Conquest of land began in shark genome
Researchers identified a genetic activity required for digit development in limbed animals, found in sharks' genomes, and believe it existed more than 500 million years ago
Fingers
Articles tagged with Fingers
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Finger length helps predict elementary exam results, study shows
A new study found that a child's finger length can predict their performance in numeracy and literacy tests. The researchers discovered that a higher digit ratio, indicating greater prenatal testosterone exposure, is associated with stronger numeracy skills. In contrast, a lower digit ratio is linked to higher literacy scores for girls.
Diagnostic ultrasound could provide automated method of fingerprint identification
A new study suggests that diagnostic ultrasound can be used for biometric identification by matching paired images of fingerprints based on internal structures. The researchers found a high accuracy rate of 96% among four readers, with radiologists achieving a 100% success rate.
When your brain talks, your muscles don't always listen
As people age, their neurons must speak more loudly to muscles to achieve precise control, leading to poorer physical responses and increased falls. Exercise, such as weight training, can increase firing rates and preserve motor capacity in older adults.
'Finger rafting:' Ice sheets that mesh when they meet
Researchers at Yale University discovered that ice sheets sometimes mesh together when colliding, forming a series of interlocking blocks dubbed finger rafting. This curiosity has puzzled scientists for over 50 years.
Finger length ratio may predict women's sporting prowess
Research found that a lower second-to-fourth finger ratio is linked to higher athletic achievement in women, particularly in running and team sports like soccer and tennis. The study of 607 female twins suggests that this finger ratio may be influenced by sex hormones and genetic factors.
Modified home video game shows promise for stroke rehabilitation
A modified home video game system has been developed to aid stroke patients in performing hand exercises, utilizing virtual reality and traditional therapy techniques. The system, costing less than $600, promotes engaging patients and provides immediate feedback on performance.
Fingertip device helps computers read hand gestures
Researchers have developed a 'Fingertip Digitizer' that can transfer the meaning and intent of common hand gestures to virtual worlds, allowing for greater precision and control. The device can also sense physical characteristics of objects and detect health anomalies.
3-D computer simulation to aid treatment of collapsed lungs
Researchers created a 3D computer simulation to mimic the complex process of reopening collapsed airways. The study found that 'fluid inertia' plays a crucial role in assessing the pressure required to reopen blocked airways, which is essential for preventing lung damage.
New Queen's study of hand-brain function offers insight into recovery for stroke survivors
The study found that hand function is directly related to brain activity and that changes in the brain well after the stroke are paralleled by changes in physical ability. Interventions like muscle vibration and mental practice can enhance motor cortical output, leading to improvements in hand use.
Cholesterol gets 'thumbs up' for role in digit development
Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that cholesterol attachment to the developmental protein Sonic hedgehog controls finger and toe development in mice. Without cholesterol, mice developed extra digits and malformed toes.
The $6 billion (hu)man is becoming reality, as bionics restores or expands humans' abilities
Researchers are developing bionic implants that mimic original functions, surpassing the power of natural organs. Digital humans walk across computer screens, revealing complex interplay of muscles and bones, while wearable robotic systems turn wearers into super-strong individuals.
Using 'minutiae' to match fingerprints can be accurate
The MINEX test demonstrated that minutia templates can be used to match fingerprints accurately, especially when using two index fingers. Systems with images and multiple fingerprint pairs achieved the highest accuracy rates, exceeding 99% in some cases.
Biometric science seeks to avert identity crisis
Biometrics seeks to overcome its limitations by improving sensor quality, image processing, and combining traits for enhanced accuracy. The technology has shown impressive precision but also faces challenges such as small margins of error, which can have significant consequences.
NYU medical experts analyze subway injuries
A study of 208 patients treated at Bellevue Hospital from 1990 to 2003 found that most had minor injuries, but some suffered severe amputations or died. The researchers identified a pattern between economic downturns and increased subway accidents, suggesting that slowing down trains could reduce the severity of injuries.
The science of tickling (ourselves) is no laughing matter, Queen's psychologist says
A new study by Queen's University psychologist Dr. Flanagan and international team reveals that humans use sensory cancellation to filter out self-motions, reducing touch perception. This mechanism is crucial for distinguishing between internal and external stimuli, and may underlie certain delusions in schizophrenia.
Smoking during pregnancy may affect baby's fingers and toes
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital digital anomalies, such as polydactyly and syndactyly, by up to 78%. The risk is higher for women who smoke more than a pack of cigarettes per day.
Smoking while pregnant causes finger, toe deformities
Researchers found a significant link between smoking during pregnancy and an increased risk of digital anomalies, including polydactyly, syndactyly, and adactyly. The study discovered that pregnant women who smoked one to 10 cigarettes per day increased the risk by 29 percent.
Botox® injections effective for treating stroke spasticity
A study found that Botox injections significantly improved muscle tone and functional disability in stroke patients, with at least 50% achieving a 1-point or greater improvement. The treatment was safe and well-tolerated, with only 7% reporting adverse events.
Scientists develop 'clever' artificial hand
Researchers have designed a prototype prosthetic hand called the 'Southampton Remedi-Hand' that mimics human movement and grip, weighing only 400g. The hand features independent finger movement, a functional thumb with opposable motion, and integrated sensors to detect pressure and object slipping.
Supernova 1987A: Fast forward to the past
Recent Chandra X-ray Observatory observations have given insight into the behavior of the doomed star before it exploded, indicating that the predicted spectacular brightening of the circumstellar ring has begun. The supernova produced a shock wave that rumbled through the cavity, and recent data indicate that this event has started.
To translate touch, the brain can quickly rearrange its sense of the body
Researchers used tendon vibration to induce bodily illusions, altering subjects' sense of touch and highlighting the brain's dynamic and flexible nature. The study sheds light on the constant updating of the internal map that interprets new perceptions.
Molecular ballet unravels, links proteins so cell can direct own movement
Vinculin and alpha-actinin work together to reinforce the cell skeleton, allowing it to withstand stress during movement and enabling purposeful motion. This discovery could help understand embryonic development and cancer metastasis.
Catchers mitts don't provide enough protection
A study of minor league baseball players found early damage to the hands of healthy players due to catcher's mitt design. The research revealed significant blood vessel damage and hand weakness among catchers despite using protective padding.
When it comes to sensation, our brain seems tuned to the unexpected
Researchers found that brain predicts and attenuates internally-derived sensations to prioritize external stimuli. The study suggests an element of prediction is involved in attenuating internal sensations, making external touches more detectable.
Salty staircase in the atlantic provides clues to ocean mixing
Researchers from WHOI studied salt fingers in the tropical Atlantic, injecting a tracer into the ocean and measuring its spread nine months later. The results showed enhanced mixing of salt and heat, with salt fingers playing a crucial role in shaping the ocean's temperature and salinity structure.
Finger length predicts physically aggressive personalities, study shows
Research at the University of Alberta found a direct correlation between shorter index finger lengths and increased likelihood of physical aggression in men. Finger length was not correlated with verbal aggression, but rather with physically aggressive behavior.
Optimal treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
A one-year study found that local steroid injection is as effective as surgery in alleviating CTS symptoms, with improved results in the short term. The study suggested a preference for conservative therapies over surgery.
Rogue finger gene got bats airborne
A study on bats revealed a key region of growth plate that allowed digits to grow longer, suggesting rapid evolution. Genetic studies show that bats are closest to ferungulates, not primates or shrews.
Pain in the brain: It's not what you imagine
A study by University College London and University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre found that hypnotic suggestion can cause strikingly similar brain activity to physical pain. Volunteers under hypnosis reported feeling pain even though they had not experienced any physical stimulus, suggesting that some pain may begin in the mind.
NIST study shows computerized fingerprint matching is highly accurate
A comprehensive NIST study found that commercially available fingerprint matching systems can accurately identify individuals at a rate of over 99% in various tests, including single-finger and multi-finger matches. The accuracy of these systems improves with additional fingerprints and high-quality prints.
Twitching whiskers tell all
A study led by Prof. Ehud Ahissar found that two types of neurons respond to whisking motion and surface contact, respectively, indicating a dynamic dance of perception where hands, eyes, and whiskers actively seek out sensation. This research has implications for optimizing artificial sensory aids for the deaf and blind.
Champagne and bubbles: Smaller is better
Researchers found that smaller bubbles in champagne release more flavor and aroma molecules, creating a better-tasting wine. The study suggests that dissolved salts, carbohydrates, and minerals play a major role in bubble formation.
Tiny 'nanofingers' to support sensors, other applications
Engineers at Ohio State University have created microscopic finger-like structures that can detect chemicals in the air and may be used for cleaning toxic chemicals, gathering solar energy, or forming fog-free surfaces. The new process involves baking ceramic material with hydrogen gas to create a platform for devices.
Experts debate the future of nanotechnology
Experts K. Eric Drexler and Richard E. Smalley disagree on the possibility of molecular assemblers, devices that can precisely manipulate atoms and molecules. Drexler proposes guiding chemical synthesis with reactive molecules, while Smalley questions the feasibility of such devices.
Hand-to-ear link in brain established after minutes of piano learning
Researchers found that silent piano practice altered brain activity patterns after just 20 minutes, with enhanced changes after five weeks of training. The study suggests a 'map' is formed between auditory pitch targets and motor skills, similar to Broca's area involved in speech processing.
Playground fights 'are wired in the brain' say UCL scientists
A new study suggests that children's brains are wired to downplay the sensation of their own physical actions, leading to increased force being used in play. This mechanism may also explain why kids can't tickle themselves, but feel the full effect when someone else does.
Drug improves the sense of touch, Science study says
A new study found that a drug can temporarily improve tactile acuity by reorganizing brain activity, offering potential treatments for learning disabilities and chronic pain. The treatment involves finger stimulation with a drug, which boosts the number of neurons involved in processing tactile information.
Osteoarthritis patients can benefit from radiosynoviorthesis
A new study suggests radiosynoviorthesis is effective in treating osteoarthritis, providing significant pain relief to 2/3 of patients with proven synovitis. The procedure, which involves removing inflamed membrane using beta-emitting radionuclides, shows promise as a treatment option for OA.
Study: Stroke victims may retain continuous motion ability
A study by Purdue professor Howard Zelaznik and colleagues suggests that stroke victims may retain some motor skills thought to be lost to cerebellar damage. The research found that patients with cerebellum damage struggled with tasks requiring a start-stop nature, but retained ability in continuous rhythmic motions.
Pitt researchers develop non-invasive glucose sensor
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have developed a thin plastic sensor that changes color based on glucose concentrations. The sensor, embedded in contact lenses, allows patients to monitor their glucose levels without drawing blood.
Study provides new insights into the functional neuroanatomy of motor imagery
A new study explores brain activity during explicit mental operations of finger representations using objective confirmation of performance. The researchers found that brain areas associated with motor execution and imagery were equally activated, suggesting a functional gradation from more 'executive' to more 'imaginative' areas.
Does water flow become unstable in all soils?
Researchers developed a model predicting water redistribution in soils following irrigation or rainfall. Coarse-textured soils exhibit finger formation, leading to deep chemical movement and potential groundwater contamination. Longer, less frequent watering may decrease fingering near the surface.
Does water flow become unstable in all soils?
A model suggests that only coarse-textured soils can form fingers capable of moving deep into the soil, leading to inefficient water use and potential groundwater contamination. Laboratory experiments show that even small amounts of water can create persistent pathways in sandy soils.
Three inferior prefrontal regions of the brain found receptive to somatosensory stimuli
Studies reveal that the ventral frontal lobe and orbitofrontal cortex respond to somatosensory stimulation, while other areas show less consistent activation. The findings suggest a more modality-specific sensory process in humans compared to monkeys.
‘Laboratories on a chip’ get super-small, super-smart plumbing
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a plumbing system for microfluidic chips using dielectrophoresis, allowing for efficient movement and mixing of tiny droplets. The system uses electrostatic attraction to divide water into dozens of droplets and position them on a chip for diagnostic tests.
Toxin injections prove useful for spasticity after stroke
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that botulinum toxin type A injections significantly improved muscle tone and function in patients with wrist and finger spasticity after a stroke. The treatment showed sustained effects for at least 12 weeks, with some cases lasting up to 24 weeks.
Students invent voice-activated grasping tool for disabled man
A team of Johns Hopkins University students designed and built a muscle enhancement device that enables a disabled man to grasp and lift small objects. The device uses two motors, voice recognition software, and an exo-skeleton inspired by science fiction to provide mechanical help in moving the man's fingers and bending his elbow.
Rutgers develops virtual reality treatment for hand impairment in chronic stroke patients
A new virtual reality-based rehabilitation system was developed by Rutgers researchers, providing intensive therapy and improving range of motion, finger speed, and strength for patients with chronic stroke hand impairment. The treatment showed significant improvements after just three weeks of use.
Among the Mayas, writers for defeated kings met a cruel fate
Researchers have shed light on the brutal treatment of Maya scribes who supported defeated kings. The scribes' fingers were broken before they were executed, as part of a bizarre practice that muffled their ability to produce powerful texts. This practice highlights the importance of these scribes in Maya society.
UC Berkeley psychologist finds evdence that male hormones in the womb affect sexual orientation
Research by Marc Breedlove suggests that higher levels of male hormones in the womb can increase a person's likelihood of developing a homosexual orientation. Finger length measurements, influenced by fetal androgen levels, also showed correlations with sexual orientation.