Researchers discovered that some predatory dinosaurs used their claws for digging or display, contrary to previous assumptions. The study focused on two groups of theropod dinosaurs, the alvarezsaurs and therizinosaurs, which had unusual claws that were previously unknown to have a function.
A multidisciplinary team developed a physiologically accurate model of octopus arm muscles, providing insight into biological and design challenges. The model enables energy-shaping control, simplifying arm control design and enabling life-like motion in soft robots.
Scientists at Nagoya University developed an index to estimate a bird's wing use based on coracoid bone strength and body mass. This new tool sheds light on how ancient birds evolved to fly, including the flapping abilities of extinct species.
Researchers propose a new hypothesis for developing small diameter vascular grafts (SDVG) that heal in a reconstructive manner. They aim to emulate the structure and behavior of living arteries, incorporating a blood vessel network within the graft walls.
A recent report highlights gaps in telehealth guidelines for UK Allied Health Professionals, leading to unequal access to care. The study calls for uniform guidelines and training to ensure a successful digital transformation and address widening health inequalities.
Scientists have successfully demonstrated light-induced locomotion in a nonliquid environment using antimony telluride plates. The new type of motion, driven by thermal effects, enables efficient actuation in vacuum systems, opening up possibilities for mobile photonic modulation and multimode micro robots.
Researchers at NC State University have created an energy-efficient soft robot that can swim more than four times faster than previous models. The 'butterfly bots' use bistable wings for propulsion and achieve speeds of up to 3.74 body lengths per second.
A new study has found that springtails' jumping, soaring, and landing patterns are precise and controlled, with some species able to land on their feet. The research, led by Victor Ortega Jiménez, aims to teach robots how to replicate this ability.
Researchers developed a digital health system approach to enhance clinical decision-making for low-back pain sufferers. The system combines self-reported pain measures with precise motion-sensing data, revealing functional improvements only after six months of surgery.
A new model, StomachSim, simulates human stomach mechanics to show that posture can impact pill absorption by up to an hour. Lying on the right side is best for quick dissolution, while standing upright is a decent second option.
Researchers developed a new framework to measure stability during walking by analyzing mechanical energetics, enabling deeper insights into human movement and fall responses. The approach can help pinpoint specific muscles or joints to target with rehabilitation therapy and inform advanced exoskeleton design.
A study in biomechanics measures the impact of head-first, hand-first, and feet-first diving to provide data-driven recommendations for safe diving. The researchers found that spinal cord and neck injury is likely above eight meters in a head-first dive, while knee injury is likely above 15 meters with feet-first diving.
A team of international scientists found that endothermy appeared in mammalian ancestors about 233 million years ago, well before the origin of mammals. Fossils from South Africa's Karoo region played a key role in this discovery, providing an unbroken record of life's evolution.
Scientists used inner ear biomechanics to infer body temperatures in ancient mammals. Mammal ancestors didn't develop ideal inner ear structures for warm-bloodedness until 233 million years ago.
Researchers at UNO and UNL are using machine learning to investigate the metabolic cost of different phases of the gait cycle across different age groups. The goal is to create practical applications for gait rehabilitation, such as designing improved assistive devices.
Researchers developed a biopolymer film that combines anti-bacterial properties, inflammation dampening, and release of active pharmaceutical ingredients in a targeted manner. The film adheres to sensitive surfaces without damaging tissue, speeding up healing process and completely dissolving by itself.
Researchers and academics from the UK and Germany come together to discuss therapeutic footwear for people with diabetes. The workshop aims to establish new research links and develop research capacity to improve the lives of those affected.
Researchers have developed a computational model to understand the regulation of proteins by chondrocytes, which may help find new treatments for osteoarthritis. The model takes into account both synthesis and degradation processes, allowing for more accurate predictions of treatment results.
Researchers developed a soft robotic sleeve controlled with a microfluidic chip that reduces treatment cost, weight, and power consumption for lymphedema treatment. The device promotes fluid flow in the lymphatic system by sequentially inflating balloons and pushing fluid upwards.
The study found that restricting arm motion had a negligible effect on sprint time, with only a 1.6 percent difference from normal arm movement. Runners compensate for restricted arm swing by rotating their torso to maintain a forward-facing orientation.
The conference will cover topics such as musculoskeletal biomechanics and assistive technology, featuring keynote speakers on the latest developments in the field. The event provides a forum for information dissemination and discussion on research and case studies.
Researchers created BirdBot, a robotic leg inspired by the ostrich's anatomy, which achieves energy efficiency through a mechanical coupling of muscles and tendons. The robot leg requires fewer motors than other machines, making it suitable for large size applications.
Harris Wang, a synthetic and systems biologist at Columbia University, received the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science for his development of tools to track and engineer microbes. His research aims to improve diagnostic and therapeutic applications using genomic technologies.
Researchers found that runners can maintain their natural stride with heavily cushioned shoes, contrary to previous assumptions. The study used custom sandals to measure leg stiffness and running style, revealing no significant impact from shoe cushioning.
A team of researchers has created a prototype 'smart saddle' that utilizes self-powered triboelectric nanogenerators to analyze equestrian biomechanics. The device can detect subtle cues from the rider's posture, seat, and legs, as well as alert others in case of a fall.
A bioengineer at Northern Arizona University received a $507,642 NSF CAREER grant to improve cardiovascular flow computer models using machine learning. The project aims to develop software that synergistically integrates deep learning and traditional physics-based modeling to address fundamental issues in high-fidelity blood flow and ...
A new study published in Royal Society Open Science found that amputee sprinters using prostheses have no clear competitive advantage at the 400-meter distance compared to non-amputees. In fact, they appear to have a significant disadvantage at the start, with athletes using prosthetic legs being 40% slower out of the starting blocks a...
A new study calls for global telehealth guidelines to address disparities in guidance for remote consultations between professions. The guidelines aim to ensure good patient satisfaction, accessibility, and reduced travel times while minimizing risks and errors associated with remote consultations.
Researchers have developed a new methodology combining in vitro experiments with mathematical and computational methods to understand complex regulations in intervertebral discs. This approach aims to slow down or deactivate degenerative processes, increasing understanding of lower back pain treatment options.
Expert Declan Patton analyzes seven nursery rhymes to teach the importance of safe play and occupational hazards in preventing head injuries. The study highlights the role of biomechanics, impact surfaces, and protective equipment in reducing skull fractures.
Researchers have found conclusive evidence that early humans made footprints at Laetoli Site A in Tanzania, contradicting the long-held theory that they were made by bears. The study reveals distinct differences between human and bear footprints, including a wide heel-to-toe ratio, which suggests bipedal locomotion.
Researchers at McGill University create injectable hydrogel that forms stable structure allowing cells to grow and repair injured organs. The material's toughness and porosity make it suitable for heart, muscle, and vocal cord repair.
FAU researchers custom-build multi-sensor tag combined with AI to observe goliath grouper species in the wild. The study identified 13 behaviors, including hovering, forward swimming, and vocalizations, using video footage from the tags.
The Gutenberg Gait Database provides a reference set of data for healthy individuals to diagnose and treat gait disorders. The database, compiled from 350 volunteers aged 11-64, offers processed raw data and ready-to-use data for orthopedic institutes and research organizations.
A twisted human birth canal requires rotation during birth, increasing complications, yet provides stability. Researchers linked the shape to pelvic floor muscle support.
A research team led by Associate Professor Akira Kakugo of Hokkaido University has provided direct evidence that microtubules function as mechanosensors, slowing down kinesin movement when bent. This phenomenon is attributed to enhanced interaction energy between kinesin and deformed microtubule structural units.
A new study led by the American Museum of Natural History suggests that the extinct ground sloth Mylodon was an omnivore, contrary to previous assumptions. The researchers analyzed amino acid nitrogen values in fossil samples to determine their diet, finding evidence of meat consumption.
Researchers from FAU and MIT develop a microfluidic assay to study the mechanical performance of red blood cells under hypoxic conditions. The study reveals that cyclic hypoxia can lead to mechanical degradation of the red blood cell membrane, contributing to aging.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba reviewed the scientific literature on swimming hydrodynamics and identified key areas for improvement. They found that certain biomechanical aspects, such as velocity and drag forces, are not fully understood, but optimizing technique can lead to a competitive edge.
Researchers from Binghamton University and Harvard Medical School are using computer modeling and advanced imaging to study brain folding and growth in fetuses. They hope to understand the underlying mechanism of how brains form and how early weeks affect later life.
A new study has established recognized terms, definitions, design characteristics, and prescription criteria for off-the-shelf stability footwear. This standardized approach aims to improve the effectiveness of therapeutic footwear in treating children with various mobility issues.
University of Virginia researchers design a simple way to implement a tunable stiffness strategy in robots, enabling efficient swimming at varying speeds. The approach, inspired by the natural adaptability of fish, uses a programmable artificial tendon to adjust tail stiffness in real-time.
A team of engineers discovered that the unique design of fish fins, with layered structures made up of stiff and soft materials, enables them to achieve remarkable dexterity and flexibility. This finding could lead to new materials and technologies for robotic applications and aircraft design.
A UK team developed a portable ventilator to treat COVID-19 patients in developing countries. The Field Ventilator can be used beyond COVID-19 to treat various respiratory diseases and patients needing respiratory support.
Researchers from UC Berkeley studied squirrels' ability to leap and land successfully to develop more agile robots. They found that squirrels assess their biomechanical abilities based on branch flexibility and gap distance, allowing them to adjust their strategies with minimal attempts.
Elite runners exhibit 'stiffer' spring-mass systems with steeper impact angles, spending more time in the air and less on the ground. This may allow for better energy recycling and improved performance.
The study found that cancer cells become less stiff after exposure to chemotherapy drugs, but the rate of stiffness change decreases under hypoxic conditions. Alteration in cytoskeletal structure influences overall cell functions, including signaling, communication, adhesion, transport, and tumor metastasis.
Scientists have created movable, self-adjusting materials systems with complex shape changes that can be triggered by moisture. These systems mimic the movement mechanisms of the air potato plant and have produced their first prototype: a forearm brace that adapts to the wearer.
Researchers developed a new model to predict how plants and animals will weather climate extremes by considering biomechanics and environmental factors. The 'ecomechanical models' can help understand evolutionary patterns and animal interactions with their environment.
The study uses innovative imaging techniques to demonstrate the role of symmetric cell nucleus alignment in left-right asymmetric development. Collective nuclear behavior and proper nuclear positioning are found to be responsible for subsequent LR-asymmetric development of the midgut.
Researchers at Staffordshire University have developed a novel, low-cost method to detect foot ulcer risk without electronic sensors. This new technique uses 3D-printed structures to identify areas with high pressure, enabling clinicians to prescribe custom footwear or insoles.
A Danish-Swedish study found that football and team handball training have a positive effect on telomere length and mitochondrial function in women, potentially increasing their health span and lifespan. The research involved 129 healthy women and showed that elite football players had longer telomeres compared to untrained controls.
A research team from City University of Hong Kong has designed a simple electromechanical device that can detect skin disorders such as psoriasis by measuring tissue stiffness. The device provides real-time evaluations of deep tissue stiffness, allowing for accurate targeting of lesions and monitoring of skin health status.
Patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) show significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life, as well as improved walking gait biomechanics. However, daily physical activity levels remain largely unchanged, with most patients engaging in only light physical activity.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a novel technique to study the neuroscience of motor control in mice by focusing on their tongue movements. This approach reveals similarities between mouse tongue movement and primate reach tasks, allowing for new insights into motor control and potential applications in understanding n...
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that social isolation has a profound impact on physical functioning in older adults. Socially integrated older adults are more likely to engage in physical activity and experience improvements in their physical functioning. The study highlights the importance of inc...
A study by the University of Southern Denmark found that Football Fitness improves balance, strengthens muscles, and increases bone density in women treated for breast cancer. The 12-month training program reduced the risk of falls and broken bones, making everyday activities easier.
Researchers developed an ankle exoskeleton that significantly increased self-selected walking speed in young adults, with a 42% average increase. The device has potential for improving daily life and may also reduce pain caused by weight on joints or improve balance in older adults.
A team of scientists simulated the task of piercing an egg to understand how host birds defend against brood parasites. They found that nests and tool shape significantly affect the mechanics and energy requirements of avian eggshell puncture.
A new study found that couples tend to decrease their walking speed when together, especially when holding hands. This decrease in speed can negate some of the health benefits associated with walking alone at a faster pace. On the other hand, older adults who are more active tend to maintain their gait speed.