How to Walk on Water and Climb up Walls: Animal Movement and the Robotics of the Future
Footprint Books [Published by Princeton University Press] RRP $ 54.99
DAVID HU IS THE curious scientist who wondered why his baby boy’s wee went for so long as it drenched him from the changing table without warning. He proceeded to measure his own wee duration and that of animals ranging from mice to elephants as revealed in his hilarious TEDX talk Confessions of a Wasteful Scientist.
His wife shouldn’t be surprised. When they met, he was intrigued by her toy poodle’s shaking motion as it tried to remove the sticky notes he had plastered it with for a scientific experiment. He credits this as his foray into the physics of animal movement.
The study of animal motion has intrigued non-biologists since the non-intuitive paradox of how dolphins can swim despite mathematical calculations predicting that they can’t – a theme repeated throughout the book.
Readers like me, whose brains turn to mush at the sight of a physics formula, will not be daunted. Hu masterfully explains scientific revelations such as how insects walk on water, snakes slither and mosquitos survive rainstorms using rich tales of discovery and analogies that brim with satisfying “aha” moments.
Yet readers more confident with physics principles won’t be disappointed with this comprehensive review of animal motion and its applications.
Through Hu’s eyes, you will see the world in an entirely different way. A peek into the trials and tribulations of scientists intrigued by the evolutionary mysteries of how and why things move makes a captivating and entertaining read.
We learn how Hu transported six snakes inside his shirt on a train so he could watch them slither around his apartment, and how scientists trudged through mudflats collecting worms and overcame fear of heights to drop flying snakes from a 10 metre tower.
We hear of failed experiments like eager students trying to catch urine from dogs with plastic cups before accosting zoo animals with absorbable pads, camera and stopwatch.
Funny and fascinating, the research also has real-world applications. For instance, insights from jellyfish movement enhanced noiseless submarine propulsion. Analysis of snake motion could help robots climb trees or enable minimally invasive heart surgery. Eyelash aerodynamics could prevent dust settling on solar panels to optimise their efficiency.
At times I questioned the usefulness of potential applications like minimising energy expenditure when walking – although this could benefit people who are rehabilitating or optimise robotic movement. On balance, I think Hu has undoubtedly dispelled accusations of being a “wasteful scientist”.