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A newly published study is shedding light on an a biological feature of salamanders and chameleons that could have significant implications for engineering applications.— their fast-action tongue-launching system.
Though these animals live in vastly different environments and aren’t closely related, researchers at the University of South Florida have found that both rely on a remarkably similar mechanical setup to extend their tongues at high speed. Using over ten years of video data, the team analyzed how both species manage to propel their tongues at velocities reaching nearly 5 meters per second.
At the core of this capability is a simple but effective design. The system, built from standard muscle, tendons, and bone, is arranged to store energy and release it suddenly, much like pulling and releasing a rubber band. This “ballistic” motion, the researchers argue, offers a clear mechanical model that could be applied beyond biology.
What makes this particularly relevant to engineering is the fact that the design does not depend on unique or fragile tissues. That makes it more feasible to recreate using flexible or soft synthetic materials — a critical factor in applications that demand lightweight, responsive systems.
The research team suggests this could lead to new tools capable of rapid, controlled extension and retraction — for example, medical devices that need to reach deep within the body without invasive procedures, or robotic arms for use in tight, dangerous environments like collapsed buildings or spacecraft.
The next stage of the study will look at how these animals manage the return phase of the motion — not just launching the tongue, but bringing it back precisely. Understanding that part of the system could help engineers design deployable tools that not only reach targets but also reset without damage.
The study appears in the latest issue of Current Biology and adds to a growing body of work exploring how biological systems can inform and improve engineered designs.
