Cybernetics and Robotics News - February 2009 Archives
Spine surgeons at the Washington University School of Medicine and other US centers are reporting that artificial disc replacement works as well and often better than spinal fusion surgery. The two procedures are performed on patients with damaged discs in the neck.
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Burda and Strowbridge offer firsrt report of brain stimulation using light-activated semiconductor nanoparticles
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Small robots the size of riding mowers could prepare a safe landing site for NASA's Moon outpost, according to a NASA-sponsored study prepared by Astrobotic Technology Inc. with technical assistance from Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute.
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The day that robot playmates help children with autism learn the social skills that they naturally lack has come a step closer with the development of a system that allows a robot to monitor a child's emotional state.
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By tailoring peptide amphiphiles, small synthetic molecules developed at Northwestern University, and combining them with other molecules, Northwestern researchers can make a wide variety of structures that may provide new treatments for medical issues including spinal cord injuries, diabetes and Parkinson's disease. Combining the PA molecules with hyaluronic acid, a biopolymer found in the human body in places like joints and cartilage, resulted in an instant membrane structure in the form of self-assembling sacs.
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 | Today's advanced mobile robots explore complex terrains across the globe and even on Mars, but have difficulty traversing sand. A new study published Feb. 10 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences takes what may be the first detailed look at the problem of robot locomotion on granular surfaces. Among the study's recommendations: robots attempting to move across sandy terrain should move their legs more slowly, especially if the sand is loosely packed. ...> Full Article |
Biomedical engineers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston are leading a multi-institution initiative to produce a bio-compatible compound designed to mend serious leg fractures.
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A multidisciplinary team of scientists led by the Universite de Montreal has discovered a process to produce new metal surfaces that promise to lead to superior medical implants that will improve healing and allow the human body to better accept metal prostheses.
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Recent developments in Sports Technology seek to close the gap between able-bodied athletes and para-athletes.
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Fish can recognize a face based on UV pattern alone
Ancient DNA from rare fossil reveals that polar bears evolved recently and adapted quickly
'Anaconda' meets 'Jurassic Park': Study shows ancient snakes ate dinosaur babies
Scientists locate apparent hydrothermal vents off Antarctica
Mars Express heading for closest flyby of Phobos
Artificial bee silk a big step closer to reality
Predicting the fate of stem cells
New fiber nanogenerators could lead to electric clothing
What drives our genes? Researchers map the first complete human epigenome
Juggling enhances connections in the brain
Tracking down the human 'odorprint'
Fill 'er up - with algae
Scientists discover quantum fingerprints of chaos
Researchers help identify cows that gain more while eating less
Researchers reconstruct 3-D hand movement using brain signals
Artificial foot recycles energy for easier walking
New material mimics bone to create better biomedical implants
Brain-controlled cursor doubles as a neural workout
'Artificial pancreas' a step nearer for children with type 1 diabetes
Smart coating opens door to safer hip, knee and dental implants
Researchers eyeing new way to measure elusive zinc
Artificial muscles restore ability to blink, save eyesight