Articles tagged with Biomechanics
John Kershner, a Lehigh University PhD candidate, has been awarded a Fulbright research grant to continue his work on owl-inspired aero-acoustics in Germany. He will collaborate with researchers at Brandenburg Technical University and the DLR to experimentally test these designs.
Researchers discovered that wandering salamanders, living in redwoods, have developed aerial behaviors to avoid predators, including parachuting and gliding. They are able to maintain control and make horizontal maneuvers, defying expectations of their sluggish nature.
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 at Lehigh University developed a new method to accurately gauge healing progress of bone fractures using 3D models. The model identifies the cutoff point between soft tissue and bone, allowing for more precise predictions of bone behavior during the healing process.
Researchers observed that bacteria change their swimming behavior to avoid getting stuck in confined spaces. In open areas, bacteria meander without discernible pattern, but upon entry into tight spaces, they straighten their paths to escape, suggesting physical features like walls and corners serve as crucial cues.
A study has discovered that using a strategically-timed pull from a waist belt can help individuals walk more efficiently, reducing metabolic cost by as much as half. This approach uses biomechanical testing to optimize the timing of assistance, which was found to be most effective during a brief window between steps.
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.
Scientists discovered that animals likely evolved asymmetric gaits 472 million years ago, with evidence of crutching and bounding in ancient fish and crocodiles. The study suggests that many modern species have lost this ability due to evolution or size constraints.
Researchers propose a new treatment for fibrosis by inhibiting cell mechanical contractions, reducing stiffness and activating myofibroblast activity. The study suggests that (-)-blebbistatin can effectively reduce liver fibrosis in models in vivo.
The BioMFOS has small dimensions and lightweight, suitable for wearable application and clothing integration with ultra-high sensitivity and resolution. It can detect forces in the μN range and locations with sub-millimeter spatial resolution.
Researchers developed a fully autonomous biohybrid fish from human stem-cell derived cardiac muscle cells that recreates the muscle contractions of a pumping heart. The device has two layers of muscle cells that work together to propel the fish for over 100 days.
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.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that lack of sleep affects gait control, with students who stayed awake all night performing poorly. However, those who compensated for lost sleep by catching up on weekends showed improved walking control.
Researchers at MIT develop a method to decode images of cells in a tissue to determine its phase, which can indicate its developmental stage or cancer progression. The technique uses triangular order parameters to characterize tissue states, allowing for quicker and less invasive diagnoses.
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.
Using observations, lab experiments, theory, and computation, researchers have developed a simple theory to explain the form and growth of apples' cusp-like features. The team found that mechanical instability and underlying fruit anatomy play joint roles in giving rise to multiple cusps in fruits.
A team of scientists found that people can adjust their walking efficiency automatically, even when distracted, without having to think about it. This ability allows for focus on other tasks while walking, such as tracking road bumps and managing daily life.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that bacteria adjust their flagella to changes in fluid viscosity, enabling navigation and colonization. This adaptation, similar to proprioceptive adaptation, helps bacteria form swarms and colonize diverse environments.
Scientists from the University of Tsukuba analyzed video from top-level judo matches to systematically determine the aspects of posture that lead to success. The study found that the distance between competitors is a key factor in correct technique, which may assist in automating athletic training methods.
Scientists have discovered that geckos use their tails to recover from head-first crashes into rainforest trees, with implications for the design of agile robots. This versatile behavior allows geckos to stabilize themselves after impact and maintain control during gliding maneuvers.
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 at Kanazawa University have made significant progress in understanding the constriction mechanism of dynamin, a protein involved in endocytosis. By combining experiments and simulations, they found that the nanomuscle's motion resembles a ratchet motor, generating enough force to cut off vesicles from cell membranes.
A research study is being conducted to understand muscle fatigue in older adults, with a focus on its effects on mobility and daily activities. The study aims to develop a new metric called fatigability to assess an individual's change in performance and perceived effort in response to standardized activity.
Researchers at Osaka University have successfully created a 3D-bioprinted structured Wagyu beef-like meat alternative using stem cells isolated from Wagyu cows. The new technology mimics the complex texture of real Wagyu beef, allowing for customizable fat and muscle components in cultured meat.
Researchers developed a new method to map supramolecular chirality in insect wings using microscopic vibrational circular dichroism (VCD). The technique revealed segregated microdomains of proteins with different secondary structures, unattainable by conventional FT-IR spectroscopy.
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.