David Meaney, a 35-year-old associate professor of bioengineering, has won the prestigious Y.C. Fung Award for his groundbreaking research on injury biomechanics and axon growth. His work focuses on how brain cells respond to mechanical forces, with potential applications in bridging damaged areas of the nervous system.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a technique to measure and visualize how well the lower back moves during rowing, revealing differences between good and bad techniques. The system aims to provide dynamic feedback to rowers and coaches to improve training and reduce injuries.
The UC Berkeley team has developed a set of principles that apply to animal locomotion of all kinds, from running to flying. Their research has led to breakthroughs in robot design, ergonomics, and even computer animation, with potential applications in fields like engineering and Pixar Animation Studios.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new artificial hip design that reduces stress shielding and prevents bone atrophy in younger patients. The design is based on an analysis of real loading conditions within the human hip region and has been shown to consistently perform better than conventional designs.
The Whitaker Foundation has awarded over $7.5 million to biomedical researchers at 29 universities to tackle medical problems and improve human health. The grants support innovative research in areas like regenerative medicine, biomechanics, and tissue engineering.
A new study found that a larger angle between an artery and its branching points increases the susceptibility to plaque buildup, leading to cardiovascular disease. Researchers discovered that fluid mechanics plays a crucial role in vessel wall thickening, particularly at lower shear stress areas.
Researchers at Ohio State University warn golfers with knee injuries that playing too soon can cause further damage to an injured knee. The study found that a full golf swing places significant stress on knee joints, regardless of shoe type or skill level.
A Cornell University robot made from plastic Tinkertoy parts has been shown to perform repeatable, chattering, human-like stable steps without falling over on a gentle slope. The robot's design provides new insights into the mechanics of walking and may have implications for designing better powered and controlled biped robots.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine are studying how cells sense, respond, and adapt to physical forces. They aim to develop interventional drugs, gene-therapies, and blood-clot-dissolving enzymes for diseased vessels.
Researchers at University at Buffalo document relationship between initial and secondary injuries in runners, revealing altered running mechanics that can lead to further joint and muscle issues. Study findings may lay groundwork for developing 'prescriptions' to prevent secondary injuries.