Shyla Cooks and Karl Palmquist have been selected as the 2021 AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award recipients. They demonstrate an interest and aptitude for working at the intersection of science and policy, with a focus on education and environmental issues.
Researchers found that amphipod claws snap at nearly 100 km/h, accelerating to over 30 meters per second. This unique adaptation could inspire human engineering for fast-repeated movement.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh is developing a new model to predict the risk of human aneurysms, using mechanical testing and biomechanical simulations. They aim to identify patients at high risk of rupture and improve patient prognosis by guiding surgical intervention.
Researchers tracked bats using mini GPS loggers and linked flight data to weather patterns, revealing a roller-coaster flight behavior where bats ascend and descend rapidly. The study found that bats can reach speeds of up to 135 km/h and use topography and nocturnal updrafts to fly high and fast.
Researchers use innovative 3D imaging technology to analyze joint mobility in living animals and apply patterns to reconstruct extinct dinosaurs' walking and running cycles. The study provides new perspectives on understanding animal biomechanics and its applications in evolutionary transitions.
A recent study reveals that increased manual dexterity in hominins emerged around 2 million years ago, significantly impacting the development of complex human culture. This finding suggests a crucial element underlying biocultural evolution.
A new study found that 30 college campuses exceeded the threshold for high-risk counties, with over half experiencing spikes above 1,000 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people per week. Tight outbreak management and online learning can reduce peaks within two weeks.
Researchers found that fibrous proteins form a solid layer on water's surface, interfering with fluid property measurements. This finding has the potential to improve bioprinting results by identifying optimal protein solution concentrations and operating parameters.
Researchers have found that gait training using robotic exoskeletons significantly improved motor function in adolescents and young adults with acquired brain injury, including increased loading, longer step length, and faster walking speed. However, further studies are needed to confirm the training effect and optimal dosing protocol.
Researchers developed a wearable device called Biomechanics Sensor Node that captures user data and controls virtual environments. The system stimulates sensory systems, especially sight and hearing, to intensify central nervous system information input and output.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis in remission display significantly higher temperatures in the forefoot regions compared to healthy adults. The research used thermal imaging to analyze temperature patterns in over 31 patients and more than 52 healthy individuals.
A thermodynamic analysis by Skoltech professor Henni Ouerdane and his collaborators shows that waste minimization prevails over efficiency or power maximization in animal locomotion. The study recovered trends with experimental data for walk, trot, and gallop gaits.
Scientists have developed an optical elastography technique that can detect biomechanical alterations in cells and tissues non-invasively. The new technique uses Brillouin microscopy to highlight microscopic processes driving mechanical modification in biological tissues.
Researchers at Harvard University discovered a unique sensor system in octopus suction cups that allows them to detect and 'taste' molecules on objects, enabling the animals to identify prey. This novel chemotactile receptor system may also facilitate complex behaviors in octopuses and other cephalopods.
The University of Bath's CAMERA centre has been awarded £10m in funding to support its research in intelligent interactive and visual computing, AI, and human-computer interaction. This funding will enable multi-disciplinary projects that fuse these fields with healthcare, rehabilitation, and biomechanics.
Scientists at Flinders University have created a new type of nanogenerator that can capture power from environmental vibrations, enabling the development of wireless charging systems and implantable energy harvesting devices. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and use energy.
Virginia Tech researchers are exploring the biomechanics of snake flight, focusing on undulation patterns that allow the snakes to glide through the air. They aim to uncover the fundamental fluid mechanics underlying this complex behavior, which could lead to advancements in robotics and aerodynamics.
A new Danish study from the University of Southern Denmark found that athletes can cycle longer by placing their glycogen close to force-producing structures in muscle cells. This discovery challenges traditional views on carbohydrate storage and its impact on endurance performance.
Researchers develop a nano-carrier for medications that can control release in diseased cells only. Synthetic DNA structures stabilize the particles and can be triggered by microRNA molecules found in cancer cells.
Researchers found that toe springs can reduce power output from the foot, leading to weaker muscles. The study suggests that this could contribute to conditions like plantar fasciitis.
An experimental study found that wearing footwear with toe springs requires less work from the muscles of the feet to walk than shoes with a flatter sole. The higher the upwards curve of the toes, the less work the foot muscles had to perform to support the joints when walking.
Researchers are testing a digital therapeutic device that uses music and sensors to help individuals recover from stroke-induced mobility loss. The study aims to improve walking speed and community ambulation in participants, offering new hope for those affected by stroke.
Research reveals that Type 2 diabetes affects brain function in older women, leading to sensory and motor deficits. A unique fNIRS technique detects decreased oxygenated blood use in the brain, suggesting underlying mechanisms such as muscle changes and cortical dysfunction.
A study published in Advanced Science has revealed that joint implants can release metals into the surrounding bone tissue, leading to osteolysis and premature loosening. The researchers used a unique synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence imaging setup to determine the concentration and distribution of metallic degradation products.
Scientists have developed a simple clinical test, the 'enhanced paper grip test,' to assess lower limb strength and predict falls. The test shows reliability and validity in detecting muscle weakness in patients with diabetes.
Scientists have developed a 3D mathematical model of the paradise tree snake's flight, revealing that aerial undulation enhances rotational stability. The team measured over 100 live snake glides and found that undulation is essential for maintaining control during glides.
Researchers from Staffordshire University found that optimised cushioning in diabetic footwear can significantly reduce plantar pressure, leading to ulcers and painful complications. The study used made-to-measure 3D-printed insoles to change the stiffness of the sole, finding a clear relationship between BMI and optimal stiffness.
Researchers from the University of Bath have developed motion capture technology that can digitise dogs without a suit and using only one camera. This technology has various applications, including helping vets diagnose lameness and monitoring recovery in canine patients.
Researchers at Staffordshire University have developed an orthotics breakthrough that fine-tunes splints for children with cerebral palsy, reducing their energy usage while increasing mobility and speed. The study found significant improvements in hip and pelvic function, knee extension, and overall quality of life.
Scientists at University of Colorado Denver create complex, porous lattice structure using liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) to mimic cartilage and other biological tissues. The material exhibits exceptional elasticity and dissipation capabilities, making it suitable for applications in football helmets and spinal implants.
Research found that physical activity at work may increase risk of neck and back pain, while leisure time activities have a positive effect. A balance between work and rest is key to reducing the risk of disability and impaired quality of life.
The new soft robotics, called LEAP, have a spring-powered spine that enables rapid switching between stable states, allowing for faster movement and more forceful grasping. This innovation outperforms previous soft robots by reaching speeds of up to three times faster on solid surfaces.
Scientists discovered that collagen produces harmful radicals when stretched, but these are quickly scavenged by nearby aromatic residues. The study suggests that collagen has evolved as a radical sponge to combat damage and may hold promise for improving tissue repair and transplantation in sports medicine.
A new report suggests that strict international travel bans have contained the spread of COVID-19 in the EU. The study uses computer modeling to predict the impact of lifting air travel restrictions and highlights the importance of mobility in the global spread of the disease.
Researchers used headband-mounted sensors on soccer players to collect data, which was confirmed by video analysis. The study found 60% of recorded events were false positives and highlighted the importance of video verification for reliable injury prevention strategies.
Researchers analyzed recorded bird songs and found a relationship between sound frequency and body size, suggesting a biomechanics-based method for predicting bird sizes. The study also confirmed the correlation using museum specimens.
Researchers discovered that the transverse arch (TA) contributes significantly to the stiffness of the human foot, with half of its stiffness attributed to this structure. The study's findings have implications for understanding flatfoot disorder and the design of robotic feet.
A University of Colorado Boulder study challenges the International Paralympic Committee's rule requiring double, below-the-knee amputees to race at a shorter height. The research shows that blade shape and stiffness, not height, impact speed, with elite athletes achieving speeds up to 8% faster in certain prosthetic configurations.
A new study from Harvard University and the Field Museum of Natural History sheds light on how changes in spines happened in mammal evolution. Researchers found that regions evolved long before new spinal functions, suggesting a combination of developmental changes and adaptive pressures played a significant role.
John Drazan, a biomechanics researcher, received the AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement. He was recognized for his work combining research and public engagement to make science relevant to young people through sports.
A comprehensive review of 53 studies found no evidence that changing a runner's strike pattern reduces injury risk or improves performance. Running on the front of feet may make runners less efficient in the short term.
The study developed a comprehensive computational model of an intact knee joint to analyze the biomechanical response of soft-tissues under different meniscus conditions. The results suggested that a composite meniscal implant with a shell-core structure performed better than other options, restoring natural joint mechanics.
Researchers used ground-penetrating radar to resolve 96% of human tracks at White Sands National Monument, gaining insights into biomechanics and extinct fauna. The technique may unlock behavioral and biomechanical archives of Pleistocene animals.
A new computational analysis suggests that fish can minimize energy consumption by balancing muscle dynamics and hydrodynamics. The study, published in PLOS Computational Biology, shows that optimal swimming speeds depend on an optimal balance between these two factors.
A new AI tool uses deep learning to automate the segmentation of individual muscles from CT images, enabling the creation of personalized musculoskeletal models. This advancement has significant implications for patients with musculoskeletal diseases, such as ALS, and high-performance athletes seeking to improve their performance.
Developed by Chung-Ang University researchers, the new exosuit helps users walk and run more efficiently while reducing energy expenditure. It features a fabric vest, wires, and batteries, weighing just 5kg and automatically switching between walking and running modes.
Lehigh University is presenting various research projects, including 3D printing for tissue regeneration and biomechanics of Ebola adhesion. The university also launched a new B.S. program in Biocomputational Engineering, emphasizing innovation in bioengineering and healthcare.
A new study by a University of Arkansas anthropologist suggests that feeding habits of an extinct kangaroo species were similar to the modern-day giant panda. The analysis of the skull biomechanics of a giant extinct kangaroo indicates that it had a capacity for high-performance crushing of foods.
A Queensland University of Technology study found that jelly baby lollies, fish-shaped sauce containers, vitamin D capsules, and coffee beans are viable alternatives to commercial MRI markers. These items were tested on a thigh scan and showed clear visibility, making them effective for pinpointing anatomical areas or pathologies.
Researchers discover that abnormally small epithelial cells can dissociate from each other, leading to geometric effects on tissue packing. The study provides insights into the role of cell size variation in human disease progression, particularly in tumorigenesis.
Biomechanics researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology used cockroaches' sprints to develop a method for assessing and improving robot locomotion. The new approach focuses on phase-coupling oscillations, allowing it to work with both insect and robotic systems.
Researchers developed a simplified computational model to predict locations susceptible to post-traumatic osteoarthritis in patients with ligament ruptures. The model identified areas prone to degeneration, suggesting potential pathways for patient-specific clinical evaluation and rehabilitation protocols.
Researchers from Kiel University discovered a complex interplay of factors influencing pollen adhesion to surfaces. They found that pollen's adhesive properties change depending on the duration of contact and microstructure of the surface, providing new insights into coating processes and transporting medicinal substances.
A new study from the University of Southern Denmark shows that football is a surprisingly efficient type of physical training for female prediabetes patients, resulting in broad-spectrum improvements in cardiovascular, metabolic and musculoskeletal fitness. The exercise intensity and effects were similar in women and men, with impressi...
A team of researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute has developed a portable exosuit that assists with gait-specific hip extension during both walking and running. The device reduces metabolic rates by 9.3% for walking and 4% for running, demonstrating its versatility in various environments.
A soft robotic exosuit can assist both walking and running by detecting the wearer's gait and providing appropriate assistance, reducing metabolic costs of walking and running by 9.3% and 4.0%, respectively. The device weighs only 11 pounds and enables a near-seamless transition between gaits.
The project aims to determine the forces that dictate underwater walking, shedding light on the colonization of land by animals. By studying Spanish ribbed newts, researchers hope to gain insight into the biomechanics of animal movement.
Researchers from Stevens Institute of Technology have identified two brain regions vulnerable to side hits that lead to concussions. The study reveals how rotational accelerations cause mechanical vibrations in these regions, resulting in tissue and cell damage. This knowledge can help develop safer sports helmets.
Researchers found a link between healthy gut flora and reduced infection risk after knee and hip replacement surgeries. The study suggests that mice with unhealthy microbiomes may have compromised immune systems, paving the way for potential microbiome-based therapies to prevent infections.
Women wearing seatbelts are significantly more likely to suffer injury in frontal car crashes, with a 73% greater risk compared to men. Newer automobiles have decreased injury risks for various body regions, including skull fractures and abdominal injuries.