Water walking
A new study illuminates this shadowy question. First, the video:
And now, a press note from the American Chemical Society:
Water striders' ability to walk and jump on the surfaces of ponds and lakes has long amazed curious observers — and inspired robot designers who want to mimic the bugs' talent. Now, scientists have measured for the first time key parameters that allow them to walk on water — by studying their leg shadows. The findings, reported in the ACS journal Langmuir, could contribute to designs for water-skimming robots.
More than 2,000 years ago, Greek scientist Archimedes…