Exactly how jaw joints work — and how the myriad other bones and joints in the body, human and otherwise, do their work, also known as biomechanics — is the subject of National Biomechanics Day, which will be celebrated from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 12 at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB.

“We know that biomechanics is fascinating and we want to share our excitement for this scientific research and its medical applications,” says Matthew A. Wysocki, a graduate student in the Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences and chair of the committee sponsoring the event.

Those attending the event will be able to:

• Personally experience the digital image correlation system to see how it tracks and records movements of the human jaw, and what those data mean for science and medicine.
• Learn how 3D printers can spit out prostheses practically on demand.
• Operate a massive material crusher, and learn how the jaws of different mammals — from weasels to sabretooth cats — decimate their prey.

Sponsored by the Functional Anatomy and Vertebrate Evolution (FAVE) lab of the Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, National Biomechanics Day is part of an international celebration of biomechanics being promoted in the U.S. by the American Society of Biomechanics.

“Biomechanics, as the study of the physics of the body, human or otherwise, is a cornerstone science that permeates every aspect of our daily lives,” says Jack Tseng, assistant professor of pathology and anatomical sciences. “All of us think and practice principles of biomechanics without even noticing it. Athletes, physical therapists, factory workers, sedentary office workers and others from all walks of life could improve their competitive performance, increase quality of life for patients, be in tune with their own physical health, or improve injury prevention if everyone understands a bit more about the biomechanical properties of themselves and the living things around them.”

Those interested in attending should contact Tseng at jacktsen@buffalo.edu or 716-829-2752.