Scientists demonstrate sinking objects with almost no drag

In a first, researchers have demonstrated a 1,000% reduction in water drag for sinking of 2-cm-wide metal balls, previously simulated only theoretically. The team achieved the feat using two methods, a hydrophobic (water-hating) coating on a ball, and heating the ball to 400ºC and water to 95ºC. The work has important implications for energy-efficient marine vehicles, said researchers.