Research to investigate whether liquid carbohydrates and protein combined with exercise can improve muscle growth is being carried out by Charles Sturt University (CSU) researcher Dr Stephen Bird. He will test if the carbohydrates and amino acids commonly found in “sports drinks”, in combination with weights exercise, can influence the body’s hormonal response to improve muscle growth and reduce muscle breakdown. Dr Bird, from the CSU School of Human Movement on the Bathurst Campus, says his research needs “around 20 ‘untrained’ males aged 18 to 29 years. By untrained I mean those who haven’t or aren’t currently doing weight training. They will be asked to commit to participate twice a week for an hour each time, for twelve weeks, and they will be fully supervised by trained nutrition and exercise professionals during the study.” Volunteers looking for further information can contact Dr Bird on (02) 6338 4155.