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Flying Snake Mysteries Revealed

Rambo Tribble writes "Researchers from Virginia Tech are reporting they have uncovered the secrets behind the genus Chrysopelea's aerodynamic feats . These ophidians are capable of gliding some distance while appearing to slither through the air. The BBC's article on the revelations hosts a short video of the phenomenon. At the heart of Chrysopelea's feat is a remarkable ability of the snakes to alter their body's cross-section. Finally, snakes that don't need to be on no stinking plane." The paper [PDF] has some more cool pictures, too.

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  1. Obligatory Sam Jackson by sunsurfandsand · · Score: 0, Redundant

    I am sick and tired of these motherfuckin snakes without motherfuckin planes.