Articles tagged with Biomechanics
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at Lehigh University aim to elucidate the biomechanical mechanism of Ebola-host cell interaction using computational molecular adhesion mechanics and single-molecule force spectroscopy. Their goal is to provide new pharmacological targets for antiviral drug development.
Researchers are developing surgical screws from donated human bone material, reducing the risk of complications and eliminating the need for second surgeries. The technology, developed by TU Graz's Institute of Biomechanics, is being used in 14 Austrian hospitals and aims to improve outcomes for foot and jaw surgery patients.
A team of Vanderbilt University engineers has developed smart underwear that can help prevent back pain by offloading stress on the low back muscles. The device features two fabric sections connected by straps and can be controlled via an app or a simple double tap, reducing muscle fatigue by up to 45%.
Researchers have discovered that bacterial biofilms adapt their surface texture to repel water, similar to leaves. The structure of these biofilms is influenced by nutrient supply, with some behaving like lotus leaves and others like rose petals.
Limpets' shells can be repaired to match their original strength after damage, but they still face weaknesses from multiple impacts called spalling. This biomimetic discovery could inspire solutions for engineering problems like concrete failure.
Researchers from Virginia Tech discovered that birds' slender necks and pointed beaks reduce drag force during dives, allowing them to plunge safely. The team also found that contracting neck muscles before impact helps prevent buckling.
Accurate IOP measurement is crucial for managing glaucoma and identifying high-risk patients. Newer methods like Dynamic Contour Tonometry offer alternative solutions for patients with abnormal corneas, but limitations remain.
A biomechanics team at Trinity College Dublin discovered how insects construct internal bandages to mend damaged limbs, restoring approximately two-thirds of their original strength. This innovative repair mechanism allows insects to function almost normally after a cut, promoting survival in the wild.
A UBC study found that high-speed and inexperience are top contributing factors to injuries on the Whistler sliding track. The study also revealed that more experienced sliders had lower injury risks, with those logging over 150 runs showing reduced risk.
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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism in salamanders that allows them to jump with minimal push-off force. This 'hip-twist jump' creates a high amount of elastic energy, enabling the animals to propel themselves upwards.
A study by Brown University researchers found that lighter non-wood bats did not launch the ball at significantly higher speeds than wood bats, particularly for younger players. The study's results suggest that coordinated rules for bat performance in youth baseball are needed to ensure player safety and enjoyment.
Peter Barrance, a senior research scientist at Kessler Foundation, received the 2013 Clinical Biomechanics Award for his study on tibiofemoral contact location changes associated with lateral heel wedging. The study used weight-bearing MRI and was funded by NIDRR.
Studies of gorilla teeth reveal an evolutionary trade-off between food processing efficiency and tooth durability. As teeth wear, functionality diminishes but contact areas increase to distribute forces.
Research found that cushioned heel trainers alter an adolescent runner's biomechanics and diminish performance by promoting a heel-strike pattern. In contrast, runners with track flats and barefoot had a forefoot or mid-foot strike pattern.
Researchers found that pea aphids can land upright on their feet, using passive rotation to right themselves during free fall. The insects' ability to adapt to extreme situations has been studied in detail and published in Current Biology.
A recent British study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science may revolutionize the way healthcare professionals assess glaucoma risk. The study used a new method to measure intraocular pressure, correcting for corneal biomechanics, and found accurate measurements of eye pressure with improved accuracy.
Researchers analyzed golf swings of 10 professionals and 5 amateurs, finding consistent rotational-biomechanic elements among pros. Key findings include highly consistent peak X-factor and free moment, essential to power generation in professional golfers.
Researchers found that adolescent great whites struggle with capturing and killing large marine mammals due to their weak jaws. However, they can maintain high bite forces using a unique jaw muscle arrangement, a trait common among successful predators.
Thay Q. Lee will receive $1.4 million to support his research on the biomechanics of flexing and kneeling in veterans with total knee arthroplasty. His work aims to improve quality of life for injured veterans and others.
Researchers investigate how our bodies function, including why we chew food to create a firm blob for safe swallowing. Fingerprints are also examined, with tests suggesting they may aid grip and skin flexibility, but the true purpose remains unknown.
A study simulated car crashes involving pregnant women, aiming to improve safety in the automotive industry. The research aims to better understand how crash forces specifically affect pregnant women and their developing babies.
Human performance experts Peter Weyand and Matthew Bundle conclude that Oscar Pistorius' artificial lower limbs provide a significant competitive advantage in sprint running. The blades allow him to reposition his limbs 15% more rapidly, reducing muscle forces required for sprinting by less than half.
The Virginia Tech Center for Injury Biomechanics received the Army Modeling and Simulation Award for developing the Facial and Ocular Countermeasures Safety (FOCUS) headform, a state-of-the-art test dummy capable of measuring impact loads to the face and eyes.
The Journal of Dental Biomechanics will cover tissue and material biomechanics, with a focus on hard and soft tissue analysis. The journal aims to provide a platform for researchers to share vital research and developments in dental biomechanics.
The study utilizes biomechanics to improve understanding of heritable heart disorders and prevent children's spinal injuries. New materials and treatments are also discovered to aid in surgical implants development.
A study by Wageningen University found that weight and a saddle induce an overall extension of the horse's back, contributing to soft tissue injuries. The researchers hope to generate guidelines for riding techniques and maximum weight limits to prevent such problems.
Studies investigate shoulder pain, seat position impact, ACSM target heart rate guidelines, wheel camber effects, Smart Wheelchair Component System, portable ramps, self-efficacy in amputations, and neuroprosthesis technology for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Francisco Valero-Cuevas is awarded a research grant to study the biomechanics of the human thumb, aiming to improve surgical procedures for hand injuries. He will use cadaver hands and a dynamometer to measure the force of the thumb in various directions.