Do Proximate Micro-Swimmers Synchronize their Gait?

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that micro-swimmers like C. elegans synchronize their gait when close together, likely due to steric hindrance, with minimal impact on their propulsion efficiency.

Contribution

It reveals the synchronization behavior of micro-swimmers at low Reynolds number and suggests steric hindrance as a key mechanism.

Findings

Micro-swimmers synchronize their gait in close proximity.

Synchronization is likely caused by steric hindrance.

Synchronization marginally increases propulsive speed.

Abstract

In this fluid dynamics video, we show that low Reynolds number swimmers, such as Caenorhabditis (C.) elegans, synchronize their gait when swimming in close proximity to maximize utilization of space. Synchronization most likely results from steric hindrance and enhances the propulsive speed only marginally.