Collagen fibrillogenesis: fibronectin, integrins, and minor collagens as organizers and nucleators
Karl E Kadler, Adele Hill, Elizabeth G Canty-LairdThis 2008 review article explores how collagen fibrils, the main structural components of connective tissue, are formed. While collagen can self-assemble in a test tube, the process in living tissues is carefully manage…
fasciaIntegrinsFibronectincollagen fibrillogenesis - A+++2008
Correlation Between Fluctuations in Human Ultra-weak Photon Emission and EEG Alpha Rhythm
Roeland Van Wijk, Saskia Bosman, John Ackerman, Eduard P A Van WijkThis study investigated the relationship between ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) from the skin and brain activity measured via EEG. Researchers recorded light emission from the hand while simultaneously monitoring brai…
biophotonsUltra-weak photon emissionHumanAlpha suppressionEEG - A2008
Diagnosis and management of adhesive capsulitis
Robert C Manske, Daniel ProhaskaThis 2008 review discusses adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, a disabling musculoskeletal condition. The authors cover the diagnosis and management of the condition, which can cause significant morbidit…
SurgeryAdhesive capsulitisShoulder pain - A2008
Simple geometry in complex organisms
Graham ScarrThis theoretical paper explores how simple geometric principles can explain the formation of complex biological structures. The author revisits ancient ideas about fundamental shapes, connecting them to modern concepts…
TensegrityCrystallographyhelixicosahedronnatural law - A2008
Fibronectin Unfolding Revisited: Modeling Cell Traction- Mediated Unfolding of the Tenth Type-III Repeat
Elaine P S Gee, Donald E Ingber, Collin M StultzCells build the extracellular matrix by pulling on the protein fibronectin, causing it to assemble into fibrils. This study used computer simulations to investigate how this process works at a molecular level. Researche…
fasciaFibronectincell tractionintegrinfibrillogenesis - A2008
Tensegrity and Mechanotransduction
D E IngberThis article summarizes a lecture on how mechanical forces influence biological processes at the cellular level. The author describes mechanotransduction, the process by which cells convert physical forces into biochemi…
fasciaTensegritycytoskeletonmechanotransductionIntegrins - A2008
Fibroblast mechanics in three-dimensional collagen matrices
Frederick GrinellThis summary describes the relationship between fibroblasts and collagen, the primary cells and protein of fascia, respectively. Fascia provides mechanical support for the body's tissues, and fibroblasts are responsible…
Fascia; Tension; Contraction; Migration; Growth factor; Regulation - A2008
Three-Dimensional Mathematical Model for Deformation of Human Fasciae in Manual Therapy
Hans Chaudhry, Robert Schleip, Zhiming Ji, Bruce Bukiet, Miriam Maney, Thomas FindleyResearchers developed a mathematical model to calculate the force required to deform human fascia during manual therapy. The model showed that very large forces, beyond the normal physiological range of a therapist, are…
fasciaManual Therapyplantar fasciachiropractic manipulationsoft tissue motion - B2008
Endothelial Cilia Are Fluid Shear Sensors That Regulate Calcium Signaling and Nitric Oxide Production Through Polycystin-1
Surya M Nauli, Yoshifumi Kawanabe, John J Kaminski, William J Pearce, Donald E Ingber, Jing ZhouThis cell culture study investigated how the cells lining blood vessels sense the force of blood flow. Researchers found that tiny, hair-like structures called cilia act as mechanical sensors. These cilia rely on a prot…
physiologyendotheliumblood flowblood pressureendothelium-derived factors