Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) andlampreys (Petromyzon marinus) are some of the most energy-efficient travellers on Earth, but why this is has remained an unsolved mystery - until now. Exciting new research from the University of Florida’s Department of Integrative Biology has finally revealed the magic in their movement: instead of pushing against water like most other animals, they propel themselves forwards by using suction to pull the water towards them. Whereas pushing forward requires the creation of high pressure in the surrounding water, suction makes the most of low-pressure areas of water close to the animal’s body, so that they need considerably less energy to get moving.
Ref: Gemmell, B. J. et al., 2015. Suction-based propulsion as a basis for efficient animal swimming. Nature Communications 6, article 8790 [link]
Late entries for this year’s Mini Mahou March by @prettywarriors, weeks 1 & 2! The themes were Baroque Magical Idol and Deep Sea Warrior.
I took this opportunity to design them as a team (and girlfriends hehe). Sun/Light vs Night/Darkness
Baroque Magical Idol: Sun-themed because baroque = gold shiny things = sun, she’s also a very famous dancer/ballerina and performs on stage with very large audiences and does magic stuff that makes people happy. Got her powers from a mysterious crown from the XVII century. Wears sunglasses as a civilian because she doesn’t want to get annoyed by fans or paparazzi (yeah she’s different from her magical self but you’re never too careful!)
Deep Sea Warrior: Jellyfish-based (because frills), attacks with electric powers like some deep-sea creatures. Also very helpful to save her girlfriend’s live shows in the middle of blackouts. Fight the evil people/monsters sabotaging the Idol’s performances and also trying to destroy the world by spreading anger and collecting mysterious and powerful artifacts (probably dangerous). Got her powers from a dried sea sponge that traveled across the centuries.
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Starting late with not much time, I took the challenge to also not lose myself in bazillion design iterations, color drafts, or cleaned sketches and went directly for my first ideas. I focused on being more free, less focused on mistakes, and having fun with shapes and characters. (maybe you won’t see the difference?)
And they still don’t have names because… well y'know. Whispers: I’m taking suggestions!
She loves jellyfish so much that she’s grown a tolerance to the their sting and hence is covered in bruises. Concepted this drawing last year for Mermay and never got around to working on it.
A jellyfish nebula! Based on the (real) Trifid Nebula.
I’m going to do some shameless self-promotion and mention that I also make space art! Besides, the image above has the same colors as the genderfluid flag.
If you’re so inclined, take a look at my art tumblr (@timbercow ) or one of my accounts on another platform.
