A recent study found that children's motor skills are positively associated with activity and attention span persistence. Participation in organised sports also supports motor skill development. Parents and educators should be aware of individual factors like temperament traits to encourage motor skill growth.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 27, 2020
Researchers at the University of Manchester developed a robot that uses perceptual control theory to balance and move efficiently. The study found that robots programmed with this theory performed better than those using standard algorithms, demonstrating potential for more lifelike machines.
SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems·DateMar 4, 2020
Researchers designed acoustically driven microrobots capable of fast unidirectional locomotion and surface slipping. The robots' thrust forces were significantly stronger than those of microorganisms, enabling deployment in the human vascular system for medical purposes.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2020
Researchers aim to determine if short bursts of vigorous-intensity locomotor treadmill training can optimize motor learning and improve walking capacity, mobility, and performance for children with cerebral palsy. The study will enroll 72 participants aged 6-10 and assess the immediate and retention effects of the intervention.
SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateDec 12, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers at Tohoku University have cracked the code of centipedes' flexible motor control mechanism, enabling them to walk on land and swim in water. The study's findings will aid in developing robots that can adapt to various environments.
SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 9, 2019
A new energy harvester captures biomechanical energy from walking and converts it to electricity, powering wearable electronics without increasing the wearer's burden. The device generates an average power of 1.6 mW, weighing only 307 grams.
SourceThe Chinese University of Hong Kong·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 20, 2019
Researchers at MIT and University of Illinois develop method to control balance in two-legged, teleoperated robot. The approach enables humanoid robots to exert force or push against something without falling, paving the way for high-impact tasks in challenging environments.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateOct 30, 2019
Finnish children from rural areas demonstrated better motor skills and spent more time outdoors than their urban counterparts. Participation in organized sports also supported motor development. The Skilled Kids study highlights the importance of environmental factors on childhood motor skills.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJun 27, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A study at the University of Jyväskylä found that girls had high perceptions of locomotor skills, while boys had higher perception and actual skills in ball skills. The study suggests that providing positive experiences of ball skills can encourage girls to engage in physical activity.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateMar 21, 2019
Scientists used a split-belt treadmill to study mouse locomotor learning and found that the brain separates spatial and temporal components of movement. The findings show similarities with human learning and suggest potential therapeutic approaches for people with asymmetric walking patterns.
SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 19, 2019
University of Michigan researchers develop a novel approach to teaching self-driving cars to recognize and predict pedestrian movements. They achieve this by analyzing humans' gait, body symmetry, and foot placement using cameras, LiDAR, and GPS data. The system can predict poses and future locations for one or several pedestrians up t...
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateFeb 12, 2019
A study from Gero longevity company shows that quitting smoking can lead to rejuvenation that can be monitored by a mobile phone app. The app uses AI algorithm trained on physical activity signals to estimate biological age and track its reversion after smoking cessation.
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
A study by the University of Exeter and the University of Queensland reveals that plantar intrinsic muscles have a minimal impact on supporting the arch of the human foot during walking and running. However, these muscles are crucial for propelling forward motion.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2019
Scientists discovered that mammals' flexible shoulders played a crucial role in the evolution of their complex backbones. The study found that changes in shoulder structure occurred around 270 million years ago, leading to the development of different spine regions and ultimately contributing to mammal diversification.
Researchers developed a software program that uses an avatar to predict energy expenditure during walking, considering parameters like stride length and foot lift. The tool has potential applications in designing custom exoskeletons and prosthetics to reduce user effort and optimize calorie burn.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 24, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
New research reveals a dangerous midlife switch from daily activity to sedentary behavior, with black men and women at highest risk. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, calls for revised national physical activity guidelines to address this trend.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateAug 23, 2018
A recent study published in Science Advances analyzed the most complete foot of an ancient juvenile Australopithecus afarensis, discovered in Ethiopia. The findings suggest that the child spent more time in trees than adults, utilizing its backup plan to survive despite walking upright at a young age.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 4, 2018
MIT engineers developed a simple, low-cost passive prosthetic foot that can be tailored to an individual's body weight and size, allowing for a more natural gait. The custom-designed prostheses use a design framework that predicts a user's biomechanical performance based on the mechanical design of the prosthetic foot.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateJun 28, 2018
A study examined human ancestors' walking and climbing capabilities, revealing that humans' straight-legged gait provides improved walking economy but also allows for enhanced hip extension. This enabled early hominins like Ardipithecus ramidus to develop a balance between improved walking economy and climbing ability.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A new machine learning algorithm allows for quick optimization of personalized control parameters for assistive wearable devices, achieving significant improvements in metabolic performance and reducing costs. Researchers achieved a 17.4% reduction in metabolic cost compared to walking without the device.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 28, 2018
Researchers identified midbrain 'start neurons' that control locomotion speed and context-dependent behaviors. The study uses optogenetics to activate specific neuronal groups, revealing the complex role of the Cuneiform Nucleus and pedunculopontine nucleus in controlling locomotor movements.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature·DateJan 17, 2018
For the first time, researchers have captured detailed information on human sleep cycles over long periods of time while individuals slumber at home. The wrist-worn gadget, called an actimeter, records data on wrist movement to assess rest/activity cycles during sleep.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Scientists at Southern Methodist University have discovered a new, more accurate way to predict how much energy a person uses while walking. The method, known as the Minimum Mechanics Model, relies on three variables: speed, load carried, and slope.
SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateOct 18, 2017
When two people walk one in front of the other while carrying a stretcher-like object, they typically synchronize their gaits. This synchronization is associated with quadrupedal gaits, particularly pacing and trotting. Mechanical coupling changes walking gaits, reducing step length and movement speed.
A robotic training method improves posture and walking in children with crouch gait by strengthening extensor muscles, particularly the soleus, against a downward pull. The device enhances muscle coordination, resulting in improved walking features such as step length and toe clearance.
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 26, 2017
New research found that feelings of power change people's non-verbal responses to dominance displays, such as a staring gaze. Participants who felt powerful moved closer to the gaze, while those in a powerless state moved away.
SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 21, 2017
A study published in Science Robotics reveals that patients modify their walking patterns only when the robotic exoskeleton interferes with gait stability. The brain prioritizes stability over other aspects of walking, such as step height or toe angle, requiring customized forces to challenge balance.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Robotics·DateMay 24, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A study using high-speed motion capture found that human feet are more mobile than expected, challenging long-held ideas about human-chimpanzee differences. This discovery may require rethinking assumptions about early human ancestor fossil feet.
SourceNew York Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateFeb 8, 2017
Researchers discover that walking heel-to-toe creates a mechanical advantage by extending the length of 'virtual legs,' making them longer than physical legs. This adaptation allows humans to be efficient walkers.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 12, 2016
A new analysis of Lucy's skeleton suggests she frequently climbed trees using her arms to pull herself up. Her foot was better adapted for bipedal locomotion, resulting in more heavily built upper-limb bones.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 30, 2016
A new study using CT scans of Lucy's bones reveals that she had heavily built upper limbs similar to chimpanzees, supporting the idea that she spent time climbing trees. The research suggests that Lucy may have nested in trees at night to avoid predators and spent one-third of her time above ground.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 30, 2016
Research reveals long projecting neurons coordinate fore- and hindlimb movements, maintaining stability and rhythm. Elimination of these neurons impairs running speed and coordination.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A team of scientists has restored intentional walking movement to a temporarily paralyzed leg in rhesus macaques using a wireless brain-spinal interface. The system uses signals recorded from the motor cortex of the brain to trigger coordinated electrical stimulation of nerves in the spine responsible for locomotion.
Researchers discovered multiple assemblages of Homo erectus footprints in northern Kenya, preserving evidence of a modern human style of walking and group structure consistent with human-like social behaviours. The findings provide direct insight into the locomotor patterns and group dynamics of our fossil ancestors.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 12, 2016
Researchers studying infant locomotion have discovered common neural primitives used by humans and animals to walk. These findings could lead to new rehabilitation methods for patients with spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy.
A new computer processor designed specifically for robotic motion planning can plan movements up to 10,000 times faster than existing approaches while using significantly less power. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize robotics and automation in manufacturing environments.
Researchers found that female pelves widen with puberty, reaching full width by age 25-30, but then narrow again after menopause. Hormone levels drive this process, suggesting the body can modulate pelvic dimensions to ensure optimal childbirth.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A team of scientists identified a population of 'stop cells' in the brainstem that enable mice to halt their locomotion. These cells depress neuronal networks involved in generating locomotor rhythm, allowing animals to make graceful stops. The findings may provide insights into how locomotion is affected in diseases like Parkinson's.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a 'spring-mass' walking system that combines passive dynamics with computer control, allowing robots to blindly react to rough terrain and maintain balance. The technology has the potential to enhance legged robots and enable new roles in industries such as manufacturing and firefig...
SourceOregon State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateOct 27, 2015
Researchers at Oregon State University successfully field-tested a two-legged robot that can move, balance, and withstand mild blows while taking a walk in the grass. The 'ATRIAS' robot is three times more energy-efficient than other human-sized bipedal robots, heralding the running robots of the future.
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
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...
SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateApr 1, 2015
Researchers at NC State University and Carnegie Mellon University developed a lightweight ankle exoskeleton that increases walking efficiency without using energy from batteries. The device reduces metabolic energy consumption by 7 percent, improving the 'gas mileage' of human walking.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature·DateApr 1, 2015
Researchers found no correlation between hip width and efficient locomotion, debunking a long-held assumption that wider hips make women less efficient when walking and running. The study used biomechanical models to analyze the forces acting on the hips, revealing fundamental flaws in previous theories.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that when people walk in sync on a swaying bridge, they conserve energy and reduce their energy costs. By widening their stride, individuals can increase stability while also saving energy, which is equivalent to walking with or without a school backpack.
A UT Dallas professor applied robot control theory to create powered prosthetics that can dynamically respond to the wearer's environment, enabling amputees to walk at speeds of over 1 meter per second. The new approach simplifies the human gait cycle into a single variable, allowing for more stable and natural movement.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateDec 4, 2014
Researchers at Ohio State University have gained insight into how the body moves when walking by watching people walk naturally on a treadmill. They discovered that tiny variations in pelvis movement and foot placement can predict future steps with high accuracy.
SourceOhio State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 23, 2014
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
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.
SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateAug 26, 2014
A new study by Liza Shapiro at the University of Texas at Austin contradicts earlier claims that quadrupedal humans are a product of backward evolution. The research, published in PLOS One, shows that people with Uner Tan Syndrome (UTS) walk on all fours but use lateral sequences, not diagonal patterns characteristic of nonhuman primates.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 16, 2014
A Simon Fraser University study found that kangaroos employ a unique pentapedal gait, utilizing their tail in combination with front and hind legs to generate significant propulsive force. This discovery sheds light on the importance of timing and positioning during movement, particularly for individuals with mobility impairments.
SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 2, 2014
A new study reveals that women with wider hips are more likely to have multiple sexual partners and engage in one-night stands. Hip width, rather than waist-to-hip ratio, is found to be a key predictor of a woman's sexual behavior.
SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateApr 23, 2014
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding human walking by identifying two phases: alleviation and launching. The ankle tendons release stored elastic energy to propel the leg forward with minimal energy loss.
SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 16, 2014
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Researchers have discovered intricate neural networks in zebrafish that could help explain how humans developed limb control. The study found separate circuits for controlling the left and right sides of the body, which may be a precursor to human arm and leg movements.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJan 9, 2014
New research shows that men slow down by 7% when walking with their female romantic partners, deviating from their optimal walking speed. This phenomenon suggests that males in mixed-sex groups may make energetic adjustments to accommodate their partner's pace, potentially influencing mobility and reproductive strategies.
Jeffrey M. Hausdorff, PhD, receives the GSA's Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award for his work on gait variability, motor-cognitive interactions and the assessment of fall risk. His research has led to the development of innovative rehabilitation programs, including a multi-modal treadmill training program that improves...
SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 15, 2013
The shift from four-footed walking to bipedalism has resulted in various physical challenges, including flat feet, bunions, and slipped discs. As humans adapted to upright walking, the spine developed an S-shaped structure, leading to conditions like lordosis and scoliosis.
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Researchers found that people naturally switch between walking and running when given optimal travel times, resulting in energy savings. The 'transition region' between 4.5-6.7 miles per hour showed consistent use of a mix of both gait patterns.
SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 30, 2013
Researchers have developed a robotic set of legs that models human walking in a biologically accurate manner, allowing for insights into the processes underlying walking in humans. The robot's neural architecture and sensory feedback pathways mimic those found in humans, enabling it to walk without balance.
SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJul 5, 2012
Research funded by the Wellcome Trust suggests that prosthetic lower limbs and robots' legs could be made more efficient by making them less human-like. The study found that people walking normally, women in high heels, and ostriches produce similar forces on the ground due to their unique gait patterns.
SourceWellcome Trust·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 8, 2012
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
The discovery of a 3.4 million-year-old foot fossil in Ethiopia confirms the coexistence of two human ancestor species with different locomotion methods. The analysis suggests that more than one species existed between 3 and 4 million years ago, challenging previous assumptions about human evolution.
SourceCleveland Museum of Natural History·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 2012
At around 2 meters per second, running makes better use of a key calf muscle than walking, increasing efficiency and conserving energy. This discovery sheds light on why speed walking is generally confined to the Olympics.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2012