Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
Why are tendons so strong and why are they so difficult to heal?
In this episode of The Vandal Theory, University of Idaho professor Nathan Schiele explores how tendons function as the body’s force transmitters, connecting muscle to bone through highly organized collagen structures. His research combines biology and engineering to better understand how tendons handle extreme stress and how scientists can guide cells to build stronger, more functional tissue.
By studying the chemical and mechanical signals that shape these fibers, his team is working toward new approaches for injury repair and recovery.
Chapters
00:00 What’s the difference between tendons and ligaments?
03:01 Getting to know Nathan Schiele
05:22 Tendons don’t heal well
09:45 Ingredients of a strong tendon
14:39 Building mouse tendon-like structures
18:47 Imaging a tendon
22:49 Undergraduate research
24:28 Final thoughts
Learn more about Nathan: https://www.uidaho.edu/people/nrschiele
Explore U of I's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering: https://www.uidaho.edu/engineering/academics/chemical-biological-engineering
Listen to more episodes: https://uidaho.edu/newsroom/the-vandal-theory
#TendonsandLigaments #InjuryRecovery #BiologicalEngineering #Engineering #EngineerLikeAVandal #Biomechanics #UniversityOfIdaho
Why are tendons so strong and why are they so difficult to heal?
In this episode of The Vandal Theory, University of Idaho professor Nathan Schiele explores how tendons function as the body’s force transmitters, connecting muscle to bone through highly organized collagen structures. His research combines biology and engineering to better understand how tendons handle extreme stress and how scientists can guide cells to build stronger, more functional tissue.
By studying the chemical and mechanical signals that shape these fibers, his team is working toward new approaches for injury repair and recovery.
Chapters
00:00 What’s the difference between tendons and ligaments?
03:01 Getting to know Nathan Schiele
05:22 Tendons don’t heal well
09:45 Ingredients of a strong tendon
14:39 Building mouse tendon-like structures
18:47 Imaging a tendon
22:49 Undergraduate research
24:28 Final thoughts
Learn more about Nathan: https://www.uidaho.edu/people/nrschiele
Explore U of I's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering: https://www.uidaho.edu/engineering/academics/chemical-biological-engineering
Listen to more episodes: https://uidaho.edu/newsroom/the-vandal-theory
#TendonsandLigaments #InjuryRecovery #BiologicalEngineering #Engineering #EngineerLikeAVandal #Biomechanics #UniversityOfIdaho
