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To make fluid flow in one direction down a pipe, it helps to be a shark

To make fluid flow in one direction down a pipe, it helps to be a shark

Researchers from the University of Washington have discovered a new way to help liquid flow in only one direction, but without using the flaps that engines and our circulatory system rely upon to prevent fluid backup. The team built a flexible pipe with an interior helical structure inspired by the anatomy of shark intestines — creating a prototype inspired by biology but with applications in engineering and medicine.

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