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
Category: F&I 2: Newton’s 1st Law (MS)
Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.
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
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
Enzyme Catalysis To Power Micro/Nanomachines
Enzyme Catalysis To Power Micro/Nanomachines SUMMARY: Is it possible to make nanomachines out of enzymes? This review looks at the ways we can harness enzymes to self-propel or function as tiny machines. Doing so would have many implications in nanotechnology and drug delivery. There were a few ways to use enzymes. First, there's the DNA-enzyme… Continue reading Enzyme Catalysis To Power Micro/Nanomachines
Planarian Fission
Mechanics dictate where and how freshwater planarians fission SUMMARY: Planarians are tiny squishy worms that go through binary fission by ripping themselves in two parts: the head part and the tail part. This article looks at the mechanism of the ripping. First, there is the formation of the waist, then pulsation of the head, then… Continue reading Planarian Fission