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The Weird Science That Lets Insects Fly in the RainThe Weird Science That Lets Insects Fly in the Rain

Episode 1 | 11m 06s

Imagine the scale of raindrops if you were the size of a small bird. Or mosquito. Flying through a drizzle should be deadly! Like flying through falling cars and boulders. And yet it’s not, because nature has given them a superpower—superhydrophobic surfaces that repel water and keep them airborne. How do these microscopic structures work? And how has modern engineering been inspired by them?

Aired: 02/20/25
Extras
Grantchester Season 10 premieres Sunday, June 15, 9/8c on MASTERPIECE on PBS.
On the plains of South Africa, an army of dung beetles recycle the dung of large mammals.
Ummat Somjee goes to Thailand to observe the cultural tradition of fighting beetles.
Joe Scott (Austin Scott) performs Bob Dylan's "Hurricane."
The cast of Girl From The North Country performs "Like A Rolling Stone."
An intimate portrayal of three families confronting the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s.
Gavin Svenson heads to the Brazilian rainforest to sample the diversity of mantises.
Dragonfly expert Jessica Ware heads to Guyuna to sample dragonfly diversity.
Nancy’s wedding plans take a surprising turn. Sister Catherine takes her First Vows.
Miss Elaina, Prince Wednesday, Daniel Tiger, and Katerina Kittycat sing about going to the potty.
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