African Bird’s Intricate Feather Patterns Inspires New Water Bottle Design

Male sandgrouse on the edge of a pond. Researchers used high-resolution microscopes to study the impressive feathers of the desert-dwelling sandgrouse Johns Hopkins University/SWNS

The feathers of an African bird which allow it to hold and carry water at speeds of up to 40mph could provide the key to space-age water bottles which keep liquid still whilst we move.

Researchers used high-resolution microscopes to study the impressive feathers of the desert-dwelling sandgrouse close-up and decipher how they store water.