Form and function

A separated vortex ring underlies the flight of the dandelion

We visualised the flow in the wake of a dandelion pappus and discovered a new type of vortex. The dandelion fruit flies with optimal porosity for its weight and size.

Design principles of hair-like structures as biological machines

Plants use a variety of physical mechanisms to disperse their fruits and seeds. Some of these mechanisms can respond to environmental conditions to alter dispersal.