Biomechanics
April 2005
Born to Run
Humans will never win a sprint against your average quadruped. But our species is well-adapted for the marathon.
February 2006
Shoe Fly
To walk on walls and ceilings, your feet have to stick, but they have to get unstuck, too.
September 2005
Breaking Point
Not unlike a slab of cooling rock, DNA “cracks” under pressure in roughly predictable patterns.
November 2004
The Biomechanist Went Over the Mountain
The best way up a hill is steeper than the best way down.
July-August 2004
Knockout Punch
A boxer who could jab like a mantis shrimp could win every match with a single blow.
June 2004
As the Whale Turns
The shape of the humpback’s flippers might hold the secret to more maneuverable submarines.