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Combined jumping and gliding locomotion, or 'jumpgliding', can be an efficient way for small robots or animals to travel over cluttered terrain. This paper presents functional requirements and models for a simple jumpglider which formalize the benefits and limitations of using aerodynamic surfaces to augment jumping ability. Analysis of the model gives insight into design choices and control strategies for higher performance and to accommodate special conditions such as a slippery launching surface. The model informs the design of a robotic platform that can perform repeated jumps using a carbon fiber spring and a pivoting wing. Experiments with two different versions of the platform agree with predictions from the model and demonstrate a significantly greater range, and lower cost-of-transport, than a comparable ballistic jumper.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-3182/9/2/025009 | DOI Listing |
BMC Geriatr
September 2025
Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Background: The benefits of physical activity for frail older acutely hospitalized adults are becoming increasingly clear. To enhance opportunities for physical activity on geriatric wards, it is essential to understand the older adult's perspective.
Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of physical activity among older adults during hospital stays on a geriatric ward.
Nat Chem Biol
September 2025
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
Many pharmaceutical targets partition into biomolecular condensates, whose microenvironments can significantly influence drug distribution. Nevertheless, it is unclear how drug design principles should adjust for these targets to optimize target engagement. To address this question, we systematically investigated how condensate microenvironments influence drug-targeting efficiency.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMJ
September 2025
Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
Objective: To determine the effect of a prepregnancy lifestyle intervention on glucose tolerance in people at higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.
Design: Single centre randomised controlled trial (BEFORE THE BEGINNING).
Setting: University hospital in Trondheim, Norway.
JMIR Res Protoc
September 2025
Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and social communication disorder (SCD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social communication that hinder social adaptation, with limited pharmacological options for therapy owing to the absence of identified biomarkers. Individuals with ASD or SCD require lifelong interventions tailored to their development stages. However, most existing interventions primarily focus on early childhood, leaving adolescents relatively underserved.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBioinspir Biomim
September 2025
Mechanical Intelligence (MI) Research Group, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London, London, SE1 0AA, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND.
Conventional rigid grippers remain the most-used robotic grippers in industrial assembly tasks. However, they are limited in their ability to handle a diverse range of objects. This study draws inspiration from nature to address these limitations, employing multidisciplinary methods, such as computer-aided design, parametric modeling, finite element analysis, 3D printing, and mechanical testing.
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