Articles tagged with Fingers
A team of researchers found that a regulatory region of the genome, which controls the development of digits in mice and fish, was co-opted by evolution to guide digit formation. This discovery reveals a major evolutionary strategy of reusing existing genetic mechanisms.
A study suggests that children were involved in creating prehistoric cave art due to their unique mental and cognitive traits, which allowed them to communicate with entities from the beyond. Children were believed to be liminal beings, bridging the gap between worlds, and delivering messages to non-human entities.
A new study found that female professional footballers' lactate levels can be predicted by their finger length and height. Research showed that tall women and those with a long ring finger relative to their index finger produced low levels of lactate during exercise.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo developed a biohybrid hand that can move objects and mimic real-life forms, using multiple muscle tissue actuators created from lab-grown muscle tissue. The hand demonstrated its ability to perform complex gestures, including scissor motions, and showed signs of fatigue but recovered within an hour.
Researchers developed a soft robotic finger that can perform routine doctor office examinations, including taking patient pulses and checking for abnormal lumps. The device's advanced sense of touch allows it to detect stiffness similar to human fingers, enabling early disease detection and more efficient medical exams.
A University of Leicester study has found that the ability to walk efficiently on the ground played a crucial role in determining how large pterosaurs could grow. Early pterosaurs were adapted for climbing, but later species developed changes to their hands and feet that allowed them to thrive on land, leading to some becoming gigantic.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified clear stress patterns among children undergoing dental treatment, particularly during anesthetic injections. The study used a sensor tool to monitor hand movements and sweating, revealing that invasive treatments were significantly more stressful for longer periods.
Researchers used virtual reality to test whether humans can feel embodiment toward prosthetic
A recent study by Swansea University analyzed the link between digit ratio and oxygen consumption in professional football players. The research found that athletes with longer ring digits relative to their index fingers had more efficient oxygen metabolism, reaching high maximal oxygen consumption during a cardiopulmonary test.
Researchers developed a device that allows amputees to sense and respond to temperature, improving dexterity and feelings of human connection. The 'MiniTouch' device enables active thermosensation during tasks requiring feedback between sensory and motor neurons.
Scientists unveiled a spatial cell atlas of the entire developing human limb, capturing intricate processes governing rapid development. The study uncovers new links between developmental cells and congenital limb syndromes, such as short fingers and extra digits.
A team of researchers discovered two genetic genes that predispose people to Raynaud's phenomenon: ADRA2A and IRX1. These variations cause small blood vessels to contract in response to stress or cold, leading to vasospasms and limited blood flow. The study could lead to effective treatments for the condition.
Research identified three genetic risk factors for Dupuytren's contracture, a condition affecting fingers, that originated from Neanderthal DNA. The study, based on 7,871 affected individuals and 645,880 healthy controls, provides evidence of the intermingling between Neanderthals and modern humans influencing disease prevalence.
A new study reveals that Dupuytren's disease, a hand disorder affecting Northern Europeans, has a significant genetic component tied to Neandertal ancestry. Researchers identified three variants of Neandertal origin as major risk factors for the condition.
Researchers at Columbia University have created a highly dexterous robot hand that combines advanced sensing technology with motor learning algorithms to achieve high dexterity. The hand can perform complex tasks such as rotating an unevenly shaped object without visual feedback, and even operates in dark environments.
Researchers developed a robotic finger with high-resolution sensors that capture data along the entire length of each finger. The three-fingered robotic hand can identify objects after just one grasp, with 85% accuracy, using tactile sensing and machine-learning algorithms.
Experts found that large differences in finger length between left and right hands are associated with COVID-19 severity. The study may help identify those at greatest risk of hospitalization across age groups.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that trigger finger is more prevalent among individuals with diabetes, particularly those with poorly regulated blood sugar. The risk of trigger finger increases with poor HbA1C levels, highlighting the potential link between blood sugar dysregulation and this condition.
A new breath-driven hand prosthesis offers a lightweight, low-maintenance option for children and those in low-resource settings. The device is powered by the user's breathing and provides simultaneous control and actuation, with minimal maintenance required.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo have created a controllable robotic finger covered with living skin tissue that can heal itself. The development could lead to new possibilities in advanced manufacturing industries, such as automation and cosmetics, reducing costs, time, and complexity of research.
Researchers have developed a method to create living human skin on robots, providing a realistic texture and self-healing properties. The skin is made up of collagen and human dermal fibroblasts, which conform to the robot's surface and can even repair wounds with the help of a collagen bandage.
A 58-year-old woman from Armenia suffered from severe finger pain for over 40 years when knitting, which was later revealed to be caused by a rare benign glomus tumor under her fingernail. The tumor was successfully removed in a 30-minute operation, restoring the patient's quality of life and allowing her to return to her hobby.
The discovery of a 164,000- to 131,000-year-old Denisovan tooth in Laos provides significant insights into the species' geographic range. The ancient tooth's shape and similarity to teeth found on the Tibetan Plateau suggest that Denisovans inhabited Southeast Asia, particularly northern Laos.
Researchers analyzed ancient incense samples from a Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple and found evidence of exotic spices like elemi and frankincense. The findings provide insight into the complex role of incense in religious rituals and court activities during this period.
Researchers developed a novel wearable soft robotic armband that conveys artificial sensations of touch to prosthetic hands, enabling users to control multiple grasp functions simultaneously. The study showed improved time efficiency and precision in transporting objects, with haptic feedback being crucial for tasks.
Researchers found fingerprints influenced by genes responsible for limb development, shedding light on phenotypical traits in humans. The study identifies 43 genome regions associated with fingerprint patterns and suggests a link between dermatoglyphic patterns and congenital genetic disorders.
Researchers have developed a custom finger clip device that measures blood pressure and other vital signs like heart rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, and respiratory rate. The device uses photoplethysmography sensors and achieves an accuracy rate of about 90% for systolic blood pressure.
Researchers developed a new hand gesture recognition algorithm that surpasses current methods in accuracy, complexity, and applicability. The algorithm combines adaptive hand type classification and a shortcut feature for efficient real-time recognition.
Researchers discover that finger snaps produce the highest rotational accelerations observed in humans, even faster than professional baseball pitchers. The study explores the role of friction and finds a 'Goldilocks zone' necessary for optimal energy storage.
The 'Rolling Fingers' robotic hand can move objects in a single grasp without needing two arms, simplifying tasks for robots. Its adaptive fingers and rotating skin enable safe manipulation of non-rigid objects, making it suitable for industrial and clinical applications.
Researchers analyzed a nine-county birth certificate database in New York state from 2005 to 2018, finding associations between redlined areas and increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality. The study's findings highlight the ongoing impact of historical racism on current health disparities.
Researchers have developed a new, efficient on-body energy harvester that produces 300 millijoules of energy per square centimeter without mechanical input. The device is powered by lactate in sweat and can be worn on the finger, making it suitable for self-sustainable wearable electronics.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a new wearable device that can generate electricity from human sweat, even when the wearer is asleep or sitting still. The device, which requires no physical input from the wearer, collects sweat from the fingertips and converts it into electrical energy.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a groundbreaking technology that restores tactile sensation via an electric current transmitted from a healthy nerve. The sensor, implanted on a damaged nerve, recreates the feeling of touch without requiring an external power source.
A study of over 7,500 participants refutes the idea that the 2D:4D ratio is influenced by sex hormones, instead suggesting that finger size differences are related to overall growth patterns. The research found no correlation between total finger length and 2D:4D ratio in men and women across different ages and nationalities.
Researchers found diabetics use half as much force to hold objects, unlike those with other neurological diseases. The study developed a new methodology to measure grip force, providing potential for quick and easy diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy.
A partially-compliant robot hand using a Crossed Flexural Hinge (CFH) was developed to increase lifting power while minimizing damage in collisions. The CFH-jointed robot hand demonstrated 46.7% more shock absorption than a pin joint-oriented robotic hand and could hold objects weighing up to four kilograms.
MIT researchers have designed a sharp-tipped robot finger with tactile sensing to identify buried objects in granular material. The Digger Finger successfully sensed the shapes of submerged items and can penetrate sand and rice, with potential applications for finding buried cables or disarming bombs.
Researchers at University College London developed a robotic 'Third Thumb' that allows users to perform dextrous tasks with one hand. The study found that participants' brains adapted to the extra thumb, changing their natural hand movements and reporting it felt like part of their body.
A new AI model precisely replicates human touchscreen typing by simulating eye and finger movements, making it easier to optimize keyboard designs for better typing. The model can also account for different user types, including those with motor impairments, to develop personalized typing aids.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed technology to create holographic-like virtual objects that co-exist in physical space. They can interact with humans and are projected onto everyday objects, enabling immersive experiences.
Researchers observed T cells exerting a tiny force of up to 5 pico-newtons when recognizing antigens, allowing them to determine if the interaction is with the desired antigen. This study provides insights into how T cells function at the molecular level and could lead to significant advances in medicine.
Researchers created a low-cost ultrasound training phantom to train treatment of trigger fingers using ultrasound guidance. The 3D-printed anatomical finger model, embedded in ballistic gelatin, allows for precise insertion of a syringe needle and mimics human anatomy and echogenic appearance.
A new Jurassic pterosaur species, 'Monkeydactyl', has the oldest true opposed thumb, a novel structure previously not known in pterosaurs. This discovery represents the earliest record of an opposed thumb in Earth's history and adds to the list that darwinopteran pterosaurs evolved such a feature.
Researchers are developing personalized, democratized technological solutions to transform vision rehabilitation for children and adults. Digital haptics and sound technology are being integrated to enable the visually impaired to learn about new objects and spaces instantly.
Sensory neurons in fingers can detect touch on a single fingerprint ridge scale. This sensitivity explains the human hand's refined sense of touch.
Research suggests that high-income mothers tend to produce higher levels of testosterone, leading to a more masculinized fetus, while low-income mothers produce lower levels of testosterone, resulting in a more feminized fetus. This phenomenon has been linked to increased disease risk, including cardiovascular disease and mortality.
A team led by Alexander Eichler has demonstrated the first scanning force microscope with a vibrating substrate, pushing sensitivity to its fundamental limit. The approach uses a perforated membrane as the 'table' and features an optical interferometer for sensitive measurement.
Researchers have developed tactile books with 3D mini-scenarios that allow blind children to explore and identify objects using gestures and body simulations. This innovative approach has been shown to narrow the perception gap between blind and sighted children, enabling them to recognize objects more easily.
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University create soft robotic fingers with integrated sensing mechanisms using multimaterial 3D printing, enabling controlled grasping and manipulation of objects. The design features a self-powered sensor that requires no energy supply, expanding the possibilities for robots in human care and interaction.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technology that enables digital communication through direct touch, allowing for secure payments and information transfer without biometric authentication. This innovation uses an "Electro-Quasistatic range" to confine signals within the body, preventing hacking and interception.
Human fingerprints have a self-regulating moisture mechanism that helps avoid dropping objects, enabling the development of better prosthetic limbs and virtual reality environments. By regulating skin moisture, fingerprints maximize friction on various surfaces, giving primates an evolutionary advantage in dry and wet conditions.
Research suggests Neanderthals used power 'squeeze' grips to hold tools, which provided greater stability and leverage. This finding contrasts with the preferred precision grip of modern humans, highlighting differences in thumb anatomy and tool use behaviors.
A new nanomesh pressure sensor allows for precise recording of finger movement and touch, without disrupting user sensitivity. The technology has potential applications in sports, medical science, neuroengineering, and the digital archiving of craftwork.
A new approach uses photoacoustic tomography to capture 3D images of finger veins, enabling levels of specificity and anti-spoofing previously not possible. The method achieves 99% accuracy in correctly accepting or rejecting identities.
A team of biologists has determined how limbs evolved from fins using embryos of the Australian lungfish. The study suggests that a primitive hand was present in lungfish fins but unique anatomy of limbs with digits only evolved during the rise of tetrapods through changes in embryonic development.
Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Opole have discovered a fossilized hand with five metacarpal bones in a Late Triassic temnospondyl, Metoposaurus krasiejowensis. This finding is significant because it challenges the long-held assumption that early ancestors of modern frogs and salamanders had only four fingers. The discove...
Researchers from Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, have developed a wrist-mounted device called FingerTrak that continuously tracks the entire human hand in 3D using thermal cameras. The technology has potential applications in sign language translation, virtual reality, mobile health, and human-robot interac...
A UCLA bioengineer designed a glove-like device that can translate American Sign Language into English speech in real-time using a smartphone app. The system uses thin sensors to pick up hand motions and finger placements, which are then translated into spoken words at the rate of about one word per second.
A deep-learning powered single-strained electronic skin sensor captures complex five-finger motions in real-time, creating a virtual 3D hand. The sensor's rapid situation learning system ensures stable operation regardless of its position on the skin.