Scientists reveal how the squirting cucumber uses pressure to launch its seeds up to 65 feet per second.

Scientists from the University of Oxford and Manchester have unveiled how the squirting cucumber launches its seeds using high-speed cameras and mathematical models. The cucumber builds pressure inside as it matures, causing it to tilt at an optimal angle. When it bursts, it ejects seeds up to 65 feet per second, dispersing them over a wide area. This efficient dispersal strategy could inspire new technologies like drug delivery systems.

November 25, 2024
7 Articles

Further Reading