Age-related muscle loss, called sarcopenia, is a significant hazard of the aging process. Loss of muscle and strength decreases the quality of life and can increase the chances for life-threatening falls. The cause of this decrease is still under investigation and the lack of a low-cost model system to study sarcopenia hinders progress. Allen et. al describe a new model system using C2C12 myotubes in an in vitro system. When the tubes were tested and recover with blood from young vs old patients, it was possible to detect significant differences. Myotube diameter was significantly larger when exposed to young blood vs. old, mimicking the effects of sarcopenia. Use of this model system in future students may find the causes and remedies for muscle loss and lead to new treatments.