A5013673054- Evolution and Paleontology Studies
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Paleontology and Evolutionary Biology
- Morphological variations and asymmetry
- Robotic Locomotion and Control
- Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology
- Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Fluid Dynamics and Turbulent Flows
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis
- Turtle Biology and Conservation
- Advanced X-ray Imaging Techniques
- Optical measurement and interference techniques
- Avian ecology and behavior
- Physiological and biochemical adaptations
- melanin and skin pigmentation
- Ichthyology and Marine Biology
- Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies
- Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms
- Veterinary Orthopedics and Neurology
- 3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage
- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Computational Fluid Dynamics and Aerodynamics
University of Manchester
2016-2025
Karger Publishers (Switzerland)
2015
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre
2014
The Mill
2009
Loughborough University
2003-2007
Langley Research Center
1983-2004
University of Sheffield
2004
University of Edinburgh
1998-2001
University of Liverpool
1993-1996
DuPont (United States)
1952
It is commonly held that the major functional features of human foot (e.g. a longitudinal medial arch, lateral to force transfer and hallucal (big-toe) push-off) appear only in last 2 Myr, but interpretations footbones footprints early ancestors (hominins) prior million years ago (Mya) remain contradictory. Pixel-wise topographical statistical analysis Laetoli footprint morphology, compared with results from experimental studies formation; foot-pressure measurements bipedalism humans...
Well-preserved fossils of pivotal early bird and nonavian theropod species have provided unequivocal evidence for feathers and/or downlike integuments. Recent studies reconstructed color on the basis melanosome structure; however, chemistry these proposed melanosomes has remained unknown. We applied synchrotron x-ray techniques to several fossil extant organisms, including Confuciusornis sanctus, in order map characterize possible chemical residues melanin pigments. Results show that trace...
Body mass reconstructions of extinct vertebrates are most robust when complete to near-complete skeletons allow the reconstruction either physical or digital models. Digital models efficient in terms time and cost, provide facility infinitely modify model properties non-destructively, such that sensitivity analyses can be conducted quantify effect many unknown parameters involved animals. In this study we use laser scanning (LiDAR) computer modelling methods create a range 3D five specimens...
Abstract The lunge is regularly used in badminton and recognized for the high physical demands it places on lower limbs. Despite its common occurrence, little information available biomechanics of lunging singles game. A video-based pilot study confirmed relatively frequency lunging, ∼15% all movements, competitive games. performance characteristics three badminton-specific tasks (kick, step-in, hop lunge) were investigated laboratory with nine experienced male players. Ground reaction...
Maximum running speed is an important locomotor parameter for many animals-predators as well prey-and thus of interest to palaeobiologists wishing reconstruct the behavioural ecology extinct species. A variety approaches have been tried in past including anatomical comparisons, bone scaling and strength, safety factors ground reaction force analyses. However, these are all indirect alternative approach create a musculoskeletal model animal see how fast it can run. The major advantage this...
A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation workshop for synthetic jets and turbulent separation control (CFDVAL2004) was held in Williamsburg, Virginia March 2004. Three cases were investigated: jet into quiescent air, a boundary layer crossflow, flow over hump model with no-flow-control, steady suction, oscillatory control. This paper is summary of the CFD results from workshop. Although some detailed are shown, mostly broad viewpoint taken, state-of-the-art predicting these types...
This paper uses techniques from evolutionary robotics to predict the most energy-efficient upright walking gait for early human relative Australopithecus afarensis , based on proportions of 3.2 million year old AL 288-1 ‘Lucy’ skeleton, and matches predictions against nearly contemporaneous (3.5–3.6 old) Laetoli fossil footprint trails. The technique creates gaits de novo genetic algorithm optimization search efficient patterns simulated muscular contraction at a variety speeds. model was...
Body mass is a critical parameter used to constrain biomechanical and physiological traits of organisms. Volumetric methods are becoming more common as techniques for estimating the body masses fossil vertebrates. However, they often accused excessive subjective input when thickness missing soft tissue. Here, we demonstrate an alternative approach where minimum convex hull derived mathematically from point cloud generated by laser-scanning mounted skeletons. This has advantage requiring...
Fossil evidence for longitudinal arches in the foot is frequently used to constrain origins of terrestrial bipedality human ancestors. This approach rests on prevailing concept that feet are unique functioning with a relatively stiff lateral mid-foot, lacking significant flexion and high plantar pressures present non-human apes. paradigm has stood more than 70 years but yet be tested objectively quantitative data. Herein, we show pressure records elevated mid-foot occur healthy, habitually...
An extremely well-preserved dinosaur ( Cf. Edmontosaurus sp.) found in the Hell Creek Formation (Upper Cretaceous, North Dakota) retains soft-tissue replacement structures and associated organic compounds. Mineral cements precipitated skin apparently follow original cell boundaries, partially preserving epidermis microstructure. Infrared electron microprobe images of ossified tendon clearly show preserved mineral zonation, with silica trapped carbon dioxide forming thin linings on Haversian...
Evolution of flight in maniraptoran dinosaurs is marked by the acquisition distinct avian characters, such as feathers, seen Archaeopteryx from Solnhofen limestone. These rare fossils were pivotal confirming dinosauria-avian lineage. One key derived characters possession details which remarkably preserved Lagerstätte environment. structures previously simply assumed to be impressions; however, a detailed chemical analysis has, until now, never been completed on any specimen. Here we present...
Nest-building orangutans must daily build safe and comfortable nest structures in the forest canopy do this quickly effectively using branches that surround them. This study aimed to investigate mechanical design architecture of orangutan nests determine degree technical sophistication used their construction. We measured whole compliance thickness recorded ways which were fractured. Branch samples also collected from subjected three-point bending tests properties. demonstrated center is...
The colossal size and body plan of sauropod dinosaurs are unparalleled in terrestrial vertebrates. However, to date, there have been only limited attempts examine temporal phylogenetic patterns the bauplan. Here, we combine three-dimensional computational models with reconstructions quantify evolution whole-body shape segment properties across radiation. Limitations associated absence soft tissue preservation fossils result large error bars about mean absolute predictions. applying any...
The running ability of Tyrannosaurus rex has been intensively studied due to its relevance interpretations feeding behaviour and the biomechanics scaling in giant predatory dinosaurs. Different studies using differing methodologies have produced a very wide range top speed estimates there is therefore need develop techniques that can improve these predictions. Here we present new approach combines two separate biomechanical (multibody dynamic analysis skeletal stress analysis) demonstrate...
Recent progress has been made in paleontology with respect to resolving pigmentation fossil material. Morphological identification of fossilized melanosomes one approach, while a second methodology using chemical imaging and spectroscopy also provided critical information particularly concerning eumelanin (black pigment) residue. In this work we develop the show that organosulfur-Zn complexes are indicators pheomelanin (red extant soft tissue mapping these residual biochemical compounds can...
Non-destructive Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) mapping of Eocene aged fossil reptile skin shows that biological control on the distribution endogenous organic components within fossilized soft tissue can be resolved. Mapped functional units this approximately 50 Myr old specimen from Green River Formation (USA) include amide and sulphur compounds. These compounds are most probably derived original beta keratin present in because leaf- other non-skin-derived matter same geological...
Charles Darwin acknowledged the importance of colour in natural selection bird plumage. Colour can indicate age, sex, and diet, as well play roles camouflage, mating establishing territories. Feather integument depend on both chemical structural characteristics so melanosome structure trace metal biomarkers be used to infer pigment patterns a range extant fossil organisms. In this study, three key specimens Archaeopteryx were subjected non-destructive analysis order investigate potential...
Current understanding of bone healing and remodelling strategies in vertebrates has traditionally relied on morphological observations through the histological analysis thin sections. However, chemical may also be used such interpretations, as different elements are known to absorbed by for physiological purposes growth healing. These signatures beyond detection limit most laboratory-based analytical techniques (e.g. scanning electron microscopy). synchrotron rapid scanning–X-ray...
The volumetric method of 'convex hulling' has recently been put forward as a mass prediction technique for fossil vertebrates. Convex hulling involves the calculation minimum convex hull volumes (volCH) from complete mounted skeletons modern museum specimens, which are subsequently regressed against body (Mb) to derive predictive equations extinct species. applied estimate in giant sauropods and ratites, however biomechanical signal contained within volCH remained unclear. Specifically, when...