she moves in efficient ways*

What do a rolling wheel, a walking toy, and a swinging ape have in common? In the absence of friction and collisions that make them lose steam, all three can cruise along without using up one whit of energy, according to new research. The findings suggest that animals move in way that minimizes the work their muscles do....

Read the rest of my new article for ScienceNOW.

*This was the little-known, but somewhat less catchy, working title for U2's "She Moves in Mysterious Ways"