Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Aging-linked cells emerge as unexpected allies in tendon healing

Recent studies suggest that p16INK4a+ cells, previously thought to be non-beneficial due to their association with aging, actually contribute to tendon regeneration. These mesenchymal cells produce collagen and factors promoting new blood vessel and nerve growth, crucial for normal tendon function.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2026

Artificial tendons give muscle-powered robots a boost

MIT engineers developed artificial tendons made from hydrogel to connect lab-grown muscles with robotic skeletons. The tendons improved the robot's motion and force output by three times, enabling faster and more efficient biohybrid robots.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 1, 2025
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

The hidden spring in your step

The study reveals that muscle fibers shorten as forces increase during fast hopping, allowing for faster motion. This counterintuitive behavior enhances leg stiffness, which could impact sports training, rehabilitation, and robotics.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

Biohybrid hand gestures with human muscles

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.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Pitchers rejoice? Plasma irradiation might prevent tendon re-tears

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have found that plasma irradiation can enhance tendon-to-bone junction repair, leading to faster healing rates and stronger repairs. The study used rabbit models to test the effects of plasma on rotator cuff injuries, showing promising results.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2024

New device inspired by python teeth doubles strength of rotator cuff repairs

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a biomimicry-inspired device that nearly doubles the strength of rotator cuff repairs, reducing the risk of re-tearing. The device, made from a biocompatible resin, is designed to grasp soft tissues without tearing and can be customized to individual patients.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 28, 2024
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Researchers find intriguing new tool for tendon healing: nanoparticles for precision drug delivery

A team of researchers has created a new approach to deliver drugs precisely to surgically repaired tendons using nanoparticles, reducing scar tissue formation and improving function. The treatment targets the Acp5 gene, which is highly expressed at the injury site, and delivers medication directly to the healing tendon.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 27, 2024

Ruptured Achilles tendon shows faster repair amid plasma irradiation treatment

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that plasma irradiation can accelerate tendon repair, showing faster regeneration and increased strength in lab rats. This breakthrough could lead to shorter treatment times and more reliable tendon healing for athletes and individuals with sports-related injuries.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2024

Scientists develop new strategy for treating tendon–bone injuries

Scientists have created a new approach for treating tendon-bone injuries by combining manganese silicate nanoparticles with cells to create an immunomodulatory scaffold. This innovation promotes integrated regeneration and functional recovery in patients, offering a promising solution for improving life quality.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

School-age girls with obesity are more likely to experience joint and muscle pain

Research by Queen Mary University of London found that girls with obesity are 1.7 times more likely than those with a healthy weight to have at least one GP consultation for musculoskeletal symptoms or diagnosis in childhood. Knee pain was the most common symptom reported, and researchers hope their findings will raise awareness about ...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2024

Fascicle gearing dynamics: Unveiling 3D rotation effects in muscle elongation

Researchers at Waseda University used diffusion tensor imaging to reconstruct fascicles in three dimensions, finding that a gearing mechanism reduces individual fascicle elongation during stretching. This mechanism allows muscles to extend without significant fiber length changes, preventing overstretching and injury.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

1060 million people with ‘other’ musculoskeletal disorders by 2050

A new forecast projects 1060 million people worldwide will live with 'other' musculoskeletal disorders by 2050, increasing healthcare needs and pressures on stretched systems. Research found these conditions are reported higher in females, increase with age, and peak at 60-69 years.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 20, 2023

The sacrifice within – how collagen’s weak bonds help protect tissue

Scientists at Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies discovered that collagen's weak sacrificial bonds rupture before the main structure, protecting tissue from excessive force. This mechanism helps to localize damage and promote recovery by dissipating mechanical stress and reducing oxidative stress in the body.

SourceHeidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 3, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Model simulates variable flap stiffness for the best lift

A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has developed a bio-inspired model that simulates variable stiffness flaps on an airfoil to improve lift. The study used reinforcement learning to optimize the stiffness levels, resulting in significant improvements compared to traditional single-stiffness models.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateApr 6, 2023

Hitchhiker plants inspire improved techniques for reattaching tendon to bone

Researchers developed a new approach to suturing based on the mechanics and spacing of a hitchhiker plant's attachment system, promising to balance forces across sutures and reduce failure rates in surgical procedures. The findings were published in Proceedings of the Royal Society A.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·DateMar 14, 2023

How to assemble a complete jaw

A USC-led team of scientists identified the key gene Nr5a2, essential for opening up genome regions that enable neural crest cells to form tendons and salivary glands. Zebrafish and mice lacking this gene exhibited skeletal and tendon defects, as well as failed salivary gland development.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Can stem cells improve shoulder surgery?

Researchers have discovered that stem cells can regenerate the enthesis, a critical layer of tissue connecting tendon to bone, in rotator cuff injury models. This breakthrough could lead to improved shoulder surgery outcomes and reduced repair failure rates, potentially benefiting millions of people worldwide.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Doubling in proportion of male professional footballers’ hamstring injuries and lay-off days over past 20 years

The proportion of hamstring injuries and associated lay-off days among male professional European footballers has doubled over the past 20 years. Nearly one in five injuries were recurrences, occurring within two months of return to play, with most injuries being structural and resulting in more lay-off days.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

The locked library: Disease causes cells to reorder their DNA incorrectly

Researchers found that cells in diseased connective tissue lose their ability to reorder DNA information correctly, leading to cell dysfunction. The study suggests that epigenetic treatments could restore healthy genome organization and may be effective treatments for conditions affecting dense tissues.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Rotator cuff regeneration: potential breakthrough treatment

Researchers at the University of Connecticut have developed a potential breakthrough treatment for rotator cuff tears, using an advanced polymer to stimulate regeneration of both the tendon and muscle. This approach addresses the real problem of muscle degeneration and fat accumulation that often leads to re-injury after surgery.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

World-first study reveals physical toll on law enforcement recruits

A new study by Edith Cowan University identified the most common injury types and body regions affected among police recruits, with knee injuries having the greatest impact. The study also found that men under 30 had a substantially reduced injury risk, highlighting the importance of tailored training programs to reduce injury rates.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Occupational Rehabilitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2022

Gene variant gives mice super-powered tendons for jumping and running

Scientists at Scripps Research discovered a genetic mutation in PIEZO1 ion channel that impacts tendon biology and boosts the physical performance of mice. Mice with the PIEZO1 mutation had wider tendons, more compliant structures, and could store three times more energy.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 1, 2022

Repairing tendons with silk proteins

A team from the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation has created a method to repair tendons using silk fibroin scaffolds, which showed improved healing and regeneration of injured tendons. The scaffold combines silk fibroin with GelMA to promote cell attachment, growth, and differentiation.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Connecting science to medicine: tendon-like tissue created from human stem cells

Scientists at Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed artificial tendons using human stem cells, mimicking natural tendon properties. The resulting tissue exhibited similar mechanical and biological properties to normal tendons, making it an attractive strategy for clinical application in tendon injuries.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Tissue Engineering·DateFeb 22, 2022

LSU Health rediscovers anatomy to correct “common knowledge” about hip muscles

Researchers at LSU Health have rediscovered the correct anatomy of the hip muscles, finding that they do not join into a single tendon but instead attach to different regions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the evolution of human upright gait and bipedal locomotion.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalThe Anatomical Record·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 2021

Among the ocean's slowest swimmers, seahorses snag prey at exceptional speed

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered seahorses can move their head up to catch prey at incredible speeds, facilitated by a powerful flow of water and spring-like mechanism. This study sheds light on the ecology of seahorses, revealing that longer noses enable stronger suction currents for catching smaller prey.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalExperimental biology·DateSep 30, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Stem cell therapy restores injured tendons to full health in study on sheep

Researchers used autologous adipose micrografts to treat tendon injuries in sheep, achieving similar diameter and hardness to healthy tendons within two months. The study suggests a safe, reliable, and relatively fast way to promote tendon healing, with potential for human treatment.

SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

A robotic fish tail and an elegant math ratio could inform the design of next- generation underwater drones

University of Virginia researchers design a simple way to implement a tunable stiffness strategy in robots, enabling efficient swimming at varying speeds. The approach, inspired by the natural adaptability of fish, uses a programmable artificial tendon to adjust tail stiffness in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Understanding the cause of joint and tendon dysfunction in osteogenesis imperfecta

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discover a protein signaling mechanism driving joint and tendon dysfunction in OI, finding that inhibiting this pathway can prevent tendinopathy problems. The study used mouse models with deleted Fkpb10 gene, leading to contracture, joint inflammation, and cartilage piece formation.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2021

How tendons become stiffer and stronger

Researchers have deciphered how tendon cells adapt to physical demands, revealing a molecular force sensor that promotes stiffness. A gene variant associated with West African ancestry enhances jumping performance in humans by 13%, suggesting its potential role in elite athletic success.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 24, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Irregular findings common in knees of young competitive alpine skiers

A study finds that distal femoral cortical irregularities (DFCI) occur in over half of young competitive alpine skiers, primarily due to repetitive stress on tendon attachment sites. DFCI should not be mistaken for cancer or infection and are associated with increased bone remodeling and fibrous proliferation.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 16, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Researchers develop synthetic scaffolds to heal injured tendons and ligaments

A team of biomedical engineers developed novel fibre-reinforced hydrogel scaffolds with improved stress resistance and water volume similar to real tendons and ligaments. The synthetic scaffolds aim to fast-track tendon and ligament regeneration, reducing implant failure and improving tissue integration.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateApr 14, 2020

Researchers recommend early walking in a brace for Achilles tendon rupture

A new study found that early walking in a brace provides similar outcomes to plaster casting with no increase in the risk of complications. The UKSTAR trial randomized 540 participants and showed better early outcomes for patients who immediate weight bear in a walking boot, leading to potential reduced immobilization time.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 6, 2020

Tendon stem cells could revolutionize injury recovery

Researchers discovered tendon stem cells that can improve tendon healing and potentially avoid surgery. These stem cells compete with scar tissue precursors, suggesting a therapeutic approach to prevent fibrous scarring.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 25, 2019

Fun run

A University of California - Santa Barbara mechanical engineer's simple running hack uses a light resistance band to increase efficiency by approximately 6.4%. The device optimizes the work needed to swing legs, reducing energy required during each impact with the ground and allowing for shorter strides.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 8, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

HSS researchers identify factor essential for tendon growth

Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) plays a crucial role in tendon growth and adaptation. The study suggests targeting IGF1 may be useful in treating painful tendon injuries, and clinical trials are underway to test this approach.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 24, 2019

The Lancet: Nerve transfer surgery restores hand function and elbow extension in 13 young adults with complete paralysis

A novel surgical technique connects functioning nerves with injured nerves to restore power in paralyzed muscles, enabling participants to perform everyday tasks independently. The study suggests that nerve transfers can achieve similar functional improvements to traditional tendon transfers, with the benefit of smaller incisions and s...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 4, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Knit 1, purl 2: Assembly instructions for a robot?

Carnegie Mellon University researchers developed software to make knitted objects with embedded tendons for actuation, enabling the creation of plush toys and wearable technologies. The technique allows for cost-effective production of soft robots and wearable devices.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 2, 2019

How do muscle and tendon connections last a lifetime?

Muscle-tendon attachments must resist high mechanical forces for life, but surprisingly few Talin molecules experience detectable forces at developing attachments. To cope with increasing tissue forces, muscles recruit a large number of Talin molecules to share the peak forces produced during contractions.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 4, 2019

Searching for better treatments for irritated tendons

A new study from Thomas Jefferson University reveals that decreased oxygen supply to tendons leads to a loss of flexibility and an increase in fibrocartilage-like cells. This knowledge could help develop better treatments for tendinosis and regrow damaged tissue, which is common in older individuals.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAging Cell·DateApr 2, 2019

The fine print

Researchers have developed a method to 3D-print cells to produce human tissue such as ligaments and tendons, eliminating the need for additional surgeries and reducing reliance on harvested tissue. The technique involves printing stem cells on hydrogel to form tissue that can grow in vitro before implantation.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine·DateOct 10, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Elastic slingshot powers snipefish feeding

Researchers discovered that snipefish use an elastic-boosted head flick to capture prey at unprecedented speed, with the fastest recorded events occurring in just two milliseconds. This mechanism allows the fish to pivot their heads rapidly and bring their mouth up close to the prey.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJul 23, 2018