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Science Magazine Podcast
Why cats love tuna, and powering robots with tiny explosions
Sep 14, 2023
"A dry desert environment doesn't stop cats from loving fish," says Online News Editor David Grimm. Cameron Aubin, a postdoc at Cornell, discusses using tiny explosions to power insect-size robots. Plus, the challenges of bringing scientific ideas to the market and the journey from scientist to entrepreneur.
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Quick takeaways
- Cats have a natural affinity for fish due to their ability to taste umami, a savory flavor found in fish and certain amino acids.
- Scientists have developed small robots that use mini-controlled explosions to improve speed, strength, and carrying capacity, opening doors for applications in search and rescue or exploration.
Deep dives
Cats and their Love for Fish
Researchers explore the evolutionary reasons behind cats' affinity for fish, despite their desert origins. Ancient Egyptian evidence shows that cats started eating fish thousands of years ago. A recent study examined cat taste buds and confirmed their ability to taste umami, a savory flavor found in fish and certain amino acids. Cats were shown to have a preference for water flavored with umami compounds, further supporting their attraction to fish. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind cats' taste preferences.
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