Going inside an ant raft
Ants use mandibles and legs to create waterproof rafts with strong internal connections. The CT scan reveals that ants can connect with up to 14 neighbors, creating a porous and buoyant structure.
Legs
Articles tagged with Legs
Life Sciences
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Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
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Balancing strategy to lateral impact in a rat Rattus norregicus
Researchers studied a rat's balancing strategy to lateral impact, finding it bends flexible body to absorb energy and resists force through side-sway. The study reveals key mechanisms for animal stability during locomotion and inspires improvements in bionic robots.
Getting rid of bad vibrations
Researchers at Fraunhofer LBF have created a new vibration control table that combines sensors and actuators in an integrated platform. This design allows for better protection against vibrations, particularly at lower frequencies, while maintaining performance and cost-effectiveness.
Roomy cages built from DNA
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute created the largest standalone 3-D DNA structures using self-assembling DNA cages. The cages can be modified with chemical hooks to enclose contents, such as drugs or proteins, for potential medical applications.
Restless legs syndrome may signify bigger health problems
A study published in Neurology found that patients with restless legs syndrome had a higher mortality rate than similar men, and were more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and hypertension. RLS screening may become more common as a tool for primary care providers to identify patients at risk of serious disease.
Society of Interventional Radiology: Understand long-term risks of DVT
DVT can lead to post-thrombotic syndrome, causing chronic leg pain, fatigue, swelling, and skin ulcers; interventional radiologists offer minimally invasive treatments to prevent this complication
Stockings perform better than bandages to treat leg ulcers
A new study published in The Lancet has found that compression stockings are a cost-effective treatment for venous leg ulcers, reducing recurrence and nurse visits. While some patients may not prefer to wear the stockings, they offer improved value for money for the NHS compared to traditional bandages.
UT Dallas professor wins $2.3 million NIH award
The recipient of the grant proposes a new way to view and study human walking, attaching sensors to mathematically meaningful locations on prostheses and orthotics. This approach aims to create off-the-shelf robotic limbs that allow users to easily control and adjust their devices.
Anticipation and navigation: Do your legs know what your tongue is doing?
Scientists create a virtual reality environment to study how rats navigate and anticipate rewards. The results show that rats prefer to use visual cues for navigation, while their legs work in harmony with their anticipation of food. In contrast, auditory cues alone lead to confusion and random movement.
2 new enigmatic spider species with peculiar living habits from Uruguay
Two new enigmatic spider species, Chaco castanea and Chaco costai, have been discovered in Uruguay. These middle-sized spiders build intricate silk-lined burrows and use a flap-like door to ambush prey, revealing unique insights into their behavior.
UW scientist sniffs out possible new tick species
A UW professor discovered a new possible tick species that infests the noses of Ugandan chimps, suggesting it may be an underappreciated disease carrier. The tick's behavior is thought to be linked to chimp grooming habits, raising concerns about exotic tick populations and global disease spread.
Study aims to help patients with peripheral artery disease become more active
Researchers are developing a sophisticated light sensor to monitor oxygen levels in leg muscles and signal when patients have pushed far enough before pain hits. The goal is to improve exercise tolerance and reduce symptoms for millions of Americans with peripheral artery disease.
Minimally invasive stents show some advantage over bypass in opening blocked leg arteries
A small study found that patients who received minimally invasive stents had a 31% risk of needing another procedure within 24 months, compared to 54% for those who received bypass surgery. The researchers hope to confirm these findings with further study and develop guidelines for determining when a stent is likely to be best.
Different neuronal groups govern right-left alternation when walking
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified two genetically-defined groups of nerve cells in the spinal cord that control limb alternation at different speeds of locomotion. The study found that these cell populations are essential for normal gait, and their removal disrupts the animals' ability to walk.
A robot that runs like a cat
The 'cheetah-cub robot' boasts excellent auto-stabilization characteristics and can run nearly seven times its body length in one second. Its design is based on the meticulous observation of feline leg morphology, featuring springs to reproduce tendons and actuators to replace muscles.
Men with restless legs syndrome may be at higher risk of early death
Men with restless legs syndrome (RLS) have a nearly 40% increased risk of death compared to men without RLS. The study also found that the association dropped only slightly after adjusting for factors such as body mass index and lifestyle, indicating that RLS may lead to higher mortality rates independently of other known risk factors.
How to stop a trunk and start a tail? The leg has the key
Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia discovered that the leg plays a crucial role in initiating the transition from trunk to tail tissues during embryonic development. The genetic cascade triggered by Gdf11 signaling is coordinated with the formation of legs and the cloaca, leading to changes in the body plan.
A new species of yellow slug moth from China
A new species of yellow slug moth from China has been identified, with characteristics including a yellow coloration and a face blending from yellow to pale red. The study's findings highlight the importance of revising previous works due to errors in identifying this genus.
Restless legs syndrome, insomnia and brain chemistry: A tangled mystery solved?
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers has discovered a connection between restless legs syndrome (RLS), insomnia and brain chemistry, suggesting that high levels of glutamate may be the key to understanding the condition. The findings could lead to a new approach in treating RLS and potentially other forms of insomnia.
Riders take load off horses
A study by Patricia de Cocq and colleagues found that 'rising trot' reduces the force exerted on a horse's back, decreasing the risk of injury. By analyzing data from experienced dressage riders using both techniques, they showed that rising trot significantly reduced the load on horses' backs.
A surprising new function for small RNAs in evolution
A new study reveals that microRNAs regulate the size of bald patches on fruit fly legs, driving natural variation in morphology. The findings suggest a novel mechanism for evolutionary adaptation involving small RNA molecules.
Unusual anal fin offers new insight into evolution
A 370-million-year-old fossil fish with paired anal fins has been found, providing a unique window into the evolution of vertebrates. The discovery sheds light on the developmental experimentation that led to the formation of paired appendages in early vertebrates.
Putting a human face on a product: When brand humanization goes wrong
A recent study published in the Journal of Marketing found that branding products with human characteristics can lead to a greater backlash when they fail. Consumers who believe in personality stability tend to have stronger negative feelings towards anthropomorphized brands. Companies should be aware of their target audience's beliefs...
Heat-stressed cows spend more time standing
Researchers found that as cows' core body temperatures rise above 101°F, they stand for longer periods to disperse heat. Dairy producers can use this behavior to improve herd well-being and efficiency by providing cooling systems.
The age from when children can hop on one leg
Researchers at University of Zurich have developed normative data for gross and fine motor exercises in pre-school children. Children typically develop hopping and standing on one leg skills between three to five years old, with most able to perform these tasks by age five.
Is there a Neanderthal in the house?
Researchers examine how our evolutionary history contributes to current health problems, such as obesity and childbirth complications. They suggest that understanding our past can help us better address these issues with alternative solutions like doula support during birth.
Lifestyle changes linked to better outcomes after peripheral intervention
Patients who quit smoking and took aspirin and statin before undergoing treatment for blocked leg arteries were less likely to suffer complications six months later. The study found that more than half of patients studied failed to receive minimal medical therapy, despite doctors' efforts.
Pygmy mole crickets don't just walk on water, they jump on it
Researchers discovered pygmy mole crickets use oar-like paddles to jump from water, exploiting water's stickiness to their advantage. The crickets' resilient protein-filled paddles fan out as they penetrate the water, allowing them to 'grab' a ball of water and propel themselves to safety.
University of Tennessee engineering professor looks to whirligig beetle for bio-inspired robots
A team of researchers led by Professor Mingjun Zhang discovered the secret behind the whirligig beetle's high propulsive efficiency, which inspired the development of energy-efficient propulsion mechanisms for swimming vehicles and robots. The key to the beetle's efficiency lies in its unique leg functions, alternative patterns of leg ...
These bots were made for walking: Cells power biological machines
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed miniaturized walking biological machines using hydrogel, heart cells, and 3D printing. The bio-bots demonstrate asymmetry-based locomotion and could be customized for specific applications, such as drug screening or chemical analysis.
Pond skating insects reveal water-walking secrets
Researchers have discovered the mechanism behind pond skaters' ability to walk on water. They use their middle leg to create swirling vortices, similar to those made by oars in a rowing boat, allowing them to move forward without sinking. The waxy hairs covering their legs also repel water and help generate an upward force.
For African beetles, dung balls double as 'air conditioning units'
Researchers discovered that African dung beetles use dung balls for evaporative cooling, climbing on them when overheating to maintain a cooler body temperature. This behavior is unique among insects and demonstrates the complex strategies insects employ to regulate their body temperature.
Beetles use dung balls to stay cool
Researchers discovered that beetles roll their dung balls to avoid overheating, and climb on top of them to regulate body temperature. This behavior is especially prevalent during the midday sun, with beetles climbing their balls seven times as often as those on cooler ground.
Physical activity shown to help young and elderly alike with lower-leg coordination
A study by Indiana University found that physical activity enhances muscle reflexes and coordination across both sides of the body in people of all ages. This improved coordination can help prevent falls and reduce the risk of injury.
Patient selection for bilateral total knee replacement needs improvement
A new study reveals that younger and healthier patients undergoing bilateral total knee replacements are actually becoming sicker, with rising complication rates attributed to obesity. The study found a 3% increase in pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and nonmyocardial infarction cardiac complications over time.
Leg compressions may enhance stroke recovery
Researchers found that successive leg compressions trigger natural protective mechanisms reducing damage after a stroke. The technique, called remote ischemic perconditioning, reduced stroke size by 25.7% in animal models, doubling its efficacy when combined with tPA, the current FDA-approved stroke therapy.
Study shows higher healing rate using unique cell-based therapy in chronic venous leg ulcers
A new study found that treating chronic venous leg ulcers with a topical spray containing a unique living human cell formula increases the likelihood of wound closure by 52%. The treatment, HP802-247 from Healthpoint Biotherapeutics, was tested in a Phase II clinical trial and showed promising results.
Strangers on a bus: Study reveals lengths commuters go to avoid each other
A study by Esther Kim found that commuters use various tactics to avoid sitting next to others, including pretending to be busy or checking phones. The primary concern is not the background characteristics of fellow passengers but rather personal comfort and safety.
Writing in cursive with your eyes only
Researchers develop a technology that tricks the neuromuscular machinery into producing smooth eye movements, allowing individuals with nearly complete limb paralysis to write in cursive. This breakthrough has significant implications for people with ALS and other conditions affecting eye movement control.
The first robot that mimics the water striders' jumping abilities
Researchers created a jumping robot that mimics the water strider's ability, allowing it to leap over obstacles and move at high speeds. The microrobot's design uses porous nickel foam to fabricate its legs, enabling it to jump more than twice its own length and weigh as much as 1,100 water striders.
Most accurate robotic legs mimic human walking gait
Researchers have developed a robotic set of legs that models human walking in a biologically accurate manner, allowing for insights into the processes underlying walking in humans. The robot's neural architecture and sensory feedback pathways mimic those found in humans, enabling it to walk without balance.
Youngest hip and thigh fracture patients heal just fine with single-leg casts
A new study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery shows that children with hip and thigh fractures can heal just as well in single-leg casts, providing greater comfort and mobility. Parents reported taking fewer days off work to care for their children, with an average of eight fewer missed days.
Stealth behavior allows cockroaches to seemingly vanish
Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered cockroaches can fling themselves under a ledge to vanish from sight. By leveraging their grappling hook-like claws and swinging like a pendulum, they retain most of their running energy.
Noninvasive brain stimulation shown to impact walking patterns
Researchers found that non-invasive cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) increases the rate of walking adaptation and decreases it with cathode stimulation. The study suggests that tDCS can selectively be used to aid people relearning how to walk following a stroke or brain injury.
Flies with Restless Legs Syndrome point to a genetic cause
Researchers found that flies lacking a key gene associated with RLS exhibit sleep disturbances and restlessness, similar to human patients. The study suggests a genetic basis for RLS and offers new insights into the disease's pathophysiology.
Restless legs syndrome in fruit flies: Mutation in fly version of a human RLS gene disturbs sleep
Researchers found that a mutation in the BTBD9 gene in fruit flies disturbs sleep patterns, similar to restless legs syndrome (RLS) in humans. The mutant flies have altered dopamine levels and are more mobile during wakefulness.
NASA satellite movie shows Great Plains tornado outbreak from space
A NASA animation of GOES-13 satellite data reveals the development and movement of a massive tornado outbreak in the Great Plains on April 14-15, 2012. The animation helped meteorologists issue timely warnings that saved lives during the devastating event.
Why spiders do not stick to their own sticky web sites
Researchers discovered that spiders' legs are protected by branching hairs and a chemical coating, allowing them to move without getting stuck. By carefully maneuvering their legs, spiders minimize adhesive forces while constructing their webs.
American Heart Association launches free-access online journal
The American Heart Association has launched an online-only open-access journal, packed with free peer-reviewed research on heart disease and stroke. The new journal aims to accelerate the translation of science into practice through rapid and widespread accessibility.
Massage is promising for muscle recovery
Researchers at McMaster University found a 10-minute massage significantly reduces inflammation in muscle, triggering biochemical signals that can aid healing. The study suggests massage may be an effective alternative to pain medications for recovery from injury.
People mimic each other, but we aren't chameleons
Researchers found that people only feel the urge to mimic each other when they have the same goal, contradicting the idea that we are naturally inclined to copy others. In an experiment, participants synchronized their movements with an experimenter's choices in a card game when they shared a common goal
How the fly flies
Researchers at Max Planck Institute identified the genetic switch Spalt that regulates flight muscle formation in flies. Without Spalt, flies are flightless, but can still move their legs normally. This discovery has potential medical applications for understanding and regulating human muscle function.
People with Parkinson's disease more likely to have leg restlessness than restless leg syndrome
A recent study published in Neurology found that people with Parkinson's disease are nearly three times more likely to experience leg motor restlessness than those without the disease. However, restless legs syndrome was not significantly more common among patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease.
Targeting leg fatigue in heart failure
Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered that leg muscle dysfunction is related to the severity of symptoms in heart failure patients. Daily activity in these patients can be limited by impaired leg muscles, not just a failing heart.
Alternating training improves motor learning
A study suggests that alternating between learning and unlearning an unusual walking pattern on a split-belt treadmill can improve motor learning in healthy adults. This approach may help patients relearn how to walk after stroke or injury, improving therapeutic outcomes.
Alternating training improves motor learning
Researchers found that alternating between learning and unlearning an unusual walking pattern on a split-belt treadmill improved relearning speed. The standard approach of repetitive practice may not be the most effective way to help patients recover from stroke or other injuries.
Restless legs syndrome may raise high blood pressure risk in middle-aged women
A new study found that middle-aged women with Restless Legs Syndrome are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. The study, published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, found that women who experienced more frequent symptoms of RLS were more likely to have high blood pressure.
Crossing legs after severe stroke may be a good sign of recovery
A new study published in Neurology found that people who can cross their legs soon after a severe stroke are more likely to have a good recovery. The study involved 68 patients and found that leg-crossers had lower death rates, fewer neurologic problems, and better independence in daily life compared to non-leg-crossers.
Tendons absorb shocks muscles won't handle
Researchers at Brown University discovered that tendons absorb shocks and store energy, while muscles take on the role of absorbing remaining energy after impact. This finding highlights the critical role of tendons in shock absorption and has implications for the development of synthetic tendons and rehabilitative practices.
Study: Overweight older women have less leg strength, power
A new study from the University of New Hampshire finds that overweight older women have less leg strength and power than normal-weight counterparts, which can lead to increased disability and loss of independence. The study suggests that maintaining a normal weight and improving strength through exercise may help mitigate this risk.