Articles tagged with Arms
Australopithecus afarensis fossils suggest Lucy's arms were used for tree movement, while her leg bones indicate a less efficient walking gait, limiting mobility on the ground. This study provides direct evidence that early human ancestors spent time in trees, potentially for millions of years.
Scientists at Oregon State University have successfully controlled electrical pulses in peripheral nerve fibers, offering new hope for paralysis patients. The technology could enable wearable control boxes that deliver impulses to implanted electrodes, allowing users to move their arms and legs.
A Swedish participant with a permanent sensory connection between his prosthesis and nervous system is competing in the Cybathlon, a new international competition showcasing advanced robotic prostheses. The event aims to drive forward prosthetic technology development, promoting dialogue between academia and industry.
A new UT study found that human limbs do not evolve independently, but are influenced by genetic correlations with other bones. The research challenged traditional theories on body shape and size, suggesting that multiple forces shape human form in response to environmental factors.
A new theropod dinosaur discovered in Patagonia has forelimbs most similar to those of T. rex, indicating independent evolution of this unusual trait. The study suggests that small T. rex-like arms may have evolved multiple times, adding evidence to the evolutionary history of these dinosaurs.
A newly-discovered Patagonian allosaurid named Gualicho has short, two-fingered claws similar to those of T. rex, but its unique limbs evolved independently rather than arising from a common ancestor. The dinosaur's unusual features make it a 'mosaic dinosaur', with characteristics found in different kinds of theropods.
A new study published in American Anthropologist found that Nubians and Egyptians developed a cultural identity that combined aspects of both heritages. The research, conducted at the Tombos site in Sudan, revealed a community of Egyptians and Nubians who interacted, intermarried, and eventually became a single community.
A new type of hydrostatic transmission combines hydraulic and pneumatic lines to drive robot arms with extreme precision, enabling delicate tasks like picking up an egg. This technology enables robots to interact with people in a life-like manner, making them ideal for human-robot interaction research.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a wearable robotic limb that allows drummers to play with three arms. The smart arm responds to human gestures and music, enabling a more sophisticated and creative experience. The technology has the potential to be applied in various fields, including medicine and engineering.
Researchers at UT Dallas discovered that exposure to low levels of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields from cellphone towers can cause pain in individuals with nerve injuries, including amputees. The study suggests a specific nerve pathway and protein TRPV4 may contribute to this phenomenon.
The Visible Nulling Coronagraph (VNC) technology has demonstrated improved sensitivity over a broader spectral range, making it a stronger contender for a future astrophysics mission. The instrument will enable spectroscopy to study exoplanet atmospheres and identify signs of life.
A new UCLA-led study suggests that wrist fractures in postmenopausal women can predict a higher risk of future fractures, particularly spine, upper arm and lower arm fractures. The research highlights the importance of developing strategies to prevent subsequent fractures after an initial wrist fracture occurs.
A study published at Neuroscience 2015 found that magnetically stimulating a specific part of the brain can affect arm movements in patients with severely disabling post-stroke arm impairment. The research suggests that repeated stimulation of the unaffected side of the brain may help teach it to control the impaired arm.
Researchers at King's College London have identified a method to quickly estimate total body mole count using a smaller 'proxy' area, like the arm. Females with over 7 moles on their right arm had 9 times more risk of having 50+ moles overall, while those with 11 or more had 100+, indicating higher melanoma risk.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that upper limb amputees who learned from fellow amputees using a similar prosthetic device showed significant improvement in motor skills and brain activity. The study suggests that people are better equipped to adapt when learning from someone with similar physical characteristics.
Researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy found that the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale can predict stroke patients who will develop upper limb spasticity within one year. This allows for early treatment to minimize pain, impaired function, and other repercussions of spasticity.
The octopus genome contains widespread rearrangements of genes and a dramatic expansion of genes involved in neuronal development. The research also found novel genes that may be responsible for the creature's unique camouflage abilities.
A clinical pilot study found that using virtual reality to enhance movement and increase confidence in the affected limb significantly improves spontaneous use of the paralyzed arm. This suggests an alternative focus on increasing patient confidence may be critical for full recovery.
A new method developed by Disney Research Pittsburgh and Boston University can recognize actions in videos more accurately than previous methods. The algorithm represents actions as space-time patterns, allowing it to account for variations in execution.
Researchers implanted microelectrodes in a tetraplegic patient's brain to read neuronal activity related to intended movements. The study successfully predicted limb and eye movements, enabling control of a robotic arm with unprecedented accuracy.
A study of thousands of human bones reveals a gradual decline in leg bone strength as Europeans adopted agriculture and settled down, while arm bone strength remained steady. Researchers found that lifestyle changes, such as reduced mobility, were more significant contributors to the shift than urbanization or nutrition.
A robotic arm inspired by an octopus's flexible arms can bend, stretch and squeeze through cluttered environments, enabling surgeons to access remote areas of the body. The device manipulates soft organs without damaging them, reducing the need for multiple instruments.
Researchers analyzed octopus arm coordination in crawling and found that the animals have a unique motor control strategy to match their
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.
The new transmission enables robot arms to be light and strong while maintaining precise control. It also allows for 'give' in the limbs, facilitating soft interactions between people and robots.
Researchers found that shutting off blood supply to an arm or leg before cardiac surgery reduces heart muscle energy production and activates protective protein Akt. This technique, called RIPC, has the potential to protect the heart during future cardiac surgeries.
Xinyan Cui is leading a team to develop a biological coating for microelectrode arrays in brain implants, aiming to strengthen the connection between brain and machine. The coating could potentially extend the viability of neural recording by six months and improve the functionality of brain-computer interface technology.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a new treatment method for phantom limb pain, using muscle signals from the amputated arm stump to drive an augmented reality system. The patient experienced drastically reduced pain and was no longer awakened by intense periods of pain at night.
Researchers have developed a new method to treat phantom limb pain, using muscle signals from the arm stump to drive an augmented reality system. The patient's pain was drastically reduced, and he now experiences periods of complete relief.
Remote ischemic conditioning using a blood pressure cuff reduces subsequent cardiac symptoms and mortality after acute heart attack. The procedure translates into a clinical benefit for patients, with new heart symptoms reduced by 51% and death caused by heart disease decreased by 61%.
A team of scientists studied Psittacosaurus dinosaurs to understand their growth patterns. They found that arm bones grew fastest during the first few years of life, while leg bones experienced a massive growth spurt, eventually becoming twice as long as the arms.
Harvard researchers discovered that humans store and release energy in the tendons and ligaments crossing the shoulder, allowing for rapid throws. The team used a 3D motion-capture camera system to analyze collegiate baseball players' throws, finding that elastic energy storage occurs during the 'cocking' phase.
Researchers found a suite of changes in human shoulders and arms allowed efficient hunting by throwing projectiles, paving the way for later adaptations like increased brain size and migration out of Africa. The study suggests that humans' ability to throw played a key role in becoming part-time carnivores.
Researchers have demonstrated that brain-computer interfaces can learn as users practice simple motor skills like waving a hand. After just 10 minutes of practice, the brain's activity transitions from learning to automatic actions, indicating successful learning.
A 370-million-year-old fossil fish with paired anal fins has been found, providing a unique window into the evolution of vertebrates. The discovery sheds light on the developmental experimentation that led to the formation of paired appendages in early vertebrates.
A recent study published in the Journal of Marketing found that branding products with human characteristics can lead to a greater backlash when they fail. Consumers who believe in personality stability tend to have stronger negative feelings towards anthropomorphized brands. Companies should be aware of their target audience's beliefs...
A new Johns Hopkins Children's Center study reveals that peripheral intravenous catheters are nearly four times more likely to cause complications compared to centrally placed PICC lines. Clinicians should carefully weigh the ease of placement against the higher complication risk for non-central vein placement.
Astronomers have identified a new structure in the Milky Way, a long tendril of dust and gas dubbed a 'bone'. This feature is part of a web connecting spiral arms and is similar to fibulae found in human skeletons.
Researchers have developed a new index to assess patients' progress with prosthetic arms, grading performance on 18 everyday tasks. The Activities Measure for Upper Limb Amputees (AM-ULA) considers movement quality and body compensation, providing clinicians with a reliable tool to evaluate treatment effectiveness.
A study presented at the Canadian Stroke Congress reveals that rehabilitation robots can detect post-stroke impairments more accurately than traditional methods. The robots improve detection of limb position, speed, and movement direction, enabling personalized therapy and treatment plans to remap the brain and restore function.
A deep-sea squid species has been observed using a unique defensive strategy where it counter-attacks and then leaves its arm tips attached to the predator. This behavior allows the squid to create a diversion and escape from predators.
Researchers develop a technology that tricks the neuromuscular machinery into producing smooth eye movements, allowing individuals with nearly complete limb paralysis to write in cursive. This breakthrough has significant implications for people with ALS and other conditions affecting eye movement control.
A research team at Bielefeld University is studying how female locusts prefer males with the most powerful swellings on their front legs. The study aims to understand the evolution of sexual ornaments and their role in mate selection, which may be linked to an animal's health.
Despite lacking a brain, brittle stars exhibit coordinated movement by designating a central arm and two rowing arms to propel it along. They can also change direction by choosing a new central arm and moving its accompanying limbs.
A University of Colorado Boulder study found that continued practice after mastering a task can decrease overall energy costs by up to 20%, making movements more efficient. The research, led by Assistant Professor Alaa Ahmed, used robotic arm exercises to measure metabolic cost and muscle activity in test subjects.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that a difference of 15mm Hg or more between arms is associated with increased risk of peripheral vascular disease, pre-existing cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. Measuring blood pressure in both arms should be part of routine care to identify patient...
Researchers at Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that differences in systolic blood pressure between arms are associated with increased risk of vascular disease and mortality. A difference of 10mm Hg or more is linked to an increased risk of peripheral vascular disease, pre-existing cerebrovascular disease, and mortality.
Parkinson's disease patients exhibit increased arm swing asymmetry and reduced coordination, which can be easily detected early with inexpensive accelerometers. This method may enhance early diagnosis and treatment opportunities, and researchers plan to further investigate its effectiveness.
Octopuses have been shown to make complex movements, such as navigating through mazes, using visual information. The study reveals that they can direct a single arm in a coordinated movement to retrieve food rewards.
Dr. Kuiken will showcase the enhanced mobility and functionality of TMR surgery, which reroutes brain signals to intact muscles, allowing patients to control prosthetic devices with thought. Over 50 amputee patients worldwide have benefited from TMR, including military veterans who lost limbs in combat.
Researchers found that anaesthetizing an arm impairs the ability to distinguish between right and left hands, leading to false sensations and altered body perception. The study aimed to understand how neuronal circuits are reorganized during anesthesia, which could lead to new therapeutic tools for treating phantom limb pain.
According to the study, posture plays a crucial role in determining whether people act as though they are really in charge. Adopting an expansive body posture activates a sense of power that produces behavioral changes independent of actual rank or hierarchical role in an organization. In contrast, recalling an experience of being in a...
A report found that certain vena cava filters, used to prevent blood clots from reaching the lungs, can fracture and cause life-threatening complications. The filters were found to have a high rate of fracture, with some fragments traveling to the heart and causing symptoms such as rapid heartbeat or fluid buildup.
Researchers found that saber-toothed cat forelimbs were stronger than those of modern felines, with thicker cortical bone and larger diameters, suggesting they used their arms to pin prey before delivering a fatal bite.
A clinical study found that stroke patients can regain limb movement long after an injury through intensive therapy with specially trained personnel and newly created robotic aids. The study showed statistically significant improvements in quality of life, upper-arm function, and everyday activities.
Researchers studied gait to identify physical signs of Parkinson's disease in its early stages. The team found that people with Parkinson's had significantly asymmetrical arm swings compared to those without the disease.
A systematic review found that constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) shows promise in improving arm use in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. CIMT forces the use of the affected side, and positive effects were demonstrated 6 to 8 months after intervention.
A study found that left- and right-handed individuals have distinct body maps in the brain, influencing how they perceive their physical bodies. Left-handers estimated both arms as equal length, while right-handers consistently perceived their right arm as longer.
The KYOTO HEART Study found that valsartan significantly reduced the incidence of cardiovascular events, including angina pectoris and stroke/TIA, in Japanese hypertensive patients. The study showed a lower rate of primary endpoints in the valsartan arm compared to non-ARB conventional therapies.
Researchers successfully linked a person's brain to individual muscles in a paralyzed limb using neuroprosthetic devices, allowing natural control and movements. The study demonstrates a novel approach to restoring movement through direct artificial connections between the brain and muscles.