Researchers at Virginia Tech used high-speed motion capture to study how one snake species can leap several meters at a time
Chrysopelea paradisi -- the paradise tree snake -- does just that, propelling through the air from trees in South and Southeast Asia. Little was known about how such snakes"fly" before a team of scientists from Virginia Tech published a new research paper Monday.Researcher Jake Socha with a snake at Virginia Tech.Experts say the snakes glide through the air, so study lead author Isaac Yeaton told CNN the team set out to understand how they do so.
One hypothesis was that it was a base motor pattern for snakes built in over millions of years, but Yeaton said they now understand the undulation stabilizes the glide and stops the snake from tumbling, as well as allowing them to cover more horizontal distance.The researchers carried out indoor experiments with live snakes at Virginia Tech and also developed a computational model."It's a big step forward," said Yeaton.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How Snakes Fly (Hint: It's Not On A Plane)🐍 Researchers filmed flying snakes with high-speed cameras as they glided across a four-story theater. It turns out the snakes' special wave-like movements — as if they're swimming in air — are part of the secret of how they're able to glide.
Read more »
How Snakes Fly (Hint: It's Not On A Plane)🐍 Researchers filmed flying snakes with high-speed cameras as they glided across a four-story theater. It turns out the snakes' special wave-like movements — as if they're swimming in air — are part of the secret of how they're able to glide.
Read more »
Minor League Baseball Season Canned Due To COVID-19, 'Sad Day For Many'For the first time since 1901 ... there will be ZERO Minor League Baseball games played this year ... with the league officially announcing the 2020 season has been scrapped due to coronavirus.
Read more »
A Guide to Canned Fish and Seafood from Spain and PortugalAn introduction to conservas, the canned seafood delicacies beloved by the Spanish and Portuguese alike, with suggestions for types to try and how best to serve them.
Read more »
Delta Air Lines brings back beer and wine on flightsDelta Air Lines is restoring wine and beer options across most of its US flights three months after it eliminated the options as the pandemic began to cripple demand for air travel.
Read more »
27 Outdoor Products From Wayfair That People Swear ByYeah, fresh air is great and all but have you ever sat in a hammock chair?
Read more »