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Scientists Master Fly-Swatting

To defeat a 100 milliseconds reaction time, stealthy swatting is crucial

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 29, 2008 12:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – Scientists using high-speed cameras have figured out why it is so difficult to swat pesky houseflies, the Independent reports. A fly's tiny brain can detect a threat, adjust flight course, and take evasive action in 100-thousandths of a second. The researchers, writing in the journal Current Biology, recommend thinking one step ahead of the fly.

"It is best not to swat the fly's starting position," a researcher explained, "but rather to aim a bit forward of that, to anticipate where the fly is going to jump when it first sees your swatter."

The housefly's speedy reaction time has been honed through many millions of years of evading predators.
The housefly's speedy reaction time has been honed through many millions of years of evading predators.   ((c) yimhafiz)
Researchers say the incredibly quick reaction time of houseflies makes them extremely difficult to swat.
Researchers say the incredibly quick reaction time of houseflies makes them extremely difficult to swat.   (Shutter Stock)
The housefly has all-around vision and can move in any direction independently of how its body is aligned.
The housefly has all-around vision and can move in any direction independently of how its body is aligned.   ((c) Stoichiometry)
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