Researchers at U.Va.'s Center for Biomechanics are developing a highly detailed computer model of the human thorax and upper extremities, as well as other body parts, to create a virtual crash test dummy. The virtual dummy will allow for more realistic testing of auto safety systems before they are physically built.
The Virginia Tech Center for Injury Biomechanics received the Army Modeling and Simulation Award for developing the Facial and Ocular Countermeasures Safety (FOCUS) headform, a state-of-the-art test dummy capable of measuring impact loads to the face and eyes.
The Journal of Dental Biomechanics will cover tissue and material biomechanics, with a focus on hard and soft tissue analysis. The journal aims to provide a platform for researchers to share vital research and developments in dental biomechanics.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that physical therapy combined with medical management is just as effective as arthroscopic knee surgery in relieving pain and stiffness. Physical therapists can design personalized exercise programs to improve motion, strength, and conditioning.
The new adhesive sheds dirt particles with each use, unlike traditional sticky tapes that attract dust. After 30 simulated steps, the adhesive recovered one-third of its original adhesion strength, showing promise for future robot development.
Researchers use high-speed imaging to study fruit fly evasive maneuvers, finding that the fly's tiny brain calculates threat location and places legs in optimal position within 100 milliseconds. The team also identifies an optimal method for swatting flies by aiming forward of their starting position.
Aeroecology is an emerging field exploring how airborne organisms depend on the lower atmosphere closest to the Earth's surface. This research has significant implications for understanding behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary responses of organisms in complex meteorological conditions.
A CU-Boulder study using a space-age, low-gravity training machine found it reduced impacts on muscles and joints by nearly half when subjects ran at 50% of their body weight. The G-Trainer, built by Alter-G Inc., was retrofitted with force-measuring technology to quantify its effects.
Researchers studied skyscraper run-ups to understand how athletes perform under high-intensity conditions, revealing the importance of anaerobic energy metabolism in maintaining speed. The findings suggest that top performers can maintain their pace by strategically dosing their initial effort.
The ETH Zurich and IBM team developed a breakthrough method that combines density measurements with large-scale mechanical analysis of the inner-bone microstructure. This allows clinicians to detect osteoporotic damage more precisely and adjust surgical plates accordingly.
Aortic aneurysms affect 5% of Americans, with a mortality rate of up to 80%. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing a computational system to predict when ruptures will occur. The tool aims to provide physicians with a more scientific understanding of the relationship between blood flow and vascular disease.
Researchers found that sit-and-wait lizards use running mechanics when moving at slower speeds, while wide foragers evolved a walking gait. The study used 18 species of lizards to understand the impact of foraging styles on biomechanics.
A new study by the University of Calgary's Faculty of Kinesiology found that Botulinium type-A toxin (BTX-A) can easily spread to surrounding muscles after injection. This challenges the widely-held belief that BTX-A remains localized to the targeted muscle site.
A new study reveals that zigzagging provides the most efficient way for humans to ascend steep slopes, with a mathematical model supporting its advantages. The research suggests that this pattern of movement emerged as a compromise between energy efficiency and the physical limitations of human physiology.
A team of researchers used miniature backpacks with accelerometers to study the gliding behavior of Southeast Asian colugos, also known as flying lemurs. The findings show that colugos push off from trees more forcefully for long jumps but quickly reach terminal velocity and land with reduced impact forces.
Researchers at Clemson University will develop an animal model to study bone loss caused by radiation therapy, which could lead to the development of therapies for cancer survivors. The study also examines the effect of space radiation on bone loss for astronauts, a growing concern for future space missions.
Researchers found that players who swing their non-kicking-side arm across their chest are the most accurate kickers, particularly over longer distances. This movement helps control body rotation and counteract leg movement, increasing accuracy and margin of error.
A revolutionary unobtrusive sensor is being developed to collect wide-ranging data on human posture, stride length, acceleration, and response to shock waves. The sensor can transmit this data in real-time for instant coaching advice, potentially delivering better sporting performance.
Prof. Hugh Herr's groundbreaking work in biomechatronics has led to the development of new prosthetic innovations that enhance mobility and quality of life for thousands of people with physical challenges. His research focuses on human amplification and rehabilitation systems, enabling leg amputees to walk faster and more stably.
Researchers propose that early humans used efficient bipedal walking rather than chimp-like 'Groucho' walking. Without an Achilles tendon, their ability to run would be severely compromised, with top speeds halved and energy costs more than doubled.
A new University of Delaware research project aims to engineer functional vocal cord tissue to replace scarred, rigid tissue. The team is developing novel biomaterials that mimic the molecular composition and mechanical responsiveness of natural extracellular matrices, with the goal of improving pliability and preventing scarring.
Researchers studied chimpanzees trained on treadmills and found that bipedalism used about 75% less energy and burned 75% fewer calories than quadrupedal walking. The team also discovered that some chimps walked on two legs with similar energy expenditure to knucklewalking.
Researchers found human walking is 75% less costly than chimpanzee quadrupedal and bipedal walking. This energy savings could have given early hominids an edge in foraging for food, potentially driving the evolution of bipedalism.
The University of Delaware has received a $11 million grant from the NIH to conduct translational research on osteoarthritis, focusing on tissue mechanics and biomechanics. A unique mentoring program will also support women biomedical researchers at UD.
A 10% increase in urban green space could reduce surface temperatures by as much as 4°C, effectively 'climate proofing' cities. However, this may not significantly impact the amount of rainwater captured and retained by urban areas.
A six-week free weight training program successfully restored physical function in 96% of workers with severe rotator cuff injuries. The majority (75%) returned to their previous job, with all but one participant reporting high satisfaction. This innovative approach promises cost-effective solutions for employers and payors.
Dr. Grayson Marshall is being honored with the Wilmer Souder Award for his significant contributions to dental materials research. His work on SEM and AFM studies has greatly advanced our understanding of bonding mechanisms and natural interfaces with biomaterials.
Researchers at Duke University have found that lubricin helps reduce friction and maintain joint cartilage integrity, suggesting its potential as a treatment for osteoarthritis. The study used precise measurement of biomechanical properties to compare lubricin-deficient joints to normal ones.
A new study from Ohio State University found that workers who lift for a living need to take longer or more frequent breaks than they now do to avoid back injury. Taking regular breaks helps muscles recover and reduces the risk of fatigue-related back injuries.
The new CTX system will enable doctors and scientists to see inside living humans and animals, tracking 3-D skeletal movements with precision. This technology has applications for basic and applied research, including biomechanics, orthopedic surgeries, and injury treatments.
A new ergonomic backpack has been invented by using rubber bands to reduce the effects of heavy loads on shoulders and joints. The design allows users to carry 12 more pounds in the suspended backpack than in a traditional backpack.
Scientists are researching ways to reduce radiation-induced brain damage for Mars missions, which could lead to new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The research project is part of a $14-million study funded by NASA to determine the human brain's maximum safe cosmic radiation dose.
Researchers are using motion capture cameras and MRI scans to create 3D models of elephant locomotion. The study's goal is to understand how elephants coordinate their limbs and determine if they truly run. This knowledge can improve animal welfare, inform human biomechanics, and aid in the design of walking robots.
A study published by the American Physiological Society found that a single therapeutic dose of radiation can cause up to 39% spongy bone loss in mice, reducing their weight-bearing connections by 64%. This has significant implications for astronauts on long space missions and patients receiving radiation therapy.
The study utilizes biomechanics to improve understanding of heritable heart disorders and prevent children's spinal injuries. New materials and treatments are also discovered to aid in surgical implants development.
A study by Wageningen University found that weight and a saddle induce an overall extension of the horse's back, contributing to soft tissue injuries. The researchers hope to generate guidelines for riding techniques and maximum weight limits to prevent such problems.
A new spinal surgery technique, developed by UCSF neurosurgeon Christopher Ames, allows for direct access to cervical spinal tumors without neural manipulation. The procedure involves removing and reconstructing portions of the cervical spine to access tumors, providing a minimally invasive option for patients with conditions like neur...
As people age, their lenses become four times stiffer, increasing the risk of eye injury. The study recommends using safety systems like seat belts while driving and wearing impact-resistant glasses or protective lenses in sports or work environments.
A new study published in Clinical Biomechanics reveals that orthodontists are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders due to prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks, with males bearing heavier loads than females. The research highlights the need for better work layout and equipment design to mitigate this risk.
Researchers used volumetric CT imaging to analyze the mask's composition, revealing previously unknown aspects of its creation. The study also showed internal and external damage not visible to the naked eye, which was corrected using rapid prototyping software.
A study by Dr. Shrawan Kumar helps clarify the definition of whiplash by measuring neck muscle responses to low-velocity impacts. Turning the head reduces the risk of soft tissue injury, according to the research.
Researchers have found evidence of a chimp-sized hominid walking upright on two legs in Kenya's Tugen Hills, dating back to 6 million years ago. The fossil shows a thinner neck connecting the ball to the shaft, indicating an early transition to bipedalism.
Scientists charted T. rex life history for the first time, revealing a giant size due to an extraordinary growth spurt from 14 to 18 years of age. This was followed by about 10 years of little or no growth as an adult. The study provides insight into T. rex evolution, biology, biomechanics and population dynamics.
A team of researchers developed a mathematical model to explain the 5-second delay between head motion and vertigo attacks, suggesting that tiny particles called otoconia may be responsible. The study used hydrodynamic models to show that loose otoconia can cause disruptions in the inner ear, leading to dizziness.
Studies investigate shoulder pain, seat position impact, ACSM target heart rate guidelines, wheel camber effects, Smart Wheelchair Component System, portable ramps, self-efficacy in amputations, and neuroprosthesis technology for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
The USC Biomechanics Research Laboratory uses high-tech biomedical modeling to analyze athlete performance, identifying areas for improvement. The lab's approach combines experimental and simulation results to develop personalized training plans for athletes.
A team of Johns Hopkins seniors designed a vest filled with foam padding to absorb energy from car crashes, reducing chest compression by up to 17%. Their four-point harness system also minimized sternum deflection and dropped crash impact forces by 33%.
Researchers at Tufts University are developing a flexible robot that can navigate through the human body and complex structures, inspired by the unique movement of caterpillars. The team is studying the nervous system control of caterpillar locomotion to replicate this movement and build soft-bodied robots.
A Rice bioengineer has won the 'Create the Future' design contest with a device that uses acoustic waves to measure bone structural integrity. The OsteoSonic TM system offers advantages over existing radiological diagnostics and is currently undergoing testing.
Virginia Tech researchers are developing a brain impact monitoring system using the HITS sensor system, which measures impacts in football helmets. The system aims to identify the level at which impacts begin to result in injury and inform the design of better sports headgear.
Researchers develop new gel-like material that mimics natural lens properties, potentially treating cataracts and presbyopia. The material could be injectable, eliminating stitches in surgery.
Researchers have discovered that insects breathe rapidly in a manner similar to lungs, with tracheal compression and expansion exchanging up to 50% of air every second. This new technique, utilizing synchrotron x-ray beams, opens doors to studying animal functions, biomechanics, and movements.
Engineers mimic nature's solution to a classic problem in aerospace engineering by recreating part of a horse bone's unique structure. The biomimetic plate pushes stresses away from holes, resulting in increased strength and reduced weight.
Researchers aim to enhance understanding of artificial and natural knee joint failures, improve surgical procedures, and create longer-lasting implants. They are developing computational wear models that make quantifiable predictions of deterioration, enabling surgeons to select individualized knee designs.
Jake Socha's research on the Chrysopelea paradisi reveals that the snake glides by undulating its body, changing amplitude and frequency while airborne. The study provides new insights into the aerodynamics of these 'flying' snakes, which can glide up to 70 feet across.
Researchers have created a bioartificial trabeculum, or BAT, that exhibits rhythmic contraction at 100 beats per minute and functional cell-to-cell coupling. The model has potential applications in studying cardiac disease and developing new treatments for congestive heart failure.
A Rutgers biomedical engineering professor has discovered that cross-hand and one-hand grips can reduce eye movement during longer putts and head movement during shorter putts. The findings are part of a book exploring the physics, biomechanics, and physiology of various sports, including golf.
Researchers developed a decision tree combining cause of injury with physical signs and symptoms to determine the appropriate type and level of care for children. The new triage tool aims to reduce under-triage in pediatric motor vehicle crashes, resulting in better outcomes.
Researchers at Stanford University used biomechanics to estimate T. rex's running speed, concluding it was unlikely to reach high speeds. The team found that large animals face limitations when trying to support their weight with muscle, making fast running impossible.
Francisco Valero-Cuevas is awarded a research grant to study the biomechanics of the human thumb, aiming to improve surgical procedures for hand injuries. He will use cadaver hands and a dynamometer to measure the force of the thumb in various directions.