An owl bursting through a cloud of bubbles is helping researchers better understand the aerodynamics of flight. Researchers in London have discovered a new way in which birds use their tail to provide lift and so reduce drag while gliding. They tracked the swirling motion of more than 20,000 helium-filled soap bubbles as they were displaced by birds of prey in flight. Their findings could provide a new way to improve the efficiency of small gliding aircraft.
- Nature Video
Birds gliding through bubbles reveal aerodynamic trick
-
Shamini Bundell
You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar
doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-020-00418-5
Read the original research paper at: https://jeb.biologists.org/content/223/3/jeb214809
Related Articles
Subjects
Latest on:
Jobs
-
Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow required to lead exciting projects in Cancer Cell Cycle Biology and Cancer Epigenetics.
Melbourne University, Melbourne (AU)
University of Melbourne & Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
-
Overseas Talent, Embarking on a New Journey Together at Tianjin University
We cordially invite outstanding young individuals from overseas to apply for the Excellent Young Scientists Fund Program (Overseas).
Tianjin, China
Tianjin University (TJU)
-
Chair Professor Positions in the School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology
SPST seeks top Faculty scholars in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Tianjin, China
Tianjin University (TJU)
-
Chair Professor Positions in the School of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronic Engineering
We are committed to accomplishing the mission of achieving a world-top-class engineering school.
Tianjin, China
Tianjin University (TJU)
-
Chair Professor Positions in the School of Mechanical Engineering
Aims to cultivate top talents, train a top-ranking faculty team, construct first-class disciplines and foster a favorable academic environment.
Tianjin, China
Tianjin University (TJU)