Super-propulsion: How sharpshooting insects flick their pee

Sharpshooters are tiny insects capable of extraordinary feats. They feed on xylem fluid which is about 95% water and as a result they produce a lot of urine which they need to expel, and they do so using some pretty nifty physics called super propulsion. By taking advantage of the unique properties of water at this scale, sharpshooters can flick droplets of urine away from their bodies at speeds faster than they can move, saving energy and allowing them to keep feeding. This is the first time super propulsion has been seen in a natural system and researchers say it could provide inspiration for new ways to keep tech dry. Read more: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-36376-5