This week, we released what we call a Learn episode, which means it contains narration, in this case mine modulated as an Artificial Intelligence/chipmunk alien. In it, I share what I learned researching the ambulatory efficiencies of the leggy millipede. Namely, what is up with the traveling wave its legs make? With more legs than any animal (it is an animal not an insect), the millipede engages in automatic rhythmic muscle firing to operate its numerous legs in a perfectly synchronized walk. Once it starts walking, it requires a thought interruption to stop, otherwise it just keeps on walking. The original self-driving vehicle lol.

To closely observe the arthropod's walk we employed technical innovation, which we always enjoy. We filmed the animals in macro high-speed 4K video, using a prototype of a new camera and lighting system developed by IDT Vision and Radiant Images. Individually, the light requirements of macro and high-speed filming are high and pose a challenge. So doing both techniques at the same time is advanced. Thanks to Radiant Images and to IDT Vision for making possible this unusually detailed view of the millipede.

Not to brag, but the video is accompanied by a synth track by Johnny Woods.

You can find it in the "Life is Good" section. In the spirit of just putting one foot in front of the other these days, we hope you enjoy MILLIPEDE WALK!