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Discover how birds such as owls, hawks and eagles make gliding seem so effortless.

Overview

This event is part of a series of lightning lectures for the Royal Society’s 2021 Summer Science digital showcase.

From producing lift with their tails to allowing their wings to be buffeted by the wind to provide suspension, birds have adapted incredible ways of remaining stable during flying. 

Now scientists such as Professor Jim Usherwood are using tiny helium-filled soap bubbles to track how birds such as owls, hawks and eagles make gliding seem so effortless. By studying nature in this way, it may be possible to inspire the next generation of human-made aircrafts and flying machines.

Speaker:

  • Professor Jim Usherwood, Professor of Locomotor Biomechanics, Royal Veterinary College

Watching this event online: 

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