Elephant trunks form joints to squeeze together small objects.

Jianing Wu, Yichao Zhao, Yunshu Zhang, David Shumate, Stephanie Braccini Slade, Scott V Franklin, David L Hu

October 2018 J R Soc Interface

Synopsis of Social media discussions

Discussions include references to the biomechanics of elephant trunks, with posts praising the educational value and curiosity-driven comments, such as 'Interesting #biomechanics read' and mentions of the trunk functioning like 'joints.' The tone combines admiration for the science with curiosity about the biological mechanisms, illustrating a high level of interest and moderate engagement that appreciates its potential applications.

A
Agreement
 Moderate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge and find the research interesting, especially highlighting the biomechanics of elephant trunks.

I
Interest
 High level of interest

The posts show high curiosity, with several mentioning fascination with the biomechanics and potential applications.

E
Engagement
 Moderate level of engagement

Participants refer directly to the mechanics and implications of the study, indicating thoughtful engagement.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

While the influence of the findings is recognized, it is seen more as an intriguing insight rather than a groundbreaking discovery.

Social Mentions

YouTube

2 Videos

Bluesky

3 Posts

Facebook

3 Posts

Twitter

2 Posts

Blogs

4 Articles

News

14 Articles

Reddit

3 Posts

Metrics

Video Views

3,717,134

Total Likes

102,861

Extended Reach

3,718,960

Social Features

31

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

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15 views

  • Agrivane
    @agrivane.bsky.social (Bluesky)

    A great edutainment video about Elephants from ZeFrank. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvOr1-P6XR8)
    view full post

    July 24, 2023

    3

  • Ieda Marcondes
    @iedamarcondes.com (Bluesky)

    Achei que vocês gostariam de ver este elefantinho no útero. É deste vídeo aqui: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvOr1-P6XR8
    view full post

    July 22, 2023

    6


  • @ivacheung.com (Bluesky)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvOr1-P6XR8
    view full post

    July 21, 2023

  • Joakim Holmberg
    @jokkeholmberg (Twitter)

    RT @JDruns: Interesting #biomechanics read on how elephants form "joints" in their all-muscle, bone-free trunk to gather and grasp objects…
    view full post

    July 18, 2020

    1

  • John Davis
    @JDruns (Twitter)

    Interesting #biomechanics read on how elephants form "joints" in their all-muscle, bone-free trunk to gather and grasp objects https://t.co/cuISg0aN45
    view full post

    July 17, 2020

    7

    1

Abstract Synopsis

  • African elephants use their trunks to form joints that act like pillars, allowing them to push and pick up small food items efficiently.
  • They apply greater force to smaller food pieces, compressing them into lumps by increasing the height of the trunk joint, which helps solidify the food particles.
  • This ability to modulate force and create solid-like structures from granular materials offers insights that could inspire future robotic manipulators to handle objects more effectively.]