Howto - Flying Snakes

Ant writes "Wired News' Furthermore mentions a University of Chicago researcher finally figured out exactly how the limbless reptiles pull off their amazingly effective bird imitations. 'Despite their lack of winglike appendages, flying snakes are skilled aerial locomotors,' said biologist Jake Socha. Here's how: First, they flatten their bodies from head to tail, making themselves 'Frisbee-like in form,' Socha said. Then, as the snake drops (or leaps!) from a tree branch, it sends S-shaped waves through its body, steadying itself as it glides through the air. One species can even turn mid-flight. There is more information, photographs, and even short QuickTime video clips on Jake's Flying Snakes Home Page."

Comments

Compare to physics story.

[Eunuch]

We are on the brink of transhumanism. Stories can be neatly divided to those related to it, and those not. This is likely not very related. When we take our last breath and not die, it will be very clear which of our activities brought us closer to the unspeakably important--the singularity. Nothing else matters.

This guy is my cousin.

[CPeanutG]

This was in the papers a while back, that he was investigationg this or something. His wife, Tracy N. Kwock, has also been in the papers. She recieved a 2005 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching in grades 4 through 8. http://www.cps.k12.il.us/Announcements/golden_appl e_awards.htm