Rapid biological movements, such as the extraordinary strikes of mantis shrimp and
accelerations of jum** insects, have captivated generations of scientists and engineers …

Across the tree of life–from fungi to frogs–organisms wield small amounts of energy to
generate fast and potent movements. These movements are propelled with elastic …

INTRODUCTION Mechanical power, whether for launched missiles or running humans, is
limited by the universal, physical trade-off between force and velocity. However, many …

Efficient and effective generation of high-acceleration movement in biology requires a
process to control energy flow and amplify mechanical power from power density–limited …

What is the limit of animal speed and what mechanisms produce the fastest movements?
More than natural history trivia, the answer provides key insight into the form–function …

Safe and effective conflict resolution is critical for survival and reproduction. Theoretical
models describe how animals resolve conflict by assessing their own and/or their …

The inherent force–velocity trade-off of muscles and motors can be overcome by instead
loading and releasing energy in springs to power extreme movements. A key component of …

Many small animals use springs and latches to overcome the mechanical power output
limitations of their muscles. Click beetles use springs and latches to bend their bodies at the …

The influence of biomechanics on the tempo and mode of morphological evolution is
unresolved, yet is fundamental to organismal diversification. Across multiple four-bar linkage …

Small organisms use propulsive springs rather than muscles to repeatedly actuate high
acceleration movements, even when constrained to tiny displacements and limited by …