Fluids Round-Up

Fluids Round-Up

New year, new (or renewed) experiments. This is the fluids round-up, where I collect cool fluids-related links, articles, etc. that deserve a look. Without further ado:

Above is a new music video from the Julia Set Collection, featuring all non-CGI, fluids-based visuals. I spy soap films, vibrating liquids, and lots of cool effects with reflection and refraction. We featured some of their previous work, too. 

The Atlantic has a great piece about jellyfish and how they might just change our understanding of efficient swimming.

Check out the wild shape-shifting of these drops of oil during freezing and learn about the plastic crystal phase some matter experiences.

Nature has an interesting article on active matter, an intersection of physics and biology exploring how matter self-organizes, whether at the level of cells or the flocking of birds. (submitted by 1307phaezr)

Ever wonder what the human face looks like in 457 mph winds? Wonder no more.

Gizmodo has a beautiful set of macro photos of snowflakes. Interested in how snowflakes form and why there are so many different shapes? We’ve got you covered.

Wired takes a look at the surf forecaster who predicts the waves for the Mavericks big-wave competition.

Robert Krulwich (and friends) took a closer look at our fish in microgravity. Here’s what they learned!

(Video credit and submission: Julia Set Collection/S. Bocci; image credit: IRPI LLC, source)