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Biophysics and bioengineering

Biophysics and bioengineering

Inspired by killer plants

15 Jul 2021 James Dacey

The way that some plants such as the Venus flytrap and Cape sundew move so quickly and precisely has always fascinated scientists. Plants move with biological necessity, whether it is to feast on insects or to spread their spores far and wide. This video looks at the mechanics of moving plants and how it can inspire innovations in soft robotics.

For a more detailed look at the physics of plant motion, take a look at this feature by science writer Daniel Rayneau-Kirkhope, originally published in the July 2021 issue of Physics World.

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