X-Ray Run

THE SECRET OF MOVEMENT

A cat jumps onto the lab bench – one moment the camera is showing it in super slow motion, the next moment the movement of each individual bone is visible through fur and skin. These spectacular images are the result of a globally unique research project: zoologists, physicians and biomechanics led by Professor Martin Fischer from the University of Jena are using a high-speed X-ray system to track down the secrets of walking. From iguanas and birds to rats and even sloths, the list of animals that the scientists have looked under the skin ranges – always with one big question in mind: How did the mechanics of walking develop, from the first land animals 300 million years ago to the stunted mobility of modern office workers today?

The film tells the fascinating story of how the scientists around Martin Fischer conquer one field of research after another. Their new findings are virtually snatched out of the hands of the biologists from Jena. Sports physicians, veterinarians, robot researchers and even the US military are keenly interested.

TEAM
Writer and director: Daniel Münter // Camera: Sven Kiesche // Sound: Ilhan Coskun // Editing: Maximilian Dederichs // Sound mixing: Alexander Weuffen // Narrator: Philipp Schepmann // Production assistant: Katja Sträter // Line producer: Oliver Gontram // Executive producer: Thomas Weidenbach // Editor MDR: Hendrik Wenner