A new study using a two-dimensional drawing technique has found no general patterns in the fin and body shapes of five warm-blooded Lamniformes species to determine Megalodon's shape. The research challenges previous conclusions about the extinct shark's body form, suggesting that warm bloodedness does not make sharks differently shaped.
Researchers have created a microcrystal that utilizes self-continuous reciprocating motion for propulsion, enabling the microrobot to move itself sustainably in water. The microrobots exhibited different styles of propulsion and were affected by fin length, ratio, and elevation angle.
The 74th APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Annual Meeting featured presentations on COVID-proofing daily life, kimchi physics, and extreme heat waves. Researchers also discussed advancements in fire-fighting trees and the science behind jellyfish engineers.
Fish schools operate like superorganisms, with individual fish optimized for maximum surveillance and energy efficiency. Researchers discovered a 'perfect efficiency curve' in tail beats, allowing schools to conserve energy while monitoring their surroundings.
A new study reveals how sperm change their swimming patterns to navigate to the egg, shifting from symmetrical to asymmetrical motion. This change in behavior, called hyperactivation, enables the sperm to sweep the area once in the egg's proximity.
A new study from the University of Otago has found that the 'egg-beater' technique is the most effective water treading method for preventing drowning. The technique, which involves alternating breaststroke kicks, was deemed more energetically and cognitively efficient than other methods.
Researchers used zebrafish to study spinal cord development and its role in controlling new movements, discovering patterns of neural activity that can be applied to human locomotor activities like walking and swimming. The study aims to improve treatments for movement disorders by identifying target neurons for restoration.
Researchers found that young male winter swimmers had better thermoregulation and higher heat loss due to frequent sauna exposure. They also showed increased brown fat tissue activity, particularly in response to cold exposure.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered seahorses can move their head up to catch prey at incredible speeds, facilitated by a powerful flow of water and spring-like mechanism. This study sheds light on the ecology of seahorses, revealing that longer noses enable stronger suction currents for catching smaller prey.
Researchers discovered zebrafish neurons that monitor prediction errors to efficiently avoid danger, creating a 'hazard map' in the brain. This study sheds light on brain circuits shared across vertebrates, including humans.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba reviewed the scientific literature on swimming hydrodynamics and identified key areas for improvement. They found that certain biomechanical aspects, such as velocity and drag forces, are not fully understood, but optimizing technique can lead to a competitive edge.
Researchers have developed a new model for micro-swimmer-based transport, which shows that a swarm of micro-swimmers can transport particles more efficiently than traditional methods. The study's findings suggest that this phenomenon could be useful in biological applications, such as delivering drugs to specific locations in the body.
University of Virginia researchers design a simple way to implement a tunable stiffness strategy in robots, enabling efficient swimming at varying speeds. The approach, inspired by the natural adaptability of fish, uses a programmable artificial tendon to adjust tail stiffness in real-time.
Researchers simulated 3 million swimming race times to show that certain quartzite oscillator-based devices round times incorrectly. This can result in changes of one one-hundredth of a second, potentially affecting the outcome of sporting events.
Researchers used 3D printing and water tank experiments to study ancient cephalopod movement. They found that straight-shelled orthocones likely lived a vertical life, jetting up and down to catch food and evade predators.
Researchers from FAU and partners discover a microswimmer propelled by symmetrical oscillations, contradicting the Scallop theorem. The system uses the principle of inertia to move through fluid, with smaller beads reacting faster to spring force, causing asymmetrical motion.
Researchers have created artificial swimmers that use fluctuating temperature changes to store energy and swim independently. These microswimmers can harness heat from their environment to recharge multiple times, opening up possibilities for studying biological interactions.
Researchers at New York University have found a way for heavy motorized objects to navigate steep inclines by exploiting density imbalances and hydrodynamic effects. This breakthrough enhances understanding of gravitaxis and has implications for engineering and pharmaceutical development.
Researchers have created a durable, oil- and water-repellent cotton fabric for recreational water activities. The new coating method uses a three-part solution that impregnates the fabric with nanoscale air pockets, reducing drag and increasing buoyancy.
A new study found that baby coral reef fishes have evolved to grow larger muscles and swim faster than their non-reef relatives, allowing them to outpace other fish in the ocean. This adaptation is thought to be related to their association with reefs, where they need to navigate open ocean currents to find a home.
A new study found that young Weddell seals prioritize learning to swim and navigate over foraging while still dependent on their mothers. This behavior is crucial for survival, as these seals need to find breathing holes in icy waters.
SUTD researchers have developed a technology that tracks the impact of pollutants on aquatic microorganisms, measuring their swimming speed and movement within minutes. This method allows for rapid assessment of water quality and drinkability, making it suitable for underdeveloped regions without specialized equipment or chemicals.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in FSIP2 protein that affects sperm flagella, leading to infertility. Mice with the mutation had impaired sperm movement, while those overproducing FSIP2 were fertile with longer, faster-swimming sperm.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have discovered that ray sperms rotate both their head and tail to move, creating a heterogeneous dual helix propulsion system. This unique motion provides high environmental adaptability and efficiency, enabling bidirectional swimming and maneuverability in various viscosities.
A Monash University-led study combines computer simulations with live seal footage to explain the origins of efficient swimming in seals. The research reveals that different swimming styles evolved within the same seal group, with some species using wing-like front flippers for speed and agility.
Researchers at IBEC developed biobots with muscle tissue and flexible skeletons that can swim and coast like fish, achieving unprecedented velocities. The innovative skeleton creates a feedback loop through mechanical self-stimulation, leading to enhanced actuation and larger contraction force.
Researchers at UT Southwestern found that astronaut Scott Kelly's heart lost an average of 0.74 grams per week during his nearly a year-long stay in space. Despite regular exercise, the heart adapted relatively well and functioned well despite shrinking by about three-tenths of an ounce.
Researchers have developed small, swimming robots that can magnetically heal themselves on-the-fly after breaking into two or three pieces. The strategy could be used to make hardier devices for environmental or industrial clean up.
Researchers developed a more accurate model of how bacteria search for nutrients by considering both chemotaxis and chemokinesis. The new model reveals that combining these two motions enhances population responses to nutrient distributions.
Researchers discovered artificial microswimmers slow down and accumulate in low-fuel regions where their speed is minimized. This finding suggests a new strategy to improve targeted cancer therapy by delivering chemotherapy drugs to the most problematic cells.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered how single-celled algae like Chlamydomonas rotate as it swims towards the light. By analyzing flagella movement and creating a computer model, the team found that the alga can steer by exerting different forces on its two flagella.
Researchers have discovered that combining copper-silver ionization with lower amounts of chlorine can decrease disinfection byproducts and cell toxicity in chlorinated pool water. This approach may help mitigate respiratory problems, such as asthma, associated with swimming pool exposure.
A flexible underwater robot developed by University of Southampton and University of Edinburgh can swim as quickly and efficiently as squid and jellyfish, thanks to resonance technology. The robot's soft exterior and lightweight design make it ideal for operating near sensitive environments.
Researchers at the NIH identified a key protein, McpC, that enables Salmonella to swim straight towards infected cells. This discovery may lead to the development of new antibacterial therapies to combat intestinal infections.
New research suggests that restoring Hong Kong's lost oyster reefs can provide significant environmental benefits, including natural water filtration and habitat for native species. The study found that just 7 square meters of a Hong Kong oyster reef can filter up to one Olympic swimming pool of water each day.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research use electric rays and sting rays to create maps of the seabed, collecting data on ocean wildlife and resources. The method is cost-effective and has been shown to be accurate, with positioning errors within 10cm of existing seabed maps.
Researchers have discovered that synthetic microswimmers can change direction and swim back towards the source of light after being exposed, mimicking biological organisms. The behavior is triggered by Brownian motion, which sets in when the particles are no longer illuminated.
Researchers found that coral larvae temporarily stop swimming due to reduced light intensity and then resume swimming at their initial speed. This behavior may play a role in determining where corals settle, with the larvae gathering in bright spaces.
Researchers at Peking University have discovered a simple rule explaining how fish save energy by interacting with vortices shed by neighbors. The study was conducted using high-fidelity robotic fish and verified in real fish, suggesting the universal adoption of this mechanism in biological systems.
Researchers discovered that squid jet propulsion can be more efficient when considering turbulent flow conditions, revealing clues about how squids maneuver within these environments. The study found symmetry-breaking instability of vortices around the jetter, which affects thrust production and efficiency.
A new high-speed amphibious robot, AmphiSTAR, has been developed by Ben-Gurion University researchers inspired by the movements of cockroaches and lizards. The robot can swim, run on water at high speeds and crawl on difficult terrain, making it suitable for applications such as agriculture, search and rescue, and excavation.
Researchers discovered that whale-surfing remoras use the cushion of slow-moving water carried by whales to stay attached. The fish can move along the whale's body and even skim across locations without being torn free.
Fish schools are highly dynamic, social systems. Researchers used biomimetic robots to show that fish can profit from the vortices generated by near neighbours without keeping fixed distances, and found that a specific time lag based on spatial position is key to energy efficiency.
A study by chronobiologists from the University of Groningen found that Olympic swimmers performed best in the finals due to their biological clock. The researchers analyzed times from four Olympic Games and found a significant sinusoid performance pattern over the course of a day, with peak performance occurring late afternoon.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a squid-like robot that can swim rapidly and efficiently, taking photos of coral and fish in the process. The soft robot uses jet propulsion to maneuver and achieve speeds of up to half a mile per hour.
A new study on free-swimming marine snails found that shell shapes and body geometries impact their swimming abilities and sinking behaviors. The researchers used high-speed photography to analyze the snails' movements, relating them to vertical migration and distribution.
Researchers have discovered that human white blood cells use a new mechanism called molecular paddling to swim and migrate through fluids without changing shape. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of cell migration, which could impact our understanding of immune responses and cancer research.
Bacteria use a tiny rotary motor powered by a stator unit to swim and change direction. The stator unit is also a rotary motor that powers the large flagellar motor, contradicting existing theories. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches for bacterial-based diseases.
The ECSJ2020 conference brought together 31 speakers and over 600 participants to discuss key issues in science journalism, including policy-making and high-uncertainty topics. The event featured award ceremonies for a Climate Investigation Grant and European Science Journalist of the Year.
Researchers study fluid physics of marine snail movement, revealing distinct swimming patterns and shell shapes. The study could lead to the development of more efficient underwater vehicles.
Research by University of Alberta biologists reveals that common sunscreen ingredients, such as avobenzone and oxybenzone, are detrimental to freshwater-dwelling crustaceans like the water flea Daphnia magna. Long-term exposure can be lethal, even at short distances from popular beach areas.
The study found that microorganisms with different swimming styles lose their flocking behavior when mixed, potentially reducing the risk of being eaten by aquatic predators. Researchers believe this may be an advantage in symbiotic ecosystems where bacteria and algae live together.
A new 'lab-on-a-chip' technology has been developed to monitor swimming pools more affordably and reliably, improving water safety for Australians. The sensor can accurately measure chlorine and pH levels, reducing the risk of infection from incorrect pool chemistry.
A nearly complete skeleton of an extinct large dolphin found in South Carolina reveals that this species was a top predator in its community. The findings suggest that modern baleen and toothed whales evolved similar features independently, driven by parallel evolution in the same aquatic habitats.
Researchers observed that C. jejuni swims faster in viscous liquids due to its flagella, which wrap around the helical body to propel itself forward. This finding could lead to new strategies for preventing C. jejuni infections by targeting its movement mechanisms.
Researchers found subtle brain changes in female college rugby players, including microstructural changes in white matter and differences in brain connectivity. The study suggests that repetitive impacts from playing a contact sport can affect the brain, even without a diagnosed concussion.
Scientists at University of Warsaw and ETH Zurich have synthesized active microparticles that self-propel in a fluid and reverse their direction based on wavelength. This breakthrough enables exploration of synthetic microswimmers with potential applications in diagnostics and medicine.
A team of scientists found that groups of living organisms that move through squirming exhibit distinct collective properties depending on their velocities and bottom-heaviness. These characteristics can lead to intriguing emergent behaviors, such as clusters forming at the bottom or top of a container.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University documented adult blacktip sharks fleeing to shallow waters when confronted by large great hammerhead sharks. The study provides the first evidence of adults using these waters as a refuge, leveraging UAVs to observe natural behaviors without disrupting them.
The new soft robotics, called LEAP, have a spring-powered spine that enables rapid switching between stable states, allowing for faster movement and more forceful grasping. This innovation outperforms previous soft robots by reaching speeds of up to three times faster on solid surfaces.