Story perspectives

Chameleons and Salamanders Share Unique Tongue Mechanism

9/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers at the University of South Florida found that chameleons and salamanders share a similar tongue mechanism.
Both can project their tongues at speeds of 16 feet per second using basic biological materials.
This study, published in Current Biology, is the first direct comparison of these species.
Findings indicate potential applications in biomedical devices and disaster recovery tools.
The mechanism functions like a slingshot, storing and releasing energy rapidly.

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Story summary

Researchers at the University of South Florida found that chameleons and salamanders share a similar tongue mechanism.
Both can project their tongues at speeds of 16 feet per second using basic biological materials.
This study, published in Current Biology, is the first direct comparison of these species.
Findings indicate potential applications in biomedical devices and disaster recovery tools.
The mechanism functions like a slingshot, storing and releasing energy rapidly.