New horizons in reconstructing past human behavior: Introducing the "Tübingen University Validated Entheses-based Reconstruction of Activity" method

An accurate reconstruction of habitual activities in past populations and extinct hominin species is a paramount goal of paleoanthropological research, as it can elucidate the evolution of human behavior and the relationship between culture and biology. Variation in muscle attachment (entheseal) morphology has been considered an indicator of habitual activity, and many attempts have been made to use it for this purpose. However, its interpretation remains equivocal due to methodological shortcomings and a paucity of supportive experimental data. Through a series of studies, we have introduced a novel and precise methodology that focuses on reconstructing muscle synergies based on three-dimensional and multivariate analyses among entheses. This approach was validated using uniquely documented anthropological samples, experimental animal studies, histological observations, and geometric morphometrics. Here, we detail, synthesize, and critically discuss the findings of these studies, which overall point to the great potential of entheses in elucidating aspects of past human behavior.

The use of exoskeletons in the occupational context for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of work-related musculoskeletal complaints

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS This guideline includes 20 recommendations and four key statements that achieved consensus or strong consensus regarding the application of exoskeletons in the workplace for the prevention of musculoskeletal complaints and diseases, the general use and implementation of exoskeletons, and recommendations for risk assessment. The guideline is intended for company physicians, occupational physicians, ergonomists, occupational safety specialists, and employers, and serves as information for all other actors in practical occupational safety. Due to the lack of evidence from the scientific literature, the recommendations and key statements are the result of expert discussions that were conducted at a consensus conference in accordance with the Regulations of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany, moderated by an external consultant.