When an HIV Scientific Breakthrough Isn't Enough
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Bending Bones, Stretchy Ligaments: UT's 3D Printer Redefines Medical Implants
In a groundbreaking achievement that almost blurs the lines between science fiction and reality, researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have unveiled a new 3D printing technique that can combine soft and stretchable materials with other tough or rigid resins in a single, precise print. Inspired by the 'natural world,' think of the way bone transitions smoothly into cartilage: the new printing process allows engineers to create objects that can bend and flex when needed while also staying firm and supportive. Scientists at the University of Texas outlined to The Dallas Express that this breakthrough results in next-level prosthetics, modern flexible medical implants, and even wearable electronics that move and feel more like human tissue than ever before. 'By enabling precise control over both shape and material properties, our multimaterial 3D printing technology allows for the creation of devices that more closely mimic the complex mechanics of the human body,' Dr. Zak Page, Assistant Chemistry Professor at The University of Texas at Austin, told DX. 'Whether it's a prosthetic interface, a patient-specific surgical model, or a wearable health sensor, the ability to print gradual transitions between soft and rigid materials opens new possibilities for comfort, performance, and personalization across a wide range of medical applications,' Page added. The research results published earlier this week describe how the team achieved the 3D advancement using a custom-designed resin and a dual-light printing system. By simply changing the color of light during printing —violet for soft or rubbery parts and ultraviolet for more rigid sections —they were able to build objects with new gradients of flexibility and strength. A standout demo resulted in a tiny, functional 3D-printed 'knee joint,' complete with bending ligaments and sturdy bones that move together smoothly. Page said in the report that the first print was a surprise success. 'Honestly, what surprised me most was how well it worked on the first try. That almost never happens with 3D printing resins,' he said. 'We were also shocked by how different the properties were. The soft parts stretched like a rubber band and bounced back. The hard parts were as strong as plastics used in consumer products.' The new 3D printing technique also boasts faster speeds, and the necessary equipment isn't out of reach for smaller labs or hospitals worldwide. This could potentially result in easier access to medical equipment for isolated communities worldwide. 'This approach could make additive manufacturing more competitive for higher-volume production compared with traditional processes like injection molding. Just as important, it opens up new design possibilities,' added Keldy Mason, lead author of the university study and a graduate student in Page's lab.
Yahoo
an hour ago
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The One Flexibility Test Every Man Should Pass
The One Flexibility Test Every Man Should Pass originally appeared on Men's Fitness. Men's Fitness aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Touching your toes is probably the most popular hamstring stretch—but it's also the most misunderstood. Too often, guys round their backs to reach their feet, and that takes tension off the hamstrings, limiting the stretch. Never learning to stretch your hams properly is dangerous. It can lead to feeling stiff and inflexible, and if your regimen includes a lot of running or leg-curl exercises, it can actually make you more prone to injury. Take this test to see how close you are to being hamstrung by your own fitness program, and then protect yourself with your feet shoulder-width apart and your legs straight. Push your butt out behind you until you feel your lower back arch. Now pinch some skin next to your spine between the index finger and thumb of your right hand (the pinch should be parallel to the floor), and place your left hand on your abs. Bend forward at the hips until you feel the skin begin to pull-this is your end range of motion before the lower back takes over. You pass if you can bend 50 degrees or more. Any less, and you've got tight hamstrings. If you failed, use the test as a stretch from now on-bend as far as you can and hold the position for 30 seconds. That's one set. Do two to three sets, and lay off exercises such as leg curls and stiff-legged deadlifts until your range of motion improves and you can pass the test. The One Flexibility Test Every Man Should Pass first appeared on Men's Fitness on Jun 13, 2025 This story was originally reported by Men's Fitness on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
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Potentially Toxic Chemicals Are Reaching Toddlers Before Kindergarten, Study Finds
Young children nationwide are exposed to a large swath of possibly toxic chemicals before kindergarten, new research suggests 'Our study shows that childhood exposure to potentially harmful chemicals is widespread. This is alarming because we know early childhood is a critical window for brain and body development,' said the study's lead author, Deborah Bennett Researchers found that of the 111 chemicals they focused on, 48 were found in more than 50% of the childrenBefore ever stepping foot inside a kindergarten classroom, young children nationwide are already exposed to a large swath of possibly toxic chemicals, new research suggests. The study, published in Environmental Science and Technology on Monday, June 30, analyzed chemical exposure in 201 kids from the ages of 2-4 years old between 2010 and 2021, using urine samples from the children and most of their mothers during pregnancy. Researchers focused on 111 chemicals. 'Our study shows that childhood exposure to potentially harmful chemicals is widespread. This is alarming because we know early childhood is a critical window for brain and body development,' said the study's lead author, Deborah Bennett in a statement from UC Davis, where she is a professor. 'Many of these chemicals are known or suspected to interfere with hormones, brain development and immune function,' Bennett added. Researchers found that of the 111 chemicals, 96 were detected in at least five kids and 48 were found in more than 50% of the children. In addition, 34 were found in more than 90% of the kids — including nine substances "which have not been included in U.S. national biomonitoring." "This study reveals frequent exposure to multiple chemicals in young U.S. children, often exceeding prenatal levels," the authors wrote in a summary. "Expanded biomonitoring of emerging chemicals of concern and studies of their health effects in this vulnerable population are warranted." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. According to UC Davis, the study found children were exposed to phthalates, parabens, bactericides, and various other chemicals through "everyday activities, such as eating, drinking, breathing indoor and outdoor air and touching contaminated surfaces." 'Exposure to certain chemicals in early childhood, such as pesticides, plasticizers and flame retardants, has been linked to developmental delays, hormone disruption and other long-term health issues,' the study's first author, Jiwon Oh, told UC Davis. Read the original article on People
