The new research perspective on toads' tongue may help in the development of more efficient electric motors, better prostheses and new medical treatments for neuromuscular diseases like Parkinson's.
A Northern Arizona University researcher is studying a cane toad from Suriname in order to understand the speed, power and energy behind it's ability to capture prey with its tongue.
Parkinsons Disease
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease caused by progressive dopamine brain cells loss. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease are correctable to an extent.
Advertisement
Her studies may shed new light on how muscles function more as springs than motors.
The jaw muscles of toad can produce forces greater than 700 times the animal's weight.
The best electric motor achieves about one-third of that force-to-weight ratio, Live Science quoted Nishikawa, as saying.
When a toad or chameleon captures prey with its tongue, it exerts force over a distance. Figuring out how they do it has immense application to any device that actually moves, she added.
Source: ANI
SPH
The best electric motor achieves about one-third of that force-to-weight ratio, Live Science quoted Nishikawa, as saying.
When a toad or chameleon captures prey with its tongue, it exerts force over a distance. Figuring out how they do it has immense application to any device that actually moves, she added.
Source: ANI
SPH
Robot Controlled by Cables may Help in Stroke and Parkinson’s Patients
A unique robotic device has been developed by experts at Florida Atlantic University. This robot may prove useful in rehabilitating patients suffering from Parkinson's disease and stroke.
Advertisement
 Parkinson Disease at a Younger Age Attributed to Gene AbnormalityAccording to a study published in the September 18, 2007, issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, people with a certain gene mutation | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Research News
New study sheds light on the intrinsic, yet often overlooked, role of sleep preparation as a hardwired survival strategy.
Microgravity-induced bone loss in space, can be reduced by systemic delivery of NELL-1, a protein required for bone growth and its maintenance.
Researchers establish connections between Alzheimer's-linked genetic alterations and the functioning of brain cells.
Team at NeuroRestore introduces a groundbreaking gene therapy that has effectively promoted nerve regrowth and reconnection, post spinal cord injury.
Scientists aim to pinpoint particular functional pathways affected by these bacteria that may have an impact on skeletal health.
