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Flamingos: The Water-Bending Physics Masters
Episode 1278

Flamingos: The Water-Bending Physics Masters

Short Wave · NPR

May 23, 202512m 23s

Show Notes

Riddle us this: Which animal is pink, curved beaked and a master of the physics required to create water tornadoes? If you guessed flamingos, you're right. New research out this month in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that across a range of harsh environments, flamingos have become masters — of physics, fluid dynamics and so much more — all in pursuit of their filter-fed prey. Short Wave host Regina G. Barber sits down with biomechanics researcher Victor Ortega Jiménez to hear all of the incredibly involved lengths these birds go through to get their prey.

Want to hear about more physics or animal discoveries? Email us at [email protected] to tell us what areas of science you'd be interested in.

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