Posted on 06 May 2024
Shrimpy Superboxer
Did you know that the mantis shrimp, also known as the stomatopod, has the fastest punch in the animal kingdom? This small crustacean, measuring only 6-10 cm (2.35-4 inches) in length, packs a powerful punch that can exceed a hundred times its own body weight. Researchers at …
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Posted on 05 May 2024
In Leaps and Bounds
Frogs: The Marvelous Jumpers
Frogs are known for their incredible jumping abilities, but have you ever wondered how they do it? Contrary to what you might think, frogs' leg muscles are not particularly strong. This has left scientists puzzled about the source of their jumping power …
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Posted on 05 May 2024
Off-the-Menu: A Fascinating Look at Nature's Mysteries
Nature is full of wonders, and sometimes it presents us with puzzling phenomena that challenge our understanding of the world. One such mystery is the behavior of certain fish species, like the Oriental sweetlip and coral rock cod. These carnivorous fish are known …
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Posted on 05 May 2024
Speedy Sharks and Golf Balls
Shark species are known for their incredible speed, reaching up to 80 km per hour (50 mph) in the ocean. These swift swimmers possess several unique features that enable them to achieve such remarkable speeds. One of these features is the tiny scales on the …
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Posted on 02 May 2024
Wings on the Wind
How do migrating birds know exactly when, and where, to go?
Introduction
Migration is a remarkable phenomenon observed in many bird species. These birds travel thousands of kilometers to find suitable feeding grounds and breeding sites. But how do they know where to go? And how …
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Posted on 25 April 2024
Mary Had a Little Lamb
Remember the nursery rhyme, 'Mary had a little lamb...'? This simple poem was inspired by a real, living lamb. Just like the rhyme required a designer, the real lamb that inspired it reveals a masterpiece of design and a Master Designer.
Preparation for Birth
As …
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Posted on 20 April 2024
Pterosaurs: Flying Reptiles of the Past
Pterosaurs, the extinct flying reptiles, have long fascinated scientists with their ability to fly. However, their unique design and flight capabilities have raised questions about how they were able to take off and land safely without damaging their delicate wings. Some researchers have proposed …
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Posted on 19 April 2024
Lessons from Locust Wings
The challenges faced by designers of small robotic aircraft are numerous. Traditional fixed wings, like those used on passenger planes, become highly inefficient when applied to tiny robotic planes. As a result, aeronautical engineers have turned their attention to studying flapping wings as a more viable …
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Posted on 15 April 2024
E. coli's Electric Motor: A Marvel of Design
Did you know that the tiny bacterium E. coli possesses an extraordinary electric motor that allows it to swim through our gut? This remarkable motor spins a whip-like flagellum at an astonishing speed of up to 22,800 revolutions per minute! Some …
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Posted on 14 April 2024
Amazing Armoured Armadillos of the Americas
The armadillo is a fascinating creature found in the Americas. With its unique armor-like shell, it stands out as one of the most curious animals in the Western Hemisphere. There are approximately 20 species of armadillos, ranging in size from the small pink fairy …
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Posted on 13 April 2024
Firefly Lanterns: Nature's Design Inspiration for LED Lenses
Introduction
In the field of design, nature has always been a rich source of inspiration. One fascinating aspect is how organisms generate and manipulate light. Bioluminescent creatures like fireflies and octopuses have evolved efficient ways to produce light using chemicals. Additionally, certain …
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