how bombardier beetles play defense with scalding spray
Last Updated : GMT 09:40:38
Themuslimchronicle, themuslimchronicle
Themuslimchronicle, themuslimchronicle
Last Updated : GMT 09:40:38
Themuslimchronicle, themuslimchronicle

How bombardier beetles play defense with scalding spray?

Themuslimchronicle, themuslimchronicle

Themuslimchronicle, themuslimchronicleHow bombardier beetles play defense with scalding spray?

Bombardier beetle
Boston - UPI

In the animal kingdom, expelling a foul substance from one's rear end is a tried and true defensive mechanism. But each species makes the technique its own, and the bombardier beetle is not any different.
To thwart attackers, the ubiquitous black beetle launches a jet of scalding, irritating liquid. The technique is highly effective. But most impressive is that the beetle blasts out such a piping hot and corrosive spray without inflicting physical harm on itself. Until now, the process had scientists stumped.

New research out of MIT offers a detailed look at the the beetle's weaponry and its deployment against intruders and would-be aggressors.

The liquid spray used by bombardier beetles is called benzoquinone, but the spray isn't made until it's needed. Two chemical precursors are mixed in a protective well at the end of the abdomen. It's not until the two chemicals are mixed that benzoquinone and its irritating qualities form.

The synthesis process gives off a lot of energy, heating the benzoquinone close to its boiling point. The heat creates pressure that helps expel the liquid out the back end.

X-ray imaging allowed scientists to map this process in great detail.

"For decades, the complex mechanism of how the bombardier beetle achieves spray pulsation as a chemical defense has not been understood, because only external observations were used previously," study leader Christine Ortiz, a professor of science materials and engineering at MIT, said in a press release.

The process operates almost like an assembly line of chambers and valves -- chemicals mixed, pressure builds, chemical released in jet-like spray through valve, relax and repeat.

Researchers say the regimented and well-protected process could have implications in propulsion system design, as well as in designing blast-protection systems.

The study was published in the journal Science.

themuslimchronicle
themuslimchronicle

Name *

E-mail *

Comment Title*

Comment *

: Characters Left

Mandatory *

Terms of use

Publishing Terms: Not to offend the author, or to persons or sanctities or attacking religions or divine self. And stay away from sectarian and racial incitement and insults.

I agree with the Terms of Use

Security Code*

how bombardier beetles play defense with scalding spray how bombardier beetles play defense with scalding spray

 



Themuslimchronicle, themuslimchronicle
Themuslimchronicle, themuslimchronicle
Themuslimchronicle, themuslimchronicle

GMT 05:43 2016 Thursday ,23 June

Copa America:Chile vs. Colombia

GMT 02:32 2017 Tuesday ,28 February

Film on Syria's White Helmets wins Oscar

GMT 15:02 2016 Thursday ,15 December

Kanye emerges from hospital to meet Trump

GMT 08:35 2017 Wednesday ,26 July

Top EU court upholds Hamas terror listing

GMT 12:43 2012 Tuesday ,17 January

Ice-locked Nome finally gets tanker fuel

GMT 05:25 2016 Sunday ,08 May

Leicester collects Premier League trophy

GMT 12:16 2015 Friday ,01 May

Damanhur festival shows Egypt stable, safe

GMT 14:29 2015 Monday ,29 June

Armed men attack Mali's southern town of Fakola

GMT 14:40 2016 Monday ,07 November

Lamjarred may be temporarily released

GMT 10:08 2017 Tuesday ,21 February

To probe sexual harassment claims

GMT 15:26 2017 Monday ,03 April

Palestinian detainees suffer under occupation

GMT 18:34 2017 Wednesday ,27 December

Shaath reveals opening date of Metro third line
Themuslimchronicle, themuslimchronicle
Themuslimchronicle, themuslimchronicle
 
 Themuslimchronicle Facebook,themuslimchronicle facebook  Themuslimchronicle Twitter,themuslimchronicle twitter Themuslimchronicle Rss,themuslimchronicle rss  Themuslimchronicle Youtube,themuslimchronicle youtube  Themuslimchronicle Youtube,themuslimchronicle youtube

Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2023 ©

Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2023 ©

muslimchronicle muslimchronicle muslimchronicle muslimchronicle
themuslimchronicle themuslimchronicle themuslimchronicle
themuslimchronicle
بناية النخيل - رأس النبع _ خلف السفارة الفرنسية _بيروت - لبنان
themuslimchronicle, themuslimchronicle, themuslimchronicle