Scientists Master Fly-Swatting

Scientists using high-speed cameras have figured out why it is so difficult to swat pesky houseflies, the Independent reports. A fly's tiny brain can detect a threat, adjust flight course, and take evasive action in 100-thousandths of a second. The researchers, writing in the journal Current Biology, recommend thinking one step ahead of the fly.

"It is best not to swat the fly's starting position," a researcher explained, "but rather to aim a bit forward of that, to anticipate where the fly is going to jump when it first sees your swatter." (More insects stories.)