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Lungs Under Pressure: How Scientists Are Making Crash Tests Safer

Friday, October 24, 2025
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The Complexity of Lungs

Lungs are far from simple. They're not just one big balloon. Different parts behave differently when impacted.

  • Parenchyma
  • Bronchi

These tissues react uniquely when force is applied.

Scientific Breakthroughs

Scientists conducted tests on pig lungs, squishing them at various speeds. They discovered:

  • Faster squishing required more force.
  • This led to a better, more detailed model of the lung.

The New "Heterogeneous" Model

The new model is more accurate in crash scenarios:

  • Side-impact crashes: The new model showed rapid lung stretching, while the old model showed a slower stretch.

Why It Matters

Understanding lung behavior in crashes can:

  • Improve car safety designs.
  • Help doctors treat crash victims better.

This research is about more than just models—it's about saving lives.

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