Articles tagged with Toes
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Researchers from the University of Kansas have identified a new species of fanged frog, Limnonectes cassiopeia, found in the Philippine island of Luzon. The species was overlooked due to its similarity to the well-known Luzon Giant Fanged Frog. Key differences include smaller toe discs and unpigmented toe pads.
Researchers investigated the toe tapping behavior of Dyeing poison frogs, finding that they modulate their taps based on specific stimuli, including prey sizes. The study suggests that toe tapping may be a form of vibrational signaling to startle or distract prey before feeding.
Researchers have developed a pressure-alternating shoe insole that provides periods of rest to the soft tissues, thereby reducing the risk of diabetic foot ulcers. This innovative technology aims to mitigate the risk of complications from poor circulation and foot sores.
Scientists unveiled a spatial cell atlas of the entire developing human limb, capturing intricate processes governing rapid development. The study uncovers new links between developmental cells and congenital limb syndromes, such as short fingers and extra digits.
A team of researchers discovered two genetic genes that predispose people to Raynaud's phenomenon: ADRA2A and IRX1. These variations cause small blood vessels to contract in response to stress or cold, leading to vasospasms and limited blood flow. The study could lead to effective treatments for the condition.
A new study found that marathon running causes significant damage to extrinsic foot muscles, while intrinsic muscles are less affected. The research suggests that marathon runners can take steps to prevent injuries by prioritizing recovery and muscle fatigue management.
A UBC Okanagan researcher suggests changing fur trapping practices to prevent accidental grizzly bear toe amputations. By delaying the start of the trapping season from November 1 to early December, trappers can avoid catching bears during their hibernation period.
Researchers analyzed an abnormal trackway of six theropod dinosaur footprints in Spain, dating to around 129 million years ago. The tracks show evidence of an injured innermost toe and abnormal gait as the dinosaur compensated for its injury.
Researchers have found conclusive evidence that early humans made footprints at Laetoli Site A in Tanzania, contradicting the long-held theory that they were made by bears. The study reveals distinct differences between human and bear footprints, including a wide heel-to-toe ratio, which suggests bipedal locomotion.
A new study reveals that COVID toes symptoms are caused by an immune response involving high levels of autoantibodies and type I interferon. Endothelial cells also play a crucial role in the development of the condition, according to the research published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
A new study has established recognized terms, definitions, design characteristics, and prescription criteria for off-the-shelf stability footwear. This standardized approach aims to improve the effectiveness of therapeutic footwear in treating children with various mobility issues.
Researchers found that lizards with sticky toepads prevail in the arboreal environment, accessing new resources unavailable to padless lizards. This evolutionary advantage enables them to stay in trees and rarely leave, whereas padless species often transition to ground life.
A new study suggests that pointed shoes, popular in medieval Britain, led to a sharp increase in bunions, particularly among the wealthy and clergy. The researchers found that those buried in richer sites had a higher prevalence of hallux valgus, highlighting the fashion trend's significant impact on foot health.
A new study by the University of South Australia reveals that shoes one size too small restrict normal foot movement and comfort during walking. Well-fitted school shoes are crucial for children's comfort and participation in everyday activities.
Researchers found that toe springs can reduce power output from the foot, leading to weaker muscles. The study suggests that this could contribute to conditions like plantar fasciitis.
An experimental study found that wearing footwear with toe springs requires less work from the muscles of the feet to walk than shoes with a flatter sole. The higher the upwards curve of the toes, the less work the foot muscles had to perform to support the joints when walking.
Researchers from the University of Oklahoma and others report the first occurrence of the extinct giant short-faced bear, Arctodus simus, on the California Channel Islands. The toe bone was found to be from a bear dating back approximately 17,000 years, with chemical fingerprints matching the spectacled bear from South America.
Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Opole have discovered a fossilized hand with five metacarpal bones in a Late Triassic temnospondyl, Metoposaurus krasiejowensis. This finding is significant because it challenges the long-held assumption that early ancestors of modern frogs and salamanders had only four fingers. The discove...
Disagreeing in groups can be difficult, but it's crucial for improvement. Research suggests that a culture where individuals feel empowered to speak up when they disagree is key. Practicing constructive confrontation through regular exercises can help build this skill.
Researchers studied geckos' unique toe mechanism, which allows them to adjust and distribute weight on various surfaces. This adaptation enables agile locomotion and is crucial for designing effective robot feet and grippers.
A new method of making gecko-inspired adhesive materials has been developed, enabling mass production and the spread of versatile gripping strips. The materials can be used to make extremely versatile grippers that pick up different objects on the same assembly line.
A new study reveals that the overlying skin and a layer of non-adhesive cells are required for digit separation during mammalian development. The research identifies epidermal developmental processes beyond connective tissue removal, which may be implicated in other complex syndromes.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have made a breakthrough in restoring lower-body function after severe spinal injuries using tiny spinal implants. The implants use hair-like electrical wires to trigger the networks that already know how to do the hard work, and have shown remarkable consistency across the animal spectrum.
Researchers found organised 'hand-like' maps of toes in the brains of professional foot painters, as they used their feet similarly to how people use hands. The study demonstrates an extreme example of brain plasticity and suggests that all people may have innate capacity for forming such maps.
A study on foot painters reveals they have finely tuned toe maps in their brains, which were previously thought to exist only in non-human primates. The findings suggest a critical period for brain plasticity early in life and raise questions about how humans adapt to limb loss or changes.
Frostbite can be prevented by wearing proper clothing, avoiding wind-chill, and addressing pre-existing conditions that may affect circulation. Early treatment with thrombolytic therapies like iloprost can help prevent tissue loss and promote recovery.
Researchers have discovered a bird foot from 99 million years ago preserved in amber that had a hyper-elongated third toe, measuring 9.8 millimeters, which is 41 percent longer than its second toe and 20 percent longer than its lower leg bone. The bird, named Elektorornis chenguangi, likely used its toes to hook food out of tree trunks.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a more stable prosthetic leg that can handle rough terrain, reducing the risk of falls. The new design uses a tripod foot with adjustable pressure distribution to improve mobility and overall quality of life for individuals with lower limb amputations.
Research suggests that horses' legs adapted for endurance travel, with single-toed forms emerging as a dominant lineage. The 'spring foot' enabled energy-efficient locomotion, allowing early single-toed horses to thrive in cooler and drier climates.
A new study published in the Journal of Human Evolution provides evidence for a more robust adaptation to bipedalism in the human ancestor Ardipithecus ramidus. The research shows that Ardipithecus used its big toe as a propulsive lever when walking, marking a key transitional phase in human evolution.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that a 10% increase in seacliff erosion due to extreme storms could lead to a 20-30% rise in bluff erosion and landslide activity. This is particularly concerning for highly susceptible coastal slopes, as they can already experience frequent slide movements.
Researchers report five cases of severe tungiasis in traditional Amerindian communities, highlighting the disease's potential for life-threatening progression. Treatment with dimeticone oil has shown effectiveness in resolving inflammation and restoring mobility within a week.
A University of Rhode Island professor has discovered that lizards with shorter hind legs are more likely to survive hurricanes due to their ability to cling to vegetation. This unexpected finding suggests that natural selection may be at play, favoring traits that enhance survival during extreme weather events.
Researchers propose a revolutionary theory that horses never lost all their digits. They suggest that the first and fifth toes are still present in the form of ridges on modern horse hooves, contradicting the long-held idea that four-toed ancestors evolved into one-toed descendants.
Scientists have developed a dry adhesive with ultra-sticky properties, comparable to that of a gecko's toe pads. The adhesive was made using a nanoimprinting technique and showed remarkable durability in repetitive attachment and detachment tests.
A new study reveals nearly 500 finger and toe bones belonging to tiny early primates, some as small as a mustard seed, dating back 45 million years. The fossils, representing nine different taxonomic families of primates, provide evidence that early anthropoids were minuscule creatures.
Researchers studied the evolution of sticky toe pads in lizards, finding that geckos took an 'adaptive stumble' approach, while anoles committed to a single type. This divergence highlights the complex nature of evolutionary processes and challenges assumptions about the predictability of evolution.
Geckos using narrower perches exhibit longer limbs compared to those on wider perches, contrary to previous assumptions. This finding suggests a different adaptation strategy for geckos, potentially due to greater frictional and adhesive forces that enable them to cling to narrow perches effectively.
Researchers discover that walking heel-to-toe creates a mechanical advantage by extending the length of 'virtual legs,' making them longer than physical legs. This adaptation allows humans to be efficient walkers.
A new website developed at Duke University, iCheck, lets visitors evaluate claims about congressional voting records more critically. The site integrates data from multiple sources and allows users to explore how claims hold up under different parameters.
A PolyU study reveals that running in minimalist shoes can significantly increase leg and foot muscle volume. The experimental group showed a 7.05% increase in extrinsic foot muscles and an 8.8% increase in intrinsic foot muscles compared to the control group.
Researchers found a change in gene expression that may have contributed to the development of a weight-bearing structure in humans, allowing for bipedalism. The study identified a region in the human genome responsible for controlling armor plate size in threespine sticklebacks, which expressed higher levels of GDF6 in freshwater fish.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that both prefabricated foot orthoses and rocker-sole shoes alleviate big toe joint pain, with orthoses potentially being the better option due to reduced discomfort and impaired balance. Additionally, these interventions also affect peak pressure under other toes and midfoot.
The feet of Homo naledi, a newly discovered human ancestor, are remarkably similar to those of modern humans in form and structure. This suggests that Homo naledi was a long-distance traveler with an arched foot, similar to early human species such as Homo erectus.
A University of Oxford study reveals people can't accurately identify their toes even when prodded, with errors in toe identification associated with brain damage and conditions like anorexia nervosa.
Researchers at UMass Amherst found that as geckos become larger, their bodies act like springs, becoming stiffer and enabling them to climb effectively. The team measured the adhesive ability of five species, finding a strong correlation between body size and stiffness.
A study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that older runners (age 30 and older) are less likely to adapt their running style to barefoot shoes, putting them at increased risk of injury. Despite this, many experienced runners continue to use a heel-first strike pattern when running without shoes.
The study finds that the Dinner Creek Tuff Eruptive Center was a common source for mafic and silicic magmatism, linking the GRB eruptions and providing evidence for the location of Columbia River Basalt storage sites. This suggests that shallow crustal rhyolitic reservoirs played a key role in controlling the timing and place of eruption.
Researchers from UC Riverside have discovered that dead geckos can adhere to surfaces with the same force as living geckos, eliminating the need for active control. This finding has significant implications for robotics and other fields where adhesion is crucial.
Researchers documented the rapid evolution of native Florida lizards, shifting their perching habits and adapting their feet to better grip thinner branches. Within 15 years and 20 generations, their toe pads became larger with more sticky scales, allowing them to outcompete the invasive species.
Researchers found that regular poor trimming can cause residual stress in nails, leading to shape changes and serious conditions. They suggest optimising nail shapes to reduce stress and promote health in both humans and animals.
Researchers have devised equations to identify physical laws governing nail growth, shedding light on common nail problems like ingrown toenails. Daily poor trimming can tip the balance of nails, causing residual stress that leads to shape changes and potential serious conditions.
Scientists identified a gene regulatory switch in cattle embryos that led to the reduction of toes and transformation into cloven hooves. The discovery provides insights into the molecular history of evolution in even-toed ungulates, shedding light on their unique adaptations.
A new study by Mayo Clinic reveals that CT scans are effective in detecting uric acid crystals around joints, particularly in patients with multiple gout-like flares. Accurate diagnosis is crucial as gout patients require different medication than those with other forms of inflammatory arthritis.
Researchers have developed a gecko-inspired adhesive tape that not only adheres reliably to surfaces like geckos but also features self-cleaning properties. This breakthrough enables the opening and closing of food packagings or bandages multiple times without significant adhesion loss.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed a microprocessor-controlled ankle-foot prosthesis that mimics the intricate range of motion of the human ankle. This prosthetic can move on two axes, incorporating a side-to-side roll and raising the toe up and down, making walking more natural and reducing the risk of falls.
The torrent frog's superior attachment abilities enable it to securely attach to extremely wet, steep, and rough surfaces. Researchers discovered that the frog uses its toes, belly, and thighs to adhere to the surface, with increased use of these areas on steeper slopes.
Researchers create metamaterials with unprecedented properties by mimicking the structures of geckoes' toes and mother of pearl. These materials could lead to improved aircraft coatings and other innovative applications.
A new study has found that bunions and lesser toe deformities are highly inheritable in Caucasian men and women of European descent. The Framingham Foot Study estimated heritability using genetic analyses of familial data, confirming the prevalence of these foot conditions is higher in older adults with a European ancestry.
Researchers at the University of Manchester tested replicas of ancient Egyptian artificial toes, finding they may have been used as practical tools to help people walk. The tests showed that volunteers were able to achieve significant flexion with the prosthetic devices, indicating their potential use as early prosthetics.