Why we think that some extinct giant flying reptiles cared for their young

Reptiles don’t generally care for their offspring, but some pterosaurs may have bucked the trend.

Jason Gilchrist, Lecturer in the School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University • conversation
Aug. 18, 2023 • ~7 min

Babies almost all try crawling to get from Point A to Point B, but CDC says it's not a useful developmental milestone

Revisions to the CDC’s developmental milestone checklists removed crawling as a skill that babies pick up at a typical age. A biomedical engineer describes how more research may clarify its role.

Mark Geil, Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Biomechanics, Kennesaw State University • conversation
Aug. 9, 2023 • ~9 min

We're using VR to help find the next generation of basketball stars

When we tweaked the simulator, talented players naturally adapted.

Pooya Soltani, Senior Lecturer in Games Design, Staffordshire University • conversation
May 15, 2023 • ~7 min

How cancer cells move and metastasize is influenced by the fluids surrounding them – understanding how tumors migrate can help stop their spread

Counterintuitively, cells move faster in thicker fluids. New research on breast cancer cells explains why, and reveals the role that fluid viscosity plays in metastasis.

Yizeng Li, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
Jan. 9, 2023 • ~7 min

World Cup 2022: footballers run either like gazelles or grizzlies – here's how our research can help coaches

Players can optimise their energy resources by adopting different styles when running in short bursts or longer periods.

Brian Hanley, Reader in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics, Leeds Beckett University • conversation
Dec. 5, 2022 • ~6 min

Mechanical forces in a beating heart affect its cells' DNA, with implications for development and disease

Heart disease can change the genetic structure of heart cells. Understanding the role that mechanical forces play in these changes could lead to improvements in artificial tissue design.

Corey Neu, Professor of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Dec. 21, 2021 • ~5 min

Brain wrinkles and folds matter – researchers are studying the mechanics of how they form

Understanding how brain folding works could help researchers better diagnose and treat neurodevelopmental disorders.

Weiying Dai, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
Dec. 16, 2021 • ~8 min

Fish fins are teaching us the secret to flexible robots and new shape-changing materials

Fish fins are extremely flexible yet also strong. A special segmented fin design is the key to this useful combination of properties and could inspire new morphing materials.

Francois Barthelat, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Aug. 18, 2021 • ~6 min

We used peanuts and a climbing wall to learn how squirrels judge their leaps so successfully – and how their skills could inspire more nimble robots

How do squirrels leap through trees without falling? It takes strength, flexibility and finely tuned cognitive skills.

Robert J. Full, Professor of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley • conversation
Aug. 5, 2021 • ~10 min

Are middle lanes fastest in track and field? Data from 8,000 racers shows not so much

In track and field, it's a common belief that middle lanes are the fastest. But according to the data, middle lanes aren't better, and in the 200-meter sprint, outside lanes might even be faster.

David R. Munro, Assistant Professor of Economics, Middlebury • conversation
July 21, 2021 • ~8 min

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