A string game called cat's cradle demonstrates the dexterity of the human hand. Uniquely capable of precision and power grips, the Homo sapiens hand may have developed in response to toolmaking, an ability that allowed humans more access to meat. Meat may have helped us grow bigger brains. But there's a downside to dexterity. A shallow tunnel in the carpal (wrist) bones allows modern humans to have more mobility in the palm and thumb, but it also leaves less room for nerves, muscles, and ligaments to pass through. The resulting pressure on the median nerve is a possible factor in carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Camera: Nikon D2X Format: Digital Lens: 52mm Speed and F-Stop: 1/125 @ f/22
Weather Conditions: Indoors Time of Day: Evening Lighting Techniques: Studio strobes Special Equipment: Even though two good friends were masters at working through all the steps of the cat's cradle, it required real gymnastics to achieve a cat's cradle with four hands in the position shown here. Try it.
