Name: The fascinating physics of insect pee
Uploaded: 2023-02-28T15:52:04Z
Duration: 9 min 26 s
Description: Scientist Saad Bhamla is on a mission to answer a question most people don't think to ask: How do insects pee? Taking inspiration from the incredible "butt flickers" of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Bhamla presents a fascinating study of the physics behind how bugs take care of business and invites us to be more curious about the seemingly mundane.

Saad Bhamla: The fascinating physics of insect pee

The fascinating physics of insect pee

Scientist Saad Bhamla is on a mission to answer a question most people don't think to ask: How do insects pee? Taking inspiration from the incredible "butt flickers" of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Bhamla presents a fascinating study of the physics behind how bugs take care of business and invites us to be more curious about the seemingly mundane.

Insects like the glassy-winged sharpshooter have evolved a unique way to pee, launching droplets at speeds up to 40 times the acceleration of a cheetah. Their 'butt flicker' acts like a catapult, harnessing surface tension and precise timing to overcome the challenges of being small and surviving on nutrient-poor plant fluids. This surprising discovery not only reveals the hidden marvels in backyard ecosystems but also hints at future innovations in technology. The story reminds us that wonder and inspiration often begin with simple curiosity.