The solution is proposed by a trio of scientists in Britain and China, led by Bhushan Karihaloo of Cardiff University. They gradually form into hexagons by a subtle flow of the wax, which is turned semi-molten by the heat from a special class of worker bee. The answer, according to a new study, is that the cells do not start out as hexagons but as circles. (bees) know that the hexagon is greater than the square and the triangle and will hold more honey for the same expenditure of material in constructing each," wrote a 4th-century Greek geometer, Pappus of Alexandria.įor Charles Darwin, the honeycomb was "absolutely perfect in economising labour and wax." ![]() "By virtue of a certain geometrical forethought. Sweet structure For thousands of years, thinkers have marvelled at the feat of engineering that is the honeycomb.Įach waxy cell is a perfect hexagon, its six wafer-thin sides providing not only strength to the honeycomb structure but also the smartest way to store honey. ![]() Bees go wild over purple flowers, Science Online,.Flowers buzz bees with electricity, Science Online,.Queen bee works hard for the honey, Science Online,.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |