Articles tagged with Biomechanics
A team of biologists and mathematicians from the University of Oxford and Manchester have solved the mystery of the squirting cucumber's explosive seed dispersal. The study used a combination of experiments, high-speed videography, image analysis, and mathematical modeling to reveal the key components of the plant's dispersal strategy.
Researchers found that low-frequency magnetic field (LFMF) enhances carotenoid yield in Rhodotorula glutinis by regulating iron metabolism. LFMF improves carotenoid synthesis and increases intracellular iron content, even disrupting gene expression related to iron metabolism.
Osaka Metropolitan University researchers developed a new approach to analyze the 3D structure of lab-made photosynthetic antenna protein complex LHCII. Their findings validated natural antenna mimicry in artificial photosynthesis, showing only minor differences between lab-created and natural LHCII.
Researchers found that silkworm moths scan pheromone sources by rotating their bodies while fanning, helping them detect odor plumes. The study offers valuable design principles for aerial robots, enabling more efficient search and localization of targets.
A University of Virginia engineer developed a workflow to combine advanced imaging technologies for improved understanding of porous bone, which could inform disease detection. The method allows for three-dimensional rendering of bone structure across various length scales.
Researchers aim to understand sex-specific effects of wheelchair use in childhood and adolescence to detect, prevent, and treat shoulder pain more effectively. The study uses state-of-the-art MRI scanners and quantitative morphometrics to quantify anatomical changes related to pain.
Study reveals the brain controls leg coordination during walking only when discoordination exceeds a certain threshold. Researchers found that not actively intervening improves energy efficiency and maneuverability.
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a method to detect coronavirus spike proteins quickly and selectively using a light-induced immunoassay. The technique uses a milliwatt-level laser and can complete the entire process in under 5 minutes.
Two UCD researchers receive ERC Starting Grants to launch projects on microplastic toxicity and TBI biomechanics, promising breakthroughs in toxicology and public health.
The BBEX exosuit provides multidimensional force assistance, reduces muscle fatigue, and decreases compression forces on spinal joints, suggesting a significant reduction in lower back injuries. The device is designed to mimic human biomechanics, offering comprehensive support during lifting tasks.
The International Society of Biomechanics provides recommendations for wearables-based motion capture technology, addressing sensor calibration and experimental protocols. The guidelines aim to improve accuracy and quality in human motion analysis applications.
Researchers have discovered that sunflowers wiggle to find patches of sunlight, forming a zig-zag pattern that maximizes access to light. This movement allows the plant to explore its surroundings and settle into configurations that provide maximum light exposure.
Researchers found that cell nuclei control tissue stiffness and ordering in eye and brain tissues, revealing a new role for the nucleus in organ formation. This discovery challenges existing views on tissue organization and has implications for understanding diseases associated with impaired architecture.
A randomized controlled trial found that four weeks of outdoor gait training, combined with home exercises, improved running biomechanics and reduced the time feet were in contact with the ground. This technique may help patients improve their stride and reduce pain associated with shin splints.
Researchers at Chapman University's Schmid College of Science and Technology discovered the 'internal concertina' strategy, used by hagfish to create u-shaped burrows. This burrowing behavior has significant ecological implications for sediment turnover and redox chemistry in marine habitats.
A Trinity College Dublin team, led by Professor David Taylor, has developed a machine to study hair splitting using biomechanics. The 'Moving Loop Fatigue machine' recreates the damage caused by combing tangled hair, revealing that split ends split more quickly and generated longer splits.
Researchers discovered lemurs possess an additional pair of vocal folds, which they believe is responsible for enriching their vocal repertoire and allowing them to exaggerate their size. This adaptation may have provided a selective advantage in competition for territory or mates.
Research by PLOS ONE found that runners classified as Myers-Br Briggs Sensing have a more grounded running style compared to those with an Intuitive personality. The study analyzed running biomechanics in French, Swiss, and Belgian runners.
Researchers studied the dolphin-kick swimming motion and found that water flow velocity increases with speed, generating a strong vortex during kicking. Recycling of flow is also observed during transitions between kicks, becoming more pronounced as speed increases.
A study published in Nature Communications found that the fastest animals are medium-sized, like cheetahs, due to a physical limit imposed by muscle contraction speed and shortening. This sweet spot size of around 50kg enables animals to reach speeds of up to 65 miles per hour
The study discovered that corrugated wings exhibit larger lift than flat wings when the angle of attack is greater than 30°. The researchers analyzed the flow around a two-dimensional corrugated wing using direct numerical calculations and found a unique airflow dance set off by a distinct corrugated structure.
Researchers have unveiled a previously unknown conformational state of OxlT transporter protein using advanced computational methods. This discovery offers new insights into the protein's function and potential therapeutic targets for preventing kidney stone formation.
Studies investigated the effect of trailing-edge fringes on owl wings, finding reduced noise levels and maintained aerodynamic performance. The simulations revealed two complementary mechanisms: reducing airflow fluctuations and suppressing feather interactions, leading to improved low-noise fluid machinery applications.
A new study directly measures the rowing force of a water strider's middle leg using a bio-appropriating probe, obtaining a force of 955 µN. Indirect measurement via image analysis yields a lower force of 488 µN. The study enhances understanding of water repellency and applications in biomechanics and biology.
Researchers found significant increases in volatile compounds with ultrasound-assisted fermentation, simplifying the brewing process. The study's findings suggest a feasible approach to enhance the physicochemical properties and flavor of Chinese rice wine.
The US Department of Transportation has awarded the University of Virginia's Center for Applied Biomechanics eight competitive research contracts totaling $4.1 million to further automotive safety research. The center will study demographic variations in injury risk, vehicle impact, and pedestrian fatalities.
The new robotic replica, called RRV, can mimic healthy and diseased states, allowing scientists to test cardiac devices and therapies. The model can also be used to study the effects of mechanical ventilation on the right ventricle and develop strategies to prevent right heart failure.
Researchers at Waseda University used diffusion tensor imaging to reconstruct fascicles in three dimensions, finding that a gearing mechanism reduces individual fascicle elongation during stretching. This mechanism allows muscles to extend without significant fiber length changes, preventing overstretching and injury.
Researchers developed a lightweight wearable balance exercise device to improve reactive postural control in older adults, reducing the risk of falls. The device uses pneumatic artificial muscles to generate unexpected perturbations, resulting in improved peak displacement and velocity.
Researchers discovered that hummingbirds use two distinct methods to navigate narrow gaps: sideways movement and 'beak-first' flying. By employing these tactics, they can pass through openings as small as half a wingspan wide, showcasing their remarkable agility.
Researchers redesigned IVF needles to reduce fluid flow damage to eggs, improving oocyte collection and IVF success rates. The study uses computer models and mathematical simulations to optimize the design, which has been successfully tested in cattle, with plans for human trials.
The Otago Community Head Impact Detection study and Elite Extension study used smart mouthguard technology to measure head acceleration events in over 17,000 players. These findings provide greater clarity and confidence than ever before into the benefits and safety of rugby.
Osaka Metropolitan University scientists have developed a super-efficient laser light-induced detection method that reduces detection time from hours to minutes. The technique allows for ultrafast and ultrasensitive measurement of biological nanoparticles, including exosomes, with diameters of 50–150 nm.
New plant cell walls exhibit significantly different mechanical properties compared to surrounding parental walls, enabling cells to alter their local shape and influence the growth of plant organs. Researchers have discovered that new cell walls in some plants are 1.5 times stiffer than the parental cell walls.
Studies show that shrinking and swelling of skin layers cause mechanoreceptors to fire off signals to the brain, leading to a feeling of skin tightness. The researchers developed a predictive model that accurately predicted human subjects' reported feelings, opening up new possibilities for improving cosmetics formulations.
Researchers at the University of Oxford's Botanic Garden and Mathematical Institute have found that the shape, size, and geometry of pitcher plants determines the type of prey they trap. The study showed that large, flared rims are suited to capturing walking insects such as ants.
A new study from the University of Kansas used motion capture technology to analyze the biomechanics of proficient free-throw shooters. Proficient shooters exhibited lower knee and center of mass peak and mean angular velocities, greater release height, and less forward trunk lean compared to nonproficient shooters.
Researchers found that witch hazel species with heavier seeds can fling them just as fast as lighter ones due to their spring-loaded fruits. The plants' unique mechanism involves the seed capsule drying out and deforming, releasing elastic energy to propel the seed forward.
Scientists at Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies discovered that collagen's weak sacrificial bonds rupture before the main structure, protecting tissue from excessive force. This mechanism helps to localize damage and promote recovery by dissipating mechanical stress and reducing oxidative stress in the body.
Researchers at UBC develop biodegradable gel that mimics articular cartilage properties, allowing for faster and more efficient cartilage regeneration. The gel's ability to resist compression and recover its shape after compression makes it a promising material for joint injury repair.
New research from Ohio State University suggests that cognitive dissonance can lead to added pressure on the neck and low back during lifting and lowering tasks. The study found that participants who experienced higher levels of cognitive dissonance had increased spine loading, particularly in the neck region.
A new study found that marathon running causes significant damage to extrinsic foot muscles, while intrinsic muscles are less affected. The research suggests that marathon runners can take steps to prevent injuries by prioritizing recovery and muscle fatigue management.
Scientists have successfully regulated the flow of single molecules in a solution by opening and closing a nanovalve, which could revolutionize chemical and biochemical synthesis. This technology has the potential to detect pathogens with high sensitivity and create new materials for various industries.
Tiny California blackworms tangle themselves to perform biological functions, but can untangle in mere milliseconds. Researchers have discovered the mathematics behind this process, revealing how helical gaits and topological principles enable the worms' superpower.
Researchers at HKU developed a novel smart manufacturing method for dental crowns using generative AI, producing personalised crowns with high accuracy that mimic natural teeth. The 3D-DCGAN algorithm improves the quality of design through internal competition between a generator and a discriminator.
Researchers tracked social grooming behavior in wild baboons using collars-mounted accelerometers, identifying and quantifying giving and receiving grooming with high accuracy. The study's findings have important implications for the study of social behavior in animals, particularly non-human primates.
A new study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living found that greater breast support during running is associated with increased knee joint stiffness, altering the lower body biomechanics of female runners. High support sports bras can improve running performance by up to 7% for women.
Researchers discovered that euchromatin, a region of the genome involved in gene expression, is not open but rather condensed and behaves like a viscous fluid at the molecular level. This finding challenges conventional thinking and provides new insights into DNA damage prevention and gene regulation.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that whale shark rhodopsin can detect blue light, a common wavelength in the deep-sea environment. The unique adaptation allows the whale shark to thrive in low-temperature and low-light conditions, but also makes it less thermally stable.
The caterpillar-bot uses a novel pattern of silver nanowires to control its movement, with the ability to steer in both directions and navigate through tight spaces. The robot's movement is driven by heating and cooling cycles that allow it to 'relax' before contracting again.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have created a new method to track protein movement in lifelike environments. The TiGGER technique involves tagging proteins with gadolinium ions and tracking their distance using quantum phenomena.
A new technology uses light-induced convection to enhance the permeability of cell membranes, allowing for efficient and selective delivery of biofunctional molecules to targeted cells. This results in lower concentrations of drugs needed for testing and potentially reduced costs and faster drug discovery.
Researchers discovered that young snapping shrimp's upper claws can accelerate at speeds of up to 580,000m/s², surpassing their parents' abilities and producing powerful cavitation bubbles. The study, published in Journal of Experimental Biology, highlights the impressive mechanical capabilities of these tiny crustaceans.
Researchers have developed a procedure to create custom, 3D-printed heart replicas that accurately mimic a patient's specific heart form and function. These replicas can be controlled to mimic the pumping action of the real heart, allowing clinicians to test various treatment options for individual patients.
Researchers found that strengthening hip abductor muscles can provide effective compensation for weaknesses in knee extensor muscles, leading to improved mobility in people with below-the-knee amputations. The study tested the hypothesis in eight military personnel who had undergone a lower limb amputation and showed promising results.
Researchers discovered that shark spirals favor fluid flow in one direction, challenging a physics theorem. By studying the spiral shape and materials, they aim to develop soft robotics and medical devices.
A new study has found that zebrafish larvae increase their chances of escape by moving at an angle perpendicular to the predator's direction. The study also examines the role of environmental noise and biomechanical constraints in shaping behavioral responses.
Researchers discovered that myosin motor proteins must be activated before muscles can contract, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating inherited cardiac conditions. This new understanding could lead to medical remedies for diseases like dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
A new policy brief has been launched by Staffordshire University to guide the creation of national telehealth patient consultation guidelines and training. The framework, developed in partnership with Allied Health Professions (AHPs), aims to improve the delivery of remote patient consultations across various healthcare professions.
Researchers found that the new law allowing goalkeepers to put one foot in front of the line improved their penalty diving performance. The study, led by Paulo Roberto Pereira Santiago, used 3D body reconstruction technology and motion capture to analyze dives.