Japanese scientists from the University of Osaka used supercomputer simulations to study how dolphins achieve their speed and agility in water [1]. The team found that dolphin propulsion is driven mainly by large vortex rings created by oscillations of the tail, while smaller vortices are mostly byproducts of turbulence [1]. "Our results show that the hierarchy of vortices in turbulence is crucial for understanding dolphin swimming," lead researcher Susumu Goto said [1]. He explained, "The largest vortices are responsible for most of the propulsion, while the smaller ones are mainly byproducts of turbulent flow" [1]. The research was published in the journal Physical Review Fluids earlier this year [1]. These findings have potential applications beyond biology, as the team noted the results could help inform the design of faster and more efficient underwater robots [1]. In April, Ars Technica included this dolphin swimming study as one of six science stories in its science roundup, highlighting its impact in the scientific community [1].