Articles tagged with Feet
A recent study of hundreds of soil samples from Rhode Island found that surface lead concentrations do not always accurately reflect contamination at depths below the soil surface. The research highlights the need for more comprehensive sampling methods to ensure public safety, particularly in areas with legacy lead-painted water towers.
A new FINDER technology uses microwave radar to detect human breathing patterns and heartbeats in rubble. The system is sensitive enough to locate victims buried under 30 feet of debris, revolutionizing search and rescue operations.
Researchers have solved the mystery of how mercury enters open-ocean fish, finding that up to 80% is produced deep in the ocean by bacteria. Mercury levels are likely to rise in Pacific fish over the coming decades due to increased industrialization in Asia.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research suggests that shoppers should make more conscious choices about what to add to their shopping baskets. Researchers found that additional purchases can either attenuate or exacerbate embarrassment, depending on whether they counterbalance or complement embarrassing products. The findings h...
Research at University of Liverpool reveals human feet retain surprising flexibility like those of great apes, contradicting long-held assumptions about arch development. The study suggests humans may have retained flexibility for effective coping with varied ground surfaces during long-distance walks and runs.
Researchers at the University of Michigan used an electroencephalogram to study how the brain responds to a fall. They found that many areas of the brain sense and respond to a fall, but this happens well before the muscles react. The study aims to improve understanding of falls in the elderly and potentially prevent them.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new wireless communication system that allows devices to interact with each other without relying on batteries or wires for power. This technology, called ambient backscatter, takes advantage of TV and cellular transmissions to enable communication between devices.
Researchers have discovered a new species of table coral, Acropora cytherea, in Hawaiian waters. The coral was found to be 14 years old and is believed to be colonizing O'ahu reefs from neighboring islands.
Researchers discovered a protein linked to cognitive impairments in Angelman syndrome, a condition characterized by autism, intellectual disability, and motor abnormalities. The study found that reducing the expression of this protein improved cognitive function in Angelman syndrome model mice.
Tropical Storm Chantal is bringing powerful thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to the Caribbean Sea, with a storm surge of 1-3 feet expected in affected areas. The National Hurricane Center predicts tropical storm conditions will affect Windward Islands today and Puerto Rico tonight or early Wednesday.
Scientists have identified a genetic cause of diffuse non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (NEPPK), a rare skin condition characterized by white and spongy hands and feet when exposed to water. The AQP5 gene mutation affects aquaporin 5 protein, leading to increased water permeability in the skin.
A home-based walking exercise program improved walking performance and physical activity in patients with PAD. The study found significant improvements in 6-minute walk distance, maximal treadmill walking time, and pain-free walking time.
A study by Princeton University researchers found that altitude sickness influences ethnic demographics in nations with steep terrain. The Han Chinese population tends to settle lower than 8,900 feet above sea level, while Tibetan settlements only begin at higher elevations, suggesting a direct effect of altitude on settlement patterns.
A nationwide study estimates over 1,500 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to cell phone use while walking in 2010. Young people aged 16-25 were most likely to be injured as distracted pedestrians, with talking on the phone accounting for 69% of injuries.
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a single advanced building control that can customize fan speed to actual need, resulting in an 18% slash in energy demand. The technology has the potential to save tens of thousands of dollars annually for large office buildings.
A new study from Aarhus University suggests that using neutral running shoes is not associated with an increased risk of injury for healthy novice runners who overpronate or underpronate. The researchers found that the risk of injury was similar among runners with different pronation types, regardless of shoe type.
Researchers found a massive cone-shaped structure made of basalt stones weighing an estimated 60,000 tons, dating back to the early Bronze Age. The site is believed to be connected to ancient city of Beit Yerah and may provide insights into geological history.
Researchers developed a new dual agent scan that can differentiate between diabetic foot infection and a non-infectious complication in nerve-damaged joints. The technique combines agents targeting bone cell activity and immune response, allowing doctors to accurately diagnose and rule out unnecessary scans.
A nearly complete, articulated skeleton of a new tiny, tree-dwelling primate has been discovered in China, dating back 55 million years. The fossil, named Archicebus achilles, is one of the most primitive primate fossils ever documented and provides valuable insights into the evolution of primates.
Researchers found marked bilateral retinal vessel leakage in half of healthy volunteers exposed to high altitudes. The study suggests that retinal capillary leakage may be a key component of high-altitude retinopathy.
A study published in Human Nature found that rural Indonesian Karo Batak people prefer women with big feet, challenging the one-size-fits-all theory of attractiveness. This cultural preference is linked to their ecological context and limited exposure to Western media.
The West coast log and lumber exports from the United States decreased in the first quarter of 2013, with log exports dropping 33% to $297 million. Meanwhile, total US log exports increased by 11%, while total US lumber exports also rose by 2%.
A study of 406 patients found that male athletes, particularly those who engage in sports like basketball and tennis, are at a higher risk of Achilles tendon ruptures. The majority of these injuries occur during sporting activities, and delayed diagnosis can lead to poorer outcomes. Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons emphasize the imp...
Researchers studying Australopithecus sediba's fossil find that its conical ribcage made it difficult to swing its arms while walking or running. The species' unique foot structure also suggests it walked with feet turned inward, setting it apart from other australopiths.
Researchers found that remains of dovekies were recovered from the stomachs of 14 goosefish caught during winters between 2007 and 2010. The study suggests that timing is key in bringing these deep-water fish and shallow-feeding birds together in offshore waters.
A new program at the University of Missouri Health Care System is providing support and training for healthcare workers who experience emotional trauma after a patient's death or unexpected decline. The program has been recognized nationally and its effectiveness has been studied in several studies published in top medical journals.
Researchers found that residential property values depreciate nearly 0.1% for each 1% nearer to a brownfield, while increasing in value by the same amount with distance from the site. The study analyzed 6,800 properties and estimated $2.2 million in annual lost property tax revenue.
The James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror backplane support structure is nearing completion with the recent assembly of its wings. The complex wing assemblies feature 900 separate parts made of lightweight graphite composite materials.
Researchers at Brigham Young University found that runners who transition too quickly to minimalist shoes suffer an increased risk of injury. The study suggests a slower and more gradual transition over a longer duration is necessary to minimize the risk of injuries.
A new study by the University of Iowa confirms that pregnancy leads to permanent changes in a woman's feet, including increased length and width. The arch of the foot flattens out, potentially contributing to an increased risk of arthritis in women.
Researchers studied cockroaches' gait patterns using kinematic phase analysis, revealing a substantial delay in the nervous system's response time. This finding suggests that periodic feedback systems might lead to more stable walking robots.
The James Webb Space Telescope will be displayed life-size at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, featuring exhibits and educational activities for all ages. The telescope model weighs 12,000 lbs. and is being assembled at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
Research suggests that groundwater acts as a natural water filtration and purification system, removing excess nutrients and impurities from the earth's surface. The study highlights the need for better management of this critical resource to ensure clean drinking water and sustainable ecosystems.
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.
NASA released an animation of NOAA satellite imagery showing the lifetime of the historic nor'easter that brought over 2 feet of snow to New England states on Feb. 8-9, 2013. The storm left over 650,000 without power and led to travel bans in several governors' states.
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 new study suggests that healthcare providers may need to wear fitted respirators for routine care of flu patients due to the high infectiousness of some individuals. The researchers found that small particles can float in the air for hours and travel long distances, making non-fitted masks ineffective.
Cyclone Felleng intensified on Jan. 30, with sustained winds near 115 knots (132.3 mph), threatening both Madagascar and La Reunion. The storm is creating dangerous seas with wave heights up to 38 feet.
The NASA Super-TIGER balloon has shattered the previous record for longest flight by a balloon of its size, reaching 46 days in flight. The balloon is carrying the Super Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder (Super-TIGER) experiment to measure rare heavy elements among high-energy cosmic rays.
The famous Chamber A thermal vacuum testing chamber, upgraded to accommodate the James Webb Space Telescope, will undergo a 90-day test period. The test will confirm the telescope's performance in cold temperatures and include operating system tests.
A Mexican study suggests that Botox injections can provide faster relief from plantar fasciitis than steroid treatments, with patients showing significant improvement after six months. The study found that combining botulinum toxin A (Botox) with stretching exercises yielded better results for treating the painful foot condition.
A study by George Washington University researchers found that habitually barefoot people in Kenya vary their foot strike patterns based on speed and running surface firmness, contradicting the long-held notion of a forefoot-first strike. The study's results have implications for our understanding of human ancestors' running gaits.
A study published in PNAS found that modern humans with feet adapted for terrestrial bipedalism can still climb trees effectively. Researchers observed extreme dorsiflexion and longer muscle fibers in climbing individuals, challenging the idea that a terrestrially adapted foot excludes arboreal behavior.
A massive low-pressure area dropped over a foot of snow in some Midwestern states, prompting severe warnings and weather advisories. The AIRS instrument on NASA's Aqua satellite captured an infrared image showing the heaviest precipitation areas at -63.6°F (-53.5°C) near New England states.
Tropical Storm Bopha intensifies in western North Pacific, developing a distinct tail-like band of strong thunderstorms. The storm is expected to become a typhoon by Thursday afternoon, Nov. 29.
A study led by Michigan State University researcher Gwen Wyatt found that reflexology can significantly ease cancer symptoms such as shortness of breath, improve physical functioning, and reduce fatigue. The results suggest that reflexology may be a useful complementary therapy for mainstream care.
A recent study by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) reveals that young blackbirds can become 'drunk' on fermented rowan berries. The birds exhibited symptoms similar to those of human intoxication, including unsteadiness, loss of coordination, and tendency to fall over.
The proportion of severely obese Americans has increased by 70% since 2000, with over 15 million adults classified as morbidly obese. The trend is slower than previously reported, suggesting a potential slowdown in the growth of severe obesity.
Super Typhoon Jelawat brought extremely rough seas to areas in the western North Pacific, with waves reaching 40 feet. The storm was approaching Okinawa, Japan, where a warning level TCCOR-1 was issued due to destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater.
A new Caltech study found that facial photos taken at close range influence perception, making subjects appear less trustworthy, competent, and attractive. Researchers used digital warping to manipulate images, confirming the effect. The findings may have implications for computer vision and social judgments.
Researchers have discovered paving stones in the 'lost garden' of Robert Herrick, believed to be from Richard III's time. The discovery is a significant find, bringing them closer to locating the king's grave. Further investigation has also revealed fragments of window tracery and medieval silver pennies at the site.
A new noninvasive imaging technique, dynamic diffuse optical tomography imaging (DDOT), uses near-infrared light to map hemoglobin concentration in tissue, revealing effective blood flow to patients' hands and feet. DDOT has the potential to diagnose PAD earlier, allowing for medication and lifestyle changes to alleviate the disease.
Professor Mo Ehsani's new pipe consists of a central layer of lightweight plastic honeycomb and layers of resin-saturated carbon fiber fabric. This innovative design is stronger than conventional steel and concrete pipes, allowing for virtually infinite length sections with no joints.
A new device developed by NASA measures formaldehyde levels at low and high altitudes, revealing that 30-40% of pollution is transported during storms. The instrument offers a factor-of-10 improvement in size, sensitivity, and complexity over existing devices.
Researchers found that moles' SOX9 expression occurs sooner in hands than feet, allowing for stronger forelegs and enlarged digging front paws. This adaptation enabled moles to thrive underground, with specialized features such as Os falciforme.
Barefoot running, popularized by Abebe Bikila, is not inherently good or bad; proper training and conditioning are key. However, research suggests that it can increase stress fractures and soreness in the calves, while also risking knee and hip injuries similar to those caused by athletic shoes.
Researchers discovered that lizards swing their tails to rotate their bodies while falling, and replicated this motion in a robot. The study could help engineers design more stable robots for complex environments.
Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing an infinitely smaller segmented mirror, called the Multiple Mirror Array (MMA), that will revolutionize space-based telescopes. The MMA promises to detect, image, and characterize planets beyond our solar system from a high-altitude balloon.
A University of Iowa researcher has discovered a new species of crocodile, the largest known true crocodile, which lived between 2 and 4 million years ago in Kenya. The species, Crocodylus thorbjarnarsoni, is estimated to have measured up to 27 feet in length, making it significantly larger than the present-day Nile crocodile.
A recent study found that 70 percent of beaches on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui are undergoing long-term erosion, with an average rate of 0.4 feet per year from the early 1900s to 2000s.