Kate Discovers that Dancing Can Cause Volvox

by Katie the Lowly Intern

Researchers at Cambridge University have debunked the long standing myth that freshwater algae can’t dance. Volvox, while sounding like a herpes medication for mad scientists, is a spherical algae organism made up of only about 1,000 cells. They get their swerve from their flagella (think sperm tails) which they wag around until they create a flow of fluid. This flow of fluid causes them to stay in bound movements with each other; one movement being called a “waltz” and the other a “minuet.” Scientists think that the oscillating dance moves make it easier for the microorganism to fertilize their foxy Volvox partner.

swing yer half a millimetre in diameter partner ’round

Professor Raymond E. Goldstein, the Schlumberger Professor of Complex Physical Systems in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) said: “These striking and unexpected results remind us not only of the grace and beauty of life, but also that remarkable phenomena can emerge from very simple ingredients.”
Mathematicians are very easily amused.

Take a look at these videos if you’re looking for ways to freshen up your moves, Volvox style. I know mine have become a bit stale.

The Waltz:

The Minuet:

Comments

#1 Jives
May 5, 2009

I see dancing with the stars spin off.
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May 5, 2009

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#3 Ian
May 5, 2009

I thought Volvox was the new hybrid from Volvo. Or is that Volvo-X?
#4 Jives
May 5, 2009

You’re thinking of Racer-X.

Not to be confused with Speed’s brother.
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May 12, 2009

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#6 Jess
May 13, 2009

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#7 twilight
June 6, 2009

Yes its really beautiful
#8 ForumNeti
June 17, 2009

thanksss.
#9 Sevgi
June 17, 2009

I see dancing with the stars spin off.
#10 Ender
June 17, 2009

Not to be confused with Speed’s brother.
#11 Ender
June 17, 2009

thank you
#12 sevişme
June 17, 2009

Most of the crap that spreads around the internet is like that. In this case, it shows something popular, (Elvis), and it references The World Fair–which is what brings this all together–but it’s still basically just rehash.
#13 ikariam
June 18, 2009

good sharing, thank you.
#14 Handsofrain
June 30, 2009

Thanks for the information.
#15 adam
July 14, 2009

Most of the crap that spreads around the internet is like that. In this case, it shows something popular, (Elvis), and it references The World Fair–which is what brings this all together–but it’s still basically just rehash.
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