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A Fish That Saves Energy ZdS#14

Series title

Zeste de science

Reference

6503

Duration

00:04:37

Production year

2018

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Original material

HD
16/9
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Sound

Summary

The Youtube channel Zeste de science explores all aspects of scientific research, proving that even the most complicated scientific facts can be explained in less than 5 minutes, and that even the most seemingly trivial events of everyday life, if thoroughly studied, can contribute to the biggest technological advances.
Episode 14: Researchers in Paris are studying the collective behaviour of red-nose tetras, also known as Hemigrammus bleheri. They discovered that adopting the usual "diamond-like" formation when the fish swim in schools is not always the most energy-efficient solution. Red-nose tetras always swim against the tide, that is why a stronger tide requires extra effort. In such a case, they opt for a "phalanx-like" formation, swimming side by side. This pattern enables them to save energy and could later lead scientists to design little bio-inspired swimming robots.

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CNRS Institute(s)

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CNRS Images,

Our work is guided by the way scientists question the world around them and we translate their research into images to help people to understand the world better and to awaken their curiosity and wonderment.