Articles tagged with Legs
A clinical trial led by Imperial College London researchers found that early surgical treatment of leg ulcers reduces the risk of recurrence and improves healing times compared to current methods. The study suggests revising guidelines to include earlier assessment and surgery, potentially saving the NHS £100 million per year.
Researchers discovered that extinct sea scorpions had air-breathing structures, including trabeculae pillars, which allowed them to breathe out of water. The findings suggest that their ancestors were semi-terrestrial and may have used their legs as paddles to swim.
Adults with higher leg fat have reduced risk of high blood pressure, according to new research. The study found that participants with more leg fat were less likely to develop all types of high blood pressure.
Researchers at the BioMag Laboratory successfully applied paired associative stimulation therapy to a 47-year-old male with incomplete paraplegia, enabling him to walk independently. The three-month treatment improved his walking distance and leg strength significantly.
Researchers at Georgia Tech study slingshot spider's ability to store energy in its web, achieving acceleration of 1,300 m/s2 and forces of over 130 Gs. The spider uses a latch mechanism to release the web and launch itself towards prey.
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that PAD patients with depressive symptoms have a poorer recovery rate. Women are twice as likely to be depressed than men. The study highlights the importance of integrating mental health screening and treatment into chronic disease management for optimal outcomes.
Researchers at McMaster University isolated genes that cause some people to gain muscle while others don't through a novel experiment. A set of 141 genes regulates skeletal muscle growth, and isolating these genes may help target lifestyle and drug therapies to prevent muscle loss in older individuals.
A new study uses a $7500 3D portable whole-body scanner to measure athletes' shape and composition, comparing it with X-rays, MRIs, and manual tests. The technique shows promise in identifying talent earlier and refining training to improve performance.
Researchers found COVID-19 patients with symptoms of inadequate blood supply to the lower extremities had larger clots and higher rates of amputation and death. In contrast, those with only leg symptoms were more likely to avoid amputation or death.
A recent study published in Sports Medicine - Open reveals that professional soccer players experience asymptomatic cartilage and meniscus damages in their knee joints, regardless of age or career duration. The dominant leg's condition is identical to the non-dominant one, with certain tissue changes more common in experienced athletes.
The Solo 8 robot, designed by NYU Tandon and Max Planck Institute, is a low-cost, easy-to-assemble quadruped that can be upgraded and modified. It enables researchers to perform complex actions like walking, jumping, and navigating terrain, making sophisticated robotics available to all.
A new species of diamond frog, Rhombophryne ellae, has been discovered in Montagne d'Ambre National Park, northern Madagascar. The species features distinctive orange flash-markings on its legs and large black spots on its hip. Its discovery highlights the gaps in knowledge of amphibians in tropical regions.
Low physical function and muscle mass after hip fracture increase the risk of accelerated bone deterioration in older patients. Substantial decrements in physical function, muscle strength occur after hip fracture, markedly increasing the risk for subsequent fractures.
Researchers found that miniature kirigami-based devices can be repeatedly compressed without damage, even with defects. This discovery has implications for the longevity of wearable electronics and other technologies incorporating such devices.
A new study by University of Maryland researchers suggests that long legs evolved among the biggest dinosaurs to help them conserve energy and go the distance while searching for prey. The study found that larger dinosaur species with longer legs needed less energy to move, giving them an advantage in terms of efficiency.
Research finds giant T. rex relied on low-energy walking due to their massive size, contrary to previous focus on running speeds for theropod dinosaurs. The study analyzed limb proportions, body mass, and gaits of over 70 species, suggesting a trade-off between speed and efficiency in theropods.
Researchers found reduced brain structure and connection in individuals with body integrity dysphoria, linked to feelings of amputation. The study suggests specific brain anomalies may contribute to the desire for amputation, potentially leading to improved treatment options.
A study published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that men with a history of obesity in their late teens are more at risk of developing blood clots (venous thromboembolism) in adulthood. The risk increases progressively, with severe obesity associated with a nearly fivefold higher risk.
Researchers created an artificial nonstick surface inspired by spider combs, reducing adhesive forces and handling synthetic nanomaterials. The nanostructure, patterned onto a foil surface, performed almost as well as the natural version in tests against spider silk.
Researchers have uncovered neural mechanisms that govern complex motor sequences in fruit flies, revealing the importance of spatial comparisons in decision-making. The findings could lend insight into pathologies such as Parkinson's Disease and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Researchers have figured out how millipedes mate by using high-tech imaging techniques and blacklights that make the different tissues glow. The findings show that the male's gonopods insert sperm into the female's vulvae through tiny claws, while the female's vulvae seal up with a gooey secretion to trap the sperm.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have created a biodegradable nerve guide that can regenerate long sections of damaged nerves without stem cells or donor nerves. The technology has been tested in monkeys and shown promising results, including restored nerve conduction and replenished Schwann cells.
The Oreopithecus bambolii skeleton reveals that this late Miocene hominoid was not optimized for efficient 2-leg walking or climbing like living great apes. The species lacked key adaptations, such as pelvic stabilization and trunk stability during bipedal gait.
A Chinese fossil specimen was misidentified as an ancient spider species, with experts at the University of Kansas using fluorescence microscopy to uncover its true nature as a heavily altered crayfish. The study highlights the potential for fossils to be intentionally or unintentionally misrepresented.
A study published in Integrative Organismal Biology reveals that ants like Gigantiops destructor use their abdomens to add speed and power to their jumps, enabling them to travel faster through leaf litter habitats. This unique behavior allows the ants to navigate complex forest floors with greater ease.
A Pitt bioengineer is developing a new approach to improve gait rehabilitation for stroke patients. By understanding how individuals perceive their movement, the researcher hopes to create the illusion of error-free performance during split-belt walking, enabling patients to carry over improvements to daily activities.
A new study led by Penn State researchers found that people with restless legs syndrome (RLS) have a nearly tripled risk of suicide or self-harm. Despite controlling for factors such as depression and insomnia, the study suggests that RLS may be an independent variable contributing to these mental health issues.
Biomechanics researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology used cockroaches' sprints to develop a method for assessing and improving robot locomotion. The new approach focuses on phase-coupling oscillations, allowing it to work with both insect and robotic systems.
Researchers discovered that Asphondylia maggots use microscopic hairs to latch onto surfaces, forming a temporary leg to launch themselves into the air. This unique mechanism allows them to catapult themselves up to 121mm in just a few seconds, saving energy compared to crawling.
A portable, noninvasive fluid monitoring device has been developed using nuclear magnetic resonance technology, providing accurate measurements of leg fluid buildup in patients with end-stage kidney disease. The device's portability and ease-of-use could enable clinicians to track fluid buildup at the bedside, improving patient care.
Researchers found that African chickens have longer, meatier legs due to selective breeding, but are losing diversity as commercial birds are introduced. The study highlights the importance of preserving traditional breeds and their unique characteristics.
A new study found that postmenopausal women who store more fat in their legs have a significantly decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, even if they have a healthy BMI. This is the first study to look at where fat is stored and its association with CVD risk in these women.
A study published in Behavioural Processes found that wolf spider's display of courtship behavior can make them an easy target for birds. Females prioritize males with symmetrical tufts on their forelegs and robust leg fur, which indicate overall health and immune competence.
A new species of trilobite, Redlichia rex, has been found in Australia, providing insights into the Cambrian 'explosion' and the evolution of defence mechanisms. The discovery reveals a giant size and formidable legs, suggesting an 'arms race' with predators.
Researchers developed a thermoelectric module based on liquid-like materials, achieving a record-high energy conversion efficiency of 9.1%. The Cu2Se/Yb0.3Co4Sb12 TE module showed excellent service stability when the ratio of cross-sectional areas between p- and n-legs was higher than four.
A new clinical trial at IU School of Medicine shows that Burosumab significantly alleviates symptoms of X-linked hypophosphatemia, a phosphate-wasting disease causing rickets and osteomalacia. The study found substantial healing in 72% of children treated with Burosumab versus 6% in the conventional therapy group.
Mosquitoes repel from DEET on contact when legs come into contact with skin, according to a recent study. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective and longer-lasting insect repellents.
James Cook University scientists found that ignoring recovery between endurance and resistance training can impair endurance development. The team suggests prioritizing recovery periods and adjusting training variables such as intensity and volume to minimize fatigue between modes of training.
Researchers at the Field Museum used UV light to reveal differences in millipede genitals, enabling them to identify eight separate species, four fewer than previously recognized. The discovery has implications for environmental monitoring and understanding climate change.
Researchers have modified a minimally invasive technique to help men regain erectile function lost after prostate cancer surgery. The 'end-to-side' nerve grafting procedure has shown promising results, restoring erectile function in 71% of patients with significant improvements in quality of life.
A study identified a common mechanism implicating adenosine in RLS symptoms, including periodic limb movements and enhanced arousal. Targeting the downregulation of the adenosine A1 receptor may be a promising therapeutic strategy for RLS.
Researchers at Caltech have experimentally demonstrated how a simple network of identical synchronized nanomachines can give rise to out-of-sync, complex states. This knowledge may lead to new tools for controlling these networks, such as developing new defibrillators for shocking the heart back into rhythm.
Researchers have developed a nanofabrication technique to create bug-shaped robots that are wirelessly powered and able to survive in harsh environments. The robots are tiny enough to be injected through an ordinary hypodermic needle and can be controlled using laser power or other energy sources.
Researchers find that a peripheral nerve injury can trigger the onset and spread of ALS in an animal model, with inflammation spreading from the site of injury. The study uses genetically-engineered rats with ALS-like symptoms to demonstrate the link between nerve injury and disease progression.
A recent study from Uppsala University found that genetic factors play a significant role in determining where fat is stored in the body. The researchers identified nearly 100 genes that affect distribution of adipose tissue to different compartments, with women showing stronger associations than men.
A study by James Cook University found that sports compression stockings positively influenced agility and lower limb muscular endurance in female soccer players. The findings confirmed a protective effect with compression stockings, which may be crucial for performance in soccer matches.
A Northwestern University study found that exercise improves women's mood and body satisfaction, but instructor comments play a crucial role. Women who received health-focused comments reported increased positive emotions and self-satisfaction, whereas those with appearance-focused comments felt ashamed and disgusted. The study highlig...
A study found that pulsed radiofrequency (pRF) is an effective treatment option for patients with acute lower back pain from lumbar disk herniation. pRF was superior to steroid injections in reducing inflammation and symptoms, resulting in faster pain relief and improved quality of life.
A study by Ummat Somjee and colleagues found that male leaf-footed bugs invest more in their large hind legs than females do, which are used as weapons in male-male duels. The team measured energy use of live bugs with and without hind legs to calculate the hidden energetic cost of maintaining these structures.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), identifying the nerve cells responsible for involuntary leg movements. By targeting these nerve cells, new drug treatments may be effective in preventing RLS symptoms.
A new rehabilitation protocol combining targeted electrical stimulation and weight-assisted therapy enables paraplegics to walk again, even without stimulation. All three study participants regained voluntary control of leg muscles after just one week and maintained improvements for five months.
Ledumahadi mafube, a 12-tonne giant plant-eater, was the largest land animal alive when it lived nearly 200 million years ago. The new species' fossil reveals insights into its evolution and geographic history.
Researchers analyzed the motion of lizards to develop new insights into bipedal locomotion. The study found that some species run bipedally sooner than expected, thanks to tail movement, which could improve obstacle negotiation for robots.
Researchers found that immediate compression therapy significantly reduced the risk of residual vein occlusion and post thrombotic syndrome in patients with DVT. The study suggests that starting compression therapy within 24 hours of diagnosis can prevent debilitating complications.
Researchers at the University of Stirling investigate how female dance flies use sexual ornaments to attract mates, finding that females deceive males by inflating their appearance to increase food rewards. This discovery sheds light on the role of sexual selection in creating diversity among species.
Researchers found that people who report lingering symptoms after ACL surgery tend to overload or underload their injured leg, leading to cartilage damage. The study suggests that restoring proper movement mechanics through physical therapy and strength training may improve chances of avoiding osteoarthritis.
A study by Dr. Tom Weihmann shows that body dynamics depend strongly on the number of propulsive legs, with increasing leg numbers impeding energy recovery. This discovery could explain quadrupedal animals adopting bipedalism and potentially inform control mechanisms for fast-running robots.
Researchers found that brain stimulation may be a viable treatment for RLS, which affects 10% of adults in the US. The study suggests that hyperarousal and excitability in the motor cortex are key factors contributing to the condition.
A team of neuroscientists at Columbia University has figured out how to tease apart the many roles EGFR plays in the body. They report their findings in PLOS Genetics, solving a long-standing question about EGFR signaling and development. The study sheds light on the link between EGFR and disease, offering clues for diseases like cancer.
Researchers at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine discovered dynamic signals from sense organs are crucial for normal leg movements. The findings suggest mechanisms to make prosthetic joints more adaptable, enabling more natural movements in amputees.