News From the Field
Toad Research Could Leapfrog to New Muscle Model

May 29, 2008

The deceptively simple, remarkably fast feeding action of toads and chameleons offers a new look at how muscles work. This fresh perspective could lead to designing more efficient electric motors, better prostheses and new medical treatments for neuromuscular diseases like Parkinsons. Science has long held that muscles behave largely like motors. Northern Arizona University researcher Kiisa Nishikawa suggests that muscle acts more like a spring. Full Story

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Northern Arizona University

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