Articles tagged with Legs
Researchers have identified a unique insect with characteristics from various insects but no known relatives. The 100-million-year-old wingless wasp, named Aptenoperissus burmanicus, belongs to the newly created family Aptenoperissidae within the order Hymenoptera.
A new low-cost, nontoxic way to generate power has been demonstrated by combining concentrating solar power with segmented thermoelectric legs. The technology achieved an efficiency of 7.4% and is expected to be useful for isolated areas or small clusters of homes/businesses.
A new genus and new species of freshwater crab, Yuebeipotamon calciatile, has been discovered in southern China's pet market. The species has distinctive features including a maroon-colored carapace, reddish-purplish claws and legs, and long slender legs that aid in climbing and movement.
The BASKET-SAVAGE trial found that drug-eluting stents (DES) are more effective than bare metal stents (BMS) in treating saphenous vein grafts. DES reduced major adverse cardiac events by 67% compared to BMS.
Eight people with spinal cord injuries regained partial sensation and muscle control in their lower limbs after training with brain-controlled robotics. The research, led by Miguel Nicolelis, offers promise for regaining strength, mobility, and independence for those with spinal cord injury, stroke, and other conditions.
A study found an association between Zika virus infection and arthrogryposis, a joint deformity condition at birth. Children with arthrogryposis and congenital Zika virus syndrome showed signs of brain calcification.
A study by Japanese researchers found that watching TV for 2.5-4.9 hours daily increased pulmonary embolism deaths by 70%, with even more hours increasing the risk further. The risk is likely higher due to underreporting of deaths from this condition.
The study reveals that taming instability is a key factor in the centipede's success, allowing it to move quickly and over obstacles with ease. By harnessing instability, the creature produces an undulating movement that enhances its locomotion maneuverability.
Researchers discovered that reversing desert ants use an odometer-like mechanism to track distance and orientation while moving in reverse. The ants increase ground contact by using leg combinations and swing faster to maintain stability.
A recent study by researchers at University of Alabama at Birmingham found that imposing a mild to moderate strain on muscles and nerves can provoke symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Participants with CFS reported significantly increased body pain and concentration difficulties during the procedure, as well as greater symptom inten...
A new study published in American Anthropologist found that Nubians and Egyptians developed a cultural identity that combined aspects of both heritages. The research, conducted at the Tombos site in Sudan, revealed a community of Egyptians and Nubians who interacted, intermarried, and eventually became a single community.
Researchers discover large secondary eyes in a spider species enable it to catch larger, more nutritious prey, which may explain the evolution of these enlarged eyes. The findings suggest the spiders' nocturnal nature and reliance on vision to hunt for prey on the ground.
A recent Temple University Health System study analyzed over 600 reports and studies on elastic compression stockings, finding no significant reduction in post-thrombotic syndrome development. The results highlight the need for new and more effective therapies for this condition.
Researchers found that increasing blood flow to the legs through revascularization procedures halted scarring progression and allowed patients to walk longer. However, neither exercise nor revascularization reversed scarring in muscles already damaged by PAD.
Bhounsule plans to create algorithms enabling legged robots to balance on difficult terrain. His goal is to make a versatile robot with efficient balance and navigation capabilities.
A new species of flightless beetle, Trigonopterus chewbacca, has been discovered in New Britain with its unique scales resembling Han Solo's loyal companion. The beetle genus thrives best in Melanesia, the Oceania subregion where Papua New Guinea is located.
Researchers found that young birds can produce mature flight strokes despite underdeveloped muscles and wings. Leg-wing cooperation enables juvenile birds to flap like adults, improving traction as they climb.
Six new species of dragon millipedes have been discovered in Chinese caves, featuring unusually long legs and antennae. The species, which live exclusively in caves, exhibit extreme adaptations such as loss of pigmentation and elongated body parts, making them appear ghostly white and semi-transparent.
A recent study published in Journal of Experimental Biology found that Paralympic sprinters with left leg prostheses are impaired when running on the inside lanes of curved tracks, resulting in slower times. This could impact their performance and potentially affect gold medal chances.
A University of Colorado Boulder study shows that left-leg amputee sprinters are slowed by curves on indoor tracks, losing valuable time in competition. Researchers estimate a 0.2 second difference in outdoor 200-meter races, suggesting that allowing left-leg amputees to run in outside lanes could level the playing field.
A new study reveals that the earliest tetrapods developed fins with surprisingly similar levels of diversity, challenging long-held assumptions about evolution. The research found that fish and early tetrapods exhibited comparable variations in fin anatomy, despite differences in skeletal structures.
Researchers discovered that the beetles' unique method of movement involves raising their middle legs to prevent wing interference and then rapidly flapping their wings in a figure-of-eight pattern. The insects' balancing act between surface tension and lift generates telltale ripples on the water's surface.
Insect taste organs on their legs help guide feeding behavior, with specific neurons processing information differently in the brain and influencing movement towards food or away from it.
Researchers at the University of Oregon documented leafcutter ants' prehensile skills, revealing how they divide tasks to process leaves and grow food supply. The study found that energy conservation and division of labor are crucial for the ants' survival and health.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to knock out six Hox genes in a sandhopper, shedding light on the genetic mechanisms that determine leg anatomy and evolutionary patterns. By analyzing the resulting transformations, they identified which genes control specific appendages and gained insights into how evolution shapes animal body plans.
A species of trap-jaw ant has been found to exhibit a previously unseen jumping behavior, using its legs rather than its powerful jaws. This species, Odontomachus rixosus, is the only known ant that can jump with either its legs or mandibles.
Researchers discovered that disruptive camouflage evolved twice within the group, with the second origin occurring after a special leg lobe was re-evolved. The study analyzed 33 species and nearly 400 specimens, revealing similarities in developmental mechanisms controlling cryptic features.
A study found that fossilized bees from 50 million years ago were finicky about the pollen they fed their larvae, always collecting it from the same plants. The bees also ate a wide variety of things on their own flights, showing they didn't waste time searching for specific food sources.
Researchers at King's College London found a strong association between leg power and improved brain ageing in healthy female twins. The study suggests that simple interventions like increased walking can have a positive impact on cognitive health.
Recent research by IPC PAS reveals how kinesin transports large molecules within cells, utilizing a unique 'silly walk' mechanism. By controlling the movement of kinesin, researchers confirmed one of earlier-known proposals of its mechanism.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a nanoscale machine made of DNA that can autonomously walk in any direction, opening doors for cancer detection and therapeutic delivery. The DNA walker, with two legs connected by a torso, moves randomly and avoids re-tracing its steps, demonstrating a new level of complexity.
A study by Eric J. Peng found that each extra inch of adult height correlates with an average increase in yearly income, with men earning $1,660 more per year for every inch above 64 inches and women earning $1,186 more per year for every inch above 59 inches.
A new study by the Veterans Affairs Research Communications found that individuals with restless legs syndrome (RLS) are at a higher risk for stroke, coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and earlier death. The study of over 3 million veterans revealed a fourfold higher incidence of stroke and heart disease in the RLS group.
A paraplegic man was able to take steps without manual control using an electroencephalogram-based system that bypasses the spinal cord. The study, led by Zoran Nenadic and An Do, used a custom-made system to process brain waves into signals that stimulate leg muscles.
A participant with complete paralysis regained walking ability using a brain-controlled system that utilizes electroencephalogram signals. The study, published in Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, demonstrates the feasibility of non-invasive leg muscle stimulation using direct brain control.
A new study published in the European Society of Cardiology reveals that prolonged television watching is associated with a higher risk of fatal pulmonary embolism. Watching TV for more than five hours per day was linked to twice the risk of death from pulmonary embolism as watching less than two and a half hours daily.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found a strong association between male intelligence in early adulthood and midlife physical performance. Men with higher intelligence scores tend to have stronger back, legs, and hands, as well as better balance and improved exercise habits.
A team of biologists observed and analyzed the jumping behavior of water striders, revealing two phases: a dimple creation phase and a leg movement phase. Mathematical models were created to understand the surface tension forces involved in the jump, predicting optimal jumping performance.
An international team of scientists developed a robotic insect that can jump on water using the natural mechanics of water striders. The robot exerts up to 16 times its own body weight on the water's surface, mimicking the insects' ability to perform extreme maneuvers like jumping and flying with ease.
Researchers created a robot that mimics the jumping ability of water striders by controlling the acceleration of its legs. The robot uses a torque reversal catapult mechanism to generate force without exceeding the maximum force that water surface tension can withstand.
A new therapy called HF10 has been shown to provide significantly greater long-term relief for chronic back and leg pain compared to traditional SCS therapy. The study found that patients receiving HF10 therapy experienced a higher percentage of pain reduction and reported higher levels of satisfaction.
Researchers study insect leg shapes to improve thin-walled tube safety in aircraft and hospital equipment. They find that non-circular cross sections can be designed without compromising mechanical strength, inspired by nature.
Research suggests that cheek muscles can maintain their mass and function better than leg muscles in low-gravity environments, such as space. The study found that the cheek muscles of mice experienced less atrophy when exposed to weightlessness compared to their leg muscles.
A new species of 'super-armoured' worm was identified by palaeontologists, featuring a unique defence mechanism and a distant ancestor of modern velvet worms. The creature had up to 72 sharp spikes covering its body, making it one of the earliest soft-bodied animals to develop armour for protection, 294
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that inactivity leads to rapid loss of muscle mass and strength, affecting both young and older men equally. Young people lose twice as much muscle mass and experience greater reductions in physical fitness compared to their older counterparts.
A control system that incorporates electrical signals generated during muscle contractions and gait information resulted in improved real-time control of a powered prosthetic leg for different modes of walking. This system reduced classification error rates by an average of 41% compared to mechanical sensor data alone.
A new study found that severe restless legs syndrome (RLS) is associated with a higher risk of stroke. The research, published in SLEEP, suggests that RLS severity may be considered an early risk factor for stroke, warranting modifications in clinical management.
A new method developed by Disney Research Pittsburgh and Boston University can recognize actions in videos more accurately than previous methods. The algorithm represents actions as space-time patterns, allowing it to account for variations in execution.
Researchers observed young praying mantises jumping to a target with precision and accuracy, rotating their bodies at 2.5 times per second. The insects' unique ability to maintain stability and control during flight has implications for the development of tiny robots.
Researchers from UAlberta found that nighttime leg cramps peak in summer and burden doubles in the season. The study suggests that patients can stop taking quinine during colder months when symptoms worsen.
Researchers found that prescriptions for quinine and Google searches for leg cramps peak during the summer months. This seasonality could lead to a 'quinine holiday' during colder months for patients taking the medication.
Researchers found a significant link between daily physical activity and vascular health. Inactivity for just five days can decrease the function of inner blood vessel linings, causing vascular dysfunction with prolonged effects.
New research examines the effects of powered prosthetic leg errors on users, revealing some mistakes are insignificant, while others can cause noticeable instability. The team aims to improve decoding accuracy and minimize mechanical work changes to create more reliable prostheses.
Researchers found that shutting off blood supply to an arm or leg before cardiac surgery reduces heart muscle energy production and activates protective protein Akt. This technique, called RIPC, has the potential to protect the heart during future cardiac surgeries.
EPFL scientists have developed a therapy to help people with spinal cord injury walk again by controlling the limbs of a completely paralyzed rat in real-time. The technology uses electrical signals to stimulate nerves and restore movement control. Clinical trials may start as early as next summer using the new Gait Platform.
A pilot study among low-income African-Americans in Detroit found that texting is the preferred method of collecting real-time information from community members. The study suggests that texting can help give a voice to underrepresented populations and tap into their needs.
A new study found that taking short walking breaks during prolonged sitting can significantly improve endothelial function and reduce cardiovascular risks. The research involved 11 healthy men who sat for three hours with or without regular breaks, showing that breaks can prevent decline in arterial function.
A study from North Carolina State University found that non-native Asian camel cricket species have spread into homes across the eastern United States. The greenhouse camel cricket was found to be the most common species reported by respondents, with a significant presence in yards east of the Mississippi River.
Researchers have discovered a definitive link between ancient worm-like creature Hallucigenia and modern velvet worms. A new study reveals that claws play a crucial role in the connection between these two groups, shedding light on the evolutionary tree of life.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have created an origami robot that can fold itself into arbitrary shapes, crawl away, and perform active folding structures. The robot's mechanical design enables it to walk using a synchronized motor system.