A new study at Southern Methodist University found that leading standardized equations for walking energy expenditure are inaccurate and biased. A new method, developed by SMU scientists, is four times more accurate for adults and kids combined, and two to three times more accurate for adults only.
A University of Alberta study uses gentle vibrations to identify structural changes in the spine, altering its vibration response significantly. The findings show the viability of vibration as a diagnostic tool to improve MRI utilization and potentially diagnose new conditions.
Researchers tracked individual cells in Hydra to reveal the mechanism behind its mouth opening, which involves dramatic elastic deformations of epithelial cells. The findings solve a long-standing puzzle on how Hydra feeds and offer insights into tissue formation and patterning in simple organisms.
A study published in Biophysical Journal illustrates the biomechanics of Hydra's mouth opening process, revealing that cells stretch and deform to accommodate the widening of its mouth. The researchers found that radially oriented fibers contract to stretch the cells apart, similar to muscle contraction.
Vittoria Flamini has created computer models to determine if a percutaneous pulmonary valve will fit in a child's heart before surgery. The simulation takes at least a day and involves manipulating images of the patient's heart sent by medical teams.
Researchers have discovered that pectoral fins in fish possess neurons and cells sensitive to touch, conveying information about pressure and motion. This finding sheds light on the evolutionary biology of touch and may inspire new advances in underwater robotics design.
Biological anthropologists use skeletal remains to understand how earlier peoples lived, while forensic experts decipher skeletal evidence to solve crimes. Researchers at North Carolina State University have published guidance on analyzing child-abuse victims to shed light on past cultures' treatment of children.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that songbirds' vocal muscles can change their function to produce different sound parameters, similar to a trained opera singer. The research, led by Samuel Sober, shows that the bird's brain directs complex changes in muscle combinations to create complex songs.
A joint team from Kessler Foundation and NJIT is developing new applications for wearable robotic exoskeleton devices to improve mobility and enable safer, more independent functioning for people with spinal cord injuries, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and stroke. Researchers are also evaluating the efficacy of existing robots for resto...
Research by Brown University biologist Christopher Anderson reveals the smallest species of chameleon produces the most powerful tongue acceleration, with peak values 264 times greater than gravitational acceleration.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University found that thyroid cancer detection assays may not accurately measure two major biomarkers. The proteins tend to clump together, making it difficult to detect the true levels of thyroglobulin and galectin-3. By adding a step to break up these clumps, the tests could be made more accurate.
Researchers at POSTECH developed a virtual K-pop dance teacher using precise 3D body joint tracking, allowing for accurate evaluation of dance movements. The system can track 15 human joints and monitor similarity to professional dancer movements, providing a score-based monitoring method.
Researchers developed a test-bed to study animal movement on soft ground, revealing key principles for robotic design. The findings, published in Bioinspiration & Biomechanics, suggest that robots can mimic the locomotion strategies of animals, such as sandrunners and forest dwellers, to improve their performance on challenging terrain.
Scientists studied the evolution of jerboas' remarkable limbs to understand processes controlling limb development and bone growth. They found that evolution controls individual bone size, suggesting complex genetic regulation.
A new study by Ohio State researchers found that more than 40 percent of child car seats do not align properly with vehicle seats. The study analyzed 3,600 potential combinations and recommended measuring cars to ensure the best fit, as proper installation is crucial for child safety.
A $3.3 million multicenter study will track head impact exposure in over 3 million youth football players across the US. The research aims to improve helmet design and detect injuries earlier with advanced instrumentation, including sensors in helmets and mouthguards.
Trevor Greene, a former Canadian soldier who survived a debilitating brain injury in Afghanistan, has recovered his ability to walk again with the help of a customized exoskeleton. Dr. Ryan D'Arcy's research team discovered that physical functions can be recovered through rehabilitation even six years after an injury.
A new strategy using porous, transplantable hydrogels has experimentally improved bone repair by boosting the survival rate of transplanted stem cells and influencing their cell differentiation. This breakthrough could lead to enhanced regenerative therapies for various tissues and organs.
Studying kangaroo cartilage reveals how shoulder and knee joints behave differently, leading to improved treatments and better implants. The researchers identified the collagen network as a key factor in absorbing forces without damaging.
Researchers study tiny jellyfish's coordinated multiple jets propulsion system, which could inspire a natural solution for multi-engine organization in underwater-distributed propulsion vehicles. The jellies' ability to turn and maneuver with relatively simple components could lead to more efficient and redundant designs.
Researchers investigate the effects of shock waves on the brain to design helmets that can withstand penetrating blasts from IEDs. The goal is to develop specifications guiding the development of new personal protection systems for soldiers.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a groundbreaking 3D computer model to study pelvic organ prolapse, a condition affecting millions of women worldwide. The model aims to better understand the intricacies of the pelvic floor and help personalize treatment options for individual patients.
The ADAMAAS project aims to create a mobile assistance system that identifies problems and provides situation-dependent assistance through intelligent glasses. The technology combines eye tracking, memory research, object recognition, and augmented reality to support users in daily activities.
Researchers have developed a method to visualize plant branching structures using MRI, gaining insights into the design of lightweight materials. The technique allows for non-invasive visualization of vascular tissues under stress, enabling optimization of branched, fibre-reinforced components in various industries.
A literature review analyzing the most frequently cited papers on lumbar spine surgery identified key trends and observations, including studies highlighting situations where spinal surgery should not be performed. The top-ranked paper was a classic study showing common spinal abnormalities despite no back pain or symptoms.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that skull fractures can create distinct fracture patterns, also known as 'fracture prints', which can aid in determining the cause of head injuries. These findings could help investigators reconstruct events and solve child abuse cases with greater accuracy.
Scientists studying the Northern clingfish are exploring its unique ability to generate massive suction power in wet environments. This could lead to the development of bio-inspired medical devices, such as laparoscopic surgery tools, and non-invasive whale tagging systems.
New biomechanical modeling reveals complex relationships between animal diets and skull shapes, with ancestry playing a stronger role than previously thought. The study distinguishes between hypercarnivores and generalists based on specific biomechanical attributes.
Researchers used modern carnivore models to infer prehistoric diets, finding a strong signal driven by ancestry and skull size. They successfully distinguished between hypercarnivores and generalists using biomechanical attributes, shedding light on extinct species like Thinocyon velox and Oodectes herpestoides.
Scientists at Walailak University and Hokkaido University report the first full 3D scan of a single biological cell, achieving micron resolution with picosecond ultrasonics. This technique allows for nondestructive imaging of living cells, opening new avenues for studying their physical properties.
3D simulations analyze local flow fields and identify correlation between left coronary angulation and wall shear stress changes. CFD complements cardiac CT imaging by defining internal biomechanics, including stresses and strain within the coronary artery system.
A study published in PLOS ONE created a 3D model of the Chinese giant salamander's bite, revealing its feeding mechanism involves capturing prey in front and biting quickly to the side when approaching. The analysis shows the salamander's unique skull architecture may be related to this ability.
A new computer simulation approach found that muscles play a bigger role in injury risk and prevention than previously thought. The study shows that individual pitchers can be at high or low risk of elbow injury depending on their muscle strength, highlighting the importance of targeted training and accurate assessments.
A new unpowered ankle exoskeleton developed by Carnegie Mellon and North Carolina State researchers reduces the metabolic cost of walking by approximately 7%, equivalent to taking off a 10-pound backpack. The device uses a mechanical clutch to offload energy-consuming calf muscle forces, allowing individuals with mobility issues to wal...
A novel, fully untethered soft robot capable of repeated jumping has been developed, covering half a meter in a single hop-and-roll motion. The innovative design utilizes a combustion-powered system based on a roly-poly toy, enabling the robot to function over rough terrain.
Researchers found no significant differences in Achilles tendon thickness changes between running grades, indicating no increased risk of injury when transitioning to downhill running. Gradual adaptation is key to minimizing risks.
Researchers found that Australopithecus africanus, a 3-2 million-year-old species from South Africa, had a human-like trabecular bone pattern in the hand bones consistent with forceful opposition of the thumb and fingers. This suggests that early humans used their hands to exert precision and power, similar to modern humans.
Researchers study goshawk attack tactics, finding birds hold victims in gaze for initial stage before switching to parallel pursuit. Prey evade capture by making sharp sideways turns, exploiting predator's visual guidance.
Researchers studied bar-headed geese's migratory biology during high-altitude flights across the Tibetan Plateau, revealing a unique 'roller coaster' flight strategy. The birds employ this strategy to track underlying terrain and minimize energy expenditure due to decreasing air density and oxygen availability at high altitudes.
A UC Riverside study found that geckos without an adhesive system evolved faster in terms of morphology and locomotion. This suggests that losing adaptations can be beneficial for the species, allowing it to occupy a new niche.
A team of researchers from Northwestern University has developed a tri-component synthetic graft to replace torn ACLs, utilizing nanotechnology and biomaterials. The artificial ligament's bone-like ends have healed into native bone, anchoring it in place.
Researchers from UC Riverside have discovered that dead geckos can adhere to surfaces with the same force as living geckos, eliminating the need for active control. This finding has significant implications for robotics and other fields where adhesion is crucial.
Researchers measured head blows in girls' lacrosse players, finding accelerations of up to 60g and reducing effects with protective headgear. The study's results suggest that while headgear can reduce accelerations, it may also increase aggression in the game.
New research examines the effects of powered prosthetic leg errors on users, revealing some mistakes are insignificant, while others can cause noticeable instability. The team aims to improve decoding accuracy and minimize mechanical work changes to create more reliable prostheses.
Dr. Peter Barrance will study the effects of in-shoe orthoses on individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee using weight-bearing MRI technology. The goal is to refine footwear modifications and reduce pain and mobility limitations associated with knee osteoarthritis.
A study conducted by Bielefeld University and the Palucca University of Dance in Dresden found that dancers who learned a dance sequence by observing it performed better than those who were taught through spoken instructions. The researchers also found that visual learning modality improved retention over time.
Biologists at UC Riverside found that geckos reverse hind foot position to use the adhesive system as a brake and stabilizer when moving downhill. The study, published in Biology Letters, sheds light on gecko locomotion on non-level terrain and has applications in robotics.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a simple pulley mechanism that improves hand function in cadaver hands after surgery. The device reduces the force needed to close all four fingers by 45% and prevents slippage by 52%. This technology may offer new options for people who have lost hand function due to nerve trauma.
A study published by Kessler Foundation researchers found that using a foot drop stimulator during walking can retrain the temporal activation of the tibialis anterior muscle, improving muscle function. The results suggest that this intervention may facilitate recovery from foot drop, a common complication of stroke.
Researchers at MIT have created a robotic cheetah that can run at high speeds using an algorithm inspired by the biomechanics of real cheetahs. The robot's legs are programmed to exert a certain amount of force in the split second during which it hits the ground, allowing it to maintain speed and stability.
The Wyss Institute is further developing its Soft Exosuit technology, a wearable robot designed to assist soldiers with heavy loads. The suit mimics the action of leg muscles and tendons when walking, providing small but careful assistance at joints without restricting movement.
A new study using motion capture technology recommends alternative sexual positions for men with low back pain, finding 'quadruped' and 'missionary' positions to be less straining than previously thought. The study aims to provide a scientific basis for individualized recommendations on sexual activity for men with back pain.
A massive 85-foot-long and 65-ton dinosaur, Dreadnoughtus schrani, has been discovered with the most complete skeleton ever found of its type. The fossil offers an unprecedented window into the anatomy and biomechanics of this giant animal.
The largest land animal for which mass can be accurately calculated, Dreadnoughtus measures 85 feet in length and is estimated to weigh around 65 tons. Its nearly complete skeleton provides unprecedented insights into the anatomy and biomechanics of massive animals that once roamed Earth.
Researchers at Southern Methodist University found that elite sprinters use a unique gait feature to maximize speed, delivering a firm and rapid punch to the ground upon contact. The study, which compared data from competitive sprinters to other fast-running athletes, suggests that there is only one way to achieve high speeds.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have made a rarely used math strategy called the Jacobi method work significantly faster, potentially speeding up computer simulations in aerospace design, shipbuilding, and other engineering tasks. The updated method could solve problems that previously took 200 days to solve in just one day.
Associate Professor David Newman is a world leader in aviation medicine, receiving the 2014 John Paul Stapp Award for his work in aerospace biomechanics. He has made significant contributions to the field of aviation safety, focusing on pilot fitness and aviation-related health issues.
Researchers developed 3D models of an ant's neck anatomy to study its biomechanics and determine the relationship between mechanical function, structural design, and material properties. The results revealed that the ant's neck joint can withstand loads of up to 5,000 times its body weight.
Researchers develop a prototype of the world's first intelligent prosthetic liner to measure pressure and pulling forces at the interface between a patient's stump and prosthesis. The device aims to provide accurate measurements for optimal socket fit, reducing pain and discomfort for amputees.
A soft-bodied robotic fish with a flexible spine can mimic real fish swimming motions and perform rapid accelerations. The innovative design enables the robot to adapt to various environments, showcasing advancements in soft robotics.