September 2005
Breaking Point
Not unlike a slab of cooling rock, DNA “cracks” under pressure in roughly predictable patterns.
June 2005
Snap!
How can the Venus flytrap indulge its taste for insect flesh? The secret is the cunning construction of its leaves.
November 2004
The Biomechanist Went Over the Mountain
The best way up a hill is steeper than the best way down.
September 2004
Flexible Feeders
The lower bill of the hummingbird makes a nectar-drinking beak into one for catching insects.
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.
May 2004
How a Star Avoids the Limelight
Some echinoderms have thousands of eyes on their backs. When the lights come on, they switch to wearing shades.
February 2004
Like Water Off a Beetle’s Back
An African insect could show how to wring moisture from the fog—and let the sun shine on cloudy airports.
Born to Run
Humans will never win a sprint against your average quadruped. But our species is well-adapted for the marathon.
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