Discovery could improve the performance of hovering robots and even artificial pollinators
Read article: Simple feedback mechanism keeps flapping flyers stable when hovering
New calculation of viral spread suggests that rapid elimination of SARS-CoV-2-like viruses is scientifically feasible, though social challenges remain
Read article: Staying the course with lockdowns could end future pandemics in months
David Norman reviews The Physics of Birds and Birding: the Sounds, Colors and Movements of Birds, and Our Tools for Watching Them by Michael Hurben
Read article: Equations, quarks and a few feathers: more physics than birds
Imaging platform visualizes the mechanical forces exerted by embryos implanting in the uterus
Read article: Researchers perform first real-time visualization of human embryo implantation
New holotomography measurements reveal that the tuneable optical properties of these cephalopods come from winding columns of platelets in iridescent cells
Read article: Squid use Bragg reflectors in their skin to change colour
Phenomenon also occurs in critical systems found in statistical physics and is directly linked to the animal’s growth
Read article: Hyperdisorder appears in pigment patterns on squid skin
Previously unknown protein-based feature in slime allows it to transform from liquid to fibre and back again
Read article: Worm slime could inspire recyclable polymer design
A central mechanism behind information transfer in living cells depends on the transfer of electrons with a specific spin
Read article: Quantum physics guides proton motion in biological systems
The presence of disorder causes worms to speed up, not slow down – a surprising result with applications in robotics
Read article: Speedy worms behave like active polymers in disordered mazes
Observations of electrical signal propagation across colonies of epithelial cells suggest they may be able to communicate, similarly to neurons, but much more slowly
Read article: Epithelial cells send electrical signals, possibly to communicate
