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How skilled soccer players outsmart defenders through coordinated motion

Researchers analyzed high-speed camera footage of skilled soccer players performing the scissors feint, revealing distinct movement characteristics that differ from less-skilled players. These include active distance regulation, strategic modulation of relative speed and efficient feint execution.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalTaiikugaku kenkyu (Japan Journal of Physical Education Health and Sport Sciences)·DateJun 11, 2026

Kangaroos fix their posture to save energy at high hopping speeds

A study published in eLife reveals how kangaroos increase their hopping speeds without incurring an associated energetic cost. By adjusting their posture, kangaroos reduce tendon stress and energy storage, allowing them to maintain the same amount of net work at the ankle, regardless of speed.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2025

AI learns to build simple equations for complex systems

A new AI framework uncovers simple, understandable rules governing complex dynamics in nature and technology. The AI generates equations that accurately describe complex systems, revealing hidden variables that govern their behavior. This approach offers scientists a new way to leverage AI for understanding complex systems.

SourceDuke University·Journalnpj Complexity·DateDec 17, 2025

Study examines differences in strength by position among football players

A new study from the University of Kansas found significant differences in muscular power and strength among different football positions, with linemen having more body mass and quarterbacks having higher peak force. The research suggests position-specific training could optimize athletic performance.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2025

First long term study shows use of socially assistive robot improves stroke rehabilitation

Researchers found that socially assistive robots improved stroke rehabilitation outcomes by encouraging people to continue their treatment in a non-judgmental setting. Participants who used the robots showed significant improvements in kinematic and clinical measures, including smoothness of movement and upper-extremity assessments.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 24, 2024

Measuring body language

A team of researchers developed EMOKINE software to measure the objective kinematic features of movements that express emotions. The software provides movement parameters from data sets at the touch of a button, allowing scientists to analyze emotional expression and intentions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateJul 3, 2024

KU study shows weightlifting before basketball practice does not affect shooting accuracy

A new study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living found that resistance training before basketball practice has minimal to no effect on shooting performance. In fact, the only scenario where accuracy decreased was after upper-body training, but this decrease disappeared 30 minutes post-exercise completion.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

Finding explanation for Milky Way’s warp

Astronomers at Harvard University have discovered a tilted dark matter halo, explaining the Milky Way's warp and flare. The team used models to calculate star orbits within a warped, oblong dark matter halo, matching existing observations of a distorted galaxy.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2023

Study uses motion capture to determine what makes the best free-throw shooters

A new study from the University of Kansas used motion capture technology to analyze the biomechanics of proficient free-throw shooters. Proficient shooters exhibited lower knee and center of mass peak and mean angular velocities, greater release height, and less forward trunk lean compared to nonproficient shooters.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 29, 2023

How did the Andes Mountains get so huge? A new geological research method may hold the answer

Researchers used a novel method to study tectonic plate movement, finding two significant slowdowns in the South American plate over the past 15 million years. These events may have contributed to the widening of the Andes mountain range by causing unstable material to tear free and sink into the mantle.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateApr 13, 2023

Improving the accuracy of markerless gait analysis

Researchers developed a simple and accurate method for markerless gait analysis, combining RGB camera-based pose estimation with IMU sensor data. The new technique outperformed existing methods in measuring gait parameters and joint angles, showing significant promise for clinical settings and diverse applications.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

A closer look at the dynamics of the p-Laplacian Allen–Cahn equation

A team of researchers from Korea investigated the dynamics of the p-Laplacian AC equation, finding that solutions maintain three criteria: phase separation, boundedness, and energy decay properties. They also identified an advantage of p-AC equation over classical Laplacian in adjusting interface sharpness.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalApplied Mathematics and Computation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Inverted dancers have more acute visuomotor perception

A study published in Scientific Reports shows that individuals with extensive experience performing inverted movements, such as vertical dancing, can overcome the inversion effect in perceiving biological motion. This ability is crucial for survival and social interaction, but is impaired when movements are performed upside-down.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2022

Chung-Ang university researchers pioneer new way to manipulate microdroplets

Scientists at Chung-Ang University have pioneered a novel method for controlling microdroplet motion on solid surfaces using near-infrared light. This approach allows for more precise control than traditional thermal techniques and opens up new possibilities for applications in microfluidics, drug delivery, and self-cleaning surfaces.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2022

Numerical model of butterfly flight dynamics

A team of researchers from Shinshu University has developed a precise numerical model of butterfly flight dynamics, revealing the intricate relationship between wing movement and air flow. The study's findings have significant implications for designing micro air vehicles (MAVs), which could lead to breakthroughs in aerospace engineering.

SourceShinshu University·JournalBiology Open·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

Robot-assisted therapy can help treat stroke survivors, study finds

Researchers at UTHealth found that exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation can be beneficial for stroke survivors, correcting impaired walking patterns and increasing motor coordination. The study used the Ekso 1.1 exoskeleton to guide patients with chronic post-stroke hemiplegia or hemiparesis in a 10-15 session training program over thre...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateAug 30, 2021

Collecting the right quantity of evidence: How the brain makes a difficult decision

Two studies investigate perceptual decision making in rats and humans, showing that the brain compares incoming sensory evidence to express a decision as soon as it reaches a fixed boundary. The findings support the 'bounded integration' model, which explains how the nervous system accumulates information over time.

Möbius kaleidocycles: Sensational structures with potential applications

Möbius kaleidocycles are ring linkages that can be turned inside-out continuously, inspiring wonder in engineers and mathematicians. The objects have unique properties, such as a one-sided surface, and could be used for designing new mixing machines, energy transmitting devices, or robotic arms.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018

Genes contribute to biological motion perception and its covariation with autistic traits

A study has linked individual variation in biological motion perception to genetic factors, revealing a common genetic basis for heritable aspects of BM perception and autistic traits. Genetic influences account for up to 50% of individual variation in local kinematics processing, while environmental factors shape global configuration ...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018

A mechanism of how biodiversity arises

A recent study by evolutionary biologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that a mutation in a single gene during development can lead to different consequences, including changes in jaw shape and feeding strategies. This genetic variation predicts differences in feeding mechanics and alters skull structure.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2014

Study takes next step -- Why women suffer more knee injuries

A recent study found female athletes tend to land from a jump with a more flexed ankle and experience greater knee abduction and internal rotation compared to male athletes. This increased risk of non-contact ACL injury during landing may be explained by differences in joint motion and loads between women and men when fatigued.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMar 7, 2007