A recent study on California blackworms reveals their remarkable ability to quickly tangle and untangle themselves, forming and dissolving tightly wound balls with astonishing speed. When threatened, these worms can instantly separate, a phenomenon that has caught the attention of scientists at MIT and Georgia Tech. The research team, led by Vishal Patil and Jörn Dunkel, developed mathematical models to understand this unique behavior, drawing on observations of the worms’ movements when responding to stimuli like ultraviolet light. They discovered that the worms perform a figure-eight motion that aids in untangling, toggling between looping left and right quickly.
Through simulation and comparison with actual worm behavior, the researchers identified patterns that dictate successful tangling and untangling, linking the speed of directional changes to their ability to separate. Their findings suggest potential applications for designing self-detangling materials and fibers, using principles derived from the worms’ behavior. This study not only enhances our understanding of embryonic biological circuits but also opens avenues for innovative engineering solutions in robotics and material science.
