"Bullet-Speed Seed-Shooting Plants: Nature's Inspiration for Agile Robots"
A study from Duke University has revealed the physics behind witch hazel plants' ability to launch seeds at high speeds. Using high-speed video cameras, researchers discovered that the spring-loaded mechanism of the plant's fruits allows them to propel heavier seeds just as swiftly as lighter ones. The woody seed capsules split open, building pressure until the seeds shoot out like bullets, reaching speeds of 30 feet per second in half a millisecond. The study not only provides insights into the adaptations of witch hazel but also offers potential inspiration for designing better springs in robotics.