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Sea urchins see with their feet

Researchers at Lund University have found that sea urchins can perceive objects within a limited range of sizes, up to 30-70 degrees around them. This ability is sufficient for the animal's basic needs and behavior, despite having poor eyesight compared to humans.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 12, 2018

Hats on for Easter Island statues

The study uses archaeological evidence and physics-based processes to describe how the islanders placed the hats on the statues. The researchers propose that workers would rotate, leverage, and pivot the hats onto the statue tops using small wooden levers.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJun 4, 2018

The smallest biggest theropod dinosaur

A new Spinosaurus fossil from Africa is reported to be the smallest known individual of this giant, sail-backed theropod. The tiny claw phalanx found in Cretaceous-aged sandstones retains the same locomotor adaptations as larger adults.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateMay 30, 2018

Biological ballet: Imaging technique reveals complex protein movements in cell membrane

Researchers have developed an imaging method for live cells that suppresses photobleaching, allowing observation of individual molecules for up to 400 seconds. This enables study of protein movements and interactions in the cell membrane, shedding light on cellular behavior and potential targets for cancer treatment.

New shark species confirmed

A team of scientists has confirmed a new species of sixgill sharks in the Atlantic Ocean, based on genetic testing. The discovery was made using mitochondrial genes and found significant differences between the Atlantic and Pacific/Oceanic species.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·JournalMarine Biodiversity·DateFeb 20, 2018

Risk of non-infectious elephantiasis mapped in Cameroon

Researchers have mapped podoconiosis in Cameroon, a neglected tropical disease causing leg swelling, with an overall prevalence of 0.5%. The study suggests a nationwide distribution, highlighting the need for prevention and control strategies to beat this disabling disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 11, 2018

Insight into how infants learn to walk

Researchers at Lancaster University found that 10-week-old babies who practiced 'reflex walking' showed a stronger brain response when watching humans walk compared to those who didn't. The study suggests that experience can refine the perception of biological motion in early infancy.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateDec 14, 2017

High success rate reported for diabetic Charcot foot surgery

A Loyola Medicine study found nearly four out of five diabetic patients with severe Charcot foot were able to walk normally after surgery. The study used a stricter standard for treatment success, with 77.6% of patients meeting the criteria, and Dr. Pinzur's Ilizarov circular external fixator technique showed promising results.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalFoot & Ankle International·DateDec 14, 2017

Research reveals the true impact of diabetic foot ulcers

A recent study published by the University of Leeds reveals that diabetic foot ulcers have severe consequences, including limited mobility and increased risk of heart disease. The research found that more than half of patients with infected ulcers did not heal over a year, highlighting the need for close monitoring and timely treatment.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalDiabetic Medicine·DateNov 8, 2017

Scientists eavesdrop on little-known beaked whales to learn how deeply they dive

Researchers from the NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center used a towed linear hydrophone array to document dive depths for Gervais' and True's beaked whales, two of the least known species. The study provides new insights into their behavior, revealing that they dive as deep as 870 meters in search of food.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateOct 11, 2017

Trench Foot discovery paves way for new treatment

Researchers have discovered that patients with non-freezing cold injury, also known as 'trench foot,' have a significant reduction in nerve fibers within the skin. This damage causes chronic pain experienced by these patients. Understanding the root cause of the condition may lead to new treatments and improved prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalBrain·DateOct 9, 2017

Making surgical screws from bones

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.

Toward ending an environmental nightmare

A team of Stanford researchers is using satellite data to track and identify brick kilns in South Asia, which are a major source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative aims to raise public awareness and incentivize kiln owners to switch to cleaner technologies.

Molecular microscopy illuminates molecular motor motion

Scientists have developed a high-resolution microscope to directly observe kinesin motors moving along microtubules, revealing the coordination of attachment and release. This new understanding may help clarify defects in transport processes contributing to diseases such as Alzheimer's and ALS.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJul 25, 2017

Misconceptions about foot disease common among Ethiopian children

Podoconiosis is preventable by wearing shoes in areas with red clay minerals, yet many Ethiopian children have misconceptions about the disease and its prevention. Research found that children believed barefoot exposure to dew or pond water was a risk factor, despite knowing symptoms and benefits of proper footwear.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 25, 2017

How walking benefits the brain

Researchers found that walking significantly increases blood flow to the brain, comparable to running, but less dramatic than cycling. The study uses non-invasive ultrasound to measure internal carotid artery blood velocity waves and arterial diameters.