Articles tagged with Swimming
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a soft eel-like robot that can swim silently in salt water using artificial muscles filled with water. The robot's undulating swimming motion is generated by electrical charges that activate the muscles, allowing it to move without making any sound.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identified 11 safety measures that could potentially save over 250,000 lives annually in low- and middle-income countries. These interventions include speeding enforcement, formal swimming lessons for young children, and crèches to supervise young children.
Researchers at Tohoku University have found that microorganisms with cilia can escape from dead ends using a swimming motion. This ability enables them to survive in intricate environments where other organisms may not be able to thrive.
Researchers discovered micron-scale particles linked to a magnetic field can self-assemble into swimming motion, replicating human breaststroke. The ability can be controlled with an eccentric magnetic field, allowing for potential use as drug-delivery vehicles or micro-robots.
Scientists discovered that the anterior region of the alga is more sensitive to calcium ions than the posterior end, allowing for fine-tuned light-responsive motility. This finding advances our understanding of how multicellular organisms evolved to overcome single-celled limitations in photosynthesis.
Researchers have identified a new structure inside human sperm tails, which is essential for swimming and fertilization. The spiral-shaped feature helps coordinate the movement of motorproteins that propel the sperm forward.
A 28-year-old man experienced instant pain relief after undergoing a cold water swim following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. The procedure was successful but postoperative pain persisted, until the cold water plunge provided lasting relief. Further investigation is needed to confirm the effectiveness of this natural intervention.
Researchers have discovered a new form of flagella-mediated motility shown by symbiotic bacteria, which enables them to swim by wrapping their flagellar filaments around their cell bodies. This unique motility mechanism allows the bacteria to pass through narrow constricted passages and is essential for symbiotic relationships with bea...
A new research from the University of Sydney suggests that athletes who delay specialising until later years may be more successful. The study found that younger swimmers were over-represented at lower age categories but relatively older swimmers excelled at higher levels.
A Penn-led team discovered that midshipman fish release small amounts of calcium to sustain their muscle contractions for an hour, allowing them to produce a sustained hum. This finding sheds light on the physiology behind this extraordinary ability and may apply to other animals moving at high speeds.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that cycling does not negatively impact men's sexual and urinary health. Contrary to previous studies, recreational and intense cycling were shown to have no detrimental effects on erectile function or prostate health.
A US study estimates that 90 million cases of waterborne illnesses occur each year through recreational activities, costing $2.9 billion annually. The most common illnesses are gastrointestinal and respiratory in nature, with adults aged 20-54 experiencing mild illness and children under 10 experiencing moderate illness.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered how bacteria evolved molecular motors to optimize their swimming. By building a 'family tree' of bacterial motors using 3D imaging and DNA analysis, the team found that sophisticated species had more stators than primitive species, with some having as many as 17 stators.
The study found that the Pacific midshipman's swimbladder muscles release and pump calcium ions at a much slower rate than those of other fish, allowing it to sustain an hour-long mating call. This low level of calcium release reduces metabolic demands and enables the muscle fibers to contract with sufficient force.
A Florida Atlantic University study uses tiny treadmills to simulate disorientation and measures the energy spent by sea turtle hatchlings crawling on beaches. The researchers found that hatchlings expend massive amounts of energy but can still swim well, supporting the importance of lighting ordinances during turtle hatching season.
Researchers develop a 3D model of amoeba swimming, showcasing the role of pseudopods in propulsion. The study provides new insights into cell locomotion mechanisms and their relevance to various biological processes.
Scientists found that low concentrations of toxic chemicals can affect aquatic creature behavior, including feeding and swimming speed. The study calls for low dose and mixture toxicity testing to assess the impact of complex pollutant mixtures on aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University found that hammerhead sharks use different body movements to swim at the same speed, despite varying head shapes and sizes. The study revealed a double oscillating system in their movement, allowing for increased sensory perception and scanning of the environment.
Researchers have identified a motor pathway in the sea lamprey that regulates swimming speed, which could be relevant to understanding movement disorders. The study suggests that dysfunction of this pathway may contribute to symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have unlocked the mechanisms underlying animal kinship attachments and social attraction. The study found that neurotransmitters and microRNAs play a crucial role in regulating these behaviors, including the switching of neurotransmitters in response to olfactory cues.
The Envirobot robot uses chemical, physical and biological sensors to map variations in water conductivity and temperature, detecting heavy metals like mercury. Biological sensors comprising bacteria, crustaceans and fish cells indicate water toxicity.
Researchers have found a unique biological hydraulic system in the median fins of Pacific bluefin and yellowfin tuna, which enables fine adjustment of fin shape and position to generate precise control during swimming and turning maneuvers. This system may enhance design in sailing vessels and autonomous vehicles.
Playing football improves bone development compared to swimming and cycling, particularly after a year of training. The study found that adolescents who played football had better bones than those who engaged in non-weight-bearing sports.
In a study on eastern mosquitofish, researchers found that females prefer males with average sexual activity, rather than high or low drives. This is due to the cost-benefit ratio, as high-activity males can be hazardous to their safety and feeding opportunities.
Research reveals minnows prefer energetic shoalmates due to increased visual stimulation and potential hydrodynamic benefits. Higher metabolic rates in shoal mates may reduce predation risks for following fish.
Researchers study how baleen whales use crossflow filtration to separate prey from water without contact, shedding light on whale evolution and conservation. The study finds that larger body size enhances this form of filtration, affecting a whale's drag and energy needs.
Researchers discovered that fish can modulate fin stiffness by applying a u-shaped curvature at the base of their fins, altering force generation on the water. This allows them to swim with varying speeds and maneuverability in different currents. The study's findings could inspire the design of more agile robotic swimmers.
A study published in Frontiers of Psychology found that babies can stand without support as early as 3.6 months old with practice. The research, led by Professor Hermundur Sigmundsson, showed that out of 12 children who participated in a 12-week baby swimming course, 11 could stand on their own for more than 15 seconds.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that populations of E. coli evolved in two divergent paths, either improving swimming speed or growth rate, but not both, due to trade-offs. This study sheds light on how evolution proceeds when performance depends on multiple traits restricted by a trade-off.
A research team created 3D models to analyze zebrafish behavior, revealing significant compromises in 2D-scored behaviors. The study confirmed that 3D approaches underestimate locomotion and overestimate spatial preference, leading to false positives and false negatives.
Researchers find a mathematical signature of disintegration from order to chaos in swirling bacterial patterns. This discovery links turbulence in biology and physics, shedding light on the dynamics of active fluids.
Researchers at the University of Delaware discovered that plants release airborne chemicals when injured, alerting neighboring plants to boost their defenses. The injured plant sends signals through volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which stimulate nearby plants to grow more robust roots and increase malate transporter genes.
A Portland State University study found that affluent neighborhoods with lawns use up to 10 times more water than densely populated areas. The research highlights the importance of water-saving measures in urban planning, suggesting that hardscaping and native plants can reduce water usage.
A Washington State University researcher has found that the uterus in female mice contains enzymes that break down semen, making it less gel-like and easier to swim. The study highlights an underappreciated complication in semen liquefaction and could lead to diagnostic tools for unexplained infertility.
Researchers found that common odour compounds like cyclohexanone, isophorone and phenol are present in high concentrations in inflatable pool toys. These chemicals have potential health risks, including irritation and carcinogenic effects.
A new study describes the key mechanism in the brain that allows animals to recognize and react to subtle sensory signals. In a mouse model, detecting a faint screech or a tiny black speck can signal the presence of a hawk, highlighting the importance of multisensory integration.
Researchers discovered how plankton cope with turbulent layers in the ocean. Plankton cells change their shape from asymmetric to egg-shaped structures, allowing them to swim downwards and avoid damage. This adaptation provides an evolutionary advantage for the population, as only half of the cells are affected by turbulence.
Research suggests that dolphins and whales expend more energy when swimming at high speeds, potentially leading to increased risk of strandings. A study by Terrie Williams found that beaked whales using loud sonar use 30.5% more energy than unstartled animals.
A novel method to accurately diagnose exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) in swimmers has been developed. The technique uses a flexible laryngoscope secured with waterproof tape, providing stable high-quality diagnostic images of the larynx during exercise.
Researchers use artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium to estimate urine presence in pools and detect potential health hazards, finding high concentrations in swimmers' urine, exceeding tap water levels.
A team at the University of Tsukuba has created a novel approach to measure fluid drag on the body during front-crawl swimming, which overcomes previous limitations. The new method, utilizing load cells and underwater motion analysis, allows for accurate determination of active drag and comparison to passive drag states.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have created small biological robots called bio-bots that can move on their own using muscle cells. The researchers developed a method to seed cells into a scaffold and direct their behavior using electrical or light signals.
Researchers discovered a strong behavioural rule, the rule of random attraction, that explains how complex patterns of collective movement emerge in zebrafish as they develop from larvae to adults. Younger fish spend less time applying this rule, resulting in fewer schools, while adults do more, leading to group formation.
A new study reveals gills originated earlier than thought, suggesting a link between active lifestyle and evolutionary history. Gills develop from the same embryonic tissue in jawed and jawless vertebrates, supporting a single origin of these respiratory organs.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that employees who record over 10,900 steps per day are less likely to perpetuate abuse at home. The research suggests that sleep and exercise can be leveraged as intervention points to prevent harmful behavior.
A new study by B. Ubbo Felderhof reveals that even when thrust and drag average out over a period, periodic shape deformations can lead to net motion in microorganisms and animals, improving upon popular explanations of swimming and flying mechanisms. The research provides an important conceptual clarification of flow theory and has po...
Researchers studying zebrafish found that early improvements in balance emerge from growing ability to execute quick swims in response to instability. Zebrafish learn to correct movements and become more stable over time.
A team of researchers from NYU Tandon School of Engineering has developed a 3D platform to simulate zebrafish behavior, which can potentially replace animal testing in certain types of research. The model was calibrated on real-life data and allows for rapid simulations that reduce the need for animal subjects.
A study by University of Sydney found that cycling, swimming, and racquet sports reduce risk of death from cardiovascular disease and other causes. Participation in these activities lowered the risk of death from CVD by 56% for racquet sports, 41% for swimmers, and 36% for aerobics.
Research found that swimming, racquet sports, and aerobics are associated with reduced risk of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease. Racket sports showed the strongest association, followed by swimming and aerobics.
Schistosomiasis larvae employ a unique T-swimming style when moving against gravity, which helps them reach the water's surface. By understanding this biophysics, researchers hope to thwart infection and prevent re-infestation.
A team of scientists at Gakushuin University has developed a novel 'cross-kymography' method to visualize the rotation and morphology of archaella, which enables the direct observation of these structures for the first time. This breakthrough reveals new insights into the swimming mechanism of archaea.
Researchers have developed a method to quantify semen activity based on its spinning motion, providing an objective ranking for artificial insemination. The technique measures the collective rotation of sperm in a semen drop, which is faster and more reliable than current subjective rankings.
The LudusScope, a 3D printed smartphone microscope, enables kids to play games and make serious observations with miniature light-seeking microbes called Euglena. The device allows students to build their own instrument and collect data on Euglena behavior, swimming speed, and natural biological variability.
Researchers found that great hammerhead sharks swim on their sides at approximately 60° roll angles, allowing them to minimize energy expenditure. This unique swimming style enables the sharks to avoid sinking and continue swimming efficiently due to lift forces produced by their dorsal fins.
Research by the University of Kent found that elite British swimmers are nine times more likely to have asthma-related breathing problems than boxers. The study suggests optimising airway health for swimmers may lead to improved performance in the pool, and recreational swimming can enhance asthma control.
A study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine found a higher prevalence of heart abnormalities, including left ventricular hypertrophy, among triathletes who died during the swim portion of competitions. This suggests a plausible link between immersion pulmonary edema and swimming-related deaths in endurance athletes.
Researchers found that swimming was as beneficial as walking in reducing pain intensity and improving quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia. Both swimming and walking improved scores on clinically validated questionnaires, indicating significant improvements in physical function and mental health.
Researchers at Hokkaido University analyzed footage of goblin sharks capturing prey using a high-speed jaw projection, called 'slingshot feeding', which propels the jaws at speeds of up to 3.1 meters per second. This adaptation allows the shark to compensate for its slow swimming speed in deep-sea environments where food is scarce.
Competitive swimmers are at risk of shoulder injuries due to the high stress on their joints. Proper technique, training, stretching, and strengthening can help prevent these injuries. Swimmers may experience signs such as a dropped elbow or excessive body roll, which can be diagnosed with a thorough physical examination.