Microvelia normally walks on water, but under threat it sprays a low–surface-tension liquid to lower local interfacial tension and slides rapidly, about 5 times faster than walking. We analyze the underlying (Marangoni) mechanism and develop a mechanism-based actuator that leverages the same principle.

High-speed drops striking naturally superhydrophobic biological surfaces (feathers, wings, leaves) generate hundreds of shock-like waves that nucleate holes and abruptly fragment the spreading drop. This speeds retraction and yields an over twofold reduction in contact time, suggesting benefits like reduced hypothermia risk for endotherms and enhanced fungal spore dispersal.

We quantify the head-shake acceleration needed to expel trapped water from ear canals using a high-speed visualization and a modified Rayleigh–Taylor stability model. The critical acceleration rises as canal radius decreases, making water removal harder—and potentially riskier—for children.