Researchers in the Integrative Muscle Biochemistry Laboratory focus on the prevention of skeletal muscle wasting, which can be caused by prolonged bed rest, cancer, congestive heart failure and diabetes. Muscle loss also occurs when patients are put on a ventilator, a machine to help them breathe. This loss of muscle mass results in muscle weakness, fatigue, delayed recovery from illness and increased risk of disease. When respiratory muscles are affected, patients have an increased risk of lung complications requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation and extended stays in intensive care units.