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:
Life Science
Medicine & Health
Comments
I see dancing with the stars spin off.
Posted by: Jives | May 5, 2009 12:16 AM
April is STD awareness month.
Be careful! STD cases on the rise!
A friend of mine who works for the largest STD dating == Positivefish. com == told me that the new subscribers have
increased 25% over 2008. Rising STD rate sparks online dating sites.
Posted by: stdslove | May 5, 2009 5:22 AM
I thought Volvox was the new hybrid from Volvo. Or is that Volvo-X?
Posted by: Ian | May 5, 2009 6:53 AM
You're thinking of Racer-X.
Not to be confused with Speed's brother.
Posted by: Jives | May 5, 2009 11:26 AM
Thanks
Posted by: pornosu izle | May 12, 2009 7:20 AM
Beautiful!
Your blog is consistently awe-inspiring. Thank you!
Posted by: Jess | May 13, 2009 4:59 PM
Yes its really beautiful
Posted by: twilight | June 6, 2009 11:11 PM
thanksss.
Posted by: ForumNeti | June 17, 2009 4:35 AM
I see dancing with the stars spin off.
Posted by: Sevgi | June 17, 2009 10:44 AM
Not to be confused with Speed's brother.
Posted by: Ender | June 17, 2009 10:47 AM
thank you
Posted by: Ender | June 17, 2009 10:51 AM
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.
Posted by: sevişme | June 17, 2009 1:02 PM
good sharing, thank you.
Posted by: ikariam | June 18, 2009 3:56 AM
Thanks for the information.
Posted by: Handsofrain | June 30, 2009 2:52 AM
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.
Posted by: adam | July 14, 2009 4:30 PM