Contributions of Limb Joints to Energy Absorption during Landing in Cats SUMMARY: How is it that cats are able to jump down from high places and not hurt themselves? Researchers in this study observed 5 cats, jumping from various heights, for clues as to what sorts of forces and shock absorbers were at work. The… Continue reading Contributions of Limb Joints to Energy Absorption during Landing in Cats
Category: Forces & Interactions
Anchoring like octopus
Anchoring like octopus SUMMARY: In this experiment, scientists tried to reproduce an anchoring mechanism modeled after octopus suckers. There were a few important aspects they wanted to mimic: the softness of the suckers so that suction could be maintained, even on rough surfaces. And the ability to sense proximity and tactile stimuli. They ended up… Continue reading Anchoring like octopus
The meaning of blood pressure
The meaning of blood pressure SUMMARY: This article talks about all the physical aspects of blood pressure. The first few sections talks about the 3 forces that affect blood pressure: elastic, kinetic, and gravitational. The author also talks about how kinetic energy can be converted to elastic energy in the case of an aneurysm in… Continue reading The meaning of blood pressure
The physics of pollinator attraction
The physics of pollinator attraction SUMMARY: This article focuses on the physical properties of plants that have evolved to help them select the appropriate pollinators and discourage non-pollinators (nectar stealers). The first feature the article addresses is the shape of the cells. Flower petals often have cone-shaped cells to help scatter more light. This gives… Continue reading The physics of pollinator attraction
Electronic Tongues
A Versatile Electronic Tongue Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging and Cross-Reactive Sensor Arrays-A Mini-Review SUMMARY: Scientists are trying to create electronic tongues (eT) and noses (eN) that act like human tongues and noses. These artificial sensors are different from traditional sensors in that they don’t recognize individual molecules, but heterogeneous liquids and gases. In… Continue reading Electronic Tongues
Microgravity and the Respiratory System
Microgravity and the Respiratory System SUMMARY: What are the effects of gravity on lung function? This study first breaks down how gravity works and its effects on living organisms. The second section explains lung function with and without gravity. Finally, the last sections look at the difference in lung function during and after short and… Continue reading Microgravity and the Respiratory System