Introduction – Company Background

GuangXin Industrial Co., Ltd. is a specialized manufacturer dedicated to the development and production of high-quality insoles.

With a strong foundation in material science and footwear ergonomics, we serve as a trusted partner for global brands seeking reliable insole solutions that combine comfort, functionality, and design.

With years of experience in insole production and OEM/ODM services, GuangXin has successfully supported a wide range of clients across various industries—including sportswear, health & wellness, orthopedic care, and daily footwear.

From initial prototyping to mass production, we provide comprehensive support tailored to each client’s market and application needs.

At GuangXin, we are committed to quality, innovation, and sustainable development. Every insole we produce reflects our dedication to precision craftsmanship, forward-thinking design, and ESG-driven practices.

By integrating eco-friendly materials, clean production processes, and responsible sourcing, we help our partners meet both market demand and environmental goals.

Core Strengths in Insole Manufacturing

At GuangXin Industrial, our core strength lies in our deep expertise and versatility in insole and pillow manufacturing. We specialize in working with a wide range of materials, including PU (polyurethane), natural latex, and advanced graphene composites, to develop insoles and pillows that meet diverse performance, comfort, and health-support needs.

Whether it's cushioning, support, breathability, or antibacterial function, we tailor material selection to the exact requirements of each project-whether for foot wellness or ergonomic sleep products.

We provide end-to-end manufacturing capabilities under one roof—covering every stage from material sourcing and foaming, to precision molding, lamination, cutting, sewing, and strict quality control. This full-process control not only ensures product consistency and durability, but also allows for faster lead times and better customization flexibility.

With our flexible production capacity, we accommodate both small batch custom orders and high-volume mass production with equal efficiency. Whether you're a startup launching your first insole or pillow line, or a global brand scaling up to meet market demand, GuangXin is equipped to deliver reliable OEM/ODM solutions that grow with your business.

Customization & OEM/ODM Flexibility

GuangXin offers exceptional flexibility in customization and OEM/ODM services, empowering our partners to create insole products that truly align with their brand identity and target market. We develop insoles tailored to specific foot shapes, end-user needs, and regional market preferences, ensuring optimal fit and functionality.

Our team supports comprehensive branding solutions, including logo printing, custom packaging, and product integration support for marketing campaigns. Whether you're launching a new product line or upgrading an existing one, we help your vision come to life with attention to detail and consistent brand presentation.

With fast prototyping services and efficient lead times, GuangXin helps reduce your time-to-market and respond quickly to evolving trends or seasonal demands. From concept to final production, we offer agile support that keeps you ahead of the competition.

Quality Assurance & Certifications

Quality is at the heart of everything we do. GuangXin implements a rigorous quality control system at every stage of production—ensuring that each insole meets the highest standards of consistency, comfort, and durability.

We provide a variety of in-house and third-party testing options, including antibacterial performance, odor control, durability testing, and eco-safety verification, to meet the specific needs of our clients and markets.

Our products are fully compliant with international safety and environmental standards, such as REACH, RoHS, and other applicable export regulations. This ensures seamless entry into global markets while supporting your ESG and product safety commitments.

ESG-Oriented Sustainable Production

At GuangXin Industrial, we are committed to integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) values into every step of our manufacturing process. We actively pursue eco-conscious practices by utilizing eco-friendly materials and adopting low-carbon production methods to reduce environmental impact.

To support circular economy goals, we offer recycled and upcycled material options, including innovative applications such as recycled glass and repurposed LCD panel glass. These materials are processed using advanced techniques to retain performance while reducing waste—contributing to a more sustainable supply chain.

We also work closely with our partners to support their ESG compliance and sustainability reporting needs, providing documentation, traceability, and material data upon request. Whether you're aiming to meet corporate sustainability targets or align with global green regulations, GuangXin is your trusted manufacturing ally in building a better, greener future.

Let’s Build Your Next Insole Success Together

Looking for a reliable insole manufacturing partner that understands customization, quality, and flexibility? GuangXin Industrial Co., Ltd. specializes in high-performance insole production, offering tailored solutions for brands across the globe. Whether you're launching a new insole collection or expanding your existing product line, we provide OEM/ODM services built around your unique design and performance goals.

From small-batch custom orders to full-scale mass production, our flexible insole manufacturing capabilities adapt to your business needs. With expertise in PU, latex, and graphene insole materials, we turn ideas into functional, comfortable, and market-ready insoles that deliver value.

Contact us today to discuss your next insole project. Let GuangXin help you create custom insoles that stand out, perform better, and reflect your brand’s commitment to comfort, quality, and sustainability.

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Taiwan OEM factory for footwear and bedding solutions

Are you looking for a trusted and experienced manufacturing partner that can bring your comfort-focused product ideas to life? GuangXin Industrial Co., Ltd. is your ideal OEM/ODM supplier, specializing in insole production, pillow manufacturing, and advanced graphene product design.

With decades of experience in insole OEM/ODM, we provide full-service manufacturing—from PU and latex to cutting-edge graphene-infused insoles—customized to meet your performance, support, and breathability requirements. Our production process is vertically integrated, covering everything from material sourcing and foaming to molding, cutting, and strict quality control.Graphene insole manufacturer in Indonesia

Beyond insoles, GuangXin also offers pillow OEM/ODM services with a focus on ergonomic comfort and functional innovation. Whether you need memory foam, latex, or smart material integration for neck and sleep support, we deliver tailor-made solutions that reflect your brand’s values.

We are especially proud to lead the way in ESG-driven insole development. Through the use of recycled materials—such as repurposed LCD glass—and low-carbon production processes, we help our partners meet sustainability goals without compromising product quality. Our ESG insole solutions are designed not only for comfort but also for compliance with global environmental standards.Orthopedic pillow OEM solutions Taiwan

At GuangXin, we don’t just manufacture products—we create long-term value for your brand. Whether you're developing your first product line or scaling up globally, our flexible production capabilities and collaborative approach will help you go further, faster.Thailand foot care insole ODM expert

📩 Contact us today to learn how our insole OEM, pillow ODM, and graphene product design services can elevate your product offering—while aligning with the sustainability expectations of modern consumers.Vietnam orthopedic insole OEM manufacturer

A new small cell lung cancer subtype mainly affecting non-smokers and younger individuals was discovered by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The subtype involves distinct genetic disruptions, making standard treatments less effective, highlighting the need for targeted therapies. MSK identified a new subtype of small cell lung cancer in young non-smokers, challenging existing treatment paradigms with its unique genetic makeup. A team of doctors and researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) have identified a new, rare type of small cell lung cancer that primarily affects younger individuals who have never smoked. Their research, which includes a detailed analysis of the clinical and genetic features of the disease, also reveals vulnerabilities that could enable physicians to make more informed treatment choices for those diagnosed with it. “It’s not every day you identify a new subtype of cancer,” says Natasha Rekhtman, MD, PhD, an MSK pathologist specializing in lung cancer and the first author of a paper recently published in Cancer Discovery presenting the team’s analysis. “This new disease type has distinct clinical and pathological features, and a distinct molecular mechanism.” The team consisted of 42 physicians and researchers across MSK — from the doctors who treat lung cancer and the pathologists who evaluate cells and tissues to diagnose, to specialists in tumor genetics and computational analysis. “Understanding this new type of lung cancer required a broad spectrum of expertise from the laboratory to the clinic,” says Charles Rudin, MD, PhD, a lung cancer specialist and the study’s senior author. Dr. Natasha Rekhtman. Credit: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Defining a New Lung Cancer Subtype: Atypical Small Cell Carcinoma Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is relatively rare to begin with, accounting for 10% to 15% of all lung cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. The newly discovered subtype accounts for just a fraction of those. Out of 600 patients with SCLC whose cancers were analyzed for the study, only 20 people (or 3%) were found to have the rare subtype. SCLC is normally characterized by the deactivation of two genes that protect against the development of cancer — RB1 and TP53 — but patients with the new subtype have intact copies of those genes. Instead, most carried a signature “shattering” of one or more of the chromosomes in their cancer cells, an event known as chromothripsis. The new subtype appears to arise through a transformation of lower-grade neuroendocrine tumors (pulmonary carcinoids) into more aggressive carcinomas. The research team has dubbed the new type “atypical small cell lung carcinoma.” “Patients who develop small cell lung cancer tend to be older and have a significant history of smoking,” says Dr. Rudin, the Deputy Director of MSK’s Cancer Center. “The first patient we identified with atypical SCLC, and whose case led us to look for more, was just 19 years old and not a smoker.” This held true for the others with the subtype as well. The mean age at diagnosis was 53 — which is considered young; the average age for a lung cancer diagnosis is 70. Sixty-five percent of these patients were never smokers, while 35% reported a history of light smoking (less than 10 pack-years). On the left, four pathology images from a patient with atypical small cell lung cancer show hallmarks of carcinoid cancer in the lungs (thorax), but signs of classical small cell lung cancer where it has spread to the patient’s brain. Ki67 is a marker of proliferating cells, which are an indication of cancer. On the right, the bottom image shows a zoomed in section of the top image. Here, researchers used an imaging technique called FISH to examine extrachromosomal amplifications (the colorful structures) associated with chromothripsis — chromosomal shattering — in this rare cancer. Credit: Cancer Discovery (CC BY 4.0) Treating Atypical Small Cell Lung Carcinoma The analysis also found that the unique genomic changes that give rise to atypical SCLC mean that standard, first-line, platinum-based chemotherapies aren’t as effective. Additionally, their findings point toward some treatment strategies that may work better. “We often talk about cancer as an ongoing buildup of mutations,” Dr. Rekhtman says. “But this cancer has a very different origin story. With chromothripsis, there’s one major catastrophic event that creates a Frankenstein out of the chromosome, rearranging things in a way that creates multiple gene aberrations, including amplification of certain cancer genes.” That’s why patients with atypical SCLC may benefit, for example, from investigational drugs that target the unusual DNA structures that result from chromothripsis, known as extrachromosomal circular DNA, the researchers note. Khaliq Sanda. Credit: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, provided by the Sanda family Personal Story: A Young Patient’s Battle Khaliq Sanda was 19 and a college sophomore at Duke University when he was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. By the time it was discovered, the cancer had already spread to other parts of his body. “That is very unusual,” says Dr. Rudin, who was one of Khaliq’s doctors along with Lisa DeAngelis, MD, and others. “This is a type of cancer that’s almost always associated with heavy smoking. So that prompted us to begin looking for other similar examples of never-smokers with small cell lung cancer. And between the medical oncologists in the clinic and the pathologists examining these specimens, we identified a group of patients who fit this pattern.” “And then we started to dig in to understand what’s really happening with these unusual cancers,” Dr. Rekhtman adds. Dr. Charles Rudin. Credit: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Community Support and Legacy Khaliq’s family lived in Georgia, but his academic excellence led to his acceptance into a program in Connecticut called A Better Chance of Westport, which provides young scholars of color an opportunity to attend one of the nation’s top-performing high schools. In Westport, he lived with Lori and Dave Sochol, who became a second family to him. When things got tough, the Sochols were right there with him. “I never missed an appointment with him,” Lori Sochol says. “I loved him like a son.” After his diagnosis, Khaliq’s mother, Angela Sanda, also relocated to Connecticut to help care for Khaliq until the doctors gave him the OK to return to college. Despite interruptions in school for his treatments, Khaliq was determined to continue his college coursework. He graduated from Duke in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in global health and biology. He hoped to one day go to medical school and become a psychiatrist. After graduation, Khaliq worked as a community outreach coordinator at MSK, where he helped to enroll taxi drivers in a program focused on reducing hypertension. “People fell in love with him the first time they met him,” his mother says. That’s why he was affectionately known as the “Mayor of Westport” and the “King of Duke,” she added. As Khaliq’s disease progressed, his family and friends never left his side. His parents, Angela and Oumarou Sanda, and his brother, Kimbo Sanda, temporarily relocated to spend Khaliq’s final months with him. As Khaliq moved from crutches to a walker to a wheelchair, his mind remained sharp and his spirits high, Kimbo says. “A point came where I had to physically pick him up and carry him,” says Kimbo, a physician who lives in Oklahoma. “But he never lost his spirit and his positivity. I can’t explain how much admiration and pride I have for the way he held himself through it all. It helped all of us — his family, his friends.” When he could no longer negotiate stairs, his college friends and their families rented him an apartment with an elevator. Lori brought her Goldendoodle, Stella, by for visits. Then, as the end came, dozens of his friends filled the waiting room at the hospital — some canceling vacations to come pay their respects. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” Lori says. “And they all got to say goodbye.” This photo of Khaliq Sanda with his mom Angela (right) and “second mom” Lori Sochol (center) graces the MSK Giving page set up in his memory. His friends and family raised more than $150,000 to help other young adults with cancer. Tribute and Impact Khaliq lived for five years after his diagnosis, which is itself unusual — the five-year survival rate for patients with advanced SCLC is minuscule. The atypical form of the disease, however, tends to be somewhat less aggressive, the researchers say, noting that these patients also tend to be considerably younger and healthier than most people diagnosed with SCLC. After Khaliq died in March 2021, local officials named a bridge in Westport in his memory. Loved ones raised more than $150,000 for MSK to help other young adults with cancer. “The way you lived after your diagnosis inspired me,” one Sigma Nu fraternity brother wrote in one of the many online tributes to Khaliq. “I had no idea what to say to you, other than to say that I loved you, but you seemed fearless in the face of this new challenge.” “The infectious laugh, the warmth, the intellect, the desire to be a part of a conversation. Khaliq was mine and everyone’s friend,” another tribute reads. Dr. Rekhtman and Dr. Rudin praised Khaliq’s decision to donate tissue after he died so that his cancer could be further analyzed to help future patients. “It was an amazing gift to society and science,” Dr. Rekhtman says. Angela Sanda agrees, saying, “The doctors did everything they could for him. He received the best care. And I’m glad that they are learning things from his cancer that could help others.” MSK’s Role in Advancing Cancer Research The fact that Khaliq and his family turned to MSK for his care paved the way for the discovery of the new subtype, the doctors say. That’s because MSK patients routinely have the DNA in their tumors sequenced with a test called MSK-IMPACT. It analyzes changes to more than 500 key genes known to drive cancer and helps doctors identify drugs that will work best against the specific mutations that a patient’s cancer harbors. “So not only were we looking at patients with specific demographic characteristics — young never-smokers — we were able to take advantage of this unique MSK resource to look for patients whose tumors shared the same genomic features as Khaliq’s,” Dr. Rekhtman says. Moreover, the wealth of sequencing and treatment data available at MSK allowed researchers to compare treatment programs and outcomes from the patients they identified with the new subtype, which helped them zero in on strategies that may help other patients diagnosed with atypical SCLC. “There were some major lessons we learned from these patients,” Dr. Rudin says. “In general, they don’t respond as well to standard treatments as typical SCLC patients, but our study suggests several potential emerging or established therapeutic opportunities.” “This effort exemplifies the deep interconnection one finds between patient care and research at MSK,” Dr. Rudin says. Reference: “Chromothripsis-mediated small cell lung carcinoma” by Natasha Rekhtman, Sam E. Tischfield, Christopher A. Febres-Aldana, Jake June-Koo. Lee, Jason C. Chang, Benjamin O. Herzberg, Pier Selenica, Hyung Jun Woo, Chad M. Vanderbilt, Soo-Ryum Yang, Fei Xu, Anita S. Bowman, Edaise M. da Silva, Anne Marie Noronha, Diana L. Mandelker, Miika Mehine, Semanti Mukherjee, Juan Blanco-Heredia, John J. Orgera, Gouri J. Nanjangud, Marina K. Baine, Rania G. Aly, Jennifer L. Sauter, William D. Travis, Omid Savari, Andre L. Moreira, Christina J. Falcon, Francis M. Bodd, Christina E. Wilson, Jacklynn V. Sienty, Parvathy Manoj, Harsha Sridhar, Lu Wang, Noura J. Choudhury, Michael Offin, Helena A. Yu, Alvaro Quintanal-Villalonga, Michael F. Berger, Marc Ladanyi, Mark T.A. Donoghue, Jorge S. Reis-Filho and Charles M. Rudin, 26 August 2024, Cancer Discovery. DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-24-0286 This work was supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute (R35 CA263816, U24 CA213274, P30 CA0087448), the Druckenmiller Center for Lung Cancer Research, and the Sharon and Jon Corzine Foundation.

Polar bear mom and cub on sea ice, off the coast of Svalbard, Norway. Credit: Kt Miller / Polar Bears International Remote cameras were deployed in the Arctic mountains across nearly a decade; Valuable footage of moms and cubs emerging from dens shines light on elusive polar bear reproduction. Researchers from Polar Bears International, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the Norwegian Polar Institute, and the University of Toronto Scarborough have provided the first detailed observations of polar bear cubs emerging from their dens. This breakthrough comes from nearly a decade of remote camera footage collected in Svalbard, Norway. Published in the Journal of Wildlife Management on International Polar Bear Day, the study is the first to integrate satellite tracking collars with remote camera traps to investigate polar bear denning. Denning is notoriously challenging to study, as mother bears dig their dens beneath the snow in remote Arctic regions. Polar bear den in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska (2009). The maternal den research began in Alaska, although this report focuses on its Svalbard findings. Credit: BJ Kirschhoffer / Polar Bears International The findings offer new insights into the timing of den emergence and the behaviors of cubs and mothers after leaving the den. Additionally, the study introduces advanced monitoring tools for tracking polar bear dens across the Arctic. Since cub survival is critical to the species’ future—fewer than half of all cubs reach adulthood—the research underscores the need to protect undisturbed denning habitats, especially as industrial activity expands in the Arctic. “Polar bear mothers are facing increasing difficulties reproducing due to climate-driven changes and will likely encounter further challenges as human activity expands in the Arctic,” says Dr. Louise Archer, lead author and Polar Bears International Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto Scarborough. She adds, “We’re excited to introduce new tools to monitor bears during this vulnerable time and gain insight into their behavior across the Arctic. This knowledge allows us to better protect cubs—and, ultimately, the species. Every den we monitored had its own story, and every data point adds to our understanding of this crucial time, supporting more effective conservation strategies.” A polar bear mom and cub. Taken on a vessel off the coast of Svalbard. Credit:Kt Miller / Polar Bears International Key Findings: Altered Den Emergence Periods: The researchers report that families emerged around March 9th in Svalbard, and appeared to abandon the den earlier than previously recorded in this population, with further monitoring required to establish whether this is a continuing trend. Changing the timing of denning could potentially jeopardize cub survival as cubs have less time to develop before venturing further afield to the sea ice. Variable Den Presence: In some cases, bears emerged from the den for less than a minute before going back inside, while other emergences lasted several hours. In terms of departing the den for good, the camera footage indicated that polar bears remain near their dens for an average stay of 12 days. However, this varied greatly between polar bear families, ranging from 2 to 31 days. Den Switching: Some moms switched dens – they left their original dens and were observed moving their family to a new den. Maternal Dependence: Cubs rely heavily on their mothers, rarely venturing outside the den alone. Cubs were seen without their moms only 5% of the time. In Svalbard, cubs depend on their mom for up to 2.5 years. Circumpolar Conservation Implications: The study underscores the need for monitoring and protection of denning areas to ensure the survival of future generations because cubs rely on the den emergence period to acclimatize to the external environment and to prepare for life outside the den. Introducing Wildlife Management Tools: The researchers combined collar data and timelapse cameras both to uncover insights about denning behavior and to create a data-driven tool to understand polar bear denning across the Arctic. This research provides the foundation for improved wildlife management, enabling the reduction of potential clashes between polar bear denning areas and human activity. “This study provides a rare glimpse into one of the most vulnerable and critical periods in a polar bear’s life, offering insights that can help guide our collective conservation efforts,” says Dr. Megan Owen, Vice President of Wildlife Conservation Science at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “By combining innovative technology with long-term research, we’re gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges polar bear moms and cubs face in a rapidly changing Arctic. Protecting denning habitats is essential for population health, and this study provides invaluable insights that will help guide protective management.” “Studies including observational data at polar bear den sites have been few, and this study thus contributes significantly to our knowledge about denning ecology,” says Dr. Jon Aars, Senior Researcher at the Norwegian Polar Institute, adding, “Further, as the data from satellite radio collars were available for all the mothers, the observational data made it possible to tell how changes in activity and temperature recorded correspond with behavior. This is of great value as a lot of data from collared females that have been in a maternity den is available.” Methodology Female polar bears were fitted with GPS satellite collars that recorded their location, temperature, and activity. Researchers used these collar data to locate dens, and they traveled through Svalbard’s mountains to deploy timelapse camera traps at thirteen den sites over six years (2016 – 2020 and 2023). Svalbard’s mountains, taken from a research helicopter. Credit: Kt Miller / Polar Bears International The study found that camera traps provided fine-scale insights into maternal den behavior, while satellite collars are accurate and useful for monitoring bears over longer periods and in more remote areas. What are polar bear cubs doing right now? Newborn polar bear cubs are currently snuggled in dens with their mothers across the Arctic. Polar bears typically give birth around New Year, at which point the cubs are blind, hairless, and just a 1/2 kg (or 1 lb). They grow quickly, nursing on their mom’s milk which is 31% fat, reaching around 10kg – up to 20 times their birth weight – by the time they leave the den in spring. Svalbard’s mountains, viewed from the research helicopter. Credit: Kt Miller / Polar Bears International Polar bears emerge from their birthing dens between February and April of each year, with the timing varying depending on where they live– Polar Bears International created International Polar Bear Day (February 27th) to honor the time when moms and cubs are about to exit their dens. The duration of the denning period, timing of den emergence, and time spent at the den site after emergence all contribute to the survival of polar bear cubs. Reference: “Monitoring phenology and behavior of polar bears at den emergence using cameras and satellite telemetry” by Louise C. Archer, BJ Kirschhoffer, Jon Aars, Danielle K. James, Katharina M. Miller, Nicholas W. Pilfold, Joanna Sulich and Megan A. Owen, 26 February 2025, The Journal of Wildlife Management. DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22725

New reconstruction of the skeleton of the 375-million-year-old fossil fish, Tiktaalik roseae. In a new study, researchers used Micro-CT to reveal vertebrae and ribs of the fish that were previously hidden beneath rock. The new reconstruction shows that the fish’s ribs likely attached to its pelvis, an innovation thought to be crucial to supporting the body and for the eventual evolution of walking. Credit: Thomas Stewart, Penn State New findings from a fossil fish dating back 375 million years provide insights into the evolution of the axial skeleton, potentially shedding light on how our forebears transitioned from aquatic to terrestrial life. Before the evolution of legs from fins, the axial skeleton — including the bones of the head, neck, back, and ribs — was already going through changes that would eventually help our ancestors support their bodies to walk on land. A research team including a Penn State biologist completed a new reconstruction of the skeleton of Tiktaalik, the 375-million-year-old fossil fish that is one of the closest relatives to limbed vertebrates. The new reconstruction shows that the fish’s ribs likely attached to its pelvis, an innovation thought to be crucial to supporting the body and for the eventual evolution of walking. A paper describing the new reconstruction, which used microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) to scan the fossil and reveal vertebrae and ribs of the fish that were previously hidden beneath rock, appeared April 2 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. “Tiktaalik was discovered in 2004, but key parts of its skeleton were unknown,” said Tom Stewart, assistant professor of biology in the Eberly College of Science at Penn State and one of the leaders of the research team. “These new high-resolution micro-CT scans show us the vertebrae and ribs of Tiktaalik and allow us to make a full reconstruction of its skeleton, which is vital to understanding how it moved through the world.” Understanding Vertebrate Evolution Unlike most fish, which have vertebrae and ribs that are the same along the length of the trunk, the axial skeletons of limbed vertebrates show dramatic differences in the vertebrae and ribs from the head region to the tail region. The evolution of this regionalization allowed the performance of specialized functions, one of which was a mechanical linkage between ribs in the sacral region to the pelvis that enabled support of the body by the hind limbs. The pelvic fins of fish are evolutionarily related to hind limbs in tetrapods — four-limbed vertebrates, including humans. In fish, the pelvic fins and bones of the pelvic girdle are relatively small and float freely in the body. For the evolution of walking, the researchers explained, the hind limbs and pelvis became much larger and formed a connection to the vertebral column as a way of bracing the forces related to supporting the body. “Tiktaalik is remarkable because it gives us glimpses into this major evolutionary transition,” Stewart said. “Across its whole skeleton, we see a combination of traits that are typical of fish and life in water as well as traits that are seen in land-dwelling animals.” Tiktaalik: A Bridge Between Aquatic and Terrestrial Life The original description of Tiktaalik focused on the front portion of the skeleton. Fossils were meticulously prepared to remove the surrounding matrix of rock and expose the skull, shoulder girdle and pectoral fins. The ribs in this area were large and expanded, suggesting that they may have supported the body in some way, but it was unclear exactly how they would have functioned. In 2014, the fish’s pelvis, discovered in the same location as the rest of the skeleton, was also cleaned of matrix and described. “From past studies, we knew that the pelvis was large, and we had a sense that the hind fins were large too, but until now couldn’t say if or how the pelvis interacted with the axial skeleton,” Stewart said. “This reconstruction shows, for the first-time, how it all fits together and gives us clues about how walking might have first evolved.” The researchers explained that, unlike our own hips where our bones fit tightly together, the connection between the pelvis and axial skeleton of Tiktaalik was likely a soft-tissue connection made of ligaments. “Tiktaalik had specialized ribs that would have connected to the pelvis by a ligament,” Stewart said. “It’s astonishing really. This creature has so many traits — large pair of hind appendages, large pelvis, and a connection between the pelvis and axial skeleton — that were key to the origin of walking. And while Tiktaalik probably wasn’t walking across land, it was definitely doing something new. This was a fish that could likely prop itself up and push with its hind fin.” The new reconstruction of the skeleton also sheds light on specializations for head mobility in Tiktaalik and new details of the fish’s pelvic fin anatomy. “It’s incredible to see the skeleton of Tiktaalik captured in such vivid detail,” said Neil Shubin, Robert R. Bensley Distinguished Service Professor of Organismal Biology and Anatomy at the University of Chicago and one of the authors of the paper. “This study sets the stage for ones that explore how the animal moved about and interacted with its environment 375 million years ago.” Reference: “The axial skeleton of Tiktaalik roseae” by Thomas A. Stewart, Justin B. Lemberg, Emily J. Hillan, Isaac Magallanes, Edward B. Daeschler and Neil H. Shubin, 2 April 2024, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316106121 In addition to Stewart and Shubin, the research team includes Justin B. Lemberg, Emily J. Hillan, and Isaac Magallanes at The University of Chicago, and Edward B. Daeschler at Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Support from the Brinson Foundation, the Biological Sciences Division of The University of Chicago, an anonymous donor to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, and the U.S. National Science Foundation funded this research. Fieldwork was made possible by the Polar Continental Shelf Project of Natural Resources, Canada; the Department of Heritage and Culture, Nunavut; the hamlets of Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord of Nunavut; and the Iviq Hunters and Trappers of Grise Fiord.

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