Butterfly Research Could Aid Aircraft Design

By Eric Niiler

Published December 12, 2002 at 12:00 AM EST

Scientists studying butterflies in motion take note of a variety of wing maneuvers used by the graceful creatures. The research, published in the journal Nature, adds to efforts to help engineers design innovative aircraft, including tiny flying robots. NPR's Eric Niiler reports.

Eric Niiler

Eric Niiler reports for NPR's national desk. His work can be heard on All Things Considered, Morning Edition, and other NPR newsmagazines. Before moving to his current post, Niiler was a reporter for NPR's Day to Day program, and also filed pieces for NPR's national and science desks.

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