Why we haven’t evolved better knees – new research

By Michael Berthaume, Reader in the Department of Engineering, King's College London

The groans of pain as we get up from the sofa or the sound of crunching cartilage when taking the stairs are all too familiar. Many of us look down at our aching knees and curse them – wondering why they seemingly evolved to hurt so much. But the human knee has a complex evolutionary history. And new research is showing how misunderstood it is.

The knee has undergone major changes to its size and shape, not only to allow early humans to walk upright, but also to differentiate us (Homo sapiens) from our extinct genetic relatives, such as Homo erectus and Homo neanderthalensis…

Read complete article

~	Kenya’s femicide cases need national action: declare a crisis now – scholar

~	Champions League 2024: data suggests the new format could end up being fairer and more competitive

~	How do ecosystems collapse? Our study shows evolution plays a role – and can delay a disaster

~	Lesotho: Authorities must promptly investigate allegations that army tortured and killed civilians

~	Mass pager attack in Lebanon raises concerns over cyber warfare and terrorism

~	New teen accounts on Instagram are a welcome step, but real ‘peace of mind’ requires more

~	What’s the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath? Less than you might think

~	Digital health research can be positive for Indigenous people. But our study found it needs to follow these principles

~	Australia desperately needs a strong federal environmental protection agency. Our chances aren’t looking good

~	The Productivity Commission wants all Australian kids to get 3 days a week of childcare – but it won’t be until 2036